Chapter 28 – Its Good To Be The Duke

“Good morning, your grace. Good morning, Ms. Prrsha.”

“Good morning, Geeves.” I greeted.

“Rarrrr.” Prrsha stretched. “Morning.”

Prrsha got up. “I am going to check on my sisters. Frrsha will be insufferable.”

I looked at her in confusion until I realized what she was talking about. Frrsha was a bit single-minded when it comes to me. “Understood. I have a feeling my seneschal woke me up for a reason.”

Geeves bowed. “Yes, your grace.”

“Very well. Take a seat.” I gestured to the chair by my small writing desk in the room.

Prrsha left the room and Geeves started talking once she closed the door.

“Sir, this is a bit awkward for me...”

“Whatever it is, just tell me.” I stated.

Geeves sighed. “Very well. Mary Sue approached me. She has asked for my blessing and yours to pursue a relationship with Cal.”

“Ah, that.”

“Yes, that, your grace.” Geeves nodded.

“Is this sort of thing common among the nobles? Staff members asking for permission that is.”

“For high nobles it is common for their staff to share whom they are pursuing romantically to avoid any scandals or concerns. However, for those of us serving a duke or duchess, it is a bit more complicated.”

Complicated? In what way?” I asked.

“To serve a ruler over a duchy is one of the highest honors. Much is on your shoulders. Those who are in your employ must comport themselves with that in mind. It has been a tradition in this kingdom for anyone in service of someone with such responsibility to ask for their guidance and input. Many take that as asking permission, but it is more than that. Mary Sue is checking to make sure you see no issues or problems in this match.” Geeves explained.

I sighed. Such protocols seemed wrought with a chance for abuse, but I understood the intent. “Love should be tempered with rational thoughts. I understand that nothing is promised, and it is common for those in this kingdom to move rather quickly after meeting a potential partner. If the mind, heart, and spirit agree who am I to interfere. Tell her if all three of those agree that he is the one... then they have my blessing.”

Geeves stood and bowed his head. “Most wise, your grace.”

“Does Cal know she has asked for my decision?” I asked once I realized my friend might be a bit concerned.

Geeves smiled. “Yes. Mary Sue made a point to tell him. He is waiting to speak to you this morning. Apparently, he did not sleep very well last night once he heard the news.”

“I am surprised he didn’t try to barge in sometime last night.” I commented.

“Oh, he did, your grace.”

“What?”

“He did not get passed the Sunderer and a very agitated Ms. Frrsha. From what I hear, she threw him out the door saying if she had to wait until the morning he could.” Geeves relayed.

“Ha! That sounds like her. Very well, send him in.”

“Very good, your grace.” Geeves bowed once again before letting himself out.

A few minutes later Frrsha opened the door. “Alpha, can I take up post as your guard? The Sunderer is here as well.”

I had finished getting dressed while talking with Geeves. “I’ll join you in my private suite’s living room. Probably best to talk to Cal there.”

I gestured to Sunderer to open the door once I was sitting at my table picking at the food on it. Cal came bursting in, sliding through Sunderer before he had finished opening the door.

“It is about damn time Deathwalker! I have been pacing all night! I have not slept a wink! You do not know what this is doing to me...” Cal word vomited as fast as he could.

“Sit down my friend. Have some food.” I moved a plate in his direction.

“I cannot think of food at a time like this! I still cannot believe this is a rule in this kingdom. Had I known...”

I interrupted Cal’s tirade. “Calm down Cal. I said if her mind, heart, and spirit agree then you two have my blessing.”

“I mean I know that you are my friend, but this is...” Cal stopped mid-sentence as his brain finally registered what I said. Then he swooped in to give me a hug. My friend only took a few steps before Sunderer lifted him off the ground by the scruff of his neck.

“Let him down Sunderer. Cal is my friend. He just wanted to thank me.”

“Oh, okay. Sorry, my liege.” Sunderer said sheepishly as he set Cal down.

Cal looked back at the giant of a man. “How are you so fast for being so big?”

The Sunderer shrugged his shoulders. “I do not know. Just am I guess.”

Cal turned his attention back to me and decided to stick out his hand instead of attempting another hug. I clasped wrists with my friend. “Congratulations Cal. I’m sure Geeves has already told Mary Sue. You might want to go talk to her.”

Cal didn’t even hesitate, he turned on his heels and bolted towards the door. My friend was almost out the door when I told him, “Let her know she has today off.”

Cal stopped and turned back to me. “You are the best friend a man could ask for!” After he said those words, he darted down the hall.

“He is very happy.” Sunderer commented.

