ASHA’S POV
I knew it.
Not only has word already spread about her going on a quest, but all the nobles seem decidedly in agreement about the vulgarity of it all.
It’s a good thing I manipulated dad and everyone else in order to come to this party - I wouldn’t have a chance to change anyone’s opinion if I’d left it any longer. While I’d prefer not to rush things, I know that once rumors take root it’s almost impossible for the truth to be accepted. If this crazy plan doesn’t work, things will become much more difficult and dangerous, so I have to find a way somehow. Fortunately I have some memories of the past, so anticipating reactions from mortals, gods, and demons isn’t too hard even if I’m aware there are gaps where I’m missing context.
She’s wearing her only other pair of ‘good’ shoes, having refused to use the mission earnings for something so superficial. Monique had actually cried when Asha split the meager reward with her, begging to be allowed to hand her share over to House Lamberg instead.
“Shameless wench.”
Asha ignores the comment and keeps walking, waiting for an opportunity.
“Who’s to say she hasn’t already whored herself out for her family?”
That comment almost makes her beat up the fool who dared utter it, but Asha knows it’s all part of their plan.
I’m sure those degenerate gamblers must have done something too. Besides, this isn’t the first time I’ve been insulted like this. I...!
Gritting her teeth at the sudden flaring of pain, Asha resolutely heads to where the drinks are.
Oh right. I’m sixteen here. I can’t drink alcohol in front of the stuck up Imperial nobles yet.
Sighing, she grabs a flute of sparkling fruit juice and takes a sip.
I need a drink. And a smoke.
Since their horticulturalists and agriculturalists in this life haven’t solved the issue with the north’s barren lands, she doubts they’ll have figured out how to make smoking ‘safe’ yet either.
But I know the recipe. I just need to send someone to the Moon Temple to collect the flowers.
“What’s a filthy little mercenary doing here?” I just took a sip. Couldn’t you have waited till I’m done with my first drink of overly sweet juice? “If you’re that desperate then go ahead and take the glass home so you can sell it.”
Sighing, Asha turns to face a sneering crowd of nobles led by Duke Nathaira’s two daughters.
I’ve already remembered that Medea wasn’t originally born an aristocrat in my earlier lives, which means the Nathairas and others paid for her to secure this boon.
“Look at her dress.” Rosalind snickers cruelly. “Did she steal it from a corpse?”
I wouldn’t steal yours off your dead body even if you paid me.
“Do you not know how to speak to your betters?” Cassandra seems to think she’s won, which makes Asha cock her head. “I asked you a question, sellsword.”
Blinking, Asha puts on her best innocent act. “Oh, were you talking to me? I’m not a mercenary though - Imperial Law Section 42 Subsection 27 states that one has to be eighteen to become one.” Thank goodness I was a Minister in my previous life. And a Grand Duchess, Crown Princess, and Empress in others. “I just happened to accompany my personal guard.” She can’t help beaming brighter when they seethe.
Careful, Asha. We are here to gain allies, not more enemies.
“A sixteen year old girl running around sleeping who knows where?” Here we go. “That Swordmaster father of yours must be in dire need of funds.”
Stay calm. They’re doing this to get a rise out of you, but it’s also an opportunity to turn the tables.
“Everyone knows the north is barren, yet our House has to pay taxes in full.” Some in the crowd blink while others in the opulent ballroom shuffle closer, ears pricked. “Since the title was forced on my father, we pay the standard 45% aristocratic tax rate despite having no agricultural or mining activities, unlike House Nathaira and others. This is in addition to my Clan going on the March every year without compensation. What other condition could House Lamberg possibly be in, other than in need of funds?”
It’s a dangerous ploy - because she could be agreeing to their insinuations that she’s sold her body for money and because she’s making her House seem ungrateful for the peerage - but Asha’s thought it over several times and knows this is her best bet.
A gambler just like grandmother and great-aunt. Wonderful.
“‘Forced on your father’, you say?” Oh, you went with that? I suppose money is changing hands in the Den. “You dare disrespect His Majesty’s goodwill?”
“I’m just curious as to why His Majesty’s goodwill only extended as far as awarding a title for services in the War without taking into consideration the north’s situation.” Asha’s nervous, but forces herself to continue. “Surely His Majesty in his infinite wisdom must be aware of how hard it is for the north to pay even commoner taxes? His Majesty is said to love his citizens, but...”
