The next day, Rayne returned home from school to find both of her parents nervously sitting at their kitchen table. It was unusual for either of them to be there when the children returned from school, and their nervousness immediately put her on guard.

“Rayne, honey, go wash up and change into a nice dress,” her mom said as soon as she walked in the room.

Though she wanted to ask what had happened, Rayne simply nodded and did as she was told. After changing, she grabbed her school satchel that held her current book and a notebook. Her parents were used to Rayne keeping the satchel with her anytime she might find a spare moment to read, so they didn’t comment on the addition to her attire.

They rode the small wagon her family used to deliver produce to the nearby town instead of walking. Given the palpable stress her parents were feeling, Rayne almost wished they were walking back to town instead of taking the faster option.

Her siblings did not come with them, which only increased Rayne’s feelings of discomfort. She couldn’t think of anything noteworthy that she might have done to have caused her to be singled out, but something had obviously happened.

Finally, Rayne asked her parents where they were going, and learned they had been summoned to the [Baron]’s estate without explanation. Her parents were given no information about the summons, except to say that Rayne needed to be brought there as soon as she was available.

The fact that she hadn’t been collected from school was a good sign, she supposed. It was possible that [Geomancer] Stonecutter had pulled some strings for her, considering they were supposed to start lessons the following week. Maybe the [Baron] wanted to meet her since being given lessons in magic was not common in their area.

Especially not for a commoner.

When she indicated a lack of knowledge about the summons purpose as well, the remainder of the short trip was completed in silence.

The [Baron]’s estate was by far the largest building in the town, with the temple reaching a distant second place. They were similarly styled, with smooth stone walls that looked like marble (though she didn’t think that was what the material actually was), and high arches that made each entryway more appropriately sized for a giant than a normal human.

They were rushed from their wagon into the waiting area of the residence, which was finely furnished with upholstered seating and thick rugs unlike anything else she’d seen since her rebirth. The décor was clearly made by expert craftsmen, since modern technology didn’t exist to give such perfect proportions in this world. That meant the potters and glassblowers that created the various pieces had done so largely by hand. It was an impressive feat, she thought.

Though, she admittedly did not know a lot about either craft, so it was possible that she was just easily impressed.

After much less time than she expected, Rayne and her parents were summoned into the [Baron]’s meeting hall and saw the man himself seated in a small throne elevated on a dais.

The [Baron] was immaculately groomed and dressed much nicer than anyone else she’d seen in their town – a feat that was not altogether difficult given the lacking amenities. It was obvious the man was both wealthy and accustomed to being catered to based on his mannerisms and the casual way he dismissed the servant who brought them forward.

She felt uncomfortably exposed as he looked blankly at her. Aside from his eyes, the nobleman looked utterly bored by their presence. His eyes, however, betrayed his keen interest in her. Unfortunately, Rayne had no idea what she might have done to warrant such interest.

After a few minutes of uncomfortable silence, the man nodded, and another man approached from the side. Though she’d met him only once, and was merely an infant at the time, Rayne immediately recognized the man as the [Priest] that had conducted her naming ceremony.

With a stiff smile, the [Priest] held out a hand. “Please take my hand, girl.”

She did so, and immediately felt the same pulse of energy flow through her as before. Again, an abbreviated status screen appeared above the crystal held in the [Priest]’s hand.

Name:

Rayne

Body:

4

Level:

4

Vitality:

5

Age:

7 years

Agility:

6

Class:

N/A

Mind:

9

Health:

50

Spirit:

7

Mana:

90

Resolve:

6

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

“Did you provide guidance for her attribute allotments, or did the girl assign them herself?” the priest asked her father, without looking at her.

Rayne bristled a bit at being talked about as if she wasn’t present, but was simultaneously relieved that she would not need to answer to the prickly man. She was also bothered by the deepening frown on the [Baron]’s face as he looked over her status.

Was he upset that she was advancing?

Why would he be bothered by anything displayed on her status? As the noble over the territory, he should be happy to see those under him doing well. It wasn’t like she could ever be a threat to him or anything. At most, any success she had could only serve to make him look better.

At least, that’s how she would think in his place.

She’d been taught early that commoners were little more than tools for the nobility, but still…

Her father’s voice responded in a tone much more submissive than she’d ever heard it before. “We discussed attribute allotment when she gained her first level,” he replied cautiously.

It was true, though none of the points displayed were assigned. Thank goodness whatever the [Priest] was doing gave only limited information. Given their reactions thus far, if they saw she still had all 12 unassigned points, it would probably be worse.

All of her attribute gains had been earned through effort or natural growth, which was something she was proud of. Why spend points on something she was still able to impact through effort? She planned to hold on to them until her efforts reached a point of significant diminishing returns.

The exception would be if she needed to make some small adjustment to gain a better class. It didn’t show on the holographic display, but she was only a handful of points away from reaching level five and gaining her first class slot.

The only other one in their family close to gaining a new class slot was her older sister and she’d been apprenticing with the local seamstress since she reached level four two years before. Amelia was also fourteen and close to reaching the age of majority.

“Why did you allow the child to increase her mental attributes instead of something useful for her, like Body or Agility?” the nobleman on the throne sneered, surprising them all when he spoke from his dais.

Her parents were much more effective at controlling their responses than Rayne, who physically recoiled at the man’s words. The [Priest] released her hand and promptly wiped his with a white cloth he’d pulled from somewhere. The act had no purpose but to offend, since she was freshly bathed and her palms had (somehow) remained dry.

