Jeff rubbed his arm where he got hit earlier when he failed to parry a strike with the dull short sword as he looked at the artwork of the hereditary that he requested, or supposedly requested. To be honest, they were all beautiful designs, but his eyes kept being drawn to the one with the hexagon of gems fading into each point with a center clear one and a decagon background. The elven man explaining what one of them represented quickly noticed him eyeing the artwork.
“ Ah, one my apprentice came up with that one. After seeing your card design, he was inspired into making this piece. Naturally under such a short notice...”
The man pauses seeing the playing card with it’s back face up starting to shift and change.
“ A shame, I see a decision has already been made. Now, have you been told how the hereditary will change over generations?”
Jeff snapped out of whatever trance he was in and paused to consider the question he was just asked.
“ The gems. One of the six colors will become dominant as it branches away from the main family line.”
“ Ah, yes, you either were told or you are a good guesser. No matter, you have your hereditary now and I gave you the formal notice and everything. All that is left is my payment.”
Jeff eyed him a moment not at all amused.
“ I recall all monetary matters is handled by Captain Lews for matters such as this.”
The elf nods in acknowledgment.
“ Very well I was hoping my apprentice would receive a bonus, however.”
Jeff opens his mouth but pauses then closes it before standing. Realizing forcing the apprentice to actually get paid for the commission might ruin whatever education the individual has.
“ I see, however, I am not the one who holds the purse strings. Just the one who says what he needs to buy. I wish you and your apprentice a wonderful time.”
This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.
The elf takes a moment as well to acknowledge what was just said before standing and leaving with all his artwork. Jeff watched him go as Xilna got the door for them and then leaned back in his chair and released an exaggerated sigh.
“ Well, that was faster than we anticipated. Xilna, what is next on my schedule?”
Xilna moves forward so he can hear her better.
“ Well, we scheduled an hour for this meeting. That was less than a quarter of that. Up next is your etiquette tutor, but they are currently with another. So I guess you have free time to read if you desire.”
Jeff thought about it then shook his head.
“ How has Rachal been? I know you been seeing her when I don't need a maid who can talk.”
Xilna glances at the maid construct she trained then back at Jeff.
“ Interaction with others might be a recommendation as well. I know you go out to the commons room in the evening, but you just talk to the other three and usually about future plans and such. I mention this because Rachal has been doing similar. I know the charm incident was hard on both of you in different ways, but I do not see either of you as happy as you once were in each other's company. If you like, I can bring her here?”
Jeff opened his mouth to outright refuse but then reconsidered. He takes a moment to consider it then sighs.
“ No... not right now... but ask her if she wants to have dinner... Whenever she wants, whatever she wants. I know things have been... hard for her and the others. And our last talk was not, how do you say it, pleasant. Tell her no doom and gloom stuff. Just casual or maybe of our hopes for the future. Now, how about I fill this last half an hour on something a little more practical. Since I will be going to your mother’s lands, why don’t I get a little bit of info on the customs of your people”
Xilna bows her head to this.
“ Very well, in truth there is not much more you need to know between the human lands and my peoples. Except there is a very big leap in pride and arrogance. When I was much younger I was very proud and arrogant. Thinking with my mother's backing and my upbringing no one could be my match. So I would often go out and get drunk and gamble. Usually, I would then duel whoever took most of the money that I lost. Offering a greater prize if I lost that too.”
Xilna takes a moment to compose herself.
“ The worst part is, I do not remember making the wager nor the duel afterward. I was drugged and put to shame publicly. When I came to my senses I was in the presence of my mother. She was paying off my debt with a small fortune and I was sent here to temper my youth. The Duke has been very generous with me in those early days. So much so that when he asked for those to help him with you outworlders, I volunteered. And here we are.”
“ So basically, arrogance to the point you can back it up.”
Xilna nods her head.
“ That is part of it, another is dignity. I... put myself in a position of one shame and another. Because of that, no matter how long passes, I will always be defined by that shame.”
Xilna took a deep breath and sighed hard.
“ I should not be saying this, but you have already agreed to my mother's contract. When you get there, I am one of the promised things you will be receiving. And my mother knows how ignorant otherworlders can be when they have no drive to pursue relations.”
Xilna looked away a little bit as Jeff realized what is being asked.
“ Wait, you mean...”
“ Yes, my mother wants you to sire my firstborn. So you better not add any more shame to our future youngling while you are there.”