Nobina headed back to her room, where she immediately opened the Gaze bag to check the items she received. There were four of them in total. The first one that caused the nobility mess was a book called The Secrets of the Guild. She immediately put it to the side, knowing it would likely take a bit to read through it to see what it was about.
“Next… Hm….”
The next item was a token that apparently granted her the strength of the Nameless Knight. It would last for ten minutes and had no other information.
“Ok… but why are they nameless? How am I going to find out what this entails?”
Questions continued to form, but Nobina knew she’d have to try to figure it out later. She also didn’t know if it was a one-time use or if it had a cooldown, so she decided it wasn’t worth testing for now.
“Next we got… Oh! Another item from the fairy.”
Nobina was starting to associate the symbol of two white branches with the fairy that had appeared to deliver the previous item, which was a gem she had yet to get a chance to use. She sometimes wondered what situation would prompt their usage, but she knew she didn’t want to be in one that forced the usage of some of them, like the grenades or the one-time usage scroll.
“Hm… The Ragnfrid Jewel… A rough gemstone with purple lint. When rubbed over a weapon, it’ll feel as if it was wielded by a vengeful knight and help move your body to emerge unscathed. Stay safe…. Whatever may come… little sapling. Heart…. Fairy…”
It was times like this when Nobina wished she knew the names behind those who gave the items. She was always thankful for them, despite how much trouble some of them caused. It was all items with good intentions. At least, that’s what she believed.
“I think this might combo well with my sword and ability, and perhaps other magical items. However… What’s the usage on this? Oh wait… a secondary note… Oh. Once per month. Last ten minutes. That’s pretty good honestly. I wonder if the token has the same cooldown, though I guess I won’t know until the time to use both happens.”
Nobina gave a nod, moving on to her next item.
“Let’s see here… A… Plane Ticket to Japan! Wow… That’s so cool. I’ve always wanted to go, but never got the chance. I wonder… how do I even use this?”
Holding the ticket, Nobina looked at a note that was attached to the ticket.
“Can be used to travel to Japan for a day. Will promptly teleport back afterwards. Can bring back one souvenir. Must be approved by TSA.”
“Typical. Even in a fantasy world, the government is going to stop me from bringing back something cool,” said Nobina, her cheeks puffing a bit. She relaxed them moments later, thinking about the positives of her gift. “That being said… is this a way back to my old world? If so…”
The thought of returning felt extremely appealing to Nobina. If she was right, it was a golden opportunity to bring back knowledge from her old world. She’d also be able to visit a country she wanted to visit, but she knew it would be wasteful to use it immediately. There had to be a time when it was right to return, and she wanted to be fully prepared. After all, it was only for a day.
“Hm… And the last item… Oh!”
The last item had a ring that apparently allowed her to change hair colors at will. Nobina knew she wasn’t one to change her hair color due to how much of a hassle it seemed, but if there was no limit, she was down to change it every once in a while.
“Thank you for this,” smiled Nobina. “I wonder what color I should pick first. Was always a fan of purple, but pink seems like it’d be a nice choice…. Anyway, another time.”
Nobina went to her last item, which was the book The Secrets of the Guild. Opening it up, it clearly stated the book was for the secrets of the adventuring guild of Lumira. The information itself seemed to focus around the appearance of otherworlders and their effect on the world itself.
“Wait… so every time someone from another world has appeared, the world has always experienced a shift. Sometimes small. Sometimes massive. Whatever the case may be, any individual from another world is to be monitored. If their Path is confirmed high potential, they are to be reported to the Grand Guild Master to operate under them privately or… disposed of…”
More dread fell over Nobina, realizing that Eric was likely obligated to report her or dispose of her. However, it seemed he had done neither, considering he had just let her go. It made her wonder if Eric had told Aunai about her Path at some point and whether she also had such an obligation. If there was one difference, it was that Pausers was likely protecting her from harm from both of them.
