"The Library?" Marthus echoed, his sharp gaze hidden behind a refined mask of servitude. His attention was diverted from routine duties to Ravina. Sitting on a balcony Ravina overlooked the castle's splendid garden, bathed in the golden glow of midday sun.
Under the protective shade of a parasol, Ravina nodded in affirmation. “Yes, I was hoping to do some reading while we wait for the good Lord to make his decision.” She opted for honesty over guile. She never did understand how characters could just lie and worry their way through their new life. That being said she didn't open up her entire story, she was just not going to lie about anything. This way they wouldn’t try to keep things from her as a child.
Intrigued, yet wary, Marthus allowed a flicker of surprise to penetrate his otherwise impassive facade. Sir Varis would never lie about something like this. He knew all too well what his lord felt on the matter. He'd served numerous noble children throughout his tenure, yet none held the perceptiveness that Ravina was displaying. It was the awareness afforded to an adult, something ill-suited for a child. His lips pursed into a thin line, reflecting his silent contemplation as he evaluated the potential implications of her apparently simple request.
"Regrettably, the library is inaccessible," Marthus announced, each word tinged with a note of caution. He paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts. “I believe you know why you're here," he finally ventured.
“Yes,” Ravina responded, savoring a sip of tea. The beverage's exquisite quality surpassed any she had tasted in her previous life. She let the flavor linger on her tongue, stealing a moment of indulgence before rejoining the conversation. “Though it is hard to believe, I seem to be his long lost daughter.”
“That…remains to be seen.” Marthus suggested, finding it difficult to walk the line between honesty and preserving the shelter of her youthful naivety
Before he could further explain she continued. “Of course, 12 years is a long time, almost 13 now isn't it? I doubt the truth matters much anymore at this stage, either way, I should use this opportunity, shouldn't I?”
Her nonchalant attitude unsettled him. “The truth always matters,” he stated, nodding internally as he decided on his approach to her. “The issue is its proof, and until then—I regret to say, my lady—the library is only accessible to official members of the house.” With a dignity honed from years of service, he met her gaze. Not from above or below, but at her level, one servant to a potential master.
“I see,” she said at the expected answer, “so that means I cannot use the lord's library but what about one inside the city? I am sure there is some sort of public record out there, isn't there,” She edged closer to her real intention. “Could I not spare a few moments of my day to peruse a book or two there?”
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“There is the public library, although it's primarily for the...” He paused, rephrasing his thoughts. “Indeed, you could,” he conceded. The public library served nobles of lesser standing—those unable to maintain extensive records in their own homes. It was not for a member of house Ravenshild to use. After all, the Ravenshild’s library was quite extensive, filled with far more valuable tomes on one shelf than the public library has in its entirety. “I'll arrange for a guard to accompany you.”
“Would that be wise?” she questioned before he could exit.
“Absolutely,” he replied, not grasping her implication.
“Well, I'm not officially part of the house, am I?” Her assumption was met with silence, effectively confirming her status. “Hence, I'd be using the public library rather than our private collection. Is there a need for me to be escorted by a house guard?”
“We can't let you roam the streets unguarded,” he replied, appreciating her point. “You are, after all, a guest of the house.”
“Perhaps an unwelcome one, but I understand. So, how about this? I hear the tournament will host an open event. There'll be many non-noble participants, possibly more suited to safeguard a humble guest like me.”
“You're suggesting we employ a commoner?” He was taken aback by the proposal.
“A worthy contender, yes. If none can best a knight, then it ends there—I'll forfeit my desire to study. However, if one proves themselves skilled, employing them as a guard could be beneficial in such circumstances. It might also inspire other adventurers and serve as a reminder to the knights to keep honing their skills, lest they be surpassed.”
Marthus scrutinized the young girl.
“Would that arrangement not be acceptable?” She pressed.
“That is a matter I must discuss with the lord.”
“Please do.” She resumed her tea, projecting the grace of a refined lady until Marthus's shadow vacated the pavilion. Then, she exhaled a long sigh. “So much for honesty,” she murmured, retrieving a scrap of paper filled with haphazard scribbles. Its chaotic state made it difficult to decipher, but in her mind, it was a roadmap to success. Be honest, was the harsh scribble of line item 2.
“It's harder than I thought,” she admitted, setting the paper on the table and contemplating her plans. Gaining access to the public library would provide her with the freedom to come and go from the manor at will. The library would serve as the ideal place to begin exploring the world and possibly even the realm of magic.
After that, she could Peter Parker her way into whatever else she needed to do to survive. Moreover, if the narrative unfolded as she anticipated, the commoner victorious at the tournament would likely be this story's protagonist. Hiring her would be a true gift.
Actually, hiring this commoner was the cornerstone of her strategy. The knights of the whatever order might raise objections but adventurers definitely preferred coin to honor. She especially would prove more helpful to her than a knight.