After that nose-bleeding incident, I decided I should get out sooner rather than later and went over to the maids. While the other two were helping me get my undergarments on, the last one picking up the dress left hanging by the basket my clothes were left in, likely left by a different maid who stopped by while everyone was distracted by Emeri to swap them out.
The three maids return to gossiping about everyone in my life while dressing me up. Be it them imagining what my 'brother' looks like, guessing what my 'grandfather' was like, or fangirling about my new 'big sis', they were content saying whatever they wanted amongst themselves while I was made to act like a doll and sit still.
Though their conversation didn't slow the maids down by much as they were able to quickly get the dress on me despite the gossiping banter. When they finished, I was brought in front of the Mirror meant to help you wash yourself and...
"It's a beautiful dress."
A few shades darker than the red of my hair but still not lacking in boosting the aura I saw when looking through my other's eyes, especially thanks to the shine of the pearls used as buttons that highlight the strands of blonde on my bang. The area around the hips had extra fabric frills for design that made the dress look layered yet remained comfortable. But the most important part, it doesn't hinder my ability to walk, feeling as comfortable as the clothes I've worn since I first awakened in that crater.
"That looks perfect on you!"
Those words came from the 4th fangirl, new 'big sis' Emeri who was waiting for the maids to finish dressing me. I had to keep my gaze away, for the sake of Verei but I responded to her words regardless. "T-thank you..."
These events with Emeri so far have made me more nervous around her. Half because of my male counterpart reacting to her through Veda but the other half is that Emeri is extremely touchy-feely after hearing about my story of burying Uldrei.
I know she means well, feeling responsible for the failures in the valley. And that's why I'm going to try and accept her kindness.
As I saw the last of Emeri's clothing get put on by the maids, I couldn't help but think of the feeling of her skin. "Your skin was so... smooth."
Emeri giggled at my comment. "Yours are too despite not being of elven decent."
'Damn it, another of those words I didn't know or remember.'
"E-elf?" I questioned.
As the maids finish getting her dressed. She was in an outfit similar to the one I first met her in but with pants instead of the shorts I had seen her wear back in the valley. "My father was human and my mother an elf. That's why I have slightly pointed ears instead of the fully pointed ones of full-blooded elves. It's thanks to that blood relation I have a physique suited for the bow. And though I should have an affinity for using the earth-type element of spells from the descent of the Goddess of Nature... I'm below average in mana capacity."
Hearing her talk about herself for once was a nice change of pace since we only talked about me while in the bath. That's when I realized, 'The descendants of the Goddess of Nature... That's right, that's what the elves are... I kind of remember them, but it's still too foggy.'
With us both finished bathing and dressed, we will have to go our separate ways as we both have places to be. Emeri gives a light whine, "I really wish I could join you but I have work to do. So, maybe you wouldn't mind joining me for breakfast tomorrow? Or maybe even join me on a trip around town for lunch?"
The offer is rather tempting as I want to take a look around the city. Though Emeri has been so touchy-feely lately that I'm uncertain if I should take it or not... Well, she might grow out of it if we spend enough time with her. But, just in case... "I would love to. And if possible, I might be able to have Serci join us for both as well."
A wry smile crosses her face when I accept. "If you do manage to bring her, I'll buy anything you want so long as it doesn't cost more than my paycheck!"
Opening the door for me, our second meeting with the Keeper of the Hunt ends on a happier note than the first.
The maid who brought me to the bath is the one who brings me to the dining room as well. We began passing through a specific hallway where I saw many paintings on the wall. Once I recognized the rightmost painting was of the current Queen, I realized the other paintings were of the past rulers of the Kingdom.
It seems to have been primarily male rulers until the 6th generation which is when the first female ruler came to rule. Then, after another two male rulers was the 9th ruler, the second Queen to rule. It continued on with more male rulers till the most recent ruler, the 17th ruler of the kingdom of Siltria, Queen Lertra, making seventeen Generations this kingdom stood.
The maid took notice I was staring at the paintings and asks, "Interested in learning more about the 6th Ruler of Siltria?"
I would be lying if I said I wasn't. I've enjoyed hearing stories about Uldrei but I'm not against hearing about the legends from other people. With a nod, the maid proceeds to tell about the first female ruler of Siltria.
