A month passed far faster than I'd like. Astrid generally made it a point to visit me every day so far. I was trapped in this house, however, I didn't feel as bad about it as I initially feared. The house was quite a large mansion, and I felt strange at its abnormal size. It vaguely felt like a roman or ancient chinese estate with a large open area in the center of the house. The sheer size of the mansion and number of rooms surprised me. While I may freely explore the house, I elected to remain in my room on the 3rd floor when I could. In general, I knew that I shouldn't make myself overly known just yet.

The bulk of my day was spent in self elected classes. Astrid was more than happy to supply me with teachers as needed, though it only worked out to having 2 dedicated teachers. I have a lot to learn as I go, but right now I'm studying etiquette, culture, history, and the language itself. These aren't particularly in-depth classes, but it's more than enough to give me the basic knowledge that even children should know.

I have thankfully been able to maintain my health through exercise in the relatively unused dancing hall. It's called a dancing hall, but it's effectively just a room to be taught how to dance in private. There's a proper ballroom, so my use of the dance hall won't interfere with any parties or gatherings.

Besides leaving the estate, Astrid is actually exceptionally accommodating, especially with my efforts to comply with the situation. While some time is required, anything I ask for is granted if possible. Thanks to that, there are a small number of weights in the dance hall to use for my exercise. I'm also able to freely choose my meals, and Astrid seems quite keen in my nutrition decisions. For now I'm still quite reserved in my requests, but I have other things to work through.

Despite how accommodating Astrid is, I can't say her staff is entirely the same. They'll do anything Astrid tells them to without any question, but they often give me glares and make insulting comments under their breath. At least they comply with anything I tell them, though they don't seem happy about it. The only exceptions are my teachers and the white wolf-kin maid Maria.

I understand why my teachers accept me, as we interact quite often. The more I learn, and the faster I do it, the better they look. What I don't understand is Maria. She doesn't come across as particularly kind, nor exceptionally understanding. If I were to describe it, her acceptance feels unsettling, as if it was an act for some purpose. I don't want to be ungrateful, but it makes me leery of her sometimes.

I was using my free time today to continue making a new copy of a history boom I found, [Arzac's Written Gallery]. I can't say that the book is particularly enlightening, or useful, but it does use a great deal of advanced vocabulary. It's unfortunately very ideal to aid in my reference of both Vashi, and the Vashi Imperial language. There was a subtle difference between the two, but they were originally the same language.

Most people speak the Vashi language, but royalty, high ranking nobles, and those with great influence often elect to speak the Vashi Imperial language instead. Astrid speaks both fluently, but almost everyone in the estate speaks Vashi Imperial as their main language during their day to day talk. It's a prestigious thing for the house, so it's generally considered to be a minimum qualification.

This also means that it is most worthwhile for me to learn the Vashi Imperial language first. Almost no one I will talk to anytime soon will speak to me in the Vashi language, even if several of the books in the library are written in normal Vashi.

Given the fact that my door was open as usual, Nicholas had no hesitation to enter the room. Unfortunately, his annoying presence has been a daily occurrence lately.

"Barbarian."

"You know my name."

"Barbarian. It's time to measure how much aether is left in your translation effect."

Yeah. I'm definitely going to find a way to remove this guy one day. Patience is a weapon. That said, I am running low after a month, and my words are getting sharper every day. I may be distracting myself, but the situation is still stressful.

"Nicholas."

"So you do know my name, barbarian!"

"I have some valid concerns if you've managed to forget that fact once again."

"Bah. I don't need your concern. You're just lucky that something like you is allowed the freedom to just leach off of the mistress's grace."

"Is there a particular reason for today's expression of dissatisfaction?"

"I don't need a reason to call you what you are, a barbarian. Something like you could never truly understand the grace you've been shown, even if you make a show of attempting to learn the high language."

"A grace that your own words insult."

"I have never!"

Is he not aware that constantly talking down to me isn't grace, nor kindness? I'd ask if it was just an elf thing, but unfortunately the other elves in the mansion have much more reserved tongues.

"... Regardless, is there a particular reason for your undue hostility today, Nicholas?"

"Undue? Is it truly undue? You are shown wealth and grace daily that you can't even comprehend, and yet you are so shameless about it. Wasting the Mistress's money on solid iron weights simply to lift them! Can you even fathom how expensive that iron was, let alone their craftsmanship?!"

"I will admit, we have different values. I will discuss it with Astrid later if it is truly an issue."

