Logan kept me company during the whole training session in the Gun Range and my performance improved by leaps and bounds. I'll shoot any target right between its eyes as long as it is within 20 meters of me.

"Today I had an enlightenment in Guns. I should call it the Art of Gunning." Logan said.

"True. Lady Vivian is a natural-born shooter. If this is a hunt in the wild then Lady Vivian will put expert shooters to shame." Jane said.

"Thank you. You two are quite good with flattery." I said as I handed back the gun to Jane.

It is hard to get braised for being good with guns in today's society. Even though Firearms are more popular than Swords nowadays, the true theme of power in this world is Magic. Knights and Mages are the absolute powerhouses of this Kingdom.

As for gunners, Knights and Mages look down on them and they can't compare in Social status. How so? Gunners can be trained in the span of a few months and get sent to battles. Knights and Mages, on the other hand, require years upon years of training and resources. Still, A strong Knight can be unfazed by a hail of bullets and a skilled Mage can wipe out a squadron of Gunners with a snap of a finger.

Still, a good stray bullet can kill a Knight or a Mage not ready or powerful enough.

One of the most famous sayings in the world during the first decades of the emergence of Firearms, "Fair Saints, by any Justice would a mere Devil Minion, carrying the arms of Fire, kill a Gallant Knight or a Proud Sorcerer?"

Even though the discrimination against gunners is way less than what it was a hundred years ago, the reason for the slow development of Firearms is the common disinterest of Nobles to do so. Nobles' power comes from Magic and Firearms threaten their position if they were to get stronger.

One thing to take note of is that a Firearm combined with Magic is nothing special at all. A Gun is no different than a sword or a spell in the hands of Magic users as they can channel their power through it and perform a ranged attack while reinforcing the bullet with magic. The point is, they can perform ranged attacks with other techniques that are superior in Accuracy, Power, and most importantly Rate of Fire.

Anyway, after I left the gun range with Logan, I wasn't sure whether to go for the "Daily Quest" or hang around the Mansion with him.

I don't think I can just go stretching, jogging, and squatting with him around.

"Where are you stationed, Logan?"

"My Lord has prepared me a room on the first floor right to the western stairway. I just need to climb the stairs and be by your side, Princess."

"Well, well, we are neighbors now. At least I feel more comfortable with you close."

"Why? Is there anyone bothering you?"

"Old Theo."

"We agreed that I am no exorcist. Anyone else?"

"Saskia and her legion of evil maids. I mean… I don't have a personal maid for a reason."

"Really? How do you get your personal affairs done then?"

"... To be frank, I switch maids a lot so they don't remember the layout of my room and where I keep my things. I also have a Safe where my mother's old belongings are kept so I am self-sufficient for now."

"That won't do, Princess. That really won't do."

"I am used to it, you know."

"No, this is not right. A lady's maid is a must, if all the maids in this house are of no use to you, I will go and personally look for a trustworthy maid."

"Even if you do, the other maids will bully her. If I stand up to her, it will be Saskia or Robert." I said.

"I am really offended. What do you think my job is?"

"Be all knightly and sparkle?"

"That among other things but my top priority is your protection as your Knight in Service and the protection of your interests. Just say who to slap and I'll slap."

"Cool! Here is the list; Prince Liam, Matilda Ambrose, Saskia, Butler Theo, Edmond Black, Robert, Richard Windsor, Ian Grey, Ronald Morgan, and Valentine De Claire… on second thought, leave Valentine for me."

"..." Logan fell silent for a second.

"Hello, Sir Knight. Still there?"

"... So you want me to slap a Crown Prince, a future Princess, a Count's wife, a living ghost, the future heir of the most troublesome family in Elgard, my little brother, a future Knights' Commander, a future Prime Minister, a future Court Wizard… and you will handle the future head of the Chamber of Commerce."

"I'll be rooting for you."

"You made a long list of enemies, Princess. You sure a lowly Noble like me can handle it?"

"You go slash slash and I go bang bang. We'll manage."

"I take back what I said about slapping people. I'll do my best to keep you clear from the executioner's block."

"Atta boy, your first day and you got the hang of it already."

"But you're still getting a maid, someone to keep you in check and most importantly… get my job a little easier!"

"Good luck finding one. I'll stroll around the mansion for… Agility and Grace Training."

