No wonder Gris wanted to get drunk. Not only to speak about what she did but also to calm herself. This world has nothing even close to psychological therapy, but people's minds are still similar. Maybe more resilient as everyone I met brushed off the incidents, bloody or not, with ease, but still, they were humane.

"Before anything, I have to apologize for acting as I did during the day we arrived in the city. And while it does not serve as an excuse, the reasons, which are the same thing I wanted to speak about, were truly shocking..."

***

Gris started, and for the next hour, only stopping as to drink or motion for a refill, she spoke and spoke on.

While she appeared and acted like a commoner, a soldier, a guard, and the other facets that she had shown, Gris's came from a noble lineage.

And not a minor one either, as her grandfather had participated in the Cousin War. And not as a mere soldier, but one of the generals. While he had been on the wrong side, his conduct and deeds, along with his staunch loyalty to the Kingdom even as the claimant, the Count he served supported, died, brought him a commendation even from the opposing party.

When the lands of the three Counts started to be divided, by chance or by thought, Count Aras of Zeln got a small territory called Aten. And the Count did what no one expected by forming the barony of Aten and granting it to General Bertel Yar'er. Thus, Gris's grandfather became Baron Bertel of Aten, and his household, the Yar'er, true nobles of the Kingdom.

Six years after that, Count Aras died, passing his title to his son, Rien. And in the same month, by a whim of the Gods, Baron Bertel died as well. But his title could be contested by his two twin sons. With a difference of a few breaths, it was hard to say who would inherit the title and who would end as an unlanded noble.

Arimir, the one considered eldest, had been helping his father manage the lands and showed the qualities of a great administrator.

Aspar, on the other hand, had been blessed with martial talent. Having started from the lowest noble rank, the one of a Squad Commander, in less than six years, Aspar had proved himself as a keen strategist as well. And at that moment, he served as a Vice-General in the Count's army.

All the friends, acquaintances, and surrounding nobles paid attention to the developments. Still, the two brothers were close, and neither of them had any intention to stand in the way of the other.

But a Baron's title can not be divided, nor it can be left vacant for long. Thus, the brothers convened, and after a discussion, Arimir declared he was striding out on his own. Arimir even stepped out of the Household inheritance line to avoid creating trouble later.

Aspar, the new Baron of Aten, was grateful for his brother's actions, although he tried to stop him from dropping the Household name. But when Aspar's attempts did not work, he gave his brother over half of the treasury, a few properties, and anything else he could need. All in hopes that with Arimir's talent, sooner or later, he would get a title of his own.

The brothers did not break ties either, in place, maintaining the same relationship as always, and during the following years, not only visiting each other but even helping when they could.

For example, it was Aspar's protection that got Arimir the permits to buy properties in several cities, including Megvuroz, and it was Arimir's money and trade contacts that saved the barony during a famine twelve years ago.

Each of the brothers had a single child, and they constantly sent them to stay with each other, wishing for them to create a similar bond as themselves.

Eleven years ago, Arimir, his wife, and Aspar's son Osuin were traveling to the barony when they were kidnapped and suffered the cruel joke of the gods, killed during the infighting of their captors. Indeed, what a cruel joke to be killed as the delivery of the ransom was already underway.

And so, only two people with the blood of the Yar'er line remained in the end. Aspar, the Baron of Aten, and Gris, Arimir's daughter.

Gris, 13 years old at that moment, was taken in by Aspar, and while what happened was a true tragedy, her uncle did everything in his power to make her life well.

Although, as Gris herself said, a warrior isn't the best example and caretaker for a girl, as when she turned 16, she fenced, rode, fought, and had all the skills of a fighter, and had close to no idea of other things. Oh, Aspar's wife, Rasha, did not hesitate to spend any amount of money to get her the best teachers, but still, with him returning to the army path as a way to get over his grief, Gris took more after him than she learned from the etiquette, noble manners, and craft teachers. Or even from the womanly charm and wisdom that Baroness Rasha tried to teach her.

After she turned 16 and became an adult, Gris served a brief stint as a guard for the barony. And then, using some of her father's connections, entered the Trade Guild. It wasn't as if she could not stay in the barony or her uncle did not want her to do so, but she decided to try and find her path.

At 20 years, Gris already became a full bronze member of the Guild and was in charge of the protection of several caravans.

At 21, she won the capital's sword tournament and became the youngest silver member of the Guild.

Baron Aspar and his wife supported her as they could, but all of her achievements were her's only indeed. And they were truly happy for her.