“What other secrets are there?” asked Nobina, turning to the next page. She was surprised to see “Progress Further to Unlock” on each subsequent page. When she got to the end of the book, Nobina realized that there might be information there that was crucial to her that was locked behind the progression of something. Whether that was her progress at the guild, the progress of reaching her dream, or some other metric, was left to be seen.
“Did I ever tell anyone how I have so many questions,” she chuckled to herself.
Part of her wanted to dread, but at this point, she was treating this all as if her life was a bit of a comedy. It was fitting, considering how some of the things around her seemed too nonsensical to be her actual reality. If it was all a joke, it made so much more sense.
“Hm… dinner is soon huh… I guess I got training as well… Well. I guess there’s no time like the…”
A knock was heard on her door.
“Coming,” said Nobina, wondering who it could be.
When she opened the door, she was met by a lady with long, purple hair. It was a bit shorter than Nobina’s, but it look far more taken care of and smoother. She had a soft face exuding the feeling of nobility, yet there was this softness to her expression that completely negated such feeling. Her gentle smile was what really took Nobina’s attention, making her think about how kind this person seemed. Besides that, she had an outfit that seemed to be suited for adventuring yet also reflected the designs that clearly screamed nobility. Besides that, she had a sword that looked like a rapier, which was surprising since she hadn’t seen one yet.
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
“Hello,” smiled the lady. My name is Immana Nasren, the First Daughter of Lord Kasanta.
Immediately, that feeling of kindness evaporated into sheer nervousness. Nobina froze immediately, worrying the worst was going to come.
“I’ve learned from my father that you’ve been sponsored by Carina for the Test of Merit. I’m surprised she went to the lengths to potentially risk her life for a commoner, but from what I learned you are far from that. You’re a hero to a village. You’re someone that has connections with S-rank adventurers and guild masters. You present yourself as proper, someone refine in a way that only those with a keen eye could notice. Everything about you… screams… I want you to serve me directly.”
That last line seemed to form a rather devious smile from Immana, causing Nobina to unintentionally shiver.
“Oh… well… its good you think highly of me,” she smiled.
That devious smile reverted back to a calm one as Immana continued to speak.
“Alas… that likely will never be possible. Once your sponsor to be a Noble by Merit, either you become one or eventually die. It’s truly a sad reality, but it has made sure that father has more quality nobles… unlike some of these idiotic, unbecoming Nobles by Birth father refuse to cull. It is truly sad.”
There was almost no doubt in Nobina’s mind that this person was secretly insane. The idea of casually being fine getting rid of people was not a normal person thing. It was the fact this exact person was meeting with her right now that made Nobina worried for the worst.
“Anyways. By the rules of the Test of Merit, it is forbidden for me to directly interfere with you till the test concludes. Even then, post-test its my father’s desires that will matter, not my own.”
“Oh… then uh… is there any reason you stopped by in particular?” asked Nobina, giving a nervous smile.
“Yes,” she responded. “I have stop by to get an initial evaluation of you. I offer my own sponsorship if you pass it. Of course, if you fail… you might owe me something.”
The way she said that instantly made Nobina’s answer clear.
“Uh… no thanks,” she smiled politely.
“Hm… if I sponsor you, it’s almost guaranteed you pass. The two Nobles by Merit? They’ve been sponsored by me along with others. Surely you aren’t going to pass up a prime chance to almost guarantee you live,” smiled Immana, the gentle look now appearing way more hostile than it might normally be.
Nobina was completely scared of Immana.
“Well… uh… I mean….”
She was desperately trying to figure out what the right answer was. If she declined, was she guaranteed to die? Was this merely a trap to get her to fail and become Immana’s? There were so many questions, and Nobina was starting to hate questions. It was then she was saved by something unexpected.
“My lady,” appeared a well-dressed servant.
The calm face turned to the servant, shooting daggers as they asked what needed her attention.
“Sir Vert is here. He is requesting to speak with Nobina,” said the servant, appearing unfazed by the daggers.
