Tatiana's Perspective
Part 1 - Noon (Drawing Room)
As the sun reached its zenith, casting a warm glow through the window, I found myself seated gracefully in the drawing room. The delicate scent of roses wafted through the air, adding to the serene atmosphere. Today, the unexpected visitor was none other than Miss Nathalia, one of the maids from the Duke's manor.
"Welcome, Miss Nathalia," I greeted her with a warm smile, my curiosity piqued by her unannounced presence.
"Please don't get me into trouble, your highness!" Nathalia's plea resonated with a touch of desperation, her words a clear indication of the situation's seriousness. I couldn't help but be taken aback by the intensity of her emotions on what was meant to be a relaxing day.
My confusion evident, I uttered a soft exclamation, "Wha?" The weight of her actions began to sink in, prompting me to recall the series of events that had led us to this point.
Before this encounter, our actions had set into motion a chain of events that unfolded like a well-crafted tale. We had exposed a case of business fraud, revealing a web of associates entangled in deceit. The heart of the matter lay in the endangerment of the town's population due to the sale of counterfeit medicine. To exacerbate matters, the Spider Cavern's exploitation for magic stones had led to the unfortunate loss of numerous adventurers' lives.
Unraveling the truth, we took it upon ourselves to report the incident directly to the guild. Justice was served, and those responsible were apprehended and subsequently executed. Among the culprits, the mastermind turned out to be none other than the butler Reingald, who had been operating within the confines of the Duke's manor.
The aftermath had seen the manor's reputation tarnished, a storm of rumors swirling around its once-pristine halls. However, Blanc and I had worked tirelessly to restore its former glory, our efforts culminating in a swift return to normalcy.
Drawing my focus back to Nathalia, who was now before me, I reassured her with a gentle tone, "I don't plan on doing that, Miss Nathalia. Our aim was to deliver the appropriate punishment to those involved, not to seek revenge."
Her gratitude flowed forth, laced with a palpable sense of relief. "Thank you. I feared your intentions were fueled by my previous impudence, and that you sought retribution against me."
Seeking a better understanding of the current state of affairs, I inquired about the state of the manor. "How fares the manor now?" I was genuinely interested in the progress of their recovery and if there was any way we could extend our aid.
Nathalia's response painted a vivid picture of the situation. "There was indeed backlash, but I believe the manor has transformed into a more compassionate and nurturing environment. Young master, I mean, Edmund, has also gained newfound confidence after conversing with Lady Blanc."
Blanc's self-assured demeanor came to the forefront as she accepted the praise. "Such an outcome was only natural, given my inherently kind nature."
A meaningful silence hung in the air as Nathalia closed her eyes, grappling with her thoughts. She finally found her voice again, admitting, "Still, even after carefully reviewing the evidence, I find it difficult to believe that Reingald was truly involved in the plot to harm this town."
I observed the unwavering dedication in Nathalia's words, her commitment to the manor and its wellbeing evident. "You must have a deep affection for this town, Nathalia," I remarked, a smile gracing my lips at the rare sight of such genuine loyalty.
Her response carried a mix of embarrassment and admiration. "Indeed, I do. The way young master, I mean, everyone here has touched my heart—" She trailed off, flustered by her own words.
Shifting the conversation, Blanc presented a stack of neatly organized papers. "In any case, I have a few matters that require delivery to Edmund and the guild. It concerns the progress of our endeavors." Blanc's tone carried a touch of pragmatism, demonstrating her penchant for efficiency even in informal moments.
Nathalia's eyes widened at the sight of the extensive documentation. "Isn't this a bit much?" Her genuine concern was endearing as she tried to comprehend the magnitude of the task.
Turning her attention to Lily, Blanc made a request. "Lily, would you be so kind as to accompany Nathalia? And Nathalia, exercise utmost caution. We anticipate potential complications."
Lily's understanding nod signified her agreement, while Aria, the enigmatic and almost ethereal figure, chimed in. "Aria will also join, Master." Aria's presence was strangely captivating, her almost human appearance cloaking a world of mystery.
Nathalia expressed her gratitude with a deep bow, her arms laden with the weighty documents. "Thank you, Lady Blanc, and you as well, your Highness."
I watched as the trio departed, my hand lifting to offer a graceful wave in their direction. The scene before me held a certain resonance, a snapshot of camaraderie and shared purpose.
Part 2 - Noon (Drawing Room)
Blanc's playful remark cut through the calm like a soft breeze, teasing me about my "princess" tendencies that were nothing more than mere misconceptions. With an amused glint in her eyes, she relished the moment, well aware of the truth behind the facade that had been woven around me.
I couldn't help but chuckle at her jest, a soft and genuine sound that filled the room. "Ahaha... indeed, Blanc. You have played a vital role in steering us toward success. If it were solely up to me, I doubt I could have achieved all that we have accomplished," I admitted with a smile, my gratitude for her guidance evident in my words.
The town's recovery was an undeniable testament to our combined efforts. The threat posed by the monsters had been steadily diminishing, allowing the residents to reclaim a sense of security and normalcy that had been previously disrupted.
Breaking the pleasant exchange, a familiar voice reached my ears. Aria, her presence ethereal as ever, handed me a letter with a level of formality that belied her mysterious aura. The letter, however, was addressed to Blanc, and with a gesture of respect, I passed it to her without hesitation. It was important to uphold each other's privacy, even amidst our close-knit group.
