Chapter 79: InvestitureAs soon as Mirabel’s party leaves through her Adventurer’s portal, Roxanne rushes to me.

  “Master, I’m sorry for speaking out of turn.”

  “It’s alright, Roxanne. Just be careful not to do that again. Revealing too much is poor strategy.”

  “Yes, Master. I promise.”

  “Good. No harm done and all is forgiven. Let’s go fetch the others.”

  It takes a few minutes to find a secluded spot to open a portal of my own. The first stop is the central library to get Sherry. She’s waiting for us.

  “Hello, Sherry. Ready to go?”

  “Yes, David, though all I managed to find was a rumor.”

  “That’s fine. Let’s go look for the others.”

  The library’s transfer wall isn’t crowded so I use it freely to open a portal directly to Bode’s adventurer guild. Arriving is less conspicuous than using their wall to leave.

  “Let’s spread out and look for them. Meet back here when you find someone.”

  As we step out to execute my pn, we find all three waiting on a nearby bench. Unexpectedly, Alina looks unhappy.

  “I’m so sorry, David, I lost the money you gave me. My entire purse is gone. I don’t know what happened.”

  “That’s alright, Alina. Was it recently?”

  “Yes, on the way to the guild.”

  “Roxanne, try to track it. The rest of us will follow further back.”

  Roxanne takes off and Alina comments, “Roxanne is good, but this seems impossible.”

  “I marked everyone’s purse with a rare spice called cardamom with a little bit of pine tar. As long as the purse wasn’t immediately tossed, Roxanne should be able to find it even in this crowd.”

  After 10 minutes of searching, Roxanne finds the thief, who I confirm has the Thief job. I instruct Roxanne to smile at him and that’s more than enough to make him drop his guard. Zara and Sima easily restrain him and we walk to the castle’s guard station.

  “I am David Moreau. We have captured a thief. He is in possession of my companion’s purse, along with many others.”

  “Thank you, Lord Moreau. We’ll take it from here.”

  I retrieve Alina’s purse (even I could smell the spice from this distance) and we leave without being questioned. That’s the way justice should work.

  “Good job, Roxanne. Let’s go home.”

  ────────────────────────

  Zara says, “Purse smells like home.”

  “Yes, I bought that spice in Zabir. Roxanne didn’t recognize it, so I got the idea to use a tiny amount to mark some of our stuff. Nice that it worked.”

  We break for chores and dinner prep. Sherry briefs me while I fill the tubs.

  “Dragon Skill Crystals seem to be one of the rarest. The rumor is that they reduce magic damage, like Slimes do against physical attacks.” [1]

  “That makes sense. Maybe someone else should have it since my robe already does this.”

  “I disagree, David. Gear and crystals generally work together so this could make you practically immune to magic attacks. With this, you may very well have the best armor in the entire empire.”

  “The royal family or high nobles might have better, but I agree it will be incredible. Do you think you’re ready to enchant a second skill to my robe?”

  “Despite being stronger, I’m frightened of failure. This feels so much worse than the first enchantment.”

  “Alright, Sherry, we’ll wait until you’re ready. After you become an Adventurer, you should be able to spend more time as a Runesmith. Eventually, you should qualify for the advanced job, which should make it easier to do high-level enchantments.”

  “Thank you for being so understanding, David.”

  “If I was nicer, I’d let you continue with Runesmith now. Becoming an Adventurer is more about safety and convenience, especially if I’m unavaible.”

  For dinner, we have some of the meat Roxanne and I collected this morning — we will never run out of food. I may need to find another vilge to offload the extras.

  “I will go to Rutina’s ceremony tomorrow morning. You may attend, but you won’t be allowed to sit with me. I expect to return in the early afternoon and we’ll go to a byrinth if there’s time.”

  Alina responds, “Roxanne and Sherry would like to go with you. Zara, Sima and I would prefer to stay home. If that’s alright with you, David.”

  “Yes, that’s fine. No weapons or armor, right?”

  “Right, David. Normal clothes and no obvious weapons. For the ceremony, they will stay with the general audience. Later, they will be seated with the guards and staff, not outside with the regur commoners.”

  “Thanks for taking care of this, Alina.”

  I warm the tubs, extra hot for Zasi.

  Afterwards, only Roxanne comes upstairs with me, apparently to apologize for what happened at the fair. I honestly don’t care what excuses they dream up, but I’m certainly not going to spoil their fun.

  ────────────────────────

  Day 92

  Today is the first day of the first week of Summer, year AE 342. I’ve been here long enough to use actual dates in my notes rather than count the days like I’ve been kidnapped, even if that’s technically true. I guess the date would be written AE 342, Summer, Week 1 Day 1. No, that’s too long. I could abbreviate it to 342 q3 1-1. Nope, still too much and now it’s less readable. Actually, counting the days is better for pnning. When would I need to know the date anyway?

