My mind wanders as I make my way to the village gate through a thick layer of snow, hair flowing freely around my head as the tiny braids were unraveled. Leomi's time-limit is approaching, Vikiana might show up at any moment, and we've returned my home to a point where it can be lived in.

It might not seem like the latter is a problem but it is in fact the most debilitating one of the three. This 'we' is both an issue and an illumination for me who determined to try to live as I should before making the decision to leave my life as a peasant behind.

It hurts my pride to admit this to myself but I could never have achieved so much in so little time without Leomi, the fact that I only have a single arm has made almost every action I take a trial to overcome.

While I have found solutions, most are no more than crutches and cannot properly make up for my handicap. The conclusion is obvious, I can survive in this state but I cannot thrive.

And so, it came to me that I must make a living with my mind rather than my hands. Another would likely have concluded that they need to find suitable comrades to share their life but doing so would be an affront to Jessica and Elizabeth's pride.

While I require other people's help in some matters, I must be able to stand on my own two feet and cannot ever rely on others to be free, even Leomi and Celyz, whether human or Rykz. My decision to leave has become much easier as a result of this realization and the path ahead clear.

I could have done a lot of damage from home, after all no single entity can physically defeat Nobility, but it would be easier as I travel. Not to mention Leomi is more vulnerable than I thought, a single slingshot at night sufficed to take her out.

Three years, but it would be more prudent to cut that time-frame to one year considering the state of my heart and what other health problems could crop up. I arrive at the village gates and slam my fist against them. Frank and Hale open, as expected.

“Ms Jessica.” They nod.

“Frank, Hale.” I respond. “You have a moment to talk, right?” I ask.

“Evidently.” Hale mutters.

“You don't have a place to yourself, correct?” I ask rhetorically. “I will be leaving shortly, once I do, you can lodge at my house until my brother returns.” I tell them. “I'm making it available to the Hospitaliers as long as you take care of it, there's a chicken coop and fertile land for a garden if you are up to making fences.”

“That is quite a favor.” Frank says with raised eyebrows.

“Not really.” Hale shakes his head. “It's a transaction that occurs quite frequently when low born travel, so as to avoid exactly what happened to her home while she was gone.”

“Exactly.” I nod, reassured by Hale's knowledge.

“Then, we will gratefully accept.” Frank tells me with a small bow. “Will you be leaving for Castle Lance, Ms Jessica? In case we need to reach you.”

“Hm.” I ponder. “I'll tell you but don't say a word to Leomi.”

“I do not have the habit of spreading confidences.” Frank replies while Hale keeps his silence.

“I'll be returning to Meria.” I inform them. “It won't be too hard to find me if I'm still on the Izla if you reach out to Councilwoman Cecil or ask around about a runic guild.”

“You know the Councilwoman?!” Frank exclaims. “I suppose it shouldn't surprise me considering the company you keep.” He adds with a self-deprecating smile. “I am honored you consider us trustworthy enough to take care of your home.”

“Please.” I roll my eyes. “I don't know either of you well enough to trust you. This is a calculated decision based on the fact you're strong enough to defend against the kind of people who would take an interest in my possessions but not so much I would have much trouble hunting you down.” I honestly inform them. Frank blushes in embarrassment.

“Kh.” Hale represses a mocking chuckle.

“You know, I do have my pride as a swordsman.” Frank says, frowning which only brings more attention to his red cheeks.

“Don't be offended, I've had the best teachers.” I tell him, reaching out to pat his shoulder. Frank steps back, his expression turning determined.

“I have been wanting to see your skill for myself, would it be too much to ask for a demonstration?” He challenges me.

“Frank.” Hale says with a soothing voice.

“It's fine.” I tell them, raising my hand. “Do you mind telling me what your level is compared to the average soldier?”

“Above average.” Frank responds with a serious expression and not a touch of pride.

“Good, it'll give me a measure of my own ability.” I nod.

