The sunlight glistened off the water spewing from the ornate fountain. The flowers happily danced in the light autumn breeze causing the garden to fill with the lovely floral scent. Bright multicolored ribbons decorated the pagoda in honor of Teserra’s Wedding. It was a sight Maria would have enjoyed, if it were for the nobleman sitting across from her.

“My lady Saint,” the noble said, “You are truly a sight to behold. I swear, you are far more beautiful than any Melmarian woman.”

“Thank you.” Maria smiled uncomfortably.

“It’s a shame that you must spend your time on the front lines.” He scoffed. “What is the prince thinking? Your place is in the city where it’s safe.”

“What about my duties to the soldiers and the other heroes?” Maria sipped her tea, trying to keep her hand from shaking in anger.

“True.” the noble rubbed his chin. “I know, why not create your own temple! Previous saints have built their own temples to train and recruit priests. By doing so, you can delegate your duties to others, leaving you free for your more important duties.”

“And where would I get the money?”

The noble stood up and kneeled to her side. “Were you to marry me, then I’d gladly give it to you.” He took her hand. “Lady Saint, I would support you with everything that I have. You would want for nothing!”

“That’s quite generous,” Maria stuttered, “But what about you?”

“To have you would be enough.” He kissed her hand. “After all, you are the Saint.” He clearly mistook her tight smile as an invitation as he pulled Maira to her feet. He wrapped