The room was filled with an undercurrent of hushed conversations and occasional glances. Every now and then, a faint rustle of fabric or a quiet cough broke the otherwise still atmosphere.
As we waited in silence for the third bell to ring, I decided it was the perfect moment to check my status screen. It had been a while since I last reviewed it, especially after the recent assassination attempt. Fortunately, I could summon the screen with just a thought, allowing me to review my progress and make strategic decisions.
I glanced at the screen:
Name: Damiano (Callahan O'Shea)
Level: 1
EXP: 140/200
HP: 40/40
MP: 45/45
SP: 8/8
Strength: 1
Agility: 2
Fortitude: 8
Intelligence: 5
Wisdom: 2
Charisma: 7 (+44)
Unspent points: 2
Status: Awake. Alert.
It was a relief to see I had gained additional ability points. I debated whether to invest them in intelligence to boost my mana or fortitude to increase my health and its regeneration. Given the recent danger I faced, more health seemed prudent. I decided to hold off for now—after all, I couldn't very well be seen waving my arms around, manipulating the system, in front of my family.
Basic Active Mana Absorption. Rank 2.
Magic Basics. Rank 8.
Basic Mana Sense. Rank 8.
Candle Flame. Rank 1.
Dagger Basics. Rank 1.
Basic Dodge. Rank 1.
Basic Poison Resistance. Rank 1.
The skills at my disposal seemed insufficient. While I had acquired poison resistance through experience, the idea of farming other resistances by enduring damage wasn't appealing—it bordered on self-torture. Both points in fortitude would be advantageous, but boosting my intelligence might significantly extend my casting range and effectiveness. Perhaps one point in each would be the best approach.
I had numerous plans. I wanted to delve into blacksmithing and other crafts, believing that my system knowledge and past life experiences could complement each other. I was also intrigued by optics. If sunlight was essential for healing, could large lenses be used to focus it for a more potent healing spell? The notion was fascinating, but I pondered the potential political repercussions. What if temples were incensed by losing their monopoly on healing magic?
My thoughts then drifted to the potential applications of my newfound knowledge. I considered the possibilities of integrating my skills with the palace's resources. Perhaps there were opportunities to experiment with enchantments or collaborate with skilled artisans here and there.
I could undoubtedly innovate new applications of magic by leveraging my understanding of technology and science. This could not only revolutionize the world but also completely transform it. The outcome could be either a remarkable success or, as I fear, a profound failure.
One such example from my previous life involved a scientist researching a revolutionary fuel that promised to transform the world. It was incredibly cheap, twice as efficient, and relatively rare. Yet, just before he could make his groundbreaking change, he was tragically eliminated.
Additionally, I needed to develop physical skills. Duke Calo wielded a sword, and I noticed Selahe and Fazio training with shorter weapons. If my Ancient Tech 101 knowledge was accurate, swords had been a staple for centuries. However, there were other options—halberds, pikes, maces, and war hammers, each with its specific use. Halberds and pikes excelled against cavalry, while blunt weapons like maces and hammers were best suited for heavily armored foes. Fortunately, advanced armor was rare. The guards accompanying the high priestess wore chain mail. For now, focusing on swords for open combat and daggers for close quarters seemed sensible.
As the ambassador and various others took their places in the remaining couches, the Duke and Duchess exchanged greetings with several attendees. I recognized a few familiar faces from yesterday, engaged in quiet conversations that created a soft hum throughout the room. A subtle lavender scent lingered in the air, mingling with the gentle murmur of voices. The monotony was almost maddening, and I felt a surge of relief when the third bell finally rang. The door beside the commoner on the first couch opened.
A man stepped through and announced, "Open court will now commence! Please approach." The commoner stood and walked forward. After a brief exchange of hushed words, the man entered the connected room and declared, "Ospak Bergfinnsson, Mayor of Neneske!" We waited as Ospak presented his case. After a few minutes, the announcer turned and addressed our group.
"What would you like to be announced as?" The man asked, unaware of who he was speaking to.
The Duke replied, "Please announce us as Duke Romano Calo, Duchess Ragna Calo, Lady Anna Calo, and Damiano." I couldn't help but feel a thrill at the prospect of soon being Damiano Calo. The announcer's eyes widened in recognition, and he nodded nervously before calling out, "Announcing the Duke Romano Calo, the Duchess Ragna Calo, Lady Anna Calo, and Damiano!"
He said loudly, "Announcing the Duke Romano Calo, the Duchess Ragna Calo, Lady Anna Calo and Damiano!"
As we entered the throne room, the whispers of the court grew louder. The space was larger than the waiting area but more intimate than the foyer. It was richly adorned, with a fresco on the ceiling depicting a scene I couldn't quite identify. Plush purple rugs, known for their expense at this level of technology, covered the floor. The ever-present lavender scent mixed with the light that seemed to emanate from every direction, casting no shadows. Mana hummed through the air, powering the intricate enchantments around us.
We approached the throne, passing a group of nobles gathered around the room's perimeter. We reached the dais and knelt respectfully. Being a child, I wasn't expected to kneel, especially as I was carried by Mona. I glanced at King Koll and Queen Astrid, both resplendent in their regal attire and adorned with the crown jewels. Flanking them were two smaller, empty seats, presumably for the young princess and prince. They were conspicuously absent, likely to avoid the tedium of court proceedings, their presence unnecessary for daily sessions.