It's quite difficult to tell what my current level is since I have been trained by incredibly skilled fighters and my battlefield experience is based on my capabilities with the Little one which gave me such a huge advantage that it's difficult to use as a point of reference.

“If you have a shield, use it.” I tell Frank as his sword's handle only allows one-handed combat.

“I will.” He makes a firm nod. “Meet me on the plaza once you're ready?” He proposes.

“Sure.” I agree, finding that it'll be useful for the village to witness why they shouldn't cross me.

Hale lets out a long resigned sigh as Frank departs. This has likely been building up for a while, my threatening and confident attitude can very easily be seen as arrogance after all. At the very least, Frank thinks I'm underestimating him and there's a real chance I might be.

“You a peasant?” I ask Hale.

“Cattle farmer.” He replies with his habit of using as few words as possible.

“A rancher.” I nod. “What got you in the Hospitaliers?”

“Frank, we've been friends for a long time.” Hale tells me with a shrug.

I leave him to guard the gates and depart for Ms Conner's general shop. There's no telling what will happen with Leomi so I need to put things in motion before the two weeks are up.

I come across a bundle of cute and very young kids playing in an alley. I wouldn't much care or notice with my head filled with other considerations like the coming conversation but one of them spread red brick dust on his clothes, which is curious considering parents would harshly scold such behavior.

“I'm E.Vil, you can't injure me!” The kid in red exclaims as he finds himself cornered. All the kids pause except a tiny four-year-old black-haired girl.

“But your heart bleeds for me, Lady Lance!” The girl cries out and pokes at his chest with a stick.

“No!” The kid drops to his knees.

“E.Vil is defeated!” The group shouts out with completely inappropriate giggles.

I accelerate my pace to quickly get past the alley, feeling utterly embarrassed by the spectacle and also quite disturbed because a version of this scenario could easily have occurred. But we're past that now, Leomi isn't okay with what little she knows of my plans but I make the same allowances for hers.

Ding. The bell attached to the door-frame rings as I walk into Ms Conner's store. The woman gives me a welcoming nod and smile from behind the counter.

I grab one of the wooden tool shafts stored in a barrel. I swing it a couple of times before walking up to her, satisfied by the meter and a half long wooden stick I intend to use as a training staff.

“Good morning, Jessica?” She asks.

“I can't complain.” I reply, still somewhat put-off by the kid's game I witnessed. “How much is it?” I question as the village mostly repaid the debt they owe my family, short of helping us replace the stables with some other building but that'll be a decision for my brother to make since I won't stick around.

“Four coppers.” She replies. I take out my coin pouch and pay.

“I came over because I have an offer to make you.” I directly tell her.

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“Oh?” Ms Conner says, raising an eyebrow.

“I need someone experienced that I can trust to lead a business for me in Meria. You've always been decent to us and your husband is in Meria so you're a natural choice.” I propose.

“A business.” She repeats, which is not the reaction I expected.

“You would be managing workers like blacksmiths and runesmiths as well as selling. You would answer to me alone, and I won't be interfering.” I explain.

“I don't understand.” She says, looking stunned. “You're here.”

“I had to return to set our affairs in order.” I reply shortly.

“But you have a business in Meria.” She notes with a skeptical tone.

“I know Leomi Lance, what's so surprising about owning a fledgling guild?” I ask, slightly annoyed at having to use Leomi to make my own achievements believable.

“You're speaking as if you own this business. That is quite different from being given a responsibility to take care of it.” Ms Conner tells me. She looks and sounds like she expects me to backtrack.

“Lance doesn't have anything to do with it.” I tell her in a firm tone. “I learned a lot about flow while I was gone and developed something I can sell except I don't have the time to take care of everything. Right now, someone I trust but don't especially want to leave in control is managing the runic guild for me.”

“I'm not saying I believe all this but...” Ms Conner trails off with a frown.