Please, PLEASE work. I couldn’t think of any other way out of this situation. Those gaps in my memory are likely to blame.
“How dare you slander the Emperor!” Cassandra and Medea look beside themselves with joy, and Asha really wants to break their faces. “You should be groveling at His Majesty’s feet for raising your status to a noble’s, yet...!”
“Does a title put food on the table?” YES!!! Viscount Hawksworth strides forward as the crowd parts, standing to the side and in front of Asha in a subtle gesture of protection. Marcia seems to be watching closely from next to a gilded column, while the Fenceton siblings edge nearer from Asha’s left. “I heard Baron Lamberg attempted several times to refuse the peerage due to concerns about taxes.”
Did he? The original Asha of this timeline had no idea, but that sounds like something dad would do. More importantly, THANK YOU to whoever it is who pushed the Viscount forward. Or is this just him reacting as he normally would? He isn’t the head of the radical party yet nor is he a Councillor at this age, but he’s always been one to fight for equality.
“‘Refuse the peerage’?” Cassandra snickers. “As if a commoner would do such a thing, when everyone knows they’re just a greedy, slovenly lot.”
Big mistake, Cassandra. Your father paid for you to be pretty, but he should have paid for you to have brains instead.
“‘Greedy and slovenly’...?!” Viscount Hawksworth is furious, clenching his fists and struggling not to snap as the Fenceton children and Marcia finally decide to join in.
“I’m surprised the daughter of a duke thinks so lowly of the people who make up her family’s estate and servants.” Alissia Fenceton has her family’s signature black hair and gray eyes. “It must make life quite hard for them.”
“Come now, sister.” Daniel Fenceton smirks, though his own gray eyes are cold. “Perhaps it is the commoners on the Nathaira estate who have led to such misconceptions.”
“I agree, Lord Daniel.” Marcia Eszes’ pale blue eyes are frigid, since she’s close to her commoner maid. “Anyone with eyes, ears, and half a brain would know that not all commoners are as Lady Cassandra describes.”
Norine Fenceton is silent, but Asha suspects it’s not because she’s choosing to be neutral like her father. Most likely the youngest child of the head of the neutral faction is just biding her time.
“You...!” At Cassandra’s inability to retort instantly, Medea steps in.
“I’m surprised so many rival parties are so willing to protect a girl of dubious virtue.” Medea...I know you carry Aphrodilia’s blood. But you’re not a player because your low level of divinity doesn’t qualify you for the position, which means you’re probably acting on behalf of another god or higher demon. Or perhaps this is what you really are like? You’ve always hated me, and I can’t remember why. Is it to do with some ancient feud? Is it because of an old wager? Or is it because of what makes my head hurt when I try to remember some things?
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“When did the laws of the land change, sister?” Norine is now widening her eyes and looking up at Marquess Fenceton’s eldest. “Hasn’t it always been ‘innocent until proven guilty’? Or does Lady Medea have proof that Lady Asha’s virtue has been compromised?”
“I wonder about that as well, Rine.” Alissia smiles coldly. “Do you have any proof, Lady Medea? Or is this just an attempt to slander the sixteen year old daughter of a Baron who not only risked everything in the War, but leads his people to fight demons for our sake every year without desire for recognition?”
Clever.
“How very kind the Marquess’ children are.” Medea is as breathtakingly beautiful as ever when she smiles. “To defend the youngest attendee of Aunt Aasi’s party.”
Nathaira said that to me in the Council before.
“I’m surprised you think we spoke out of kindness, Lady Medea.” Asha wants to smirk when history repeats itself through the mouths of others. “I thought a lady of your abilities would know better.”
More importantly: is anyone intervening, or is this what they’re truly like? There’s been enough time for quick wagers about the overall situation. I have too many gaps in my memories, and I know that there were too many times when the gods and demons manipulated people over my lives. I need to trigger them to react instinctively if I want to be sure.
“Lady Alissia.” It will never not be weird to see him as anything other than a Magic Grandmaster. “I’m sure Medea only meant well.” This is ridiculously familiar, and I can already feel the pain telling me to stop trying to dig further.
