Chapter 15 — Tea With Sophia
“Setting aside such dangerous topics, Sophia,” Ria smoothly tried while basking in the exquisite cleansing warmth of the Heavenly Dragon’s Golden Plum Divine Nectar tea recommended by Allemi and motioned with her empty hand toward her knight. “You probably haven’t met Knight Arella.”
“It is a pleasure to meet the young lady of House Wardstone,” Arella followed up, lowering her head and setting her teacup down as she bowed slightly from the waist.
The sight of being bowed at and addressed by a beautiful and dashing female knight of such status put Sophia into a momentary fluster, but as expected of one of Ophesia and Nielle’s friends, the noble girl quickly recovered. “A pleasure to meet you, Knight Arella.”
Convincing Arella to join the tea meeting as a participant had been an exercise in awkwardness, but Ria had eventually worn down the knight’s resistance through insisting that Arella’s knowledge about etiquette and the nuances of obligation would be vital to the success of the afternoon’s mission.
That, and there apparently weren’t many who would fight to the bitter end to miss a chance at experiencing Master Chef Zortare’s sublime works, even if the intent was simply tea and snacks.
Ria didn’t stop there, either. Bringing a royal armored knight to loom at the table would surely be seen as an act of intimidation. And with the history between her and Sophia, a domineering approach was unlikely to bear the desired results.
As such, Ria had Fresia pull Knight Arella’s hair back into a beautiful braid, and the young woman was wearing the attire used by the Gryphon Knights for social events: an embroidered overtunic and cape featuring the Knight Order’s heraldry and themes. Arella did still have a short blade sheathed across the small of her back, but that was a minor concession.
Ria set her teacup down and met the other girl’s eyes with seriousness. “I have two reasons to have invited you to this place, beyond my simple desire to sample the chef’s efforts, Sophia. First, as an apology for my clumsy disregard for the established order and lack of effort to learn the rules by which this society is bound in civility. Thanks to Iori Novidus’ mentoring and Lady Janacythe and Administrator Rente’s assistance, I have been granted some awareness of my failings.”
Sophia’s guarded expression morphed through a great many other emotions before recovering and settling on a mask of haughty indifference, huffing out a grudging concession of acceptance, “At least you are aware. And the second reason?”
“And secondly, I desire your advice regarding the debt I owe Young Master Tensley. A gift seems the most straightforward solution, but what would he even desire that would be sufficient or appropriate? I haven’t an idea where to even begin. With Tensley having been your escort to Lady Asara’s event…”
Sophia’s eyes narrowed. “And why should I help you with that? Treating me to tea, even a place as renowned as this, doesn’t suddenly make us friends after you threatened to kill me and maliciously endangered me and many of your peers, some of whom I consider friends.”
Ria held up her hands with a placating gesture. “I get that, Sophia. I do. But assisting me to provide something Tensley would appreciate, wouldn’t that reflect well on you? I am more than happy to give you credit.”
Or drag you down with me. This was the key argument Ria had come up with—make it in Sophia’s interest to suggest something that would fulfill the obligation while having Arella on hand to keep the girl from recommending something excessive or inappropriate as a means of getting back at her.
Allemi returned to summon their selections of snacks while Sophia quietly considered, and the three of them all took a moment to indulge. Ria more than the others. Thankfully, the compulsion was becoming more manageable even with the new and delightful flavors.
Maybe she was developing a resistance? Or maybe she had consumed enough that her body was no longer in a deprived state now?
Ria was nudged out of her consumptive reverie by Sophia’s voice addressing her, “Is it true you found an alchemist to improve your power?”
Ah, that was the topic the noble girl wanted to start with?
Was it an attempt to belittle? Or was it honest curiosity? Give and take?
Hiding the truth or changing the subject would surely worsen the girl’s mistrust… but was there any reason to hide it? The changes were rather obvious. Though her pride disliked the idea, continuing to be self-deprecating was probably the right approach.
“I have… in a way.” Ria grimaced and motioned toward the side of her head. “But, as you can see, it is not without risk or consequence.”
