Despite her reservations, Aurelia found that she had agreed to the insane request.
“Of course, we can't let anyone know that the esteemed count's daughter would lower herself to the status of a simple mercenary. So, our cover will be that we're going to the library to study! Our 'studies,' however, won't be confined just to the library. Clever, right?” The glee in Ravina’s eye could have been mistaken for madness, especially with the sudden change in her demeanor. Aurelia could do little more than push herself further back into her seat.
“I mean…” No. However, Aurelia couldn't quite tell her that. Instead she shifted her eyes, as well as the conversation. “until you realize that they're going to assign more than one guard to you.”
“True, they probably will,” relief filled Aurelia as Ravina pursed her lips and looked down at the ground. However, this only lasted for a second. Snapping her eyes back at the young swordswomen, the little noble beamed at her once more. “but that will only happen once I'm officially recognized as a daughter of House Ravenshield. For now, I've persuaded the butler that we should wait for both the elders and the vassals to give their approval.”
“You did!?” Honestly surprised, Aurelia's eyes widened.
“Well… I suggested it at the very least.” bringing a finger to her chin Ravina wondered if he even accepted it herself, however she quickly laughed it off with a wave. Of course he agreed! So she continued, “at best, it might buy us a few years. At worst, a few months. Either way, it gives us some time to plan our next move.”
Before Ravina could continue, a knock interrupted their conversation.
Ravina jumped at the sound. Releasing Aurelia’s hands and quickly moving over to her original seat as she called out. “Who is it?”
“Marthus, my lady,” came the muffled response.
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
Once properly seated, Ravina instructed, “Enter,” straightening her posture in anticipation.
The door swung open silently, revealing the ever-graceful butler. Marthus offered a smile upon seeing Aurelia. “Ah, I see you've met your new guard,” he remarked, shifting his gaze to Ravina. “Splendid.”
“Yes, thank you,” Ravina responded, nodding slightly.
“Fortuitously, Lady Elysia has just arrived, expressing a desire to take you on an outing.”
“An outing?” Ravina echoed.
“Yes, she seems a bit... discontented with the count's lack of interest in current fashion. You must understand—it’s been rather… hard for him to keep up with such things.”
“She… wants to go shopping?”
“That is the short of it my lady.”
“I see…” Ravina looked at Aurelia. Well, she had already said everything she wanted to and Aurelia even agreed! So everything seemed to be alright. There wasn't much else to discuss so why not? Oh… right. Ravinas eyes flickered to the grey pouch loosely gripped in her guards hand. She had only now realized that she was broke.
Interpreting her silence, Marthus gently probed, “Would you like me to send her away? Lady Elysia's actions are a bit unconventional. Even though she's part of the Knights Order, she's still a noble and has to follow certain protocols, such as submitting a formal request to meet.”
Ravina however didn't know about these restrictions herself or even cared about them. “No, no, it's fine. I would like to go look around town. It should be fun.” After all, looking didn't cost a dime.
Siet's voice rang out cheerfully, “I'll prepare your dress, my lady!” She had been peeking through the door frame ever since the butler had entered, but vanished before Ravina could react.
“But I'm already... dressed,” Ravina said, turning to Marthus for validation. The butler merely offered a gracious bow and smile.
“I'll leave you to it then,” he replied before making his exit.
“I'll await you at the entrance once you're ready,” Aurelia added, securing her sword before heading out.
Left alone, Ravina voiced her bewilderment, “But... I’m already dressed!”