But then, an incident happened, as a flame-bearing force of the Holy State of Lithandia penetrated the Kingdom's lands. Fanatics officially not recognized by their state began a campaign of terror, one that they called a Holy Task in Count Rien's region of Zeln. They converted people by force and killed the ones who refused.

Count Rien took the field with part of his army to protect the people, and Baron Aspar, who had become a general, took another part to hunt the fanatics down. Both were successful, but regretfully, neither ended unscathed. In a series of battles, both Count Rien and General Aspar eliminated the threat but were wounded almost on the same day.

And while Count Rien's wounds healed, General Aspar's, the Baron of Aten, did not.

"I took a few months off and immediately went to Rasha's side, trying to console her and to grieve with her. And it wasn't until two years ago that I returned to my duties, and she took the barony on her shoulders." She took a pause here before continuing with her narrative.

Count Rien visited several times during that months to help the Baroness recover and inherit the barony without trouble. During these visits, Gris and the Count interacted several times, and so when two years later he required a discrete guard, it was unsurprising that Gris was the one he asked.

"But the day we passed near the Fourways Inn, the Count received a letter from his steward. Baroness Rasha died, and the investigation found that she had been fighting an illness. One that was impossible to heal with magic or potions, and one that she had hidden from everyone, including him."

Around here, I did try to stop Gris for a while, but she only shook her head before continuing.

"Well, and that can be said to be one of the reasons why I was in such a state. But in truth, I have comprehended since my childhood that people die. And Rasha never hid that she was sick from me. So yes, I would grieve. But I would not lose concentration until I could allow myself to do so. No, the true reason was the words of the Count." She smiled, but somehow it felt sad. As if she was exchanging her held back tears for this smile.

"And they were?" I asked while acting on her motion to refill her glass, which I did after opening the last bottle of [Merchant's Dew]. Not that I was unable to guess what Count Rien may have said.

A commentary that has no place in the middle of this sad account, but I still have to make. And anyway, it's not like anyone except my future me will see it. Why the hell a medieval-like world thought of corks with a wooden pin to be taken out, and our modern one never did?!

As I thought, Gris's following words confirmed my thoughts.

Count Rien, the direct liege, became the holder of the barony as there were no heirs, but he did not think of revoking it from the Yar'er house.

Thus, as soon as he got hold of the news, he asked Gris to come to see him and announced that he, in his right as the liege of the title, indicts Arimir Yar'er words, and so, Gris is granted her household name back and stands as the sole heir of the barony.

It was a fair decision, as not only by birthright, as now that there were no other relatives, her father's decision to break ties was no longer actual, but even by the will that both Baron and Baroness had left behind. A will in which they declared Gris as their daughter.

The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

"Although we never discussed it, and I honestly hoped for my Uncle, and even for Rasha after he died, to sire another heir, at some point, I felt that they wished me to become heir of both the title and the household." She finished with a similar smile to the previous one.

_______

After Gris finished, silence ensued. I could understand that she was probably waiting for some input from me. But, what to say?

Her aunt's fate was sad indeed, but from how Gris spoke, she did know that she would die.

The other relatives? Damn, it was something that I would not wish to anyone, but years have passed. And, do I have the right to even comment on that?

A similar question to the last was more or less the same one that appeared after pondering about anything I could think of from her retelling.

So, in the end, it seems I can only go with the dull one, huh?

And at least on the topic of sudden life changes, I think I have experience.

_______

"I am unsure that these are the words that suit what you told me about, but I do understand why you were so shocked." She looked at me with surprise, and I continued, "Sudden changes, especially ones that made one abandon all that one learned and how one lived, are scary. They may be for the best or not, but they were probably required."

"Mmm." She half-nodded as she sipped at her wine.

"And you know, it may sound bad, but you will become a noble!" I could not help but remark.

"Hahaha, it does sound bad when you say it!" She laughed, and this time, I did not feel any sadness behind the smile that followed. So maybe, she just needed to speak out her mind?

"And well, I am unsure if I can, but don't hesitate to ask if you need any help. At least in the tiny amount of things that you think I can help." I smiled back.

"Hmm, an intriguing proposal." She murmured before suddenly shaking herself and continuing, "And you know what, I will act on that words right away."

"Huh, that was quick! So what does the noble Lady craves?"

"Have fun! I mean, imagine, as soon as I arrive at Zeln's capital, I will become Lady Yar'er!" She faked a shiver and then added more seriously, "Later, when I give the oath, I will become Baroness of Aten as well."