"Long ago, it was said that only a King could be a Ruler. Though she wasn't the first to question it, Queen Fey was the first to question the validity and brought the question to the attention of the God of Law himself, Alcrime. Without any hesitation, he told her that no such law existed. The realization of it being a lie from a past ruler to succeed the throne over his sister who was more competent a ruler than him."
"With that knowledge, she challenged her own brother's ascension, and while her brother had almost all nobles on his side, they questioned if she wasn't lying about this revelation to overturn history. But the reality was made clear when it was revealed she was marked by Alcrime, his sigil being placed on her hand that signified her as the first apostle of a god."
"This one act of her questioning nature won the people and would be a lesson to go down in history, 'Never believe what can be answered by the source'."
An interesting tale. However, I feel doubt about this being the event that began the trend of making Apostles. Apostles are simply meant to be humans favored by a God, higher in regard than the Head Priest who have spun lies where their deity isn't watching.
'As though it's a tale to boost one's influence.'
I shake my head, wondering how I could even come to that conclusion. Either way, we can't ask Fey like she had asked Alcrime on the validity of the events. But with my curiosity sated, we continued to the dining hall.
The large door was wide open with the smell of food coming from within, seeming to welcome any in the castle to enjoy a meal. The inside was extravagant, with a high ceiling in a white diamond pattern holding four crystal chandeliers. A maroon carpet flows forward to make a path between each table that numbers in the double digits, surrounded by about 8 chairs each. Thanks to there being only 24 people in the room, I spot the table occupied by those I'm looking for relatively quickly.
Serci is standing beside a person who proceeds to stand as I walk over. Her blond hair seemed to sparkle while her blue eyes glinted like gems. She's a young girl the spitting image of the Queen, with the exception of having long straight hair over her mother's shorter wavy hair.
There is a third person also at the same table, dark skin and brown hair, also female but she doesn't seem affiliated with the palace judging by the clothes she's wearing. Neither a dress like that of a Noble nor a uniform of a servant.
My attention is taken off the guest as the princess proceeds to greet me. "You must be Ms. Deidura. I am Princess Maridia, daughter of Queen Lertra."
There was grace in every movement, practiced till second nature. As Serci had once mentioned, all royals must be trained their entire life for the etiquette made by high society's standards. She spoke very clearly, yet soft enough that it was like music to all who listened. "I want to thank you for helping Serci make a safe return. She is a dear friend to me and I'd have been heartbroken had she not returned."
This is starting to feel embarrassing. From the Queen and Emeri to the princess too, practically everyone's been thanking me for bringing Serci back.
'It really is wrong for Serci to think she isn't a beloved Keeper of this Kingdom.'
But I didn't expect the repeatedly endless words of praise Serci gave when the topic of the princess came up, 'Elegance, beauty, grace', all words fitting the description perfectly. However, there is one thing I haven't gotten to see yet.
"And I'm happy to finally meet you, Your Grace. Serci has talked nothing but positively about you throughout our journey here."
Serci is flustered as I snitch on her endless praise of the princess, teasing the young Keeper. "V-veda!"
The princess gave a devious grin when she heard that. "I would love to hear what conversations you two have been having. I would especially love to compare notes on what Serci is like when she isn't with me!"
Serci's face was flushed red as her voice went meek by the Princess's wordless agreement to play along. "P-princess!"
The both of us giggle at teasing the easy young Keeper. The last one at our table: the brown haired, tanned-skinned, golden eye girl, interrupts. "Apologies for getting in the way of your lady talk but I would like to continue our business talk, your grace."
The princess gave me a light bow before returning to her seat. "Apologies, but she is part of this conversation, the person I'm asking you to escort."
The girl's eyes land on me, seeming to gauge my every move. "I see. So she's the one you want me to take to Oriel City?"
She continues eyeing me up and down as she gives her first judgment on my outer appearance. "She's pretty and dresses nicely but looks far too fragile to me... though it's always been difficult to gauge casters by looks alone..."
I'm a bit lost having just joined the conversation but Serci fills me in. "This Peddler is the one chosen to take you to Oriel University. When I brought up our talk about getting you into the university, the princess was kind enough to offer help. This woman was the only one who met all criteria."