“Oh dear,” smiled Immana, turning to Nobina. “It seems that my brother wants to exert his influence as well. My offer is still open until you meet with my father later today Nobina. Merely come to my personal estate on the north-west corner of the city and ask me to test you. If it’s more re-assuring to you, considering how hesitant you were to accept, even if you fail my test, I shall sponsor you. Of course, you’ll still have to perform my favor, but… It’s nothing too bad. Certainly better than death.”
It felt extremely unreassuring coming from Immana, but she was making the offer more acceptable, at least. She wanted to have the best chance, but she wasn’t sure she was good enough to pass four tests. Not to mention that having her support felt like a boon too good to pass up.
“Ok… I will think about it and come over if I’ve decided,” bowed Nobina.
“Proper in the face of pure fear. Such a beautiful gem that needs to be polished,” smiled Immana, taking her leave.
With that, Nobina waited patiently at her door for her next guess. She was hoping desperately that Vert was a far better noble to speak to. At the very least, she hoped she would be in pure fear speaking to them.
The next person to appear gave Nobina a look of relief. It was a man with short, brown hair. They wore a typical noble outfit, yet their hair was a bit messy. Not only that, but they looked nervous themselves, which was oddly a good thing to see. They also had a sword, but it was a standard long sword instead of the unique rapier Immana had.
“Hello there,” spoke the man, giving a smile. “My name is Vert Nasren. First son of Lord Kasanta and heir to the throne. People call me a Sword Master, but please treat me more casually. I prefer people call me Vert.”
“Oh ok Vert,” said Nobina with a genuine smile. “My name is Nobina. How may I help you?”
All her fears were gone for that moment, with her merely waiting for good news.
“Ah… yes… I heard from my father that you are performing a Test of Merit. I would normally stay out of it, but Immana being interested in you… means that she sees you as an asset. As a result, I have decided to directly sponsor you under the condition that you don’t become sponsor by Immana.”
“Oh, that’s an easy….”
She was about to say yes, but she held back. Doubts formed in her head, and she didn’t actually know if saying yes was the right call.
“Don’t worry too much,” smiled Vert. “I won’t force an answer right now. I reside in my father’s estate, so you can meet me there and request to speak directly. If you want it, it is free without a condition. I haven’t sponsored anyone before, but know that… My father would look favorably towards you if you received my sponsorship.”
From what Nobina could tell, Vert seemed trusting in his word. Not only that, but she wasn’t going to put her in danger. That being said, she needed to confirm Immana’s word.
“Is it true though? That so far, only the people who have her sponsorship have succeeded in becoming Nobles by Merit?”
Vert nodded his head.
“It is quite… funny honestly,” he chuckled. “We call it Noble by Merit, yet only those sponsored by Immana have succeeded. However, I believe that you can break the mold. I offer my sponsorship, but the right call might honestly be to decline both of ours and take the test with only Carina’s sponsorship. You seem quite capable and… even if you fail, I’m sure you will be able to perform the training that father might ask you to do.”
It caught her off guard that he’d suggest taking no sponsorship, where clearly it seemed that he thought it’d be a good idea.
“Oh? Aunai was going to sponsor me, but do you think it’s better if I just did it with Carina’s?”
Hearing that, his eyes widened, and he immediately shook his head.
“Ah. No. Yeah Aunai’s sponsorship is far more valuable than you think. She has never co-sponsored anyone if I recall correctly, so she might be good enough. However, mine wouldn’t hurt and… if you really feel obligated, you can take Immana’s offer.”
Nobina could only wonder why Vert seemed like such a nice guy despite being the first son of Lord Kasanta. She fully expected some sense of nobility, yet he acted more like someone who merely wanted to help others.
“Thanks for the suggestion. You know… you seem like such a nice person Vert,” she smiled.
“Thanks,” he nodded. “I just want to enjoy life. If not for my fears of Immana taking over, I might have conceded the position of heir to her. For now, I act in the interest of the nobles against her and… I do my best. Anyway, you probably want to warm up before the test or get more help. I shall return to my home and if you want more chat before everything happens… I shall be there.”
With that, Vert left as well, leaving Nobina to think about the decision to be made.
“I don’t know what’s the right decision,” Nobina said to herself.