Chapter 136: Chezaic Tea Party.

Chapter 136: Chezaic Tea Party.

Haaaaa, deep breaths in. Haaaa, deep breaths out. Doing a breathing exercise, I calmed myself down. My heart was pounding from anxiousness.

I am surprised something mundane as a tea party would unsettle you this much, Lady Hestia. You walk into a battle against E rank monsters without a care in the world, but a simple meeting between young noblewomen has you this distressed, Ellaine said with a smile, sitting in front of me with her attendant Josine. It was not out of mockery, but due to genuine surprise.

Understanding what she meant, I couldnt help but frown at that fact. I cannot help it. After living in the wilds for so long, fighting has just become natural. On the other hand, speaking with a group of nobles seems daunting. The etiquette lesson you and Manuela gave me is a good example of this, as you would always scrutinize my wordings and phrases in an attempt to polish them. Now, I am thrown into a den of strangers with this exact mindset. That thought scares me.

Although, I dont think youre qualified to say that to me, Ellaine. You are shaking, too, I thought after seeing her hands tremble for a second. She was good at hiding her feelings, but not good enough to hide the fact she was afraid of going to this tea party.

It reminded me of when Manuela suddenly raised her voice when Ellaine first suggested this plan. It made me curious back then, but now I was convinced why she hadnt participated in these events after she relinquished her inheritance rights.

Barathan and Manuela once mentioned a noble giving up their right to inherit their houses title was usually ridiculed as a coward. When Ellaine did this, not only did she lose most of her retainers, but it seems she lost most of her friends. The last part was a guess since I never heard her mention anybody close to her, nor her time at the royal academy.

Even in the one week where we spent the time together in a forest for Ellaines training arc, we barely talked about her social life. We ventured into a monster-infested forest northeast of Firwood for the specific reason of allowing Ellaine to level up and train her skills under my watch, so all weve discussed was her growth as a mage and swordswoman.

Yeah, swordswoman. Apparently, her father was an accomplished knight of the Greenveil duchy knights order, and her brother was expected to join him after he graduated. Ellaine learned some swordsmanship from her father when she was younger, but gave up on it once her inferiority complex settled in. As both her physical abilities and stamina have grown from all the cardio I suggested, she took it back up again with the help of her two knights.

While I do sympathize, I cannot compare it to being put in a life-or-death situation, Ellaine replied in return. I still cannot believe you would prevent my knights from fighting with me just so you could force me to face a monster alone. I am still in the academy if you remembered.

And? That isnt an excuse when adventurers around our age must fight wildlife for a living. I will reiterate what I said last week your royal academy seems more like a social club focusing on building connections instead of developing the elites of the future, I responded, remembering the heated discussion I had with Ellaine and her knights. Magic research, land management, economics are subjects I find interesting and agree are important for your growth as an intellectual, but when your only combat experience is either theoretical or sparring in a safe environment, then you will lack the initiative in real combat. A moments hesitation is a second too long.

I then formed a mini wind gun and twirled it in front of me. Besides, you were always safe. You might have received a scare or a wound, but I would have intervened if your life was in danger. If you ask me, doesnt it sound similar to what you experience at the academy? Only with a higher difficulty. After all, I am not a cruel person.

Well, it involves more menial work, I guess. The dismantling is usually reserved for attendants.

Ahh, so pure and innocentjust like me when I first began! Although, she had less reservation than I had when she killed her first loopabit; well, she used a sword and I had to break its neck with my fangs.

Ahem, while I enjoy seeing you two bond, I believe we should use this time to discuss the plan? Interrupting our small talks was Saori, who was sitting next to me in her own tailored butler outfit. There was a maid outfit in her size available, but she refused to wear it.

Miss Saori is correct, Lady Ellaine. Lady Hestia, agreeing with my attendant, Josine spoke up in support to push us in a proper discussion. It would be helpful for Lady Hestias sake to repeat what she learned during her training. This is her debut tea party, and I remember how nervous My Lady was during her first. Speaking of debuts, this will be your social debut as an adult, My Lady, so you must be prudent too.

Ah, my debutright. I forgot I had that also. Since Lord Theodore had diligently spread the rumor among the nobles, I should also correct my story, so my mother isnt seen as a liar.

Since Lord Helvas, Ellaines father, ordered Ellaine to stick with me as my lady-in-waiting, without my consent I might add, she had to skip her social debut as an adult during the God Thanking Festival Ball in the kingdoms capital. As Ellaines mother didnt want people to think of her negatively, she told people she was sick and had to stay behind to manage the fief after the bandit attack.

This tea party we were using as a way for Saori to find evidence and information on House Chezaics involvement in Davisons fairy hunting was also Ellaines official debut event. She was supposed to socialize and become friendly with her future allies and friends, but we were currently doing something illegalkinda.

Well, that is my issue, so let us push that back for now, she refocused with a deep breath. Miss Saori, as you will be Lady Hestias attendant today, you will have free roam from the garden to the kitchen in order to fulfil your duties. In this moveable area, the security will be lax, and it will give you enough room and time for you to move around with your dark magic. Josine, Miss Saori will need aid to fit in perfectly with the other attendants, so please give her your support.