"As you wish, Princess… Dear Saints, help me!"

***

As Logan went on his Knight quest to find a maid, I went to the back garden where rarely anyone goes. The sun was setting and Father was not home yet so I guess it is going to be fine if I wait to have dinner with him.

It is not Dawn but still a good time for training. It is also a good time to make a System check.

====================

< Profile >

* Name: Vivian Moore

* Race: Human

* Level: N/A

* Age: 18

* SP: 510

* Social: Daughter of House Moore (Noble, Count)

====================

< Traits >

* Common Mithridatism

* Novice Assassin?

* Novice Shooter?

* Adept Diplomat

* Adept Scholar

*

====================

This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

The list has indeed changed. It has not been 24 hours since Nadia's transmigration yet it is going well. I have a 'Level' now despite it being 0, I have regained 200 SP and added one more skill.

Now to the serious part.

"System Shop, give me some running sneakers and long pants."

« Price: 110 SP »

"Yeah yeah! What is money for anyway?"

And the training kicked on

Breath in, breath out, wrist and ankles stretches, knee circles, shoulder stretch, quad starch………

***

Am I dead?

Guess not… but that training was too Spartan for a weak body like mine.

Pain is simply not stopping.

Is this that pervy training knights do? Damn masochists!

I just want to grab that Panacea potion floating over me but my arms are as weak as twigs.

After some struggle, the Panacea was in my hand and I brought it near my mouth.

====================

< Profile >

* Name: Vivian Moore

* Condition: Extremely Fatigued

====================

"Tell me something I don't know."

I took the Panacea with the last of my strength that went away afterward.

Dozing off for a bit, I found it strange how coldness submerged my body. Not like a bad cold but the good cold, the type where you go into a nice tub after a messy work day.

Not sure how long later, I became able to move and my body regained its energy.

"So that's a Panacea! It tastes funny but it's surely great."

Despite the effect, my body was still stiff. I guess the muscles need time to absorb the training and magic energy.

I changed back into the long skirt that was in the small Storage Purse and was about to enter the mansion but I got myself immersed in the nice evening air.

By this moment, 24 hours have passed since reincarnation.

We survived a day.

Still, as I walked into the mansion, I found a new episode of the daily drama already starting, starring Saskia.

"I said we don't need those girls, away from my sight." Saskia shouted.

She only does that when Father is not home.

"I am sorry for not being able to comply but it is the order of her ladyship whom I serve." Logan's voice replied to her.

Just slap her already.

"I will see when this little wretch arrives. Where would she go out at this hour?"

"In the back garden, stepmother. Anything bothering you on this fine evening?" I asked as I walked in.

There was Saskia along with the head maid, Logan, a strange man in a cheap suit, and a few women in black dresses behind him.

"You! Why did you tell your Knight to bring us maids? I am the one who runs this house and I am the one who makes that decision." Saskia started shouting at me.

"Stepmother, so it was about that. Please, calm down and have a sip of tea. Frowning will make your face grow wrinkles."

"What did you just say?"

"I am only caring for Stepmother's skin! Also, shouting will make your voice grow hoarse."

"Girl, I'm warning you now…" Saskia raised her index to my face.

"Go ahead, Lady of Count Julian's house. I can't call you Countess Moore, can I? That title was Mother's last I recall, right? Sorry, I was remembering some events of the past as a Daughter of a Countess. What were we saying again?"

"..." Saskia looked at me with eyes filled with contempt. After all, she is no countess.

"The maids, right? I am only hiring a personal one, don't worry."

"Hmph! You can choose a maid but I am not paying a penny." Saskia used her trump card so early in the argument.

"About pennies. I am sure my allowance is admitted by you, stepmother, right? Ten Gold Pieces a month? I haven't been really receiving any of it during the past year as I didn't really need it but what a coincidence, I heard that Stepmother was keeping them for me this whole time. I thank you deeply." I said.

"What are you talking about? All your allowance is admitted that you received it." She said while looking away.

"Really? I think Old Butler Theo will have a different opinion once he presents his review of the house ledgers tonight to Father. Something about Robert being too wasteful with money."

"What? When did he…"

"Birds sing, stepmother. You didn't get a memo?" I said while bypassing her.