“What do you have to lose?” I ask. “Your daughter can hold the store and she could frankly use the responsibility without you there to clean up her mistakes. If I lied, then the worst that will happen is that you'll spend some time in Meria with your husband. At best, you find work in the capital with better pay than you could ever achieve here.”

“Elizabeth Vil is a risk, and a non-negligible one.” She tells me with a blunt tone.

What, why!? I stand there, utterly taken by surprise by this unexpected turn to the conversation. What do you mean 'why'? I'm super dangerous. A dangerous jay? I immediately fire back derisively. No, that's you. You're not her jay? I'm Liz... but... okay I am but... that wasn't the point! I thankfully manage to keep my mocking giggle inside.

“Why do you think so?” I ask. “She's been exiled.”

“Few believe she left but we know she hasn't.” Ms Conner replies, throwing me a pointed look.

“I don't get it.” I frown.

“Fine, if you'll make me say it, I will.” Ms Conner says with a disapproving expression. “Why would Lady Countess Lance be hiding out here to cheat on her with you otherwise?”

“I am not her mistress.” I utter, seething inside at the accusation. The woman merely raises a skeptical eyebrow in response which undermines my anger because, with her status and by all appearances, I will be considered as one until we get engaged. To be considered as the primary when you always were, my fame backfired. I sigh at Liz' attempt to conceal her sorrow behind levity. “I've merely flirted with the Lady Lance so there is no issue to be had with Elizabeth Vil.” Kitten and Jay, flirting in a tree... I just told her you wouldn't be an issue! Indeed, you shouldn't have lied.

“Somehow, I do not think the specifics would matter to that woman.” Ms Conner responds sarcastically.

“Is this why you tried setting me up with Frank?” I ask, suspicious.

“No, Elizabeth Vil does not slaughter unprovoked.” She shakes her head. “Everyone knows that.”

“Then why don't we?” I murmur with a trembling voice.

“My first concern about this offer you're making was that I would be embroiled in high born problems. The second issue is what will happen if Elizabeth Vil comes looking for you.” Ms Conner tells me, clearly more on track than I am about the conversation.

“I won't be staying on Izla Meria so you won't be involved and I can guarantee you that, even if I die, the guild will be able to keep functioning. Councilwoman Cecil and I have an agreement of sorts, she will work with you to handle any problems that may crop up.” I tell the woman, quite eager to put an end to this negotiation because it got far more complicated than I expected.

“Let's say I'm interested enough to accept.” She suddenly says. “What would be my pay and what will the runic guild be manufacturing?”

“You'll be managing the coin and, as such, your own pay.” I reply irresponsibly. “What I expect from you is to use the guild towards the goal of developing the Izla to improve people's lives, how you do so will pretty much be up to you and Councilwoman Cecil, baring my interventions.”

“Noble goal.” Ms Conner notes.

“Peasant goal.” I flatly correct. Really, a pun? Wasn't meant to be one, shut up. “If you accept, I'll either bring you with me to Meria or send you alone to meet Councilwoman Cecil, which shouldn't be too hard with your husband's help.”

“You're not telling me what this business is making.” She says with an accusatory tone.

“Plows, better and more efficient ones.” I tell her, shrugging.

“That's it?” She asks.

“Isn't it enough?” I fire back.

“It is, but I thought there was something... never mind.” Ms Conner shakes her head. “You're not wrong, my daughter will inherit this shop and this winter is as good as any to let her take over.” The woman says with a somewhat skeptical tone. “I agree with the understanding that I can resign and that you haven't lied to me.”

Her sudden agreement takes me aback once more, which is getting old. It was both easier and harder to convince her than I thought it would be, I expected her to ask to see the guild before agreeing.

“Sure.” I nod. “Why agree so quickly? And now?”

“You're offering me an opportunity I never even hoped to have a chance to perhaps obtain in my life, why would I give anyone else the opportunity of snatching it by delaying my answer?” Ms Conner quips back with a nervous smile.