"How dare you so casually call the mistress's name, barbarian! You're merely intended as a breeding stud, and you've shown to be a low quality one at that."

I really want to punch this guy in the face today. He's usually just a little unpleasant, but he's entirely hostile for some reason today. That aside, his regular quips about wealth almost make me want to laugh. I always wonder if he could ever comprehend the sheer difference in wealth I personally had access to as someone who was well off in the information age. My family was firmly middle class growing up, and I earned a comfortable enough income to consider myself upper middle class, or at the low end of upper class wealth.

"Nicholas. If you have nothing to do besides wasting air, please finish your task and waste air somewhere else. We both are too busy for such useless prattle."

I enjoyed the snarl that formed in his face. It made me want to punt the guy. That, or give him a roundhouse kick. I don't like fighting, but I did grow up with several older brothers.

"Enough! I won't tolerate your backtalk anymore!"

His hands began to glow, and my mind instantly went cold. I hate fighting, I really do, but I also hate being attacked. Nicholas's hands wouldn't glow during our regular measurement, which clearly told me something else was happening.

I quickly spun from my chair, bolting up as he began his strange chant. Before anything impressive happened, my long legs carried my body swiftly to him, and my blessedly large hand gripped his throat without pause. Fear filled the (possibly) 100lb man's eyes as I lifted him by his throat, slamming him against the wall.

My cold mind quickly picked my words as the small wizard stopped his magic, and began desperately resisting my grip on his throat. I have a lot I want to say, but I needed to say it right, and quickly. I growled with an impressively deep tone as I spoke in a voice so low it was easier to feel than to hear.

"Let me be very clear, Nicholas. I won't hesitate to defend myself, and I have nearly run entirely out of tolerance for the disrespect you show towards Astrid's kindness. I am more than well aware of my situation, especially after a month, however it seems that you have no such awareness. Do not test me further. You will fail."

I continued to press him against the wall by his throat, however horror slowly filled his eyes as a new sensation began to travel down my hand. It wasn't the feeling of strangling someone (brotherly love and all that), but a warm energy was moving very faintly. It felt… dangerous. Nicholas began turning pale, desperately struggling against my hand as only his choked gasps escaped. I could tell he was using aether to boost his strength by the wild fluctuations in his apparent strength, but it really didn't do anything else. He was just physically weak.

An emotionless voice interrupted me.

"Lord John, that's enough."

It was Maria, the maid. I locked eyes with her and nodded. Oddly enough, her cold tone and usual impressiveness seemed very trustworthy right now. I set down Nicholas, who couldn't figure out whether or not he wanted to glare at me. Thankfully he took the chance to leave with some dignity. I made a note of the fact that he didn't seem particularly happy with Maria's presence either.

"Thank you, Maria."

"Why are you thanking me?"

"You gave me a tactful way to end the situation. Thank you."

"If that is it, then you're welcome, Lord John. Still, I cannot recommend that you continue to provoke him in such a manner going forward. He is the nephew of the Matriarch's favorite husband. At least for now, his position is more favorable than yours."

"I see."

"To answer your question from earlier, he's been emboldened today by the Matriarch's words. She seems displeased by the fact that the summoned person we brought forth generates less aether than anticipated, and far less aether than those in the royal palace. She brought up the idea of potentially changing the Mistress's fiance, however the Mistress has convinced the Matriarch otherwise."

"Thank you for telling me. It seems that I should refocus my efforts going forward."

"That may be wise. Also, please do not bring up the cost of the iron weights to the Mistress. They were a gift for your compliance so far, and they were not costly enough for the steward to even count them as notable."

"That is reassuring then."

Maria bowed her head for a moment, before speaking like nothing ever happened.

"May I be allowed to ask a personal question?"

"If you're inclined to ask, then I feel it's prudent to answer. What is your question?"

"Did you previously have enough wealth to commission such iron weights in your previous situation?"

"Yes. The value of things is different, but I was honestly able to enjoy access to the effects of greater personal wealth than I currently have here. For reference, unlike the other summoned heroes, I come from one of the wealthiest nations in our world, and I was wealthy enough to be considered well off in such a nation. The cost of my weights made from jeweler's steel was only considered the fee of a whim."

Yeah, I was one of the chumps who paid good money for a set of stainless steel weights. Good, old fashioned, black steel was truly the best, especially when you're trying to read the weight stamps. I regret it, considering how stupid getting ripped off made me look at the time, but at the end of the day, steel is steel.

"Jeweler's steel… you bought such weights made from jeweler's steel?"

"Yes."