“If by ‘meaning well’ you mean slandering someone without just cause, Marquess Vihur.” We weren’t yet friends in my last life, but I recall we got along in some of my earlier lives. “Perhaps you haven’t been following the conversation enough to come to such a conclusion?” Alissia’s smile is cordial but her eyes are almost contemptuous, and Asha wants to hug the taller aristocrat.
“He did just walk in, sister.” Thank you, Daniel. “But how odd.” Asha is determined to become best friends with the Fenceton siblings in this life, as the handsome young noble pretends to ponder thoughtfully with a hand under his chin. “To instantly assume Lady Medea has done no wrong and try to impose his opinion on others...father would never.” When he grins, Asha wishes she could afford to buy him a gift. “Well, I suppose that’s why father is the Minister of Justice, since he’s always impartial and relies solely on facts.”
As Marquess Vihur flushes, Asha feels both a vindictive satisfaction and a twinge of guilt, since she suspects the blond of having traded his Grandmaster status for her.
Marquess Vihur is neutral with radical leanings, isn’t he? Why are the children of the neutral party head picking a fight with him so blatantly? Is there something I’m not aware of, or is this due to the gamblers? Not knowing is frustrating and makes planning difficult.
“One doesn’t need to be Minister of Justice to be impartial, Dan.” Alissia’s eyes flicker meaningfully to Marcia and Viscount Hawksworth. “It’s clear there are individuals here capable of thinking for themselves, without being blinded by mindless gossip.” That was beautiful.
At those words, many in the crowd start to murmur and Asha sees some familiar faces scowl slightly. Is all this part of a wager or not? Regardless, I need to act quickly before more wagers can be placed and mess things up.
“In case you weren’t aware, Marquess Vihur,” instantly gazes sharpen as she addresses the man she purportedly ‘loves’ in this life, “my honor was being sullied for no reason other than the fact that I wanted to be of some help my family.”
“‘Some help’?” His purple eyes still contain lingering traces of derision, even as they narrow thoughtfully before widening in realization. “Are you referring to the fact that you accompanied your personal guard on a contract?”
RUDE.
He’s not using any honorifics with her, but Asha can’t afford to nitpick right now.
I’m just a poor baron’s daughter in this life, and I’ve apparently caused a ton of trouble already. Just focus on the objectives for tonight: make myself seem like a filial daughter, and reduce those stupid taxes House Lamberg has to pay.
“That’s correct, Marquess Vihur.” Asha’s voice is a little colder than she’d intended, and she hastily tries to seem more pleasant. “Were it not for these honorable lords and ladies, my House’s reputation would be in ruins due to my attempt to help my father in some way.”
“‘Help’, you say.” Asha doesn’t think she’s ever wanted to smack him as much as she does now. “Surely you...no, forgive me.” If it wasn’t for the fact that you probably paid my reset & Independence fees, I’d slap you for trying to belittle my intelligence. “You are a guardian, and considered a child until you turn twenty.” Asha blinks at that, uncertain about where this is going even as her mind races. “Children do the oddest things out of pure intentions, and it is up to adults to understand them.”
Did he just insult me or not?
“Quite right, Marquess.” What are you up to, Viscount Hawksworth? You were one of my biggest supporters in my last life, though we were often at odds in other lives. “Lady Asha is sixteen, and even by Imperial standards she is not an adult. Yet the moment she entered this ballroom she was attacked mercilessly and barely given a chance to defend herself.” It looks like you’re helping me, but I have to be sure.
“I have always respected Viscount Hawksworth for his ability to think without prejudice.” At the widening of golden eyes, Asha is grateful that this young aristocrat has existed in every life without changing who he is at heart. “I spoke only out of concern for my family, but it seems I have a lot to learn about the world.”
“Isn’t it to be expected, when you’re only sixteen?” Marcia’s tone is neither friendly not frosty, and once again Asha wants to kick this life’s ‘original Asha’ for stirring up trouble with the brunette for no reason. “Your frustrations with the taxes imposed on House Lamberg’s famously barren lands are fair, Lady Asha. Though the way you expressed yourself was misguided.” I suppose I deserve that. It was a little reckless. But what choice do I have when I know what’s at stake, who’s against me, and have so many holes in my memories and zero boons?
