Chapter 8 - Getting Ready
Lilly's nerves were surprisingly steady as the morning sun ushered in the day of the ceremony. It was odd, considering she would be standing in front of the city and accepting both honor and glory, receiving a title and a medal from the country's princess.
‘I guess yesterday made a lot of things seem more manageable… But I’m still not looking forward to that speech.’
“Lilly, could you lift your arms, please?” Mia's voice pulled her back to the present. She was carefully helping Lilly into the extravagant dress she had been given for today. It was magnificent, stylized to fit her flaming hair and slim build perfectly- or that’s what the tailor had said, at least.
Lilly lifted her arms, silently appreciating Mia's assistance. She would have to do her hair on her own, but she liked the idea of a more casual look for the masses. Looking too prim might alienate them, and she wanted them to feel like she was still one of them.
“Thanks for the help, Mia. I couldn't have wrangled this dress by myself.”
Mia chuckled softly, adjusting the fabric. “No worries, I’d be even more bewildered. But putting it on someone else is a lot easier.”
Lilly thought for a moment, not wanting to force Mia into this role too often in the future. “Do you think we should hire maids? People seem to think I should have some.”
Mia thought about it, but she seemed to find the thought unpleasant. “I don’t know... Do you think we need one? And how much would it cost?”
“I don’t think money will be a problem in the future, but either way the city will cover it, up to 10 maids if I want, as long as I have room. Stuff like this and cleaning would be a lot simpler.”
“Well, we should discuss it more later then…” Mia concluded, seemingly hesitant to continue. “Are we really that well off?”
“Yeah, too well I’d say. The usual annual salary of my position is 50,000 gold, plus one percent of the city taxes, which has given about 150,000 in recent years. Plus whatever they want to hand me as a reward for my ‘bravery’.”
Mia paused her actions as she took in the large numbers, clearly overwhelmed. “... You know, I’ve been hesitating to ask. But I’m trying to forge Palladium right now, and it’s awfully expensive. In addition to the fuel for the forge, I’m straining our finances with my projects now.”
Lilly looked at Mia with puzzlement. “Why would you hesitate to ask?”
Mia’s hands resumed their task, albeit slowly, as she navigated her words carefully. “Well, I didn’t want to feel like I owed you anything. And it’s always been a 50/50 partnership,”
“Not anymore! It turned into a 100/100 partnership the moment you stole my heart,” Lilly protested. She really didn’t want Mia to feel like they couldn’t share their resources evenly.
Mia smiled, but now she was the one with a puzzled expression. “My math skills were never very good, how do we get 100 percent each?”
“Easy, we are now the same entity, so we both get 100 percent,” Lilly replied confidently, showing her work.
Mia’s lips curved into a smile, but her worried eyes remained. “But… Are you really okay with that?”
“100 percent! I’m sure you would be happy to fund my enchanting if our positions were swapped.”
Mia seemed to accept that answer, and her smile deepened. “...Fine then. So you think we should spend what it takes to improve my forging skills?”
“Of course, what could be more important? If we’re both going to become masters of our craft then of course we need to spend resources. And as the ‘Enchantress of the Vermilion Flame’ nothing else would be sufficient.” The last part was said with a haughty expression, making Mia chuckle.
“You haven’t gotten the title just yet, my lady… But thanks, Lilly, I’ll keep improving then.”
Lilly nodded, pleased that the matter was resolved. “Sounds good! Is the dress almost finished?”
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“Yeah, just a few clasps on the back here and it should be good. I’m kind of jealous, it really fits your title well.”
Lilly’s cheerfulness receded slightly at that. “Yeah, too bad I don’t fit my title well yet. They said I should use it in official settings in the future. I think they’ve been frustrated by my usual dress-up as a Lady Protector.”
Mia’s expression turned quizzical. “... They don’t mean you should put this on every day, right? You only need to for official meetings and such I hope?”
Lilly exhaled sharply, thinking of the frantic busybodies in the barracks. “If the officials had their way, I would be dressed like this from morning to night. Luckily, I’m the one in charge. I’ll admit it’s nice to have, though.”
“Yeah, meeting other lords or ladies would be easier with this I guess. You’re finished by the way.”
Lilly looked at herself in the mirror, seeing the reflection of a little girl in a big dress staring back at her.