“The man is in love. I can smell it on him.” Frrsha stated.

I knew the cat girls had a heightened sense of smell. “You can?”

“Of course, so can you alpha. It is that sweet smell that lingers.” Frrsha explained.

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I took a stronger whiff. “Ah, yes. Now I can. It is strong. I’m still learning to pick out different scents and what they mean.”

“Alpha has learned much already from his time with the pride. We should visit them soon.” Frrsha purred.

“After the festival. Though you could go earlier if you want. Just be back before the hunt.” I offered.

Frrsha shook her head. “No. I will stay with alpha. What is your plan for today?”

“Later I will attend the Archery tournament finals. Before that, I was planning on seeing if Lady Emma wanted to practice some of her magic, then help me judge the cooking competition.” I answered.

———

“Your Fireball is getting stronger, Emma.” I commented.

“Thanks to your instruction. You are a good teacher DW.” Lady Emma smiled back at me.

Lady Emma was adamant that I drop the honorific and in turn I told her my closest friends called me DW as a shortened version for Deathwalker. She liked the nickname so much it was all she used when we were training.

A notification popped up in my vision.

Royal Bloodline of Indomitable Will perk activated! Your bloodline comes from teachers and knowledge seekers. You have chosen to guide and teach someone magic. They will gain knowledge faster. This bloodline perk triples the rate of growth of anyone you personally teach.

Your student’s skill has gone from Apprentice rank to Journeyman rank!

I imagine a similar one appeared to Lady Emma based on what she said next. “Have you ever thought of being a teacher? Perhaps opening up your own school to guide those with magic affinities.”

I had to stifle a laugh. “You mean open, say a... school for witchcraft and wizardry?” ‘Oh, the cosmic irony of a woman named Emma Watson from another reality telling me to open a school for Wizards.’

“Why is that funny? You look like you are trying to suppress a laugh.” Emma pouted.

I waved my hands in front of me and rained in my random thoughts. “You just reminded me of something from where I come from.” Then I changed the subject back to her suggestion. “Several on my mother’s side of the family were teachers and guides. They did a great job in guiding the younger generations.”

“You do not talk much about your past or where you are from.” Emma leaned over and squeezed my hand to show her support.

“No, I guess I don’t. One reason is my focus for the most part remains on what is needed right now. It is hard though, as they are all very far away. The other reason is my focus on getting stronger so I can find my friend.”

“Is he lost? Why would you have to get stronger?” Emma asked.

It was just the two of us sitting on the meditation mat. Sunderer and Frrsha were outside the room ensuring no one disturbed us. The closeness of our proximity, her genuine interest and concern, it all felt very comforting. In a way it was far more intimate and open than I had been with anyone since coming here.

I ingrained this moment in my memory, squeezed her hand back before I replied. “In a way, he was taken. To where, I am not sure. But what I do know is I have to grow stronger. It is the only way to ensure nothing can stop me from rescuing him when the time comes.”

Emma smiled. “He sounds very important to you.”

“He is my best friend.”

“It does not surprise me how much you are willing to do for the ones you care about.” Emma praised.

I put my other hand on Emma’s. “I do what others cannot or at least so they don’t have to. I would do the same for you, Emma. I respect your passion to help our people. No matter what happens I am grateful we got these chances to get to know each other.”

Emma leaned in and kissed me. The kiss took my breath away and when we parted it appeared I was not the only one breathing heavily and a bit flushed.

“Wow, that was like Princess Bride level of a kiss!”

Emma looked at me funny. “Well, I am a princess and if my family has their way, I would be your bride, if that is what you are referring to. Where you come from, is such an amazing kiss an indication they are the one you should marry?”

Her question and comment made me laugh as I stood, and I pulled her up into a hug. “Ha, ha, ha, ha! That could be one interpretation. But it can just as much be how nice it feels to hold or be held by that person.”

“Not sure what I said that was funny. I will say I do feel safe in your arms DW.” Emma replied as we just stood there enjoying the moment together.

Frrsha opened the door like she had some kind of radar or signal when I was opening up. “Oooo, are we hugging? Alpha gives the best hugs!” She practically pounced on us and forced her way into a group hug.

Her innocent antics just made both Emma and I laugh.

“Is this what I can expect should we wed?” Emma teased.

“Ha! Where is Garry when I need him to crack a joke?” My statement gave me the briefest pause. ‘I do hope they are keeping the mayhem to a minimum.’

“We probably should be getting to the coliseum. We have to judge the finals. Mara versus Lord Longshot. Who do you think will win?” Emma asked.