  Regardless of what I call it, today is the day Rutina will become a count. I should also get permission to marry Mirabel soon. These events should pacify Cassia, not that her approval matters. The duke already seems fine with me, though a little more could help. Will this be enough for Gosr to finally leave me alone? Hopefully. Otherwise, I might have to get rid of him.

  “Good morning, everyone. Great day today. I pn to wear fancy clothes. Can you help me get ready?”

  Alina responds, “Obviously, David. You got sweaty st night so we’ll need to wash you.”

  By the time I fill a small tub halfway and warm the water, the crew begins their work. Zara and Sima watch carefully. Is Alina pnning to train them? After getting washed, Alina dresses me while Roxanne and Sherry prepare themselves. Even if they protest, I should get the girls nice clothing. They should at least have some clothes fit for wealthy merchants.

  I open a portal a bit deeper into the forest than usual and Roxanne insists on checking first. Roxanne is carrying two of Sherry’s daggers. Of course, I have one along with a wand. I’m sure Sherry has some weapons in her Item Box like I do. Well, let’s join the peaceful celebration.

  Sherry and Roxanne walk about a couple meters behind to keep watch without being obvious.

  While I’m waiting for Mirabel, Baron Ester approaches as if he’s been waiting for me. I’m prepared for him this time.

  “Good morning, Baron Ester.”

  “Hello, Lord Moreau. Gd to see that we’re on speaking terms.”

  “Yes, sorry for leaving so abruptly. I’ve been told that I simply misunderstood you.”

  “Oh? Then you’re willing to resume the discussion?”

  “I’m sorry, Baron Ester, but His Grace, the Duke of Harz, asked me not to discuss that matter with anyone.”

  “Ha ha, surely that doesn’t include me?”

  “His Grace did not mention any exceptions.”

  “Lord Moreau, are you actually serious?”

  “Of course I am. I can’t defy a duke.” (Unless it suits me.)

  “Just tell me, Lord Moreau, what would satisfy you?”

  “Unambiguous approval from the duke or his captain in your presence. If you don’t get arrested, I’ll listen.”

  Without hesitation, as if anticipated, “Fine. I’ll arrange it.”

  “But not today, I’m busy.”

  “Yes, I’ve heard. Congratutions. When will you be avaible?”

  “Three days from now at noon. Bode’s Castle. Ah, here’s my date. Goodbye, Baron Ester.”

  “Yes, I’ll see you soon. Don’t miss it.”

  The baron promptly turns and leaves. This guy came here just to see me. Creepy stalker.

  ────────────────────────

  Mirabel is wearing a beautiful gown. It’s even nicer than what she wore at her parent’s house. I like casual clothes, but it’s nice to see her like this.

  “Gd you could make it, Mirabel. You look lovely.”

  “My goodness, David. You look more like a noble than most nobles. It really suits you.”

  “Thank you. This is the first set of clothing I bought when I came to this region. I’ve been meaning to upgrade.”

  “He he, you’re always so funny, David. Anyway, I forgot to ask, whose investiture is this?”

  “Lady Rutina is becoming the new Count of Selmer.”

  “The demoiselle? Goodness, I never would have guessed.”

  “She just turned 15 and will be taking over after her te father.”

  “Illness?”

  “No, trial-by-combat. Against me, actually.”

  “What?!”

  “Hopefully, none of his family members will bring it up.”

  “Such as his daughter?”

  “No, she’s accepted it. At least, that’s what she says.”

  “Isn’t this the secret you could have shared?”

  “It would’ve just sounded like I copied your story.”

  “David, that’s awful. Well, your story was better anyway. Do you have any more big secrets?”

  “Yes, many. Shall we go inside?”

  Roxanne and Sherry follow us. Mirabel’s guards stay outside.

  ────────────────────────

  Gosr is at the door. He’s probably in charge of overall security.

  “Lord Moreau, nice of you to attend. And this must be Lady Mirabel.”

  “Yes, Lord Captain. This is Lady Mirabel. Mirabel, this is Captain Gosr of Harz Duchy.”

  Mirabel responds formally, “Greetings, Captain Gosr.”

  Roxanne and Sherry follow silently. Gosr doesn’t protest so it’s fine.

  Mirabel nudges me. “How did the captain know who I am?”

  “Gosr keeps a close eye on me, so he knows all about you.”

  “That’s creepy.”

  “Agreed. Roxanne, Sherry, we’ll part here. I’ll fetch you on the way out, after the meal.”

  They nod and I continue with Mirabel. As we walk past the general assembly, Bernhard calls out.

  “Hello David, I mean, Lord David. I’m sorry, what should I call you?”

  “Hello, Bernhard. Please call me ‘David’ as usual. This is Lady Mirabel. She is accompanying me.”

  Bernhard whispers to me in Elvish, ?David, what does that mean??

  ?She is with me.?

  “Congratutions, Lady Mirabel. I hope you will be happy with David.”

  “Mirabel, Bernhard is the chief of Nordselm Vilge.”

  “Pleased to meet you, Bernhard.”

