As Nobina stood there, she began wondering what she should do. She felt extremely unprepared to meet with Lord Kasanta, yet the invitation to meet him could come at any moment. The thought of messing up the meeting was now making her completely unsure of what the correct choice of sponsor was.
“Squeak!” came the small little bunny that was sitting on Hammy.
“Oh! Little guy!” said Nobina, sticking out a finger to pat the tiny bunny on the head. “I’m so sorry I’ve been ignoring you. It’s been so busy that I hadn’t had a chance to really get to play with you.”
As she saw the bunny happily accept the pats, Nobina remembered that her own problems were more than her own. Others around her would be affected by her actions and she’d have to make the best decision for all parties involved. At the very least, the parties she cared about.
“Let’s see if Aunai has some advice,” said Nobina to her little bunny. She had yet to come up with a name for them, but she was hoping that their creator would mention something. Else, she’d eventually call it something silly like Speck.
“Speck is a solid name though,” chuckled Nobina.
Before heading out, Hammy and Speck went back into her bag, which was basically their home at this point.
Nobina wasted no time heading downstairs with both her bags in tow. She quickly greeted the receptionist before heading out of the guild inn. The sun had already begun to set, signaling the end of the day. She had no idea when she’d get the invite, but she knew she didn’t have much time. She made her way into the guild, which was now slowing down as most of the groups had concluded their business for the day. The only ones left were those trying to turn it in at the last second or those who operated during the night. Due to the size of the guild and its importance, this guild operated all day and night. Nobina knew Aunai was set to work part of the night shift, so Nobina was banking on that as she headed upstairs.
Once upstairs, Nobina made her way to Aunai’s office, knocking on the door rather aggressively.
“Come in,” called Aunai.
Nobina headed in, seeing Aunai filling out papers on her desk. Aunai’s gaze turned to Nobina, giving a pleasant smile.
“Why the rush Nobina?” asked Aunai, tilting her head. “Did you need something else from me?”
“Kind of,” she responded, rubbing the back of her hair. “I need your advice. See… I was approached by both Immana and Vert and offered a sponsorship. I don’t know if I should take either and I worry that I’ll be extended the invite soon.”
Aunai, who had been listening closely, gave a nod.
“Unfortunately, the Test of Merit is something I don’t know well enough to advise you on. I hear both nobles who passed Lord Kasanta’s test had Immana’s support, so she’s a prime one to have. However, Vert is the heir to the estate, so he’s also one to consider. Though both are in opposing factions… Carina might be a better ask.”
Nobina had a feeling she was going to say that. The only issue was she didn’t know where Carina was at the moment.
“I believe she’s at her family estate, which is right outside on the north-west of town. You should check there,” said Aunai. “Oh and take this.”
Aunai stood up and handed a letter to Nobina.
“This should serve as proof of my sponsorship. Please make sure only Lord Kasanta reads it. No one else should have eyes on it no matter what.”
“Thank you so much,” Nobina nodded, heading off immediately.
Nobina was thankful that she had been starting back up her training and exercise since she felt a bit better running to her location. However, she was finding herself winded by the time she reached the north gate. The guards there gave her a rather confusing look before noticing her badge.
“Oh, a guild officer,” said one of the guards. “Haven’t met you before.”
“Names Nobina. I’m heading to the Laguna estate,” she responded, catching her breath.
The guard gave a nod.
“Head directly right and follow the stone path along the wall. Eventually, you’ll reach the estate.”
“Thanks,” smiled Nobina, heading off soon after.
The remaining trek to the estate was rather beautiful despite the fact she was still running. Outside of the city to the north was more housing area that led to the Vaserna Forest. The trees there were much older than the other forests due to the fact that this forest in particular was rather preserved. This was due to the fact that the forest was said to have a strong connection with the World Tree Eleanor, a tree said to be able to restore even land that was completely raised to the ground and tainted. Due to this, it was believed that by leaving the forest alone, any damage to it or the surrounding lands would be healed rather quickly.