Of course, Lady Ellaine. Miss Saori, I am confident in our success, Josine bowed slightly, calm as a peaceful lake.

I am in your care, Miss Josine.

Ellaine nodded at cooperation between those two and then looked at me. Lady Hestia, as Manuela and I have taught you as much as we could on how to conduct yourself as a Lady in the one week we had, I believe you should do fine. It helped that your foundation was already admirable, and any deviation can be excused as a difference in culture. Aside from that, Lord Theodore has spread the rumor that you are a greifnoble tier aristocrat from Loatryx, so none of the ladies in attendance would dare provoke you for something insignificant as a speaking habit. They will not be as fastidious as Manuela was, so you may rest your worries.

A short version of the rumor the High Bishop and Ellaine spread around was that I was a traveling greifnoble from Loatryx, using my adventurer role to wander freely in Artorias as a sight-seeing tour. I was then found out by House Helvas. They invited me to their home and have been acting as my host ever since.

Lord Sirius and the High Bishop were informed of my presence and wished me to stay within their castle for my safety, but I refused as I found it too bothersome to move residence. As they relented to my request, they ordered House Helvas to take care of me, which forced Ellaine to become my lady-in-waiting. Since my goal was to not be detected and have freedom in my travels, I opted to not reveal my presence at the God Thanking Festival. This forced Ellaine to stay in Firwood and her mother gave an excuse to hide me.

High Bishop Theodore mentioned that my identity as a priestess wasnt included in the rumors and that I should reveal it after the tea party. In his words, baffle society, your Highness. I should leave a big mark in the partys attendants memories to help the rumor grow even more, to the point it reaches the temple and the returning priests and priestesses.

Once Davisons and House Chezaics supporters hear that the High Bishop has already met the dragonewt greifnoble priestess they will want answers and request that I meet them. When that happens, the High Bishop will attempt to extract as much insider information as possible. I needed to give out my white grace services as whimsically as possible in order to attract these priests customers and make the priests desperate.

Aside from a few changes, the rumor was pretty much spot on. Once we gathered enough information from todays event or afterward, the High Bishop would have Lord Sirius launch an investigation party to House Chezaic while another party would storm Davison and apprehend him, after all his supporters would be gone.

I thought it was a bit too much planning, considering they were nobles contesting against a commoner, but Theodore wanted to deal with this situation as meticulously as possible. The act of fairy hunting was a sensitive topic that could destroy any attempts the Kingdom of Artorias had on rekindling their relationship with the elves. The fewer witnesses during this attack, the better.

If we didnt snuff out the roots concerning Davisons noble supports, then leaks could happen with the disgruntled nobles. We didnt even know exactly why House Chezaic was supporting Davison in the first place. As the Kingdom of Artorias had an enemy with the kingdom of Atadoro in the south, Theodore didnt want to risk dissatisfied nobles selling information to their enemy and then defecting. Execution, assassination, nor exile could be used against these nobles without proper evidence, since that would cause House Sirius to lose a ton of respect and prestige.

So, yeah, we had a lot to do before we could take care of this situation like proper and civilized humans. Honestly, it was a hassle when Saori could just sneak into Davisons basement, but it seems like Theodore and Ellaine had ulterior motives concerning the nobles. Ill ride their wave for now.

After that, the twins showed us to our seats and told us that tea would be ready in a bit and that we should use this time to get to know the others. As it was a custom to give presents to the host Elaine and I presented boxes filled with

Since I remembered Artorias had a problem with yeast, I had my retainers bake some confections for us. I promise they are spongy and soft as clouds, aside from being too delicious to resist, I said, as Josine and Saori opened two boxes to show a cake and a bunch of cupcakes.

Truthfully, I didnt know how Artorias was so dependent on the elven kingdom for yeast. I mean, the taverns serve beer, ale, and mead. Last time I checked, yeast was made during the processing of beer, so how could they not know of yeasts existence? Well, whatever the reason was, this fact was a major boon for todays event.

C-Cake, amazing! How many layers were added, Lady Hestia? The one I tasted was smaller than yours.

They are so colorful. L-Lady Hestia, would it be alright for us to taste them today? Th-They must be unimaginably expensive.

Lady Ellaine sponsored the raw ingredients? Why, if House Helvas had a hand in this, then the quality of the individual products must be great. Lady Hestia. Lady Ellaine. We cannot thank you enough for treating us to something this wonderful.

The daughters of barons and baronets were visibly flustered by what I was showing, unsure if the Chezaic twins or I would allow them to taste my confections since they called it a luxury even for nobles. It seems they thought they werent worthy or rich enough to taste it.

On the other hand, the mednobles looked like they wanted to devour the cake on the spot. They mentioned the confections they could buy were smaller and less decorative. Sugar wasnt a problem, since Artorias grews sugar beets, but without yeast, the confections had to be kept small, otherwise they would turn into sugary rocks.