  We continue and I’m again nudged by Mirabel. “David, why was I congratuted? What did you say to him?”

  “Bernhard asked me to expin our connection. I may have mistransted.”

  “We are far from my family, so a few rumors will do no real harm.”

  “Thanks for understanding. When we reach the center, I will introduce you formally.”

  Cassia sees us and immediately comes over.

  “Your Grace, may I present Lady Mirabel, daughter of the Marquis of Valois. Mirabel, this is Her Grace, the Duchess of Harz.”

  Cassia responds, “I’m happy to finally meet you, Lady Mirabel.”

  “I’m pleased to meet you, Your Grace. Has Lady Rutina perhaps mentioned me?”

  “Only to say that Lord Moreau was bringing you. We were so pleased with the news.”

  Momentarily confused, Mirabel gracefully responds, “Then I thank you, Your Grace.”

  Cassia turns to me, “Lord Moreau, I wish to put the past behind us. Please call me Cassia.”

  “I would like that too, Lady Cassia. Thank you.”

  “Wonderful. His Grace would certainly like to meet Lady Mirabel as well.”

  The duke is nearby, but I don’t see Rutina. I guess she’ll arrive ter. Maybe in a procession? I’d better get back in character.

  “Your Grace, may I present Lady Mirabel, daughter of the Marquis of Valois. Mirabel, this is His Grace, the Duke of Harz.”

  The duke chuckles, “David, I thought we’d gotten past this. Well, that was a good introduction.”

  “Thank you, My Lord.”

  The duke turns to Mirabel and switches to a more formal tone. “Pleased to meet you, Lady Mirabel.”

  “The honor is mine, Your Grace.”

  The duke turns back to me. “David, here is the letter you requested. It says only what I know to be true.”

  “Thank you for your honesty, My Lord.”

  Even if the duke wrote that I’m prone to lose my temper, it should still pass as a good letter.

  After the duke leaves, Mirabel asks quietly, “David, why are you so close to a duke and duchess?”

  “We met through Rutina and then I did some work for the duke. The duchess and Rutina are first cousins.”

  “Well, then how did you meet Rutina?”

  “Through Alina and I met Alina by chance. Oh, there’s Rutina, way over there. Let’s go say hi.”

  “No, David, we shouldn’t bother her.”

  “Really? Why not?”

  “Tradition. Anyway, it would be bad to appear too close.”

  “Oh, that’s right. Thanks, Mirabel.”

  “You’re doing splendidly, David. It almost seems natural.”

  “Good that you didn’t see how rude I was to the duke in the beginning.”

  “Sounds terrible. I’d love to hear about it sometime.”

  “It’s good that you’re getting used to me, Mirabel.”

  ────────────────────────

  Soon, an announcement is made for everyone to take their pces. Mirabel and I are directed to spots in the main area a bit behind the local nobles. We stand out as the only humans pced so close to the stage. The stares we receive may be due to this or because they have figured out who I am.

  The duke sits alone in a fancy chair pced on a raised ptform. Why isn’t Rutina up there? [2]

  A clerk I recognize comes forward and the room falls silent, even before he speaks. In a loud, clear voice, necessary without a microphone, the clerk opens the event.

  “By order of His Grace, the Duke of Harz, this court is now in session. We are gathered to confirm the succession and invest Rutina as Count of Selmer under the w of the Empire. Let all present keep order and stand as witness.”

  It’s incredibly cool to see this up close — like I’m on a movie set. Rutina is called forward. She kneels in front of the ptform and procims.

  “I, Rutina of Selmer, give my homage to His Grace, the Duke of Harz. I swear wful service for the County of Selmer, and pledge counsel, aid, and obedience, according to the w of the Empire.”

  Yuck. I just knew there’d be a line like that. I don’t think I could say that and certainly not to the duke.

  All dignified and formal, the duke responds, “I receive your homage, Rutina of Selmer.”

  Rutina stands and the clerk brings a sword to the duke. It’s rather pin and appears to be a completely normal sword, not ceremonial. The duke then gets up and walks to the edge of the ptform in front of Rutina.

  The duke loudly procims, “By the authority given to me under the w of the Empire, I invest you, Rutina, with the County of Selmer. I grant you its rights and duties, to govern according to w and in my name.”

  Right in the middle of all that, he hands down the sword in a solemn manner. This feels rather militaristic for a peaceful empire, but I guess he wants to emphasize the duty that her father shirked. The sword almost makes up for the obedience crap.

  Rutina holds the sword as received in both hands and decres, “I accept the County of Selmer and the charge it carries.”

  Finally, though this is all much briefer than expected, the duke decres, “I recognize Rutina as Count of Selmer, wful holder of that office, with all its rights and duties.”

  The duke steps down and Rutina walks up to take her pce.

  Rutina is the new Count of Selmer.

  ────────────────────────

  [1] There is no support for this cim in the LN. In fact, Sherry could be wrong.[2] This entire ceremony is loosely based on Medieval European tradition with an artificially secur spin.