Sophia seemed to emotionally struggle with something for several heartbeats. “Tensley may have interest in such things.”
Ria blinked. Affinity-improving elixirs for Tensley? That’s the direction Sophia was going with this? That… wasn’t a bad direction at all.
And it didn’t have to be from Researcher Shadwich, either. Maybe even elvish refining pills could be fine? Though, probably not the one she gave Orlisi as a thank you. She held back a snort at the thought. Even though Tensley might deserve it.
As far as increasing the power of a potential adversary went… if she intended to take on a king or even gods, what did it matter? Besides, if Tensley’s loyalty was to Crysellia, he still might be useful to her purpose should Crysellia invade Revant.
“Are there aspects that he is particularly interested in?” Ria asked.
Sophia fidgeted with her sleeve and looked away. “He has greatly improved his ability with air magic… but, rather than an element, maybe a concept that could strengthen his alteration magic and give his smoke-shaping physical attributes…”
The girl seemed to be serious about this.
Had inviting Sophia already paid off?
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
Ria gave a thoughtful hum. “Arella, if I had Researcher Shadwich source something from the Reserve or ask a favor of High Priestess Elora, would that be enough? Getting elvish pills from House Yurren would be easier, maybe, but I am not sure that would be sufficient.”
“Can the pills provide an opportunity that you would weigh comparable to the boon provided in saving your life?” Arella gently challenged, refilling from the crystal pot beside her teacup and delicately sipping her tea.
Ria noted Sophia’s eyes growing wide with the extent of the gift being considered. There was clearly some room for a lesser gift, but… the balancing of scales was important. Maybe not as important as seeing those who wronged her pay a price, but still important.
Tensley had incurred some debt with her because of his rudeness and the plotting during her debut, but to compare that to the value of her life? Such would only matter in how petty she wanted to be on the margins.
To balance those scales, a life for a life, or at least something with life-changing possibility needed to be offered. She didn’t see how a simple item, no matter how expensive or enchanted, could meet that test. The word Arella used—‘opportunity’—was the key. A future of potential could only be balanced with potential.
Short of offering him herself (the Vesali would surely object even if she were willing, which she wasn't, at all), one of her future children for his House (no thanks), or maybe land (where would she get any?), a fruit or elixir that could improve his potential did seem the simplest solution with the least downsides.
In fact, he need not succeed at improving himself. She was fairly certain her pride would be satisfied as long as the chance at improvement was real.
Ria let out a breath of relief at having settled on a plan that didn’t require her commitment to anything unfortunate. She’d have to ask around to see what she could find that was within her reach, but at least the worst cases should be avoidable.
“Alright, I’ll do that then. You have my thanks, Sophia.”
A silence fell over them as Sophia retreated into thought again. Ria didn’t mind as it allowed her to return her undivided attention back to the new experiences the sampling of metal and gem-topped cookies and cakes provided. The metals and gems had been ground to fine glittery powder that was easy enough to bite into and dissolved pleasantly on her tongue. Ria particularly liked how the tiny gemstone glitter made the jelly in the thumb-drop cookies sparkle.
“I have heard that dwarves enjoy such things, but… is it really safe?” Sophia tried, motioning toward the sampler.
Ria smiled. “As a dwarven princess, I can confirm it is tasty.” Maybe it was a dwarf thing more than a dragon thing?
Arella snorted and rolled her eyes. “As a human, I’d rather not have my wealth end up in the chamber pot or my skin turn blue like a certain alchemist I know who had a fondness for silver.”
Sophia looked aghast.
“It is an important part of my diet,” Ria objected, sticking out her tongue impishly. “It even showed in my blood when Researcher Shadwich took a sample not long ago. Gold more so than the others, but I wanted to try some other metals too while I was here.”
Though maybe she needed to find out more about silver… just to be safe.
“Not because of your bloodline changes?” Sophia asked.
“I never tried eating gold or any metal before coming to the academy,” Ria admitted, shrugging. “Do mages with iron bloodlines eat iron?”
