Nobina found herself waiting outside of her room for a decent bit. As she waited, two maids rushed in with clothing, shutting the door immediately. Nobina could only imagine how fast they were working to get Carina presentable for a meeting with Lord Kasanta. Looking at her own clothes, which were the ones she came into the world with, she wondered if she should have swapped into one of the dresses that Sarah had given her. However, there was no time for that at this point.

“Miss Nobina,” said one of the maids as they left the room. “Lady Carina asks if you will be wearing your current attire or picking one more appropriate for meeting with Lord Kasanta.”

Considering how she said it, Nobina had a feeling she was basically being told to change.

“You wouldn’t happen to have an outfit I could use?” asked Nobina.

“We can rush over to one of the stores and immediately obtain one,” said the maid. “However, Lady Carina has made it clear that you must determine if this is the right choice.”

That last part gave Nobina pause. In her mind, she was sure that Carina was asking her to change her outfit. However, she had a guess about who was actually making the suggestion.

“Wait… Are you… the one suggesting I change outfits?” asked Nobina.

The maid bowed down, stepping back.

“I apologize for overstepping. I did not mean to lead you to a bad decision if you feel it was one.”

There was a bit of fear in her voice, but Nobina quickly tried to dismiss her worries.

“Don’t worry about it,” said Nobina, shaking her hands and head. “But I will be keeping my attire. It is what defines me and what I’m the most comfortable in. I’m just… curious about the recommendation.”

The maid was hesitant to speak, but she spoke her mind after gathering the courage to speak.

“We are… aware that this is a very important meeting. Not only for Lady Carina, but the estate as a whole. We wish the meeting between you two and Lord Kasanta go without problems… Hopefully you find that reason acceptable for me overstepping.”

Hearing her out, Nobina could see there was a concerned look on the maid’s face. Despite them being able to hold their feelings most of the time, it seemed that there was a limit to it.

“I understand. I do feel like there is merit to changing, but I feel maintaining my own attire would suit me better.”

“As you wish,” said the maid, giving a bow before returning to Carina.

As she departed, Nobina began wondering whether she had made the right choice. When she realized she was questioning herself again, she could only shake her head.

“This is going to be a long night,” sighed Nobina, continuing to lean against the wall.

It took about twenty minutes before the maids stepped out with Carina right behind. Nobina could only stare in awe at how beautiful Carina looked in her outfit. The dark blue dress helped highlight the beauty of her straightened hair, which was flowing right behind her. On her neck was a necklace that was a mixture of silver and gold, with a symbol of the Laguna family directly on it. The symbol itself was a nicely made short sword with a shield right behind it.

“Shall we depart?” asked Carina, her voice much more gentle than usual.

“Yeah,” nodded Nobina.

The maids escorted the two of them out of the main building to a carriage that was sitting right outside. In the front were two horses with the estate guards on it. Right at the entrance of the carriage itself was a butler opening the door for them.

“Lady Carina. Miss Nobina,” he said, giving a bow.

The two of them nodded, heading inside the carriage. Moments later, the group was off, with their destination set for the estate of Lord Kasanta.

As they made their way, Nobina began looking out the window at the city. Her eyes were admiring how beautiful the city was, yet her mind was in a state of disarray. There was so much worry about how the meeting with Lord Kasanta was going to go that she was trying to find the right feeling to have. Worry? Frustration? Should she have been calm and composed? She worried for the worst because it wasn’t only her life on the line. Carina’s life was also linked to hers, making her worry that Carina might also be feeling a similar fear. However, it felt unlikely since Carina herself was someone who hadn’t shown a moment of weakness.

“Carina,” said Nobina, turning to her. It was then Nobina’s eyes widened to see that Carina was looking shaken. Carina’s gaze was facing outward towards the town, unaware of Nobina at that present moment. It took a few seconds before Carina realized she was being asked something.

“What is it?” asked Carina.

“Are you… ok?” asked Nobina, keeping an eye on Carina’s expression.

Carina couldn’t help but laugh hearing the question.