[https://i.imgur.com/QqHfotJ.png]
‘I’ve never looked better, but I don’t think it fits me. Maybe if I become capable of defending the city again, it will fit better- or at least capable of enchanting again.’
“I feel like bowing,” Mia said, only half joking.
“I feel like going back to bed and hiding here for the rest of the day,” Lilly replied. Also half joking of course.
“Oh come on, it will be fine. People will cheer your name! Or at least six of us will be cheering, others can join if they want!”
Lilly sighed, knowing Mia was serious. “Well, the cheering isn’t really what worries me.”
“What then? The speech? Do you think you can say anything that will make people dislike you? Because I doubt it.”
Lilly had to admit she was right, but standing in front of so many people still felt intimidating. ‘If I jumble my words, would they still respect me as a Lady Protector? Would they find it endearing? What image do I want them to have of me?’
Mia’s voice pulled her out of her thoughts. “You need to get going soon if you’re going to get there early. I’ll fill Gramps in on everything that happened yesterday, so don’t worry about that. I’m sure he’ll have questions tonight, but for now, you only need to focus on the ceremony.”
“Thanks again, Mia. I’ll be on my way then.” Lilly turned, but before leaving the room she called out, “Oh, dear bodyguard, I’m in need of escorting!”
Before her words were finished, Eolande was kneeling in front of the window, which had opened somehow without a sound.
She put her right hand to her chest before replying, “You called, my Lady. It would be an honor to escort you.”
Lilly felt disturbed by Eolande's seriousness and showed it clearly on her face. “I know I started it, but please don’t talk like that, Elly. It gives me the creeps.”
Eolande stood up, chuckling, and whistled in admiration as she stared at Lilly’s dress. “Gods, that’s a powerful look! I don’t know if you even need a guard, people will just step aside at the sight of you!”
“I’m glad you like it, it’s a lot of work to put on.”
Mia had a frown on her face, clearly having questions. “Uhm, do you keep watch over our bedroom, Elly?”
Eolande smiled mischievously. “Yes, I see and hear everything that happens here, don’t worry.”
Mia looked at Lilly nervously, and Lilly could almost read the words ‘She’s just joking, right?’ on her face.
“Don’t listen to her, Mia. She only hears loud noises, and the formation covers everything. I think we should meet in the living room in the future though, Elly, if that’s okay.”
Eolande nodded in agreement. “Absolutely, personal space is important.”
“Then I’ll see you later Mia, I’ll give you a wave if I see you in the crowd.”
Mia quickly recovered from the joke and replied, smiling, “Oh, that won’t be a problem. I’ll be the one waving the giant ‘Go Lilly!’ flag. See you then!”
Lilly smiled nervously, convincing herself internally that it was just a joke, and left the room with Eolande in tow.
They walked down to the living room, finding Gramps in his usual chair. His face lit up as he saw Lilly in her new uniform, and he quickly got out of the chair in excitement.
A pang of guilt struck Lilly for having sidelined Gramps yesterday, preferring to talk to Mia instead. “Good morning, Gramps. I’m sorry about yesterday, I…”
Gramps waved away her worries with a smile. “There's Nothing to feel sorry about, Lilly. I’m glad Mia can fill that role for you.” He still seemed slightly melancholic, but he hid it well. “That dress looks incredible on you! It's a perfect fit."
“Thank you! I think I’ll be able to fill it better in the future, but it does look good. I have to go, unfortunately, but I’ll see you after the ceremony.”
“Understood, I’ll be cheering in the crowd!” He turned to Eolande before continuing, “I know you’ll take good care of her Elly, but I still want to remind you.”
Eolande nodded, understanding his worries. “There’s nothing to worry about, Edward, her safety is my number one priority.”
Gramps nodded in acknowledgment, and put a hand on Lilly’s shoulder. “Good luck today, I know you’ll be fine.”
His affirming and heartfelt words were exactly what Lilly needed, somehow finally giving her a sense of thinking it would in fact be fine. She couldn’t help giving him a hug. “Thank you Gramps. We’ll talk later, I promise.”
The warmth in Gramps’ smile lingered long after their embrace ended. Lilly and Eolande waved their goodbyes, stepped out into the daylight, and started walking to the city plaza.