One of the many benefits of the forest being rather preserved was the plant life in the forest was said to be beautiful and diverse. While the forest itself wasn’t off limits to harvesting and hunting, there was a group called the Eleanorian Foresters who charged themselves with protecting the plants and wildlife of that forest in particular from overharvesting. Nobina knew those individuals did have special authority to arrest those who threatened the status of the forest. What that meant, Nobina didn’t know, but she knew that people were occasionally arrested there.
“I’d love to check it out when I get a chance,” huffed Nobina, still on the run to the estate.
Eventually, she reached the Laguna estate, which was a section of a few buildings fenced off with a high hedge and stone wall. Reaching the entrance, Nobina found herself stopped by the guards.
“Halt. Invitation?” said one of the guards, a man in an iron chain-armor. He was a bit bigger than Nobina but significantly more built. Right next to him was another male guard of a similar build. Both had swords on their sides.
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“I don’t have one, but…”
The guard immediately shook his head.
“No commoners can enter without invitation, he barked, his tone turning aggressive.
Nobina would normally back off, but she had to speak to Carina urgently.
“I am a guild officer of the guild with urgent news to deliver to Lady Carina,” she responded back, trying to sound a bit more formal.
The guard shook his head once more.
“Don’t think we’d buy it for a second. You would have led with that if it was true.”
Nobina felt offended that they’d merely assume her not leading with that was evidence enough. The sun had finally begun to set, and night was upon them. If she didn’t get in now, she’d have to wait till tomorrow. By that time, she might not get a chance to speak to Carina about what to do.
“This should confirm it,” said Nobina, flashing her guild officer badge.
The two guards talked it over before shaking their heads.
“While this confirms your status as a guild officer, it is not sufficient enough for us to allow you into the estate. Now please step aside.”
Nobina, trying to figure out what she could say to convince them, decided to speak about the situation at hand.
“I didn’t want to say this, but Carina is currently in a very dangerous situation that requires me to…”
Immediately, the guards drew their swords, prompting Nobina to take a step back.
“How dare you threaten Lady Carina,” said the first guard.
“My god, you’re jumping to conclusions,” yelled Nobina. “Can’t you let me finish what I have to say?”
Neither of the guards seemed in the mood to listen at this point, making Nobina wonder how she was going to get out of this situation. At this point, she had no choice but to show the letter of Guild Master Aunai.
“My name is Nobina, and I’m operating under Guild Master Aunai’s Authority,” said Nobina, hoping that would help.
The second guard, hearing those words, seemed to react immediately.
“Wait,” said the second guard. “Didn’t Lady Carina inform us to allow someone name Nobina in?”
The first seem to realize this since they lowered their sword.
“Can you provide proof of your identity?” asked the first guard.
Nobina took out and showed her adventurer card. There was a disappointed look on their faces as they handed it back.
“I don’t know why she’d be friends with a D-rank, but go ahead,” said the first guard, with both stepping away. “She’s in the main building.”
Nobina, just relieved that she was being let through, continued into the estate. The grounds themselves were well kept, with the lawn and hedges being well kept. The flower patches looked extremely colorful despite the fact the lawn was now being lit up by the lanterns lining the paths.
As she made her way to the main building, a single maid stepped out of the building, bowing and greeting her.
“Guest of the Laguna family. Please tell me what you need, and I shall assist you,” said the maid, giving a bow.
“I need to see Carina,” said Nobina.
“Of course,” responded the main, straightening up. “Please follow me.”
Nobina followed the maid into the house, which was well-decorated with all sorts of high-end furniture. A lot of it looked rather expensive, making Nobina wonder if this was the norm even for a branch family. She did her best to avoid touching anything as she followed the maid deeper into the house.
The two of them eventually reached a room at the back of the first floor, where the maid gave a knock.
“What is it?” called Carina, sounding as if she was occupied.
“A guest is here for you. Her name…”
“Nobina,” called out Nobina.
The two of them waited for a good ten minutes before Carina opened the door. Nobina could see that this was her personal room, making her feel embarrassed meeting her directly in front of it.
“Ah Nobina,” said Carina, straightening her hair. “To what do I owe this late-night visit?”
“Both Immana and Vert have offered to sponsor me, and I need your advice,” said Nobina, keeping her gaze on Carina.
