TVRWS 7

[Chapter 7 : Her Maid]

~~~~~~~~~~

Logan kept my company during the whole training session in the Gun Range and my performance improved by leaps and bounds. I'll shoot any target right between its eyes as long as it is within 20 meters to me.

"Today I had an enlightenment in Guns. No, I should call it Gun Art." Logan said.

"True. Lady Vivian is a natural born shooter. If this is a hunt in the wild then Lady Vivian will put expert shooters to shame." Jane said.

"Thank you. You two are quite good with flattery." I said as I handed back the gun to Jane.

It is hard to get braised for being good with guns in today's society. Even though Firearms are more popular than Swords nowadays, the true theme of power in this world is Magic. Knights and Mages are the absolute powers of a Nation.

As for gunners, Knights and Mages look down on them and they can't compare in Social status. How so? Gunners can be trained in the span of a few months and get sent to battles. Knights and Mages, on the other hand, require years upon years of training and resources. Still, A strong Knight can be unfazed by bullets and a skilled Mage can wipe out a squadron of Gunners with a snap of a finger.

Still, a good stray bullet can kill a Knight or a Mage not ready or powerful enough.

One of the most famous sayings in the world during the first decades of the emergence of Firearms, "Fair Saints, by any Justice would a mere Devil Minion, carrying the arms of Fire, kill a Gallant Knight or a Proud Sorcerer?"

Even though the discrimination against Gun Users is way lesser than what 200 years ago, the reason for the slow development of Firearms is the common disinterest of Nobles to do so. Nobles' power comes from Magic and Firearms threaten their position and enforce it at the same time.

One thing to take note of is that a Firearm combined with Magic is nothing special at all. A Gun is no different than a sword or a spell on the hands of Magic users as they can channel their power through it and perform a ranged attack while reinforcing the Bullet with Magic. The point is, they can perform Ranged attack with other techniques that are superior in Accuracy, Power and most importantly Rate to Fire.

Anyway, after I left the gun range with Logan, I wasn't sure whether to go for the "Daily Quest" or hang around the Mansion with him.

I don't think I can just go stretching, jogging and squatting with him around.

"Where are you stationed, Logan?"

"My Lord has prepared me a room on the first floor right to the western stairway. I just need to climb the stairs and be by your side, Princess."

"Well, well, we are neighbors now. At least I feel more comfortable with you close."

"Why? Is there anyone bothering you?"

"Old Theo."

"We agreed that this old ghost is out of my area of expertise. Anyone else?"

"Saskia and her legion of evil maids. I mean… I don't have a personal maid for a reason."

"Really? How do you get your personal affairs done then?"

"... To be frank, I switch maids a lot so they don't remember the layout of my room and where I keep my things. I also have a Safe where my mother's old belongings are kept so I am self-sufficient."

"That won't do, Princess. That really won't do."

"I am used to it, you know."

"No, this is not right. A lady's maid is a must, if all the maids in this house are of no use to you, I will go and personally look for a trustworthy maid."

"Even if you do, the other maids will bully her. If I stand up to her, it will be Saskia or Robert." I said.

"I am really offended. What do you think my job is?"

"Be all Knighty and Sparkle?"

"That among other things but my top priority is your protection as your Knight in Service and the protection of your interests. Just say who to slap and I'll slap."

"Cool! Here is the list; Prince Liam, Matilda Ambrose, Saskia, Butler Theo, Edmond Black, Robert, Richard Windsor, Ian Grey, Leonardo Morgan, and Valentine De Claire… on second thought, leave Valentine for me."

"..." Logan fell silent for a second.

"Hello, Sir Knight. Still there?"

"... So you want me to slap a Crown Prince, a future Princess, a Count's wife, a living ghost, the future heir of the most troublesome family in Harland, you little brother, a future Knights Commander, a future Prime Minister, a future Court Wizard… and you will handle the future head of the Chamber of Commerce."

"I'll be cheering for you."

"You made a long list of enemies, Princess. You sure a lowly Noble like me can handle it?"

"You go slash slash and I go bang bang. We'll manage."

"I take back what I said about slapping people. I'll do my best to keep you clear from the executioner's block."

"Atta boy, your first day and you got the hang of it already."

