Tatiana's perspective
Part 1: Morning (Manor's Study Room)
The soft rustling of parchment filled the air as I sat across from Blanc in the serene ambience of the study room. Sunlight filtered through the elegant curtains, casting a warm glow over the rows of antique bookshelves that lined the walls. Blanc's calm and knowledgeable demeanor had always been an inspiration to me, and today was no exception as she guided me through the intricate web of magical possibilities.
"So by doing this, and then the possible result of that situation can vary in many possibilities. You have to take precautions to the risks and potential outcomes…" Blanc's voice flowed like a gentle stream, her explanation casual yet deeply informative. The words danced around me, gradually forming a vivid tapestry of magical insights.
As I absorbed Blanc's teachings, a light knock on the study room door momentarily disrupted our focus. The elegant rhythm of our conversation shifted as Blanc confidently invited the guest inside.
"Come in," she called, her voice holding an air of authority and self-assuredness.
The door gently opened, revealing a figure I recognized as Sir Reingald, the esteemed Head Butler from Duke William's Manor. My lips curved into an elegant smile as I stood to greet him.
"Good day, your highness, Princess Tatiana, and Lady Blanc," Sir Reingald greeted us with a respectful bow, his tone carrying a sense of deference.
Our study session briefly paused as we acknowledged Sir Reingald's presence. Lily, ever the picture of grace, gracefully served tea to our guest, her movements like a well-practiced dance.
"Once again, I am thankful for Princess Tatiana for lending your forces. Lady Blanc, as of now, most of the official business has been resolved with your guidance," Sir Reingald expressed his gratitude, his words sincere and appreciative.
Modesty compelled me to interject, speaking for Blanc, "Don't be. It's only natural for us to help each other in times of need," I replied, my tone confident and composed.
Although my heart swelled with admiration for Blanc's accomplishments, I restrained myself from expressing my sentiments at that moment. Maintaining a poised demeanor was of utmost importance, especially in the presence of esteemed guests.
Amid our conversation, Sir Reingald presented a gift – a selection of textbooks on basic magic. The gesture touched me deeply, knowing that Blanc had put thought into aiding my magical pursuits.
Blanc's uninterested facade momentarily cracked as she held one of the books, her curiosity betrayed by the gleam in her eyes. Sir Reingald explained that these books were not easily obtained due to their rarity among the nobility.
Blanc's expert command over the situation allowed her to transition seamlessly to the main issue at hand. With all of us now seated, we delved into a discussion regarding the pressing matter.
"Alright, what do we have from the requests, as I've promised?" Blanc's authoritative tone cut through the air, her posture poised and commanding as she inquired about the pending matters.
Sir Reingald's response was punctuated by a chuckle. "As expected of Lady Blanc, a woman without delay," he remarked, clearly impressed by her efficiency.
"Recently, the adventurer's guild sent a few of their members here," he began, his words setting the stage for the tale he was about to share. I marveled at his ability to convey the story's essence succinctly, understanding the importance of keeping Lady Blanc's attention.
"Trouble has arisen at the Queen spider cave to the east of here," Sir Reingald continued, bypassing unnecessary details and focusing on the heart of the issue.
Blanc's demeanor remained unchanged as she took a leisurely sip of her tea, her unflappable nature ever-present.
"Adventurer's guild had dispatched both adventurers and search parties, but unfortunately, they never reported back," Sir Reingald revealed, presenting the reports from the guild. His narrative flowed smoothly, capturing our attention with a sense of urgency.
Recollections of Blanc's teachings resurfaced in my mind – detailed explanations of guilds, institutions responsible for handling both formal and informal requests from citizens and influential figures alike.
"Hmm… is that so?" Blanc's response was measured, her thoughts clearly engaged in unraveling the intricacies of the situation.
"Bad news, indeed. It seems they might be in dire straits," I couldn't help but blurt out, my concern overriding my commitment to maintaining a composed façade.
Blanc's silence spoke volumes, a subtle reprimand that needed no words. I was reminded once again of the importance of maintaining our roles.
Blanc seamlessly transitioned to another aspect of the reports, her ability to predict the needs of the people nothing short of astonishing. "Another matter seems to be the lack of medicine, am I correct?" she inquired, her gaze fixed on Sir Reingald as if she already knew the answer.