“Far from it,” she said. “It’s settling in how… serious the situation is. If you want to know the truth… I was taking advantage of the situation for my own gain back then. My forcing you into the state of being a noble, I was hoping to boost my family’s position. Now… there’s a very real chance that I mess up and we both pay the price.”

Nobina could tell Carina meant every word of what she said. There was a good chance she didn’t pass and would have to take some sort of punishment. However, if she let that thought dominate her mind, Nobina knew she’d have failed right before even meeting Lord Kasanta. She had to believe that she had a chance and that her decisions were right.

“Carina,” said Nobina, standing up and sitting right next to her. Carina tensed up a bit but relaxed as soon she felt Nobina’s hug. The feeling of warmth soothed her as she listened to Nobina speak.

“Please know that… Despite me being scared as well… I’ll do the best for both of us. If you believe in me… that would mean a lot,” said Nobina, her voice soft as she spoke.

Carina seemed to calm down, giving a chuckle.

“Look at this,” she said, giving a smile. “Me being comfortable by a… by someone not even my own family… It’s a bit disgraceful for a noble.”

“Well, I might be a future noble so…” smiled Nobina.

After a few more moments, Nobina released her hug. Carina was now as calm as could be, giving a nod.

“Thanks Nobina,” said Carina. “Hopefully you don’t think worse of me for what I said earlier. I… Just wanted to tell you the truth. After all, if we come out of this alive... You might think of me as a horrible person.”

“I can never think worse of someone who’s honest with me,” smiled Nobina.

Deep down, Nobina was glad to see a side of Carina that wasn’t her normal noble self. It made her hopeful that things would be different despite their social status. However, if she had become a noble, things would have changed anyway.

Both of them felt as calm as could be, and it wasn’t a moment too soon. The carriage came to a stop right in front of their destination. Looking outside, Nobina could see a massive mansion that seemed to stretch out for multiple blocks. There were knights forming a line right next to a carpet that led the carriage into the estate.

When she turned her focus to the entrance, Nobina could see that there were two individuals she could recognize and one she couldn’t. One was Vert on the left side, while Immana was on the right side. In the center was a man much older than both of them. His face was a bit rugged, yet it was clearly done up to make him look respectable. He had a sword by his side and the symbol of the Kasanta family directly on his chest. His attire, a mixture of black and silver clothing that screamed noble, looked far fancier than what Vert and Immana were wearing.

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“Lord Kasanta… he’s greeting us personally,” said Carina, barely holding her now growing nerves in.

The nerves were returning to Carina, but Nobina did her best to calm her.

“We got this,” said Nobina, trying to pep her up.

Carina nodded, waiting as her butler opened the door.

“Might I present Lady Carina and Miss Nobina,” called the butler as he stood to the side.

The knights stood at attention, waiting for the two to depart from the carriage. First out was Carina, walking with as much elegance as she could muster. Nobina, not wanting to fall too far behind, stepped out next. She didn’t have the training of a noble, so her walk was much more casual. However, she walked with as much purpose as she could muster.

No one said a word as the two finally found themselves close to the other three. Carina kneed down first, with Nobina following right after.

“We greet Lord Kasanta as your humble followers,” said Carina, her voice being as submissive as possible.

Nobina, not knowing what to do, could only follow suit.

“We thank you for the invitation,” said Nobina.

The two waited, their faces looking downward as they waited for Lord Kasanta to speak.

“Hm….” was all they heard.

The silence felt deafening, with the only other sounds being the night animals nearby.

“I see… Please… Stand up Nobina. Carina, please join Vert and Immana in the guest meeting room to discuss what happens next.”

“As you wish,” both replied, standing up.

Nobina saw the three of them leave first, with Lord Kasanta now staring at Nobina as she stood there alone.

“Come,” he said, turning and walking into the estate.

Nobina quickly followed behind him, doing her best to keep focused on the task at hand. She couldn’t help but look around at the various furniture and pictures scattered about. Part of her wanted to ask questions about it, but she held it in so as to not waste his time.

Eventually, the two entered a room that had two chairs facing a fireplace. It had a stone chimney that went straight up, and bookcases lining the walls.

“So many books,” said Nobina.