The modern woman inside was furious at the entire situation, but her reactions were tempered by the fear apparent on her parents’ faces. It wasn’t like they could have truly controlled her point assignments anyway! She felt like the nobleman’s question had to be a trap, and she couldn’t see a good way for her father to respond.

Suddenly chilled, she thought about all the stories she’d read about the nobles of Earth’s history and how they treated the commoners. Hopefully it wasn’t that bad here. Still, she was instantly glad that she was not the one being questioned.

“We sought only to serve, milord,” her father said with a deep bow, holding it until the [Baron] spoke again.

It seemed to mollify him a bit, as the nobleman sighed and grumbled something too low for Rayne to make out before looking directly at her. The attention made her shrink inside a bit, almost like there was a physical weight attached.

“Be at ease,” he finally said, releasing Rayne’s father from his bow. “It seems effort deserves a response. The child will be sent to school in the capital since it is clear there is not enough to challenge her here.”

Her mother pulled her to her knees and the trio dropped, her father managing to stammer, “That is very gracious, milord, but the cost –”

The [Baron] made a dismissive gesture, cutting off his protests. “It is but a small investment to ensure she gets what is deserved. Especially after the… aid,” he added the last word with obvious distaste, “that she gave to my son, Donovan. Say your goodbyes. She will be joining the caravan at dawn. I will ensure she is properly equipped for her future, have no worries.”

Though her [detect lie] skill did not alert her to deception, Rayne couldn’t help but feel there was something off about the offer. Maybe he had a much higher deception skill than her measly level one detection skill. It wasn’t like the nobleman had made any effort to hide his dislike for her. Whether it was her personally or commoners in general, she was unsure.

And how could he be Donnie’s father? Donnie was a sweet boy who acted nothing like the man in front of her. Aside from his clothing and obvious tutoring, there was nothing to indicate he was the [Baron]’s son. Was he angry about the flower, or maybe didn’t want his son mixing with someone of low birth? That seemed a bit petty to her.

Her family was shuffled into a private area to say goodbye. She was grateful for a bit of privacy for the last few moments she’d have with them for a while – or possibly ever. Who knew what might happen?

As her mother embraced her, she felt something being placed into her hand. Looking down, she saw a small dagger attached to a strap.

“If you are going to be without us, you should make sure you are never unarmed. Even if you are traveling in a group, make sure you always keep this on you. It’s better to be prepared, just in case. You can strap it to your leg under your dress or keep it in your satchel if that doesn’t work.”

Before she could say anything, her father pulled her into a hug. “My daughter… please be safe. Do your very best and make us proud. I know you are smart, too smart, perhaps. Use that brain to keep yourself safe. The roads can be dangerous, and safety is never guaranteed.”

He leaned a little closer and whispered into her ear. “I’m sorry we can’t protect you from this. Don’t trust anyone during the trip. The [Baron] is not known for kindness, so be wary of this ‘gift’.”

It seemed her parents were getting the same feeling she was.

Wanting to give them some comfort, Rayne remained stoic and nodded to both after saying goodbye. She was swiftly escorted to a small storeroom where she was given a bag and a few travel items. She tried to focus.

“Is this all I’ll need until I reach the capital? I have no other clothes or anything.”

The servant glared at her for a moment before her eyes softened a touch and she sighed. “I was directed to provide you with the basics needed for two days of travel, not the two weeks it would take to get to the capital.”

Two days? There had to be some mistake. “The caravan is heading to the capital, correct?”

The servant thought for a moment then frowned. “I believe so. Actually, yes. I’m sure of it.” The woman turned from her and mumbled, “Did I mishear? I must have.”

Coming to a decision, she nodded. “Take the bag for now. I’ll show you to your room and have dinner brought to you while I check on my instructions. I don’t want to get thrashed for causing the [Baron] to fail to meet a promise, after all.”

The servant took her to a small room and left. Even being small, the room was still larger than the one she shared with her older sister. Rayne tried not to worry and pulled out her book, determined to finish it before leaving. Unfortunately, she was unable to focus enough to make any headway.

After a half-hour of frustration, she welcomed the knock at her door. Dinner was simple, but good quality, though her stomach protested as she forced herself to eat.

Rayne worried that the other female servant forgot about bringing her additional supplies, leaving her to struggle with hardly enough to get by for two days.

Thankfully, the servant returned a bit later and uncomfortably handed her a storage ring. “This is likely more than he intended to provide, so please don’t let anyone know you have it.”

She looked afraid, but oddly determined. It was very different from her previous behavior. Rayne wondered what had changed but was distracted from the thought by looking inside the ring.

The items within had likely been used by Donnie or another important youth at some point since there were several well used child-sized weapons and clothing sets, as well as two minor health potions. It was unlikely the older items would still be used by the family members, so they probably wouldn’t be missed, though the health potions might.

Hopefully not.

The ring also included a sewing kit, travel rations, and various used camping gear. She wasn’t sure she would need some of it, but it was always better to have something and not need it. Besides, she had no idea if they would be staying in tents or what the sleeping arrangements might be. She’d never traveled via caravan in this world.

There was no way she would be able to wear the ring openly. It was too likely it would be found and taken from her. It wasn’t like she could protect it from someone stronger than her. The best she could hope for was to hide the ring and ensure nobody learned of it.

Just like the surprisingly nice servant suggested.

Rayne used the sewing kit to attach the ring to the inside of her dress, ensuring it was well secured and would not be lost. Preparations complete, she decided to attempt to sleep while she could and crawled under the covers without bothering to do more than remove her shoes.