Sir Reingald's surprise was palpable, his curiosity getting the better of him. "Such amazement, Lady Blanc, for you to predict this. If I may ask, how did you come by this information?" he inquired, his curiosity mirrored in his gaze.
Blanc's response was calculated and thorough. "I've perused the reports of trading and exchange. It came to my attention that certain shops lacked an adequate supply of cold medicine. Given the season, it was a natural deduction," she explained, her words painting a clear picture of her meticulous approach.
I marveled at Blanc's knowledge and prowess, feeling a surge of admiration that I longed to express. However, I held back, adhering to the roles we had crafted.
"As you predicted, Lady Blanc. Your intelligence is truly remarkable," Sir Reingald praised, his words directed towards her but implicitly acknowledging my position as well.
"It's only natural for someone of her intellect," I chimed in, subtly complimenting Blanc while also expressing gratitude for the position I served.
"Well, it is near the season for such ailments, after all. The demand for medicine is bound to skyrocket," Blanc explained, her insight resonating with us all. The changing seasons brought with them various challenges, and medicine was a necessity at this juncture.
The flow of time carried us through the completion of reports and the exchange of requests with the guild. Blanc handled everything with finesse, compiling paperwork and addressing matters with the skill of a true leader.
"I've accepted all these requests, along with a few of the smaller ones you had set aside," Blanc confirmed, displaying the documents and offering them to Lily for sorting.
"As you wish, Lady Blanc," Sir Reingald acknowledged with a bow, his gratitude evident in his demeanor.
"Lily, before you leave, please provide Sir Reingald with some of your medicine to distribute to those in need. Additionally, inform the guild not to send another group unless they wish to risk further casualties," Blanc commanded, her orders clear and succinct as she accounted for every detail.
"As you wished, Lady Blanc," Lily acquiesced, her tone carrying an air of professionalism as she accepted the tasks with a slight bow.
Sir Reingald expressed his gratitude for our assistance, and Lily escorted him to the main hall, carrying out Blanc's instructions with precision.
With a gentle creak, Lily closed the study room door behind her, ensuring that our environment remained undisturbed.
Part 2: Noon (Manor's Study Room)
A soft sigh escaped my lips as I leaned back into the plush chair, grateful for the temporary respite. Blanc's proficiency in handling the conversation had allowed me a moment to catch my breath.
"Hmph, it seems they're trying to test our resolve," Blanc's voice cut through the air, a tinge of displeasure evident in her tone. Her gaze was fixed on something beyond the window, her thoughts clearly occupied with matters beyond the study room.
Her sudden statement piqued my curiosity, prompting me to question her intentions. "What do you mean?" I inquired, my voice laced with surprise and intrigue. I yearned to understand the gears turning in her mind.
"They've presented us with challenges, as if gauging our reactions," Blanc explained, her tone confident and incisive. It was clear that she had deduced their motives and was dissecting their every move.
Her explanation left me pondering the implications. "So, they're hinting at something through these requests?" I ventured, my curiosity pushing me to delve deeper.
"Yes, exactly," Blanc affirmed, her eyes still fixed on the distant horizon. "Take the rumored Queen Spider's cave, for instance. What do you make of that?"
"That there are people in need of assistance," I replied, my thoughts aligning with her perspective. It was a simple interpretation, but I sensed there was more beneath the surface.
Blanc's lips curved into a knowing smile as she elaborated, "And they're also using it as a front for harvesting magic stones."
"Farming magic stones?" I echoed, my confusion evident. The concept seemed foreign to me, prompting me to seek clarification.
"Imagine how rapidly a Spider Queen can lay eggs in a year," Blanc posed a question, her tone both instructive and exploratory.
"A substantial number?" I guessed, unable to fathom the specifics.
"Approximately 1322 eggs on average in a single year. And the more sustenance they have, the higher their reproductive rate," Blanc explained, her confidence unwavering as she shared her knowledge.
The sheer magnitude of those numbers left me astounded. "One thousand offspring in a single year?" I marveled, grappling with the idea.
"Indeed," Blanc affirmed with a casual nod. Her ability to retain such intricate details was awe-inspiring.
"Wait, are you saying they're using the monsters in the cave to harvest magic stones?" I asked, a realization dawning upon me as Blanc's guidance led me to a conclusion.