“Big fan of books Nobina?” asked Lord Kasanta, taking a seat in one of the chairs.

“Oh yes,” she replied, taking a seat herself.

Nobina found herself sitting in silence as her eyes turned to Lord Kasanta. The crackling of the fireplace was the only thing preventing the room from being completely silent, as neither of them said a word.

“Tell me,” said Lord Kasanta, leaning back in his chair. “What… do you know about me?”

“Huh? Oh! I know that you’re known as the Passive Lord. You often let your followers handle everything, but that doesn’t mean you’re weak. Rather, you are strong yourself, but you have absolute faith in those who serve directly under you. In your mind, a territory can only be run successfully if all those working in it are doing their best.”

He gave a chuckle, nodding his head.

“Yes… I’d imagine the books would praise me like that. However, I don’t think myself that great of a lord if you had to ask me,” he replied, staring at the fire. “A great lord would be able to handle any problem thrown at them no matter what. They’d be able to bring out the best of everyone they meet and can turn water into wine. At the very least, a great lord wouldn’t have to depend on those who follow him for success. Rather, they should be able to handle everything themselves and be able to unburden those around them.”

Hearing that, Nobina couldn’t argue there was some merit to what he was saying. Someone who was great was someone who could lead their people to boundless riches and success. If they had to depend on others, then if they lost those loyal followers, it would result in disaster.

“I see…” said Nobina.

“That being said,” spoke Lord Kasanta, his gaze turning to Nobina. “There are things that I don’t like about you Nobina right from the start.”

Nobina could feel the harshness of his voice as he spoke.

“Someone who uses this process as a means of defense… Why would you think such a disgraceful action was a good idea?”

Nobina wanted to deflect to Carina but held back. The worst thing she felt was to shift blame rather than explain the situation.

“I’m sorry Lord Kasanta, but please forgive me. I did not mean to use such a method as defense.”

“Covering for Carina huh?” he sighed, leaning back. “I guess it’s not a bad thing to do, yet… It feels so… dishonest.”

Nobina’s heart sank when she realized her potential misstep.

“It was a difficult choice I’d imagine. Lie to protect those you care about or tell the truth and have them take your burdens. I do not blame you for making a bad choice.”

“But… the other choice wasn’t correct either,” said Nobina.

“That is correct,” responded Lord Kasanta. “If you shifted the blame to Carina, then that would speak of how much you prioritize your own skin over others. Even if it was truthful, a harmful truth can also be considered extremely bad.”

“Then… what was the right answer?” asked Nobina.

“That’s not for me to answer right now,” said Lord Kasanta, standing up. “I guess we are done here. I shall….”

“Wait,” said Nobina, standing up herself. “Lord Kasanta, I believe I can represent the ideal noble if you listen to my story.”

He took a pause, looking her in the eyes.

“What makes you think I care about your story? I can’t continue to waste time here.”

At that point, a nerve was struck. Nobina’s next words came out in a way she found shocking herself.

“How dare you imply that my story is a ‘waste of time’,” she spoke loudly. There was so much emotion behind the voice that even Lord Kasanta found himself unable to do anything but listen.

“My story… It is what makes me who I am and is not just mine, but a long tapestry of all the experiences of those who’ve become significant parts of my life. You might say that a great lord is someone who’s able to do everything himself, but I disagree. A great lord is someone who’s able to work with everyone to ensure success. One that, should they disappear, those who they leave behind can succeed. That is why… I cannot accept you dismissing my story without even hearing it.”

Lord Kasanta stood there, taking in all of Nobina’s words. After a few minutes, he nodded his head, sitting back down.

“A noble is someone who can show that they can lead. They are those who should represent me and my ideals, or the ideals of the one above them all. That is why… I’m giving you a chance to prove yourself.”

Nobina felt herself relax a bit but was still on edge. She wasn’t sure what was going to happen next, but she realized that the ball was rolling. Her test started the moment they met, and she was doing her best to pass.

“I no longer believe that this was just used as a defense. Rather, the defense was what pushed Carina over the edge to stake her own life on the line. I am surprised though that you went into this meeting without anyone else sponsoring you. Both Vert and Immana must have given an offer to you, yes?”