“Not sure. Both are skilled archers. Either way one friend will win today and the other will need our encouragement. I plan to be there for both, regardless of outcome.” I answered.

Emma smiled at me but said nothing. We left the training hall I had set up in the manor and made our way to the arena. The city was overflowing with people in various forms of merriment. I could also smell various dishes being prepared.

Bards were playing various songs celebrating the recent melee tournament. I heard a few talking about my fight with the Sunderer. It made me chuckle internally.

Later today would be the archery tournament, but first I must judge the cooking competition.

‘It’s good to be the duke!’

“You know I’m surprised Garry isn’t here. Food is like his third favorite thing.” I commented.

“What are his other two?” Emma asked.

“You don’t want to know.” I replied.

“I know.” Frrsha said with a big smile on her face.

“Deathwalker! Deathwalker! Over here.” I heard Alyce’s voice calling my name.

I saw her over by a particular stand helping an older gentleman prepare some food. The smells of flavored, cooking meat made my mouth water.

I noticed a certain duo hovering near Alyce.

“Hey boss! We heard you are going to be taste testing and we thought we would partake, you know, to help! He, he, he!” Garry chuckled.

“Ha! Should be fun buddy. I see you are interested too, Draconis.”

“I just wanted more kebabs.” Draconis replied.

“That’s fair. If they taste half as good as they smell.” So, tell me about your stand Alyce.”

“This my uncle’s cart. He is known for using different spices and sauces to flavor his meats.” Alyce explained.

“His kebabs are magically delicious!” Garry commented.

An older gentleman working at the grill gave a quick bow before he spoke. “It is an honor to have the Hero of Timberfall at my food cart. I am Tookin, a longtime friend to Betterman, which is why this one calls me her uncle.” After pointing to Alyce, he turned his attention to Draconis and Garry. “It is also an honor to have our two protectors here again. I know Alyce and I feel safer having you two around.”

“Yea we rock!” Garry gloated.

“Rock? Eh, no matter. Do you have kebabs for us?” Draconis chimed in.

“Of course! Here take a few as thanks.” Tookin handed Draconis more than a few kebabs.

I gestured to the princess. “I am sure you both know of Lady Emma, who is helping judge the cooking competition this year.”

Both Alyce and Tookin bowed to Emma.

“It is an honor to make your acquaintance your majesty.” Tookin greeted.

“Nice to meet you, Lady Emma. You sure are pretty.” Alyce replied.

“That is very kind of you to say Alyce. It is nice to meet you both.” Lady Emma smiled.

“Yea, yea. What new stuff ya got for us?” Garry asked.

Tookin pulled out a large jar and a decent sized bottle. “Well, these two are my most popular. I glaze some of the kebabs in this and then dunk it in the sauce. I use large wooden barrels filled with a Moromi mix to create the salty flavor.”

“Wait did you say moromi?! Did you make soy sauce?!” I asked as I took some chicken and dipped it in the sauce. I immediately recognized the flavors. “You made miso and soy sauce! Oh my, this is amazing!”

“Ooo, ooo! Give me some!” Garry demanded.

Draconis not far behind him. “And I.”

“This is rather good!” Lady Emma declared.

Back in my old life I learned less than 1 percent of soy sauce was made the traditional way using large wooden barrels with a moromi mix to create the soy sauce. The flavor was night and day difference between the mass-produced stuff and the exceptional quality of traditionally made soy sauce. To be able to have that and miso again in this new world, my palette was doing flips for joy!

“You are familiar with the process Duke Dragonvein? Not many know of such traditions. It proves you are a connoisseur of fine cuisine.” Tookin commented.

“There is a region where I am from that takes it as their family’s honor to preserve this way of making soy sauce. I wish more would follow in their footsteps. It is good to know you are doing that process here Tookin.” I praised the man.

“You honor me, duke!”

“Tookin is showing me the process to make it. I want to help share this yummy food with the world.” Alyce declared.

Draconis hummed in appreciation of the flavors. “A noble goal little one.”

I ruffled her hair. “Glad to hear it, Alyce. You keep surprising me with all that you do.”

Alyce beamed and blushed.

I offered some to Frrsha and Sunderer. Both made noises of contentment. The food was gone in an instant.

“Thank you, Alyce, and you too Tookin. If you will excuse us. As much as I do not want to, we have several other food stalls to visit.”

“Yes, I agree with Deathwalker. Thank you for sharing your delicious food. I feel others will pale in comparison. It was a pleasure to meet you both.” Lady Emma waved by as she took my arm as I escorted her away.