"But you're still getting a maid, someone to keep you in check and most importantly… my job easier!"

"Good luck finding one. I'll stroll around the mansion for… Agility and Grace Training."

"As you wish, Princess… Sigh! Help me, Dear Saints."

***

As Logan went on his Knight Quest of finding a maid, I went to the back garden where rarely anyone goes. The sun was setting and father is not home yet so I guess it is going to be fine if I wait to have dinner with him.

It is not Dawn but still a good time for training. It is also a good time to make a System check.

≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈
⟨ Profile ⟩
• Name: Vivian Moore
• Age: 18
• Level: 0
• Condition: Normal
• SP: 510
≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈
⟨ Skills ⟩
- <Dormant Records> [Rank: ???]
- Medjay Knight Training Regime [Rank: SS] (New)
- Etiquette [Rank: C]
- Diplomat [Rank: D]
- Scholar [Rank: D]
- Assassin [Rank: F] (New)
- Shooter [Rank: F] (New)
- Poison Resistance [Rank: F]
≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈

The list has indeed changed. It is not 24 hours since Reincarnation yet it is going good. I am having a 'Level' now despite it being 0, I have regained 200 SP and added 3 more skills.

Now to the serious part.

"System Shop, give me some running sneakers and long pants."

« Price: 110 SP »

"Sigh! What is money for anyway?"

And the training kicked on

Breath in, breath out, wrist and ankles stretches, knee circles, shoulder stretch, quad starch………

***

I am dead?

No… but that training was too Spartan for a weak body like mine.

Pain is simply not stopping.

Is this that pervy training knights do? Damn masochists!

I just want to grab that panacea potion floating over me but my arms are as week as twigs.

After some struggle, the Panacea was in my hand and I brought it near my mouth.

≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈
⟨ Profile ⟩
• Name: Vivian Moore
• Condition: Extremely Fatigued
≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈

"Tell me something I don't know."

I took the Panacea with the last of my strength that went away afterward.

Dozing off for a bit, I found it strange how coldness submerged my body. Not like a bad cold but the good cold, the type where you go into a nice tub after a messy day at work.

Not sure how long later, I became able to move and my body regained its energy.

"So that's a Panacea! It tastes funny but it surely great."

Despite the effect, my body was still stiff. I guess the muscles need time to absorb the training and Magic Energy.

I changed back in the long skirt that was in the small Spatial Bag and was about to enter the mansion but I got myself immersed in the nice evening air.

By this moment, 24 hours have passed since reincarnation.

We survived a day.

Still, as I walked into the mansion, I found a new episode of the daily drama already starting starring Saskia.

"I said we don't need those girls, away from my sight." Saskia shouted.

She only does that when father is not home yet.

"I am sorry for not being able to comply but it is an order of her ladyship whom I serve." Logan's voice replied at her.

Just slap her already.

"I will see when this little wretch arrives. Where would she go out in this hour?"

"In the back garden, stepmother. Anything bothering you by the by?" I asked as I walked in.

There was Saskia, the head maid, Logan, a strange man in a suit and a few women in black dresses behind him.

"You! Why did you tell your Knight to bring us maids? I am the one who runs this house and I am the one who makes that decision." Saskia hurled at me.

"Stepmother, so it was about that. Please, calm down and have a sip of tea. Frowning will make your face grow wrinkles."

"What did you just say?"

"I am only caring for Stepmother's skin! Also, shouting will make your voice grow hoarse."

"Girl, I'm warning you now…" Saskia raised her index to my face.

"Go ahead, Lady of Count Julian's house. I can't call you Countess Moore, can I? That title was mother's last I recall, right? Sorry, I was remembering some events of the past as a Daughter of a Countess. What were we saying again?"

"..." Saskia looked at me with eyes filled with contempt. After all, she is no countess.

"The maids right? I am only hiring a personal one, don't worry."

"Humph! You can choose a maid but I am not paying a penny." Saskia used her card.

"About pennies. I am sure my allowance is admitted by step Mother, right? Ten Gold Pieces a month? I haven't been really receiving any of it during the past year as I didn't really need it but what a coincidence, I heard that Stepmother was keeping them for me this whole time. I thank you deeply." I said.