“That is correct my lord,” said Nobina, nodding her head. “However, I felt both Carina and Aunai’s sponsorship would be sufficient.”

Hearing Aunai, Lord Kasanta’s eyes widen.

“Do you have proof of Aunai’s sponsorship?”

Nobina gave a nod, standing up and handing Lord Kasanta the letter that Aunai had written for her. Reading it, he nodded, placing it within his coat.

“She has written of how you are of great importance and that even if I judge you unworthy, you be spared any punishment. She is even willing to make a promise to me in exchange.”

Hearing that, Nobina felt relieved. If she was protected by Aunai, then it meant the test to come wouldn’t be too bad.

“Despite her request, I must inform you that Carina will not receive such a reduction in punishment,” said Lord Kasanta. “Should you perform horribly enough… her life will be forfeited as per the rules of the Test of Merit.”

Nobina could only nod, horrified that Carina’s life was still in danger.

“As per her request, I’ll only force training upon you if you fail to pass. That being said, do understand that you should do your best should you not want to burden both Carina and Aunai.”

“I will,” nodded Nobina.

“Ok… Well… the night is still young. Let us hear your story,” smiled Lord Kasanta.

Nobina took a deep breath before beginning to tell her story. She told Lord Kasanta about her arrival in the town of Agora, her employment and everything that’s happened, and the events that have happened from the goblin incident to the journey here to assist with the change in the accounting system of the Navira Adventuring Guild. She did avoid telling him about the Gaze Bag, her status as an otherworlder, and her destiny. Despite the talk of honesty earlier, she knew that if she opened up those cans of worms, she’d find herself in deep trouble.

When she was done, she merely waited for Lord Kasanta to evaluate everything she said.

“Hm…” said Lord Kasanta. “You’ve left out a few things huh? Like… I believe it’s called… the Gaze Bag?”

Nobina didn’t even want to know how Lord Kasanta knew about it, but she relented and answered him.

“Yes… I did leave out mentioning the Gaze Bag,” said Nobina.

“I guess painting yourself as a puppet to a divine entity isn’t something you’d want to do, but next time consider how important it was to tell me about it. This bag is something you’d want to use on the test, yes?”

Nobina gave a nod, staying silent.

“Also, Aunai basically told me that was one of the reasons she wants you spared any harm. Apparently, some divine entity is watching you. Can you tell me about them?”

“I unfortunately cannot,” said Nobina, shaking her head. “I don’t know much about them myself and I lack the time to look into the matter.”

“I see,” nodded Lord Kasanta. “Well… we can resolve that matter later. For now, I think I have enough information from you and Aunai’s letter to give you the first tasks of the Test of Merit. Nobina. Your task will be to eliminate the rogue dragon that has threatened the territory by any means necessary. Gather as many allies as you wish. Use your Gaze bag if you wish. All I request is you do it as soon as possible. I will not offer you assistance. Anyone else is free to help you.”

Hearing that, Nobina gave a nod.

“I shall do as you request,” she nodded.

“Good. Immana will be following you and scoring how you do. Ultimately, you are to ensure no harm befalls her. She may assist you if she wishes.”

Once again, Nobina felt her heart sink as she realized that Immana was going to be scoring her. If she had her as a sponsor, then she might have looked favorably on Nobina. However, the fact remains that she basically declined her sponsorship. If Immana wished it, she might score Nobina poorly regardless of what she did.

“Any concerns?” asked Lord Kasanta.

Nobina was about to voice her concerns with Immana but held her tongue. She felt that if she voiced her worries, then Lord Kasanta might think she was trying to back out. Not to mention that Nobina wasn’t exactly Immana’s enemy either. She had not accepted Vert’s help either.

“No concerns that I wish to voice my lord,” said Nobina.

“I see… Well… Good luck Nobina,” said Lord Kasanta. “You may go and speak with the others. I shall let Immana know what is happening.”

With that, Nobina stood up and left the room. Now alone, Lord Kasanta moved his gaze to the fire.

“Will you prove yourself worthy of nobility Nobina? Or… will you disappoint me like so many others before you…”