I watch her more closely and catch the slight shaking in her hand. She wasn't making a joke or exaggerating by putting the emphasis on those words. I suddenly realize that the person I was before would have reacted similarly to her in this circumstance, a mixture of restrained ambition and open disbelief.

“Well, if you're still holding doubts about my past, I'm about to destroy Frank in a spar using this.” I tell her, lifting the wooden staff.

“A tool shaft?” She asks, looking down at it with skepticism. People probably keep growing their entire lives, that's definitely a factor or she wouldn't be taller.

“Exactly.” I grin as I reply to both. “Come over to watch the show, it should be entertaining.”

“I don't see how a fight can solve anything.” Ms Conner tells me without hiding her disapproval.

“It'll alleviate some of your doubts to see how skilled I am.” I respond, rather disappointed in her mindset.

Battle is fun, and it makes no sense to look down on violence if you bend the spine to it. Nobility's rule is a fact of life, it's less about threats than habits, tradition, and keeping life easy. I wouldn't stand for it.

A powerless Elizabeth Vil would have no more say in the matter than I did. I would choose the noose. Are you intent on angering me? You're not her anymore, you're Jessica Freepath. We're both her, in a way. I... you're right.

“I'm going.” I inform her as I make my way out.

Ding. The bell startles me as I leave the store. Ding. The second ring tells me that Ms Conner is following along. I arrive at the plaza to find a few villagers gazing at Frank with quizzical looks on their faces and others watching from their porches.

He has a polished wooden training sword in hand, it should have an iron core considering how well crafted it looks, and a round wooden shield attached to his left forearm. I simply make the staff spin inside my palm to ingrain the feeling of it in my mind.

I've definitely regained some muscle mass and weight during the past couple of weeks but only minor improvements in endurance. I suspect that the reason I lost so much weight to begin with after the Little one was removed is that my body was rebuilding itself but that the damage is such that my stamina is unlikely to return.

But, then again, it's not like I'm any less resilient than Leomi, it's simply that my heart will give out if I push myself too hard. So, not a big deal. I chuckle inside and grab the middle of the staff to settle in a defensive stance in front of Frank.

“Ready?” I ask.

“That's what you're using?” He questions back with a frown. “A two-handed weapon?”

“Think of it like a short-spear.” I reply with a deceitful smile because I'm definitely not going to use this as I would a spear.

“Alright.” He grunts. “Let's start then.”

He bends his knees and leans in a little. The lowering of his center of gravity signals that he's either bracing for a charge or planning to advance carefully. Frank brings his shield in front of himself, blocking my view of his torso as he turns to face me with his profile.

I could have taken the lack of rules as insulting but it's not like he knows I can put him down in moments with an air-blade and he did bring his shield so he is taking me somewhat seriously.

I start side-stepping in a circle to occupy him a little since he has to turn to follow and that could open up a flaw in his defense. After about two seconds, Liz gets bored and harasses me by whistling inside our head.

With a sigh, I lion's leap at Frank and kick his shield. The strength of the impact isn't significant but it's so unexpected to him that he's sent staggering back. I land with my feet apart and rest on my staff like it's a walking cane to watch him stumble.

“You know the lion strike?! And step!” He exclaims.

“I really wouldn't be worth much if I didn't.” I note.

“But, you're...” Frank trails off, a good choice since he was likely going to say something quite offensive. “Young.” He finishes.

“Let's just say I'm a special case.” I tell him.

How old are we again? Eighteen... I think. You think? Well, I don't especially keep track since the Little one aged us in a way, not to mention you're technically a few months old so I'm not sure how to work all of that into the count.

Wait, you're the elder? Yep. Hm, okay. I always wanted a little sister, but you'll do. Hey! I'm kidding, you're lovely but we're not blood-sisters. True, but we're part Rykz. So, we're sisters? Sisters.