“Right,” sighed Carina. “I should have told you about them. Please… come in.”
Nobina nodded, walking right into the room. She noticed that Carina gave a maid a nod, prompting her to close the door. Carina sat down on a chair in front of her desk filled with papers. Looking around, Nobina could see the room had two bookcases full of books, a fancy bed with two side tables, and a chair next to one of the bookcases.
“Please take a seat,” said Carina, motioning to the open chair.
“Working from home Carina?” chuckled Nobina as she sat down.
“Yeah,” she said, shaking her head. “I wanted to some financial strategy for when the crisis fully hits. You never know if it’ll be useful to know. Anyways. Let’s discuss the topic at hand.”
Carina straightened up and began to speak to Nobina.
“There are pros and cons to taking each sponsorship. I’ll go over Immana’s first. Immana, as you know, is the first daughter of Lord Kasanta. She’s seen as his right-hand woman, often acting on his behalf on important matters that Lord Kasanta cannot attend directly. A well-versed and rather smart woman, she is someone you don’t want to make enemies of. So the pro’s of her sponsorship is making Lord Kasanta’s first daughter, his right-hand woman, an ally. Not only that, but you can learn why the two nobles under her passed the test directly from her. The obvious con though is you are against Vert and his faction at this point. Becoming an enemy to any faction is rather tricky and gets you involved in politics that are rather messy. I highly wouldn’t recommend.”
Nobina gave a nod, noting it down on a piece of paper she summoned. Carina wanted to ask about it but knew that time was of the essence.
“Vert, on the other hand, is a potentially easy, yet dangerous choice. He’s the first son of Lord Kasanta and likely has significant pull despite him not being too active.”
“Not being active?” asked Nobina, wondering what she meant by that.
“Well Vert… is a go with the flow type of person. He doesn’t like taking charge and he’s only becoming heir due to his personal feelings that Immana shouldn’t be heir. Other than that, he’s someone who’s willing to ally himself with anyone anti-Immana. This includes… Doriten,” said Carina, shaking her at the end.
A shiver went down Nobina’s back upon hearing that name. Learning that Doriten was a part of Vert’s faction was a relief since it meant that she knew what choice would make him an ally or enemy.
“So… the pros and con?” asked Nobina.
“The obvious pro’s is that you’ll have a unique sponsor in Vert on your side and the largest faction on your side. I believe the third son, second daughter, and third daughter also are on Vert’s side, but we don’t have time to discuss them in detail. Just know that both Vert and Immama hold the biggest sway of all of the factions. There are very few independents like me,” said Carina, her eyes looking away as if what she said was a bad thing. “The cons, well… you’d be Immana’s enemy and that can go horribly wrong.”
Hearing that, Nobina shook her head.
“It feels like the right choice is to just say no to both and take the test without any additional sponsorship,” said Nobina.
“It could be, but it’s not going to be easy going at it with only our sponsorship. I’m sorry I couldn’t have sponsored you under better conditions.”
“Nothing you can do about it,” said Nobina. “All I can do now is mentally prepare myself for the invitation.”
Hearing that, Carina went to her desk. She grabbed an envelope and handed it directly to Nobina.
“What’s this?” asked Nobina.
“Doriten handed me this an hour ago,” said Carina. “This is the invitation for me to bring forth who I’m sponsoring. I have until midnight to do so.”
“Oh,” said Nobina. “So were you planning to get me?”
“Yeah,” she nodded. “Well… it’s all unnecessary now. If you need more time to prepare, now’s the time to do so. Else… we can head out once I change into my proper attire.”
Looking her over, Nobina could see Carina was wearing a sleeping gown. It looked expensive, despite having a rather messy appearance. The pink and white colors matched the room’s aesthetic well, making Nobina wonder if Carina had a fondness for those colors.
“Please go ahead and change,” nodded Nobina. “I shall be waiting outside for you.”
Nobina took her leave, stepping outside of the room. As she sat there, she leaned against the wall, contemplating her decision. It seemed obvious that she should decline both, but she had a bad feeling. Was having neither of their support really the right idea?
“I have to believe that I can do it with only Carina and Aunai’s help,” said Nobina to herself.