"Were you a noble?"

"That's a little difficult to answer. There are important differences in culture between us. By the laws of my culture, I can't be considered a noble unless I married another noble. I am the youngest son."

Actually, it's because I live in a country without nobility, but I have no desire to explain that, or even how it works. Maybe if I married someone with a title, it would get acknowledged in England or something, but it's best to be slightly ambiguous here. I can always tell Astrid the truth later.

"I see. Please excuse the rudeness in this statement, but you would then be considered a barbarian noble by imperial customs, given that we can't treat you like a summoned hero, nor like a neighboring noble. We can only claim that you're from the far-lands."

"I am aware of that, however, tolerating too many insults is counter-productive to my goals of supporting Astrid in the future."

"You know, some here do take offense at your familiar way of calling the Mistress."

"I was instructed by Astrid to refer to her as such. In my eyes, no one besides royalty, or the Matriarch herself may overturn that order."

Maria seemed like she wanted to say something, but she elected to remain silent for a moment instead. She eventually continued, but it seems like she had to decide on something first.

"Very well. If you have made such a resolution already, then I will support you as the Mistress's fiance."

"Thank you. I do have a request for you then in that case."

Maria seemed wary, as she raised an eyebrow and flicked her triangular wolf ear in a rare expression of emotion.

"What is it, Lord John?"

"When you have time, teach me how to spot and defend myself from poison and drugs."

Her eyes narrowed.

"Why would you ask me about that?"

"Perhaps it's a cultural difference. I had assumed it would be a natural responsibility of your job."

Actually, her entire vibe just screams 'fantasy world assassin maid', but I don't want to say that. It feels vaguely rude.

"I see. I apologize for my reaction then. In this world, your words may have come off as rude, insinuating that I am an assassin, or the like."

"I see. What would be the better wording then?"

"It would have been more polite to make the request directly to the Mistress to have someone of house Volker teach you 'party skills'. In this case, your mistaken assessment is correct, and I am able to instruct you on basic party skills."

Party skills. What a nice way to describe things. It bothers me, but there's nothing I can do about the subtle culture shock.

"Thank you for telling me. In this case, I will follow proper decorum then, and discuss the matter with Astrid. Even if the results end up the same, the process is important."

"I am thankful that you understand, Lord John."

I nodded. Besides that, it didn't seem like Maria had any other business with me, so she soon left. I didn't want to say it too bluntly, but I'm almost entirely sure that Maria is actually trained as an assassin, along with a number of other servants. They were probably put in place to prevent me from taking any unwanted actions. At least, that is my guess.

The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

I returned to writing while I waited for Astrid. My window allowed me to see out over the training yard where she does her daily sword practice. Bluntly speaking, she sucks. She's clearly gained some skills, but definitely not decades worth. She's been training every day since she was 5 years old, and unfortunately, her efforts aren't yielding results in my eyes.

Granted, it's not an entirely fair assessment, given her situation. Nymphs, like Astrid, inherently have some disadvantages that aren't easily overcome on their own. While her body is 'morphic' (for lack of a better term), they also don't continue developing on their own very much once they enter the teenage years, regardless of how well their body has actually developed. After that, all of her growth and sexual characteristics will come from her body synchronizing with her partner.

This leaves Astrid small, weak, and incredibly slow to form calluses. It also has the odd side effect of giving her poor muscle memory as well. Astrid has to constantly think about how to move her body when fighting instead of it instinctively moving. This is why she looks so rigid in her training, despite her daily practice.

Nymphs also suffer from poor aether efficency and a number of problems regarding its use. Those problems usually don't go away, but it means that without being blessed with a great deal of talent for magic, nymphs will never be able to use magic. Sword aura and other such things are possible, but especially difficult for them.

As for the other problems inherent to her, Astrid in particular might lack talent with a sword. It's difficult to be sure, as someone who only watches, but she's bad at reading the body language of her instructor, even if she's normally quite observant when chatting.

She also apparently has an unusually tiny amount of aether. I don't know enougb about aether to make any rational judgements as to why, but from what I've been told, Astrid has trouble absorbing ambient aether. She can do it, but not very well. This isn't inherently a nymph problem, but an Astrid specific problem. At least she has no issues with drawing aether from me.

I watched Astrid softly while she trained. I have no desire to fight, but I respect her determination and discipline. She's only one step better than hopeless in her results, but that still means that she has hope. I'm stuck in this situation, and I don't find her body attractive at all, but her spirit resonates with me. It's probably Stockholm syndrome or something, but whatever. I'm stuck here with no way home, and getting along with Astrid is strangely nice. It's also far better than the alternative.