"And I take that nobles have quite a code to follow, correct? I mean, Count Rien's change after he announced his identity, and his overall speech manner is enough for me to guess that there is a lot of rules and customs to be followed."

"You are right, and what's worse, as a female and recent noble, I will be under constant watch." She nodded affirmatively, then glanced at me with a playful glint in her eyes, "So hear and obey, peasant! This noble Lady commands you to make this night fun!"

"Ah, yes, m'lady!" I faked a bow, and then we both laughed.

"Mind opening the next bottle?" She pointed to her empty crystal cup.

"I take that it will be the [Noble's Dew] now?"

"Yes, and see, my selection of wines is perfectly suited for my situation." She motioned to the emptied bottles of Merchant's Dew.

"Yes, although I am surprised by the amount." I had controlled my drunkenness, and if I did not, I would have already fallen. But Gris drank more than me and, except for the unsteady pace from before, she showed no hint of being drunk.

"If you mean the amount I can drink, well, it comes with the profession." She shrugged as I approached to fill her glass.

"Hmm? Guild Guards drink much?"

"No, in truth, they don't drink at all while under orders. But members of the Guild tend to discuss everything while drinking, and I am a silver member, remember?" She pointed to her belt, to the spot from where she had produced the silver badge before.

"So, I take that Reuben is a light drinker when compared to the superiors?" The joke was dull, but well, I had never been the party soul.

"Hahaha, indeed! He needs to learn to keep up with the down-the-barrel drinkers from above!" Seemingly it was still enough for Gris, as she laughed and continued.

We made some more small talk as we continued drinking. And I have to say, [Noble's Dew] was indeed something worthy of note. Almost purple, a strong aroma that resembled one of the flowers, and after drinking even a sip, its strong and slightly fruity taste remained for half a minute.

And at some point, I made a mistake. Not a big one, but I relaxed too much.

"You know, with how you fight, drink and joke, you truly remind me of the valkyries." There was no word for valkyrie in either language, so I blurted it out in English. I only noticed a moment after I did, but it was already too late.

"Valk... Valyri, no, valkyries? What's that?" After battling with the pronunciation, Gris asked with curiosity. And between her glowing eyes and almost childlike manner of inclining forward when she was interested in something, I understood that I could not say I misspoke.

And hell, what local word, I could have meant to say there? The only thing more or less comparable would be [Val'er'kir], and why the fuck, I would compare her with a, ahem, siege crossbow? Well, it was more akin to a small ballista from what I had read, but still!

"...A kind of warrior maiden. Known to participate in feasts and battles, more-or-less in the same amount." Slightly panicking inside, I decided to explain. No one here knows of the myth I referred to, so who cares if I explain it vaguely?

"Oh, tell me more! And this val, eeh, valkyries, who do they serve? How do they fight? What kind of feasts?" Damn, I provided for the beast of curiosity, and now I need to continue feeding it, or it will eat me!

At that moment, I cleared my mind while recalling some of the myths. Only to change and mix the fuck out of them.

"Well, let me start with the basics..."

_______

I am unsure how many myths I mixed, but in the end, the result was both impressive and fairly realistic for Lieade.

The Valkyries;

An order of blessed warrior maidens consecrated to the Goddess Sepyre. Unknown even to some followers of the Goddess, they constantly train and prepare themselves. They exist to defend the people of their faith and to help brave warriors that fight for the right cause.

They fight with swords, spears, and shields, most of which are magical. And a battle is followed by a gathering. Where they drink, joke, and revel in the tales of their deeds.

The valkyries that show the most skill rise to the top of their order and receive different blessings. The most sought of which are the wings. Wings that allow them to soar the skies and even ascend to their Goddess side in case of need.

You know, Sepyre, you now have an order of holy (winged!) maiden warriors. And it's your fault for pushing all the tasks about making up your lore, myths, and entire religion on me!

_______

"It sounds amazing! But, I have never heard of that Goddess you mention." Gris first exclaimed and then turned pensive.

"And you would have spent most of your life without doing so. Sepyre is a Goddess unknown in the Kingdom, even in the entire continent." Well, that was the truth. I feel like I am digging a hole, and I continue to dig deeper and deeper!

"But I suppose you follow her? As otherwise, why would you know about her?" Gris was intelligent, and seemingly no quantity of alcohol could dull her mind.