"What are you talking about? All your allowance is admitted that you received it." She said.

"Really? I think Old Butler Theo will have a different opinion once he presents his review over the house ledgers tonight to Father. Something about Robert being too wasteful with money."

"What? When did he…"

"Birds sing, stepmother. You didn't get a memo?" I said while bypassing her.

I knew that Saskia was giving my allowance to Robert during the past year. It was exactly when the Heroine joined the Academy and he started to care more about his appearance.

I am not really needing any money since I have my own savings that I don't even use. Still, 10 Gold Pieces means I can hire 5 maids if I want, now that's what I call a slap.

Gimme money, witch!

"Humph! Like any maid would want to work for you, the tragic Princess of House Moore abandoned by the Crown Prince and waiting for his shaming vengeance." She said and walked away.

Well, that woman knows how to drop a bomb. Those words made most of the maids get pale in a second and back away.

"Most" doesn't mean all, one stayed her ground.

Interesting!

I walked to a chair and sat.

"Knight Logan, introduce the gentleman."

"Introducing to Lady Vivian Moore, Mr. Jonah here is the broker of maids. Best and most trustworthy in the Capital."

"A pleasure to meet the Wise Lady Vivian. A great deal of your qualities has been passed to our ears, and I assure you that my associates and I are happy to be of service."

"Thank you for your kind words, Mr. Jonah. Please, sit and have some tea. I am sorry for my disheveled appearance but I was overseeing some science project for the Academy" I said while giving a glare to the Head Maid.

My appearance was miserable due to training but Vivian is no one but a beauty who can adjust to any situation with a hair flip.

"It is okay, my Lady. I won't take much of your time then. My associates…"

"'Associates' is a bit of a stretch, Mr. Jonah… this is one associate I see willing to work."

I pointed to the maid who stood her ground. Her appearance was kinda unique in Harland.

"Well… she is a bit… she is not our Establishment most desired associate really…" Mr. Jonah was nervous.

"Hey, why didn't you get scared like the others?" I asked the girl directly.

She was something else I may say. Black curly hair, green eyes, brown skin, a beauty in a black dress wearing a bandana and holding her bag in front of her.

She opened her mouth and spoke.

"If you do not look worried, my Lady, is there a reason for me to? Also, what is the big deal in angering a Prince?" She asked.

I couldn't help but feel more interested.

"I am sorry, my lady. But she is kind of wild. She is not from Elgard, she came from Sauran." Mr. Jonah said.

"From Sauran?" I questioned.

"She is not a slave." Mr. Jonah added.

Sauran, the Southern Continent, a place of many riches that our Kingdom colonized and drains it from its resources. The Giants of Sauran get enslaved by the Silver League and the Northern Sea Company but that also happens to Humans.

"What's your name?" I asked.

"Esmeralda." She said.

"That's a name from Lozan Kingdom."

"I changed my name after the name of the ship that carried me from Sauran to Elgard. I served in Lozan from when I was ten until the war with Vellen three years ago. I was exiled with my Lady to Harland and she died recently. I am now looking for an employer." She said.

"What an interesting life! How is her skill?"

"She is a top-notch maid, my Lady… if you want her." Mr. Jonah said.

"If you are hiring me, my Lady. I wish to be the Head Maid… in your future house to be… I mean." Esmeralda bluntly said.

"Shush!" Mr. Jonah jumped to hush her.

"Haha! I see. Why do you want to be a Head Maid?" I asked.

"Unlike other Maids, I have no place to stay other than the side whom I serve. Sauran is no longer my home and I have no choice but to serve my whole life. I want to be at least in a secured position."

This was getting very interesting to my liking. She is clearly smart and bold. Also, she has a nice accent.

Now I'm hooked.

"Fine! Serve me faithfully, never betray me, and I promise you a good life. You may even see things for free that humanity will pay treasures to see. Are we deal?"

"Yes, my Lady. I pledge myself to be loyal, secretive and faithful." Esmeralda bowed.

I looked at Logan and he nodded. Pledging loyalty is nothing to me, I want a test of loyalty.

But that's for later, right now…

"You are hired."

… I get myself another Ally.