It probably helps that I'm doing my absolute best to remain as positive as possible, and keeping the knowledge that I was summoned because I am compatible with her in mind. If there was any falsehood in that fact, I'm certain that Nicholas would have thrown it in my face by now. The fact that he never once mentioned it gives me trust that her words are true.

I watched as the battered and injured Astrid finally ended her training session. The ever silent instructor helped her up, like always, and they parted. Astrid will likely whipe off her sweat then come to visit me. I must admit, for as many downsides as nymphs have in combat, I've noticed that they have at least two distinct advantages.

The first is that they heal far faster than normal people do. Astrid is battered, bruised, and even a little bloody today, but by tomorrow afternoon, she'll be back in optimal condition. She easily heals a dozen times faster than a human, and it's probably closer to 2 or 3 dozen times faster. Nymphs are also better at shedding heat than others, giving her a huge advantage in the stamina department. I'm not certain, but I think her body also exchanges oxygen a little better than a normal human, so she can recover a little more strength during combat than a human would.

I wondered softly just how monstrous she would be if she didn't have her inherent disadvantages. Let's not think too deeply about that for now. It's difficult for me to overlay her child-like face onto an adult's body; a body that she'll need to get stronger.

I patiently continued to inscribe a copy of the book I am reading, one paragraph at a time. My patience wasn't particularly tested as Astrid eventually made her way to my room. I've managed to learn the sound of her footsteps coming down the hallways over the course of this one month, and she's grown comfortable enough to enter my room and immediately sit next to me.

As part of our usual routine, and a bit of a game to me now, I held out my hand to the side without looking at her, and finished transcribing this one paragraph in both Vashi Imperial and English. Astrid took my hand, and held it with both of hers, draining aether from me; not that I could feel it leaving my body, mind you.

Once I was done, I set down my pen, and Astrid spoke first.

"John."

"Yes, Astrid?"

"Maria and Nicholas reported to me about what happened earlier. Before anything else, are you hurt?"

I faintly smiled at her concern. I have a feeling that I'm about to get scolded, but it's good to see that she's concerned about my safety first.

"I'm currently uninjured."

"That's good. I'm informed that you didn't start the fight, however it can be said that you handled Nicholas's provocations poorly. Maria shared with me that at least part of your reasoning was with our future in mind, is that correct?"

"It is."

"While I appreciate that, I must ask that you silently endure such provocations for now, and inform me of them later. This time it won't be an issue because you cited protecting my honor even in the heat of the moment, but it won't be enough if there is a next time."

"That will be difficult. I can do it, I'm just warning you that it will be stressful, and I will complain about it in order to relieve that stress."

"I'm sorry that I have to ask that of you, but that's also considered basic manners for those in power."

"That is another cultural difference. Just to be clear, enduring silently with a smile will not harm your reputation in the futute, will it?"

"It won't, as long as you discuss with me when you are slighted. It's not that we will completely ignore insults, we will just control the situation and how we react. That is how house Volker acts, unlike house Cedarcrest, my father's house, and the house that Nicholas comes from."

I nodded slowly.

"Alright. House Volker is a house of subtle action, isn't it?"

"Yes. As a house of nymphs we often lack direct strength, and have learned other ways to display our power. We control a great deal of money, information, authority, and diplomacy."

"That's somewhat different from what I'm used to, so it'll take time for me to adjust to it properly."

"I know, but it seems like you won't have much time to make the adjustment, especially after today's incident."

"I see. Then I'd like some advice from you. Just to be clear, I acknowledge that it's a failure on my end that the dialogue broke down between Nicholas and I. The fact that there was an altercation at all is proof of that. What would you suggest I should have done once Nicholas was ready to attack me?"

"You should have endured it. At least in your case, responding at all is a problem. Now we can't touch Nicholas in response to his actions, and you will be forced to endure him even longer. It also reinforced the idea that you're a brute, regardless of the truth. You may have a large build and great strength for a normal person, John, but in practice you are weak."

"I'm not refuting you, but it feels quite bitter having you tell me that."

"And it should. I'm sure you know how weak I am. What do you think would happen if we fought? You and I. I know you watch my daily training."

"It depends. If you have a sword, I will be at a slight disadvantage, if not, I will mop the floor with you without contest."