I knew that Saskia was giving my allowance to Robert during the past year. It was exactly when the Heroine joined the Academy and he started to care more about his appearance.

I am not really needing any money since I have my own savings that I don't even use. Still, 10 Gold Pieces means I can hire 5 maids if I want, now that's what I call a slap.

Bitch better have my money!

"Hmph! Like any maid would want to work for you, the tragic Princess of House Moore was abandoned by the Crown Prince and waiting for his damning vengeance." She said and walked away.

Well, that woman knows how to drop a bomb. Those words made most of the maids get pale in a second and back away.

"Most" doesn't mean all, one stayed her ground.

Interesting!

I walked to a chair and sat.

"Knight Logan, introduce the gentleman."

"Introducing to Lady Vivian Moore, Mr. Jonah here is the broker of housemaids. Best and most trustworthy in the Capital."

"A pleasure to meet the Wise Lady Vivian. A great deal of your qualities has been passed to our ears in the agency, and I assure you that my associates and I are happy to be of service."

"Thank you for your kind words, Mr. Jonah. Please, sit and have some tea. I am sorry for my disheveled appearance but I was overseeing some science project for the Academy" I said while giving a glare to the Head Maid.

My appearance was miserable due to training but Vivian is no one but a beauty who can adjust to any situation with a hair flip.

"It is okay, my Lady. I won't take much of your time then. My associates…"

"'Associates' is a bit of a stretch, Mr. Jonah… this is one associate I see willing to work."

I pointed to the maid who stood her ground. Her appearance was kinda unique in Elgard.

"Well… she is a bit… she is not our Establishment most desired associate really…" Mr. Jonah went nervous as I was eyeing the tall maid.

"Hey, why didn't you get scared like the others?" I asked the girl directly.

She was something else I may say. Black curly hair, green eyes, bronze skin with a hint of metallic otherworldliness, a beauty in a black dress wearing a white bandana and holding her bag in front of her. But none of that about her is what really attracts the eyes.

That girl, despite looking fairly in her teenage years, stands above Logan in height by a fair head. A girl of such stature and size, you can't find this anywhere in this part of the world. If I were to guess, she isn't from this continent, let alone this country.

She opened her mouth and spoke.

"If you do not look worried, my Lady, is there a reason for me to be?" She asked.

I couldn't help but feel more interested.

"I am sorry, my lady. But she is kind of wild. She is not from Albion, she came from Sauran far in the south." Mr. Jonah said.

"From Sauran?" I questioned.

"She is not a slave." Mr. Jonah added while shaking his head and arms in fear.

Sauran, the Southern Continent, is a place of many riches that our Kingdom colonized and drained from its resources. The Giants of Sauran get enslaved by the Blackguards and the Northern Sea Company. If I am not wrong, that girl is someone with Giant blood in their veins.

"What's your name?" I asked.

"Esmeralda." She answered.

"That's a name from Lozan."

"I changed my name after the name of the ship that carried me from Sauran to Albion. I served in Lozan from when I was ten until the war with Velleux three years ago. I was exiled with my previous employer to Harland where she passed away due to old age recently. I am now looking for an employer." She said.

"What an interesting life you led!" I nodded with approval before turning to the middleman, "How are her skills?"

"She is a top-notch maid, my Lady… if you're willing to hire her." Mr. Jonah said.

"If you are hiring me, my Lady. I wish to be the Head Maid in your future house to be… I mean." Esmeralda bluntly said.

"Shush!" Mr. Jonah jumped to hush her.

"Hah! I see. Why do you want to be a Head Maid?" I asked.

"Unlike other Maids, I have no place to stay other than the side of whom I serve. Sauran is no longer my home and I have no choice but to serve my whole life. I want to be at least in a secured position."

This was getting very interesting to my liking. She is clearly smart and bold. Also, she has a nice accent.

Now I'm hooked.

"Fine! Serve me faithfully, never betray me, and I promise you a good life. You may even see things for free that humanity will pay treasures to see. Are we deal?"

"Yes, my Lady. I pledge myself to be loyal, secretive, and faithful." Esmeralda bowed.

I looked at Logan and he nodded. Pledging loyalty is nothing to me, I want a test of loyalty.

But that's for a later date, right now…

"You are hired."

… I secure myself another Ally.