“Some do,” Arella confirmed. “Lord Thentis Hammerfell is known for it.”
Ria finished enjoying her last cookie and stood up, straightening her dress. The others were looking done as well. “Arella, could you arrange the payment as we discussed and thank Allemi for the wonderful service.”
“Of course.”
Ria had prepared a variety of spirit tokens and small gold and silver bars for Arella to offer. And coins as a last resort. She hoped the chef preferred the tokens, since there was no guarantee she’d be able to source the gold and silver as cheaply again.
“Shall we go?” Ria prompted Sophia as Arella went ahead.
“Are you really a dwarven princess?” Sophia whispered when they started down the stairs, almost as if embarrassed to be heard asking.
“As much as Phaelys is a Vesali prince, one could say,” Ria teased and glanced back to see Sophia frowning and the girl’s brows furrowing at the reply.
“What about the Shadow Empress?” Sophia challenged.
Even if Sophia had been surprisingly helpful, Ria was still holding a little grudge over the slime wands and ruining her favorite set of clothes and her favorite boots. “Hmm, I wonder.”
Arella quietly rejoined them as they passed the reception and returned out into the market.
“What about the broach?” Sophia pressed.
“My grandmother is Aliceille Astacio.”
“Why pretend to be a commoner then?” Sophia grumbled. “Was it just a game? A trap?”
Ria stopped and smiled the gentle smile she had practiced. “Thank you for meeting with me, Sophia. I wouldn’t be opposed to meeting like this again sometime.”
Sophia stared for several incredulous heartbeats with a frustrated but conflicted expression before making a shallow curtsy and leaving with an abrupt swish of skirts.
The smile gracing Ria’s face grew into a smirk. Ria couldn’t help feeling proud of her ‘mysterious princess’ performance. The tea meeting had been a risk, but the victory felt almost as good as the time she faced Daggen and his gang and proved her place in the hierarchy.
And since she was already here and hopefully not too much poorer, she might as well take care of her long-overdue weapons shopping before heading back.
“Arella, do you know where Bathelli Workshop is?”
----------------------------------------
A knock at the door distracted Ria from her reading on diver ducks and air deprivation. It had been much as she feared.
She pushed down the feeling of self-recrimination and breathed out the building anger. Her continuous recklessness finally having cost her the ability to save a friend in a moment of need wasn’t Wendra’s fault. “Come in!”
Closing the door behind her, Wendra flashed a big grin. “Did you get my letter?”
Ria put on a smile and mustered up the expected cheer. “I did! But… I was also invited to the castle for Orlisi’s award ceremony as a disciple of House Yurren, and I promised my friends that I would participate in the 4-vs-4 event that morning… should we try for another day?”
Wendra wandered over to peek at what Ria was reading. “We should be okay. I don’t think the initial meeting will be long, but if it goes well, you will likely be expected to visit the Astacio family estate in Tellia Province for more extensive introductions. Besides, I think Grandma Aliceille is intending to attend the Divinesday events. Feeling nervous?”
That meant her grandmother would be there watching her performance.
“A little,” Ria readily admitted, and Wendra gave a reassuring hug from behind.
“Don’t worry. I’ll be right there with you, and Grandma Aliceille is excited to meet you. I’m sure it will go well.”
Another knock sounded at the door.
“Ah-! Is it that late already?” Ria groaned upon sensing who the new visitor was.
“Ria, ready?” Aldri asked as he poked his head around the door.
Wendra chuckled. “I’ll leave you to it. Don’t worry, I can see myself out.”
Ria paused and glanced at her fifth-year cousin. “There might be spell-crafting. Want to come along?”
After briefly considering, Wendra smirked. “Hmm, sure. Can’t have you staying out after curfew with a boy unchaperoned, now can we?”
Ria rolled her eyes but still sent the book by Researcher Erithon to the vault and hurried out into the hall to meet up with Aldri and Knight Arella who was back in her usual armor.
“Grab hands,” Aldri warned as Wendra closed the door, and space soon shifted around the four of them, taking them to the waiting area for the tower’s training rooms.