"An unsettling analogy, but it's not one I doubt. The fact that you would be contested at all by me shows that you're quite weak by this world's standards. Originally, we weren't sure due to your size, and apparent aether. You only defeated Nicholas this time because he was careless. I can promise you that much."

"This stems from my inability to use aether, doesn't it?"

"Yes. You do have one unforeseen advantage, but it's not something that will change your position all that greatly. Your body likely has a trait from the monster we used to help make it; you scatter hostile aether. It doesn't make you invincible or anything close, but it does make it difficult to use magic and aura to directly harm you."

"So that's what that feeling was…"

"I'm not surprised that you noticed the aether scattering. I'm told it's a very different sensation than the feeling of aether in your body."

"Alright. Before we digress anymore, I want to make sure I understand the important things you had to tell me. First, I should just keep calm and patiently report to you when there's a problem."

"Not just a problem, but even being slighted should be reported."

"Good to know. Secondly, I need to change the way I plan to handle issues. Direct confrontation, not just physical confrontation, is not the way house Volker moves."

"Yes."

"And thridly, if discussions do break down, don't directly fight back, unless I can reasonably assume that it's a threat to my life not to. Escape or endure if at all possible. Is that correct?"

"That is, yes."

"Alright. I'll work on those three points until they come naturally."

I don't like them one bit, but I do understand where she's coming from. It's just that it conflicts with what my parents raised me to do, which is never back down when someone attacks you first.

"I'd like to add one more point. I know I just asked you to mask yourself, but don't do so when we're in private. I appreciate your blunt and direct tone when we talk, and it's nice being able to respond in kind."

I didn't expect that, but I nodded along.

"I suppose it's nice not having to wear the mask all the time."

"It is. I may have only known you for a month, but I find it relaxing to speak with you in private. I originally had no plans to intrude upon your time every day, but I already find myself naturally doing so. Does it bother you?"

"No, not at all. If nothing else, I get along well with you, and not just by comparison either."

"That's good to know. I still plan to come by every day that I can, even after we're married."

"I see. Actually, I think now's a good time to address that topic. I understand that the situation regarding that has grown complicated. Are there any issues I need to know about, or changes in the timeline?"

"Not as it stands. Your compliance alone has been enough to keep things straightforward, even if some people have gotten frustrating."

"I see. Then what about an engagement?"

"We can't officially do anything, given that your house doesn't exist in this world, and we need to keep you hidden until the marriage has settled."

"Are you allowed to wear an engagement ring?"

"Yes?"

"Alright. Then I'll be straightforward, especially since I can tell that I won't have the translation effect for much longer. Regardless of the circumstances, I would like an engagement before marriage, even if it's private, due to cultural and religious reasons."

I watched as Astrid showed her confusion at that.

"What exactly is a private engagement?"

"There's a lot I can say about that, but for now, I'll tell you the only parts that matter to me. The first is a proposal and confirmation between us, the couple in question, to get married. This part is usually done by whoever wants to initiate the marriage, but I don't mind if you need it from me. The second part is an engagement ring. Traditionally engagement rings are silver, and wedding rings are gold in my culture, though any metal is fine, as long as both rings are made of a matching material."

I elected to leave out the fact that society typically makes everything the man's responsibility, including proposing. It bothers me greatly how many women I know back home elect to wait until the man is ready, even if they've been 'hinting' for months, or even years.

"Is that all?"

"That's all that matters to me."

"What happens to the engagement rings after the marriage?"

"Most elect to keep them for life, some elect to wear them with their wedding ring, and others either give them to someone else as encouragement for their own engagement. It's also possible to return them to the jeweler."

"What do you want to do with them?"

"I don't know. I always intended to leave that decision to my future wife."

"Would you be fine if we held onto them with the intention of giving them away?"

"I'm fine with whatever you decide, but I like that option."

"Does the engagement ring have to be made out of silver?"

"Not really, no. Do you have your own culture with engagement rings?"

"We don't usually use rings. I assume you're talking finger rings, correct?"

"I am, yes."

"Traditionally, a written proposal is sent in the empire. If it is accepted, both parties get together and make an announcement. Traditionally, a necklace is offered, and the accepting party allows the necklace to be placed upon them by their partner. The metal used in the necklace is often respective of their status, with a stone reflecting various meanings and intentions towards the marriage itself. Speaking of which, do your people use gems in their rings?"

"They often do, but it's not a part of the tradition that I considered personally important. In my case, traditionally diamonds are used because of the intention that 'diamonds are forever'. It's intended to mean that the love of the marriage will last the lifetimes of both parties, with the size and cut of the stone reflecting the status of both parties."

