The next day we met in our room, in the afternoon, to do some homework. Cassie was in a sour mood as she arrived. A piece of paper was in her hand.

“Everything alright?” I asked her.

She sighed. “No. Do you remember the dates my mother wants to send me on? I am supposed to meet Derrick Payton this Solday.”

I did remember that. “We agreed to accompany you.”

“Yes, it seems that he is alright with it, according to the letter I got. We are meeting for lunch.”

“Could be worse. We just enjoy the food and leave afterwards.” Helena said.

“Are we wearing our uniforms again?” I asked.

“How fancy is the place where we are having lunch?” Skadi asked.

“A decent restaurant but nothing special.” Cassie replied.

“I would say we wear something casual. Maybe a skirt and a blouse?” Helena suggested.

“I don’t want to wear a skirt, it is cold. There is snow in the streets!” Cassie complained.

“You could warm yourself with fire magic.” I pointed out.

“I will do that too, maybe. But our uniforms are warmer than most women’s clothing.” Cassie said.

Skadi shrugged. “Uniform is ok with me. We want to wear swords anyway, there could always be an attack.”

I nodded. “I am going to bring Frank, Chariot, the magical skeleton and Nyx. Do you think we should bring the new cats too?”

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“Sure, they are cute.” Helena said.

Cassie’s sour mood remained the whole week. I was rather relaxed. How bad could one meal be? Then again, I was not the one being pressured into a marriage.

On Solday we made our way to the restaurant. We had our own private room so I could bring my undead. Inside two men were waiting.

Both were dressed in a black suit. One had short brown hair, matching his eyes. He had a sharp chin and was clean-shaven. He was in decent shape but he did not seem overly muscular.

The other man had slightly longer, black hair. His eyes were an emerald green and he had a well trimmed moustache. His face was rather round, as was his belly. He was not exactly overweight, but he looked like he enjoyed food more than exercise.

“A pleasure to make your acquaintance.” The brown haired man said. He had a pleasant voice and a charming smile. “I am Derrick Payton, son of Duke Payton. My friend is Christopher Black.”

“The pleasure is mine. I am Cassie Ashburn, this is Helena Frost, Skadi Helgurd and Koyuki.” Cassie introduced us.

Then we took our seats. The table was big enough for ten people but it was set for six. Two servants entered with a cart and placed appetisers on the table. They also served some sparkling wine.

“I thought you said this place was not fancy.” I whispered to Cassie.

“Well, it is not compared to a lot of others.” She replied. “And I did not know he booked a private room…”

Well, I did not have to pay the bill so, I might as well enjoy the service. I ordered Chariot next to the table, then I poured some sparkling wine on his back.

“Um, might I ask what that is about?” Derrick inquired.

“I am checking for poison. This is a vampiric undead. His blood will show a reaction to certain poisons.” I explained.

“Fascinating.” Christopher said. “I heard about the attempt at Lady Valeria’s party. Nasty business.”

“Is that why you travel with so many undead? A curious group you have there.” Derrick pointed at my minions.”

I shrugged. “You work with the skeletons you have. They provide good protection.”

He nodded. “Having loyal defenders is worth a lot.”

I grabbed a piece of toasted bread which was topped with some seared meat. After testing a piece of it again I tried it. The meat melted in my mouth, it was delicious.

“I have to admit, I have never heard of the Black family. Are you from the Payton Duchy? Helena inquired.

“Indeed.” Christopher answered. “My brother is a baron, I am just a merchant.”

Derrick chuckled. “He is a rather successful merchant. He owns multiple ships.”

“Oh? Who do you trade with?” Skadi asked.

“Sandoria mostly, but I am trying to expand to Kitara. The seas can be quite treacherous though.” He said.

My ears perked up. Kitara was supposedly the home of dark foxkin, like myself.

“Have you been to Kitara?” I asked.

He shook his head. “Not yet. I intend to go, once my newest ship is ready. It will be made from metal, instead of wood!”

“Doesn’t metal sink?” I wondered.

“Ah, normally yes. But we have discovered that it can float, with the right shape. Now we are working on a proper way to improve its speed. Sails and air mages work well but we think we can do better!” He grinned.

That sounded fascinating.