“I agree, Lady Marcia.” Norine is closest to Asha in age, which is probably why Marquess Fenceton’s youngest is looking at the white-haired demigod kindly. “Lady Asha, you were trying your best for your family, but not everyone will see it that way.”
“Lady Norine, do you mean to say that Lady Asha was commenting on the aristocratic taxes imposed on the north?” Marquess Vihur looks conflicted, and Asha thinks she’d prefer his playful appearance in every past life. “I thought the issue was Lady Asha’s honor being sullied.”
“Lady Asha’s honor was being sullied, Marquess.” Alissia looks perfectly calm as she steps in. “And she only mentioned the taxes imposed on her House when she was insulted, as a means of explaining her rationale.”
It looks like my bet paid off. That was risky though, and could easily have ended in disaster. If I could just get some boons or all my memories back...
“I see.” Purple eyes are still a little disbelieving, but Asha supposes she can’t blame him here. “In that case, it would seem I was too hasty in my judgement. Forgive me, Lady Asha.”
I’d rather not, but you’ve clearly helped me so I suppose I should when it’s also opportunity to change perceptions. But just because you were a troublemaker in all of my lives, I’ll do this the way Duchess Marlowe usually does.
“Your reaction wasn’t unique, Marquess Vihur.” Asha has to bite her inner cheek to stifle a smile when the crowd around them starts to whisper.
I’m sure there are wagers happening now about this incident. I just hope someone is working on getting me a boon or two. I remember mom telling me to trust Hekaty and Apollonius in particular.
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LUCAS LOREDAN’S POV
Has it been 150,000 years, or more?
The god of diplomacy, nation building, and administration hasn’t had a rest in all that time as the manager of the trading floor.
Father has a plan, and the pieces are set. Now it is up to my 98th descendant to do his part alongside Asha.
“10 Senior Master credits for the player to not make rent!”
“To the Far Side with you, Nathaira! 11 Senior Master credits for Asha and her House to pay rent for their townhouse, and taxes for the north in full!”
“Immolate yourself, Lune! 12!”
They did not always hate each other, though Nathairas have always been envious of Lune Clan chieftains.
Sighing as he wraps up an earlier trade for Asha to receive an invitation to the Imperial ball, the founder of the Loredan Empire observes the heated haggling taking place from his usual seat.
This is calmer than when Asha was here. That child is a loose cannon on the best of days.
Despite knowing full well what’s at stake, he needs to bite his inner cheek to keep himself from laughing when he recalls the chaos in between Asha’s 8th and 9th rounds.
She has always had a habit of speaking with her fists when it comes to the Nathairas, Vautourians, and anyone who gets in her way.
Hilarity of all-out brawls in the Great Hall aside, Lucas can’t help but wonder if his powerful sire is right.
Father is the god of victory and honor, and he has never lost a wager since before creating the Den of Dice. But thanks to the fools driving up the prices of resetting and removing Disabilities, it took so much from so many to allow Asha to enter her 9th round with Independence and as many memories as possible. I shall trust father as I have all this time, especially when Rayleigh is working to get boons sent to Asha in the Den. Chronelia can easily afford the cost of Elementalism, which is...
Glancing at the board, Lucas sees the numbers change slightly.
Fifteen Divinity, three Chieftain, and twenty-four Guardian credits now. The price is likely to rise further thanks to the bidding. What short-sighted fools this lot are, trying to ruin Asha’s chances for their entertainment.
As the Nathaira Grandmasters continue to try and have Asha evicted, Lucas wishes once again that he hadn’t been assigned this role the moment he ascended.
I cannot even aid my descendants, since like father I must remain impartial and only manage transactions during the games. But it is better than being a player, since Apatie deliberately toys with all of them before claiming them as hers after their 9th rounds, when they have become the most powerful versions of themselves.
His divine sire agreeing to having the penalty imposed on Asha if she tries to remember Rayleigh must also be part of a grander plan.
Father loves this world more than anything. Though I do not know his reasons for many things, I will do as he told me to. Asha must win and put an end to the madness.
The floating mirror next to him tells Lucas that the Demon Queen is up to something in the Den, again.
How I long for the day when I can finally cut off her head. Chronelia’s and Aphrodilia’s as well.
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MOONRISE BY LUNASEA: CHAPTER 37 END