"Diamonds are forever? What about the other stones?"

"I don't know. I only know about diamonds because of just how common they are. The stone was never important to me, so I never learned about them."

"I am relieved in that case. In the empire, a diamond would signify a marriage of submission, such as if I conquered your house in war, and took you as a concubine for the sake of peace."

"That's quite a different meaning. I'm glad I'm not particularly attached to the idea of a diamond."

"As am I. If I gave you a diamond no one would ever believe in my intentions to treat you as my husband, and I would continue to get offered marriage requests."

"I take it that polygamy is allowed in the empire?"

"Yes and no. Regardless, I have no intentions of taking a second partner for any reason, in accordance with our original discussion."

"Alright. So, what do you want to do then? I understand that you can't give me a necklace because we can't officially announce our engagement, but a ring should be fine."

"An engagement ring is fine, and shouldn't cause any issues. As for a wedding ring, nympys don't often wear them due to how our bodies change. Instead, we often get a tattoo on a matching finger using golden ink. We also will only wear gloves with a corresponding golden ring in the same location as the tattoo. Necklaces are often worn as well since they can be worn loosely. I'd like to do both, as I might not always be able to wear the necklace. What about you?"

"A tattooed ring… that sounds strangely sweet to me. I'm fine with both, as long as you're not upset when I take off the necklace."

"As long as you have the tattoo, then I don't mind. I prefer you to wear the necklace when you can, but I'm not particularly picky about it. It's only nymphs who use necklaces as wedding rings anyway."

"I'll do my best to make a habit of wearing it at that time."

"Thank you. Now then, I'll arrange an engagement ring starting tomorrow, but as for tonight, is it inappropriate to propose without the ring in your culture?"

Technically, the answer is yes, but it's not like I care about the details.

"No, it's not. It's normal to have it first, but there aren't any issues without it."

Astrid nodded. She still had my hand between her small hands, soaking up whatever aether I was generating.

"Then, let's do this tonight, before your translation effect wears off. There are only a few days left before the magic fails, and you will have to live without it."

I nodded.

"Alright."

As I went to ready myself to propose, Astrid stood up, still holding my hand. We locked eyes, and I properly turned my entire body and focus towards her. Was I really about to be proposed to? Before I could speak, Astrid spoke first.

"John, what is your full name?"

"Johnathan Anthony Romero De'Leon Dirk."

Astrid's eyes went wide.

"F-five names? Was your family that affluent?"

Oh yeah… Just like the middle ages (I think), more names often means a higher social standing. It seems like that completely shocked Astrid. I decided to roll with it, given how far the effects of wealth went in the information age.

"Yes."

"I see. I don't mean it rudely, but I never knew."

"That's because I never said anything about it, nor would it show easily with our cultural differences."

"Ah. You're right. Then allow me to continue. I, Astrid Hellen Troy Volker, would like to propose marriage with you, Johnathan Anthony Romero De'Leon Dirk. Do you accept this proposal on behalf of your house, and yourself?"

"I do."

Her serious eyes softened a little bit.

"Good. We are now engaged. Traditionally, we would kiss each other's hand. Are you fine with this?"

"Does the order matter?"

"No."

I nodded, and pulled Astrid's small hand to my lips. It was a strange feeling, kissing such a small hand. Hell, this whole engagement felt strange, especially without the romantic tension. Still, it thankfully wasn't bad. I did make a note that Astrid looked faintly embarrassed by the situation, especially as she kissed my hand.

"There. We're now engaged by your culture, correct?"

"Yes."

"You mentioned that this has some religious implications. I must ask, are you religous?"

"I am, but I'm not so inflexible that I can't adapt to the situation."

"That will be tough, regardless. The empire only tolerates the belief in one god."

"I see. I'll have to look into it as much as I can. I take it that theology is rather important, especially to noble houses?"

"Very much so, even if the Volker house is known to be fairly… loose about it. I will need to arrange a priest to convert you, even if only in name. Is that tolerable?"

"It should be. If not, I'll endure it and complain in private. At the very least, I will do my best not to cause you trouble."

"Thank you. Now then, there's a lot on my mind. Let's stop here for tonight. I also have as much aether as I can store for the first time in memory."

"Really?"

"Yes. Your output is slightly growing each day, and the amount I can store can't grow unless it gets filled all the way up."

Interesting. That's an important detail to know, especially being a full month into this world. With that, I bid Astrid good night, and prepared to sleep myself. I have a lot to think about, even if I was engaged now.