"That's correct," Blanc confirmed, her voice steady as she provided validation. "According to both the reports and rumors, they avoid venturing near the spider cave due to precautionary measures. It's clear they've orchestrated an arrangement, though I can't fathom the reasons for their trepidation."
I found myself grappling with another layer of intrigue. "But if their intention is to farm magic stones, why would they reveal this to us?" I pondered aloud, my mind churning with questions about their motives.
I recalled the value of magic stones, sourced from creatures brimming with magical energy. "Magic stones are highly sought after, aren't they?" I mused, recognizing the significance of the resource they were exploiting.
Blanc's response was swift and precise, her words cutting through the haze of uncertainty. "Their primary target in this intricate web of schemes was you, Tatiana."
Her statement left no room for ambiguity, her certainty unwavering. "Me?" I echoed, my astonishment apparent. The idea that I held such significance in their plans was both flattering and unsettling.
Blanc's tone was matter-of-fact as she continued, "Think about it. You represent hope and positivity, a symbol that people are eager to rally behind. They see you as a beacon of light. But our adversary is likely struggling in their own position, lacking that same influence."
My heart ached at the thought of being manipulated for someone else's gain. "But I genuinely wanted to help," I protested, a touch of sadness coloring my voice. My intentions had always been pure, driven solely by the desire to make a difference.
Blanc's expression softened as she regarded me. "It's a valuable lesson for you, Tatiana. The world isn't always as pure and altruistic as you are. Sometimes, even the noblest of intentions can be twisted."
"I understand," I replied, my voice a blend of acceptance and resignation. The reality of the situation weighed heavily on me.
Blanc's attention shifted to the second request – the shortage of medicine. "And then there's the matter of the medicine," she continued, her voice taking on a more serious tone.
I nodded, recalling the discussion we had earlier regarding the sudden surge in demand for cold medicine.
"This demand they spoke of is manufactured, a means to drive profits during a lucrative season. The truth is, they're deliberately withholding medicine from the townsfolk," Blanc explained, presenting evidence of their manipulation.
"The entire narrative of increased demand was a fabrication?" I questioned, still trying to wrap my head around the intricacies of their scheme.
"Exactly. I introduced that falsehood to see how our adversary would react. And I've instructed Lily to investigate the matter thoroughly," Blanc disclosed, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Concern gnawed at me as I considered the medicine Lily had distributed earlier. "The medicine Lily gave... was it effective?" I inquired, worried about any potential repercussions.
"Absolutely. It was a preemptive measure to contain the situation before it escalated. Lily ensured that the outbreak was managed effectively," Blanc assured, her confidence unshaken.
"They likely intended for you to journey to the city to inspect the supply there, all while they focused their efforts on targeting you," Blanc explained, unveiling their scheme and exposing their underlying strategy.
"What's our next step?" I inquired, eager to understand the path ahead.
"Fortunately, I've already contacted an individual skilled in crafting medicine. She should be arriving at the manor in a few days," Blanc revealed, presenting me with a detailed profile of the person she had enlisted.
"Thank you, Lady Blanc. Your foresight is remarkable," I expressed my gratitude, a sense of relief washing over me.
With a graceful entrance, Lily returned to the study room, her presence as composed as ever. "It is done, Lady Blanc. As you instructed, that individual has departed and is en route to the manor. I will ensure she receives a proper welcome," Lily reported dutifully.
Blanc's plan was unfolding seamlessly, each piece fitting into place. "Excellent, Lily. Thank you for your efficiency," Blanc commended, her approval evident.
Our attention turned to the matter of action. "Now, we should form teams of two," Blanc suggested, the formation of our strategy taking shape.
Blanc's agreement was swift. "Agreed. I will venture into the mountains to gather the herbs needed for the medicine."
My courage emboldened me to make a request. "May I accompany you, Lady Blanc?" I asked earnestly, a burning desire to contribute propelling my words.
Blanc's hesitation was fleeting, her acceptance gentle but resigned. "Very well, Tatiana. You are insistent, after all."
"Thank you," I murmured, my gratitude genuine and heartfelt.
"Meanwhile, Lady Sakuya and I will head to the Queen Spider's cave," Lily chimed in, her voice carrying a sense of determination.
As our plans solidified, I reflected on the challenges that had unexpectedly crossed our path. "In our pursuit of aiding the town, we have stumbled upon these larger issues," I noted, pondering the complexities of the situation.
-Chapter 35 End-