'The princess had already found a Peddler to take me to the University AND prepared a table for when I arrived?! Either the princess was rushing to repay the favor of returning her friend or I took longer in the bath than I thought...'
The only thing leaving me confused was that the Peddler talked about gauging my abilities. But if I had to guess... "If I had to guess, I was offered to act as a bodyguard for the Wagon for a discounted price?"
The Peddler's eyes widened for a moment before smirking. "You caught on quick. Even realized I wasn't going to be driving you in a carriage. Alright, I'm more interested in you than I was a minute ago."
She stands to walk over to me, her height about the same as my other's. "But it isn't entirely right. My criteria is: 'I won't take someone if they can't defend themselves.' A personal rule which has saved my cargo and my skin more than the caravans that care to accept just about anyone."
She almost seems to be boasting about that rule of only taking the strong. "Then are you saying you're strong as well?"
She looks quite pleased with herself as she puffs out her chest. "Though not physically, I own an artifact that bends the will of beasts, giving me an advantage against any who think I'm being unreasonable."
Most animals I can think of are quite ferocious, like the wolves that make D-rank adventurers worry about their escape routes or bears that require a group of C-ranks to handle them without any untreatable wounds. That could also allow for better control over horses used to pull carriages and carts.
"That does sound useful. Can it also work on monsters?"
Someone from a nearby table interrupts the conversation with his own answer. "Something like that would be put under safeguard, 24/7 watch with at least three B-class or higher Royal Knights guarding it, considered a weapon that can ruin and rebuild an entire kingdom if not the entire continent from its ashes."
My blood grows cold listening to this familiar voice but he continues on. "Her artifact must be limited to beasts, and the highest rank of the beasts she could control would be about B-rank."
The Peddler stares in irritation at the man who stole her thunder. "How knowledgeable you are Keeper of Arms. That is correct, my artifact is limited to control over beasts like a fanged fox, saber tooth, or at best, a single B-rank such as a Warhorse. But with the right beasts, I could make even A-rank adventurers upset with my business dealings second guess causing trouble."
My face goes stiff the moment he locks eyes with me. A growing discomfort the longer I had to look at him. It didn't help that he spoke as though nothing was wrong. "Hello, granddaughter of Deidura. I received Serci's report about the aftermath. It's unfortunate you were separated but you've gotten a fitting reward for the safe return of a Keeper. Not many are able to go to the University on a royal recommendation."
The atmosphere feels heavier the longer he speaks, but while everyone else is showing signs of discomfort, mine fades, steadily being replaced with the feeling of my blood boiling by every unemotional word that comes out of his mouth.
"I trust Serci isn't wrong about your skills with magic, so getting accepted should be easy for you. But it's a shame you aren't willing to give her the Counter Blade. It is a powerful Artifact that sounds as though it's capable of defending against the Berserker's Staff after all."
Serci voice raised in alarm as this conversation came back up once again. "It's her dead grandfather's artifact! A family Heirloom! I don't want to ask for an artifact that precious, less so when being pushed to hand it over just because it's in her possession and not her Brother's!"
"But if you had the Counter Blade during the battle, you wouldn't have been paralyzed by the Goblin mage, you wouldn't have needed my Sacrificial Shield, and quite possibly, you could've been made to face the orc instead, repelling its strike the moment it was sent, completing the mission. I heard it from Her Majesty, your life would have been lost had the crown of fate not changed the outcome, manipulating fate to force my decision to send my shield to you."
Serci's face was frozen in shock when she heard that, losing the will to argue further as her morale was hit by the revelation the Queen used the Crown on her to save her life. And I wasn't the only one as his idea of how helpful Uldrei's artifact could've been against the Orc seemed plausible, making our reluctance in handing it over appear to be our downfall.
Seeing Serci back down, the Keeper of Arms turns back to me. "Though the Queen used the artifact on Serci, it only prevents one tragedy a week, so I will give you praise for ensuring it wasn't in vain."
With those last words that came out of his mouth, I couldn't hold back as everything escaped from my head, out of my throat. "I DON'T WANT YOUR PRAISE; I WANT AN APOLOGY!"