Jeff took the rest of the day to come up with his own thoughts for the future. To really think about not only what he plans to do, but how he plans on doing it, and how he would be seen doing it. For starters, seeing the uniform made him think about his own cards cosmetics. An army is not an army if it has no uniformity. They call that a mob. An army had to have a dress code, standard procedures, and more importantly a symbol that represented them. From rebel forces in some forgotten corner of the world to the mightiest armies. His mind focused on the back of one of his base cards and saw the six-pointed star with two distinct triangles linking three symbols of an element in each corner. On the top was a white gem and going clockwise it went white, red, green, black, blue, brown. Rubbing his chin, and finding some stubble there, he could not help but shrug and put the card back into his vault.
After an hour of reading into a noble's introductory guide to heraldry, he could not help but nod to his idea. It did not take Xilna long to arrive.
“ You called, sir?”
Jeff nods and lifts the book he had been reading.
“ This is a book from the noble academy to teach young nobles the differences between the banners of different species and factions. I noticed a lack of any fixed notifiers for otherworlders,”
Xilna nods and reaches for the book.
“ Most otherworlders do not understand the rules set in place for heraldry. For example, something involving a tree is usually reserved for those of elven bloodlines. A hammer or pickax is often added to a dwarves. The shade of a dragon’s scales color is the main color of ours. Now there are exceptions to every rule and rule to every exception. A mining company in example will also usually have pickaxes even if there is not a dwarf in the company. A horse trading company and centaurs will often have something related to horses
Now otherworlders often use something from their homeworld they recognize but we natives do not. Usually some weapon or such. And they have no qualms about ignoring standard conventions. Which in itself could be a sign you are a otherworlder.”
Xilna hands him back the book and Jeff takes it and puts it on the table then grabs the card he had there. He showed her the back of it.
“ Would it be possible for me to get one made using my card as a base?”
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Xilna takes the card and looks at the back of it for a moment before flipping to see a basic clothed skeleton on the front.
“ The design on the back could be easily be recognized as a magical-based heraldry, which is accurate with your summoner status. Obviously, a skull or skeleton would be frowned upon. I shall be honest with you. Other than that, I am not the right person to ask. I am a lesser daughter of my line. Close enough to have a direct connection, but not high enough rank to be in contention to lead the family. Because if I was in that position then my family would mostly be dead.”
Xilna shakes her head before handing back the card.
“ If you wish I can arrange for someone to come that is more knowledgeable. In fact, it would be wise to also get someone to teach you proper etiquette in the proper setting, beyond the basic lessons you are already being provided. Technically, you are behooved to every country and none of them at the same time. That is till you pay off your debt.”
Xilna then looks to the side to consider something.
“ In fact, I believe I shall message my mother. If you are serious about your plan on becoming a mercenary captain...”
Jeff looks at her confused as he interrupts her.
“ I never told you...”
She cuts him off in return.
“ It is obvious by your requests. You seek knowledge of all the races. Looking up prices of goods enough for a small army. Pay rate for mercenaries. Believe it or not, this is one of the lesser taken paths we have prepared for.”
Xilna pauses to scratch her chin.
“ I mean over half of the blue and green dorms are calling themselves adventurers or some nonsense. I mean we do have those, but real ones would eat them for breakfast.”
Xilna notices Jeff turn his gaze back to his card.
“ I am going to need levels too. Before I start making a mercenary company... maybe I should raise my level first.”
Xilna shook her head bring his attention to her again.
“ You should learn how to fight first, which is the whole point of this place. Hero’s and otherworlders are known for their rapid early growth. In three months, most of you should be able to fight a low-level demon one-on-one at least. It not a matter of stats or level but skill.”
Jeff considered her words before nodding.
“ What was it about your mother?”
Xilna sighs and hunches her shoulders in disappointment.
“ I was going to suggest she be your sponsor. My co... I mean the Duke knows I am here looking for people to help on the dragons and dwarves front to push. She told me to offer to buy out your debts and offer better terms than many countries. But, if what I am guessing is happening between you and the other otherworlders the other night with your guild, and it works. Well, it could still be a fall back plan.”
After that, she could see Jeff wanting to go back into deep thought. After promising to arrange the people they discussed earlier, Xilna promptly left with the still-learning mana construct.