With Tremaine's seal embossed upon it, the letter bore the weight of significance. Cassius Ironwood, the man behind the message, was a name synonymous with strategy and influence. As Blanc unfolded the contents, I watched with curiosity, eager to discern the news it held.
Blanc's eyes scanned the pages, absorbing the information within. "This is the report from the Forest of Tremaine," she explained, revealing that she had sought to gather data from the region. A heavy package accompanied the letter, its contents a mix of coins and various items that piqued my interest.
My curiosity got the best of me, and I inquired about the contents of the report. Blanc's response was matter-of-fact, "I hired a merchant to collect their crops and sell them." The statement was as practical as it was unexpected. The reports detailed transaction documents, as well as the journey itself.
A package of sorted coins lay before us, a tangible representation of the transactions that had taken place. Blanc's explanation shed light on her intention to convert the resources into a thriving business. My reaction was immediate, a mixture of disbelief and frustration. "You're making a business out of them?" I blurted out, my concern evident in my tone.
"For money, without a doubt. How else would we manage to provide for all these newcomers? It's a matter of practicality. And, consider this," Blanc's gaze turned icily towards me, a challenging edge to her words, "with the responsibilities we've taken on, the growing number of people to support, can we afford to be idealistic?"
I sighed, my shoulders slumping as I admitted, "I understand." Despite comprehending the reasoning, a lingering sense of dissatisfaction gnawed at me.
Blanc's voice softened as she continued, her tone a mixture of explanation and reassurance. "Still, my decisions are guided by your interests. We're not just profiting, we're giving back as well. A portion of the earnings is being reinvested, and we've appointed someone to oversee these matters. Furthermore, by attaching your name to these ventures, it acts as a deterrent. Potential troublemakers will think twice before causing any disturbances. This move also strengthens our foothold over the forest, preventing any unwanted external influence."
Blanc's strategic prowess was evident in her words, her intentions well-founded. It was, undoubtedly, a clever move on her part, although I couldn't help but wish for more open communication prior to these decisions. But, I mused, business acumen was never quite my forte.
As the conversation shifted, Lily entered the room, her presence a welcome distraction. She conveyed the arrival of a magical instructor who had come to tutor us. Blanc's excitement was palpable as she acknowledged the news. "Excellent, treat her well, Lily, as she'll be responsible for teaching our little princess," Blanc said with a teasing glint in her eyes, a playful jab at my earlier princess persona.
Part 3 - Afternoon (Courtyard)
"Please to meet you, your highness Princess Tatiana, allow me to introduce myself, I'm Magistra Seraphina," the enchanting Magistra introduced herself with a respectful bow. Together, we traversed the path leading to the tranquil courtyard, where the tapestry of magic and learning awaited.
"Magistra," the title rolled off her tongue, a name woven with threads of authority and wisdom
With grace and humility, I returned her bow. "Likewise, instructor," I addressed her, acknowledging her expertise with the utmost respect. Gripping the training staff in my hand, I stood ready to delve into the realm of magic.
While her demeanor exuded an air of seriousness, there was a kindness within Magistra Seraphina. Her decision to take me under her wing was a testament to her character, even though her seriousness sometimes seemed a tad overwhelming. I resolved to make the most of this learning opportunity, eager to absorb her teachings like a sponge.
As our conversation continued, Seraphina's thoughts seemed to drift, revealing glimpses of her contemplation. "But surprising a princess with holy magic attributes? It sounds like a dream," she mused, a note of wonder coloring her words.
Curiosity piqued, I probed further. "Really? What do you mean?" I was eager to know her perspective, to engage in a meaningful exchange that extended beyond formalities.
She hesitated before elaborating, "My apologies, but in this day and age, holy magic is exceedingly rare. Reserved for the most high-profile figures such as saints and sages, to find it within the context of a princess seems almost fated." Her words carried a certain reverence, as if holy magic was held in an elevated realm beyond our reach.
"Is it truly that rare?" I questioned, seeking to comprehend the extent of its scarcity.
Seraphina nodded solemnly. "Indeed. In fact, it's so uncommon that some royals resort to having multiple partners in hopes of bearing a child with the blessing of holy magic." Her words unveiled a startling reality, one where the scarcity of holy magic had driven kings and queens to seek multiple unions, all in the quest for this rare and divine gift.
A sense of unease crept in. "You can practically count the individuals with holy magic on one hand," Seraphina continued, emphasizing the rarity. She seemed to consider her own position as a revered magical instructor, undoubtedly aware of every practitioner of holy magic, with me now added to that select few.
"That does pose challenges, doesn't it?" Panic tinged my voice, my mind racing to fathom the implications of my unique magical attribute.
"However," Seraphina's voice rang with reassurance, "as Lady Blanc instructed, I shall keep this knowledge a secret." She affirmed her commitment to discretion, confirming Blanc's foresight in predicting the potential repercussions of my holy magic being exposed.
Our focus then shifted to the matter at hand—magic itself. Our lessons encompassed the fundamentals, weaving threads of knowledge to create a tapestry of understanding. I practiced conjuring basic spells and explored the art of healing magic.
-Chapter 47 End-