The ensuing day unfolded in a whirlwind of activity. We were so occupied that I scarcely had a moment to examine my newfound skills. The High Priestess of Shani visited to heal and eradicate the remnants of the poison's damage from my body. I noticed she, too, possessed a strange mana portal in her chest, a detail that made me ponder if it served as a link to their deity or something else entirely. Today being Shaniday, the High Priestess had numerous responsibilities and didn't linger, spending only a few minutes in the villa before departing. Once the name of the day was mentioned, I deduced that each day was named after a deity, having already heard of Enkiday and Isfetday, which suggested that Enki and Isfet were also deities in this world. I wondered what kind of rituals or traditions were associated with these days and how deeply they influenced the lives of the people.
Another thought formed in my mind, one that I couldn't easily dismiss: does having faith in deities help in any way? The power and influence these gods seemed to wield in this world were undeniable, but aligning oneself with a particular deity might carry its own set of consequences. If it does, I should be careful in choosing which one. Since aligning with one might close doors with another, creating alliances and enemies I had yet to fully comprehend.
Contrary to what I expected following an assassination attempt, security was not tightened. Instead, the Ducal couple, Anna, and I spent most of the day entertaining well-wishers. Most seemed genuinely relieved that I had survived the ordeal without issue, though a few masked their displeasure poorly, offering kind words while their expressions betrayed them.
As each guest passed through, I took careful note of their demeanor and words. There was a subtle art to reading people, a skill I was beginning to use out of necessity. In this court of veiled intentions and hidden motives, understanding the true nature of those around me could mean the difference between life and death. After all, there could be more of them - assassins.
As the sixth bell tolled, the Ducal couple sighed in weariness, drained from the constant parade of nobles. Selahe, Fazio, and Anna's head maid all appeared equally fatigued, having stood resolutely behind us the entire day. Dinner consisted of a mixture of mashed peas, potatoes, and an unidentified fruit purée.
Breaking the silence, Anna remarked, "Viscount Herlaug seemed most unhappy that my brother survived the incident." As she spoke, I racked my memory for details of the nobles we had met. Viscount Herlaug was an older man with graying, thinning hair and milky, blind eyes. His servant, who led him around, had introduced him as the Minister of Finance.
Despite his blindness, there was a sharpness to Viscount Herlaug that I found unsettling. His sightless eyes may not have seen the world around him, but I sensed he missed nothing. The way his servant whispered in his ear, the way he tilted his head slightly as if listening to more than just words—it was clear he was a man of formidable intellect, one not to be underestimated.
Unlike some other nobles we had met, whose senses were intact but whose minds were empty, Herlaug stood apart. He was smart and observant, never missing a detail.
The Duke responded, "Yes, but I don't believe it was him. Viscount Herlaug was behind a previous failed assassination attempt on little Dam." As he spoke, he cast a meaningful glance at Mona, who was busily feeding me. Though I didn't see it, I could sense Fazio wince behind me.
Duchess Calo added, "I cast the Information of the Dead spell, but gleaned nothing of use. Whoever orchestrated this assassination covered their tracks well."
Her voice held a note of frustration, the kind that comes from knowing you're up against an enemy who is as cunning as you are ruthless. The duchess, for all her poise and grace, was clearly troubled.
Anna quipped, "Maybe it was the King!" The Ducal couple laughed, but Fazio and Mona looked visibly uncomfortable. The weight of their soul-bound responsibility towards me was clearly pressing on them. I was barely a year old and already the target of two assassination attempts. I knew the only way forward was to endure and be patient with my development.
After the laughter faded, Anna continued, "I wondered why Fazio and my brother were sleeping in separate rooms? That's not how you arranged things with Svala and me."
Her tone was light, almost teasing, but there was a seriousness beneath it. Did she say that on purpose? Or was there an end goal to it?
The Duchess explained, "Due to the age difference, it didn't occur to us. Normally, children stay in the nursery, as it's more convenient. But in hindsight, there are clear benefits to having a head maid or butler room with the child…"
The Duke agreed, "Moving forward, young Fazio and my son will be rooming together." I could hear Fazio sigh in defeat behind me.
Fazio, despite his youth, understood the implications of this new arrangement. He was being drawn deeper and deeper into the web of responsibility and danger that surrounded me.
I grimaced at the news. Practicing magic at night would now be difficult with Fazio in the room. It would be hard to explain away any strange occurrences as accidents, like I did once with Mona. It would also make using the system, which involved peculiar hand movements, much harder to conceal. I realized the necessity of 'discovering' my abilities soon so I could practice freely.
The conversation then shifted, with Duchess Calo stating, "It seems we can count on Archduchess Sofia Scott and Baron Adhama as allies. They were both very pleased with little Dam's survival." Archduchess Sofia was a tall, robust woman in her mid-twenties, with bright red, curly hair reminiscent of the people from my old world, Ireland. Baron Adhama, on the other hand, was an orange tiger beastman with long facial fur that formed a sort of beard.
Anna nodded in agreement. "The reason for Archduchess Sofia's support is obvious. As the Minister of War, she needs internal stability to hold off the Strennians."
The Duke added, "Baron Adhama is an ally through our relationship with the High Priestess of Shani. Although he is a cleric of Sol, our work with the Temple of Shani has earned us his favor."
After dinner, we retired to our rooms. I lay in my crib well past the seventh bell, waiting for Fazio to fall asleep. Once I was certain, I opened my skill list to see what skills I had risked my life for.
Basic Dodge - Rank 1. You have an increased chance to dodge damage by 1%.
Basic Poison Resistance - Rank 1. Poison damage taken is reduced by 1%.
While useful, these skills would only become truly beneficial as they ranked up. I was grateful for the swift actions of everyone who came to my aid. And though Fazio's presence now restricted my nightly activities, it was comforting to know he was there to call for help if needed. As sleep finally overtook me, I tossed and turned, plagued by nightmares of daggers.