"Yes, I do. The Goddess is also the source of most of my knowledge." If you cannot find an excuse, then use the truth. Well, or what looks like the truth.

"I see." She nodded and stopped asking more things.

"But you mentioned that you wanted to have fun, and I think that explaining to you how great is the Goddess I follow wasn't part of the plan." I concluded the talk, inwardly thanking whoever was responsible for making Gris stop.

"Mmm, it is still interesting. I mean, not every day you meet someone with uncommon knowledge, looks, and religion!" She laughed, and now it was clear that I was safe.

"You could also mention the lack of common sense and common knowledge, but yes, thank you."

"And speaking of uncommon knowledge, does it includes anything to make our small drinking session more fun?" She smiled as her eyes narrowed in a mischievous expression.

"Hmm, I am unsure, but wait, tell me, what is your favorite animal?"

"Huh? A strange question, but I would say that I love dogs." She was surprised but answered quickly. A dog, huh? I recall thinking her totem animal was one!

"Ok, close your eyes for a few moments. And don't look until I say that you can!"

"Hmm?" She had a doubtful look in her eyes but did as I instructed.

"Dogs, dogs, dogs." I muttered without her hearing and imagined all the different dogs I could. Choosing ten of the most good-looking races I found, I cast the [Low-Illusion] spell several times more and then said, "Open your eyes!"

"O!" Her mouth opened, and she looked dumbfounded. She knew that I was an untrained mage, and she had seen me use an illusion before, but she did not expect to find herself surrounded by dogs now, right?

"I can not even recognize most of these types! Amazing!"

She almost clapped as she looked at the dogs I created. A superficial, unmoving illusion, but pretty nice-looking. Well, I could move it as a whole with a command, but as to make them life-like? Impossible.

"Which do you like more?" I asked while waving my hand as if I was a magician in a circus.

"Hmm." I could see how her eyes moved from the husky to the german shepherd, then to the malinois, and at last to my favorite, the cane corso. "This one!"

"I see." I was surprised indeed. She had looked a lot more at the others but then chose one she barely looked at. But it did not stop me from dispelling the other nine dogs. And then, I filled the entire room with fluffy samoyeds.

"Do they have a name?" She asked as she inched closer to the nearest illusion.

"I am unsure that they exist on this continent. And I do not know their Dominion name." Well, I could not avoid lying here, could I?

"I see, but still, they are so amazing!" I was glad that she liked it, and both her words and expression showed it.

Then as the illusion began to consume mana again, I dispelled all but one, and another idea sprang into my mind.

"I am not sure that you want one that is neither alive nor fluffy, but until I can gift you one..."

***

We finished the night, and it was very late by that moment, with the bottle of sweet dessert wine she had asked, and left the place after she paid. I did attempt to cover the total of 32 silver myself. But she again glared at me, and so I had to surrender.

Outside, in the noble district, I was wondering, what followed? Should I walk her to her house? But seemingly, the Gris that was at that moment happily holding a clay figurine of a samoyed dog had her perspective about what followed.

"Let's go." She half-tugged at my sleeve and started walking towards the main street direction.

But we only walked for something like three minutes before she stopped, looked at me, then inclined her head to point at a nearby mansion and said, "I am unsure that anything good remains in stock, but I do want to continue drinking. So, mind accompanying me further?"

"Wait, you mean that this is your house?!" I half-gasped as I looked at the enormous, three-floor high, surrounded by a grass-filled yard manor.

"I did say that I am rich, right?" She lightly chuckled and started walking towards the unlit building.

***

As I found later, after I used my [Light] spell and took a lamp from my [Inventory], Gris rarely lived here in the past years. She never maintained permanent servants either, just contracting a few people through the Guild to clean it before she arrived at Megvuroz. Thus, the mansion did show a slight lack of care, as well it was somehow empty inside.

Still, after some scouting, and she participated almost with the same interest as me, we found lamps, candles, and even a crate of wine bottles in the basement warehouse.

"Well, not what I hoped for, but it will serve." She examined the bottles of something called [Central's Own] before asking me, "And between all your things, you don't happen to have some cups, do you? If not, I think I have some travel mugs somewhere."

"Surprisingly, I just happen to have a lot of crystal cups." I said while summoning two after chanting a fake [Storage]. Zelindo, thank you!

"Well, well, you did not lie about helping me when I ask you to!" She laughed.

***

After that, I am unsure how much we drank. Or how much time passed before Gris decided she was drunk enough. I probably could recall each cup and tally the amount, but why should I?