As everybody thanked me profusely for our presents, I couldnt help but feel good about myself. The constant praise was making my soul flourish. I also checked on Ellaine, as I believed she should be enjoying it too, but she wasnt smiling as much as I thought. She kept a reserved smile as she responded to everybody.

Shouldnt she feel more hyped about this? Hmmm, I thought, wondering what was bothering Ellaine. I havent asked why she was nervous about joining this tea party, as I thought she would do it eventually. Maybe I should speak to her, afterward.

Saori and Josine were then led by a butler to the kitchen to prepare the confections. I was wishing them luck that they could find something damning.

The party then continued for a while until the tea arrived. We were seated and enjoyed a relaxing session of tea and snacks as we spoke to each other. Apparently, the tables were divided up among schwertnobles and mednobles, according to Ellaine, to ensure ease of socializing for everybody.

Wasnt it a bit rude? Making people remember their ranks in a social gathering. I mean, I would be happy to talk to anybody here, but maybe it was harder for the nobles? They were obsessed with rankings and tiers, after all.

Well, anyways, after Francesca and Iracela gave a speech about welcoming the new year with new and renewed bonds, they wish us to continue enjoying the party as long as we wished. From there, the intro was done and acquaintances were made; we were now allowed to wander the whole garden or stay at the table to continue snacking or sipping tea.

While I wouldnt want to speak ill of our neighbours, I have heard some rather unsettling rumors from the Lecartiglio duchy, so I wouldnt recommend traveling there for now, Lady Hestia. Uhm, I am not belittling your abilities, I swear. I just wish to warn you as I heard the youngest daughter of House Moreschi was kidnapped from her house. Cedaraille or Griffonpeak would be great traveling points, and then you could visit the Morgiana duchy.

Oh, absolutely! Lady Hestia, you must come to the capital if you have the time. Although I might not be able to boast to a scion of dragons, I would like to mention that a royal academy is a wonderful place for the educated. The university and the mages guild there are being led by the dukes of Morgiana and Myrddin. Our premier magic talents. They might interest you, the daughter of House Cathrina said.

Oh, this might also interest you, Lady Hestia. At the end of last year, the heir of House Morgiana was made the principal of the academy. Lady Thyra Nimue Morgiana. A talented magician who has reached the advanced tier of magic, who also was allowed to join the capitol basilica of the Holy State Aureolis to learn holy magic! In addition, she is only a few years older than us! the daughter of House Venierus told me. It would delight us if we could meet again at the academy, Lady Hestia.

I understand, I understand, however, I was intending to travel the kingdom at my pace. I do not know when I will reach the capital, so I cannot make any promises, I told them, overwhelmed by how many people were talking to me. I will have to visit Griffonpeak one day for Aurena, but I dont think I will visit the academyfor now.

Seeing as I was the new kid in the neighborhood, everybody was naturally curious about me, especially after the rumors about me were confirmed. They were asking about my magic abilities, how Loatryx was, or my general interests.

Concerning the questions about Loatryx, it really made me regret not asking Agni, Kraftja, or maybe even the guild master about it. Loatryx was north of the dwarven lands and Farron seemed to know a lot about dragons and dragonewt, so it made sense to try asking them. I wouldve been able to answer everybodys questions if I had more knowledge of Loatryx instead of dodging the question.

Huh? Where is Ellaine? I wondered. After the greetings, Ellaine and I were kinda dragged away by a group of girls to continue where we left off before the Cheziac twins gave their speech.

I asked the group of girls if they saw Elaine go somewhere, and only one of them could tell me she went back to the tables. The others didnt seem to know, but I guess they were too engrossed in our small talk. As I went over, I saw that a couple of girls were standing before Ellaine with rather smug smiles while she held her head down.

Ah, Lady Ellaine, what luck. The noble who unceremoniously gave up her inheritance rights and all the retainers her mother gave her was once again given a chance to succeed in life. Meeting a greifnoble of Loatryx, of all countries. How lucky can one person be, right? Sister?

True, Sister, I agree. Instead of funneling this chance to their more talented and obviously more worthy son, House Helvas still intends to support their underperforming and outright embarrassing daughter. What a lovely family, although, not the wisest action, I must say.

Hie hie hie hie hie hie hie!

Oh, imagine if the Kingdom could form a diplomatic relationship with Loatryx due to Lady Hestia. What a reward House Helvas would gain. What a reward Lady Ellaine would gain. Wouldnt they rank up to Arcanuess, Lady Francesca?

Luck is part of success, too, but Lady Ellaine would be an ill fit candidate for a reward. A noble who isnt even confident enough to even attempt the inheritance battle is not a noble the kingdom should be promoting. It would only sully the reputation of our more qualified candidates, right? Lady Iracela?

Hie hie hie hie ha ha ha ha ha!

Are you kidding me? What is this? A fucking otome game?! What is this shit!

Hey! my loud voice resounded through the party, drawing the attention of the bullies standing before Ellaine. I will now ask you to politely walk away from my friend, otherwise, I shall show you what I do with scum!

One of my veins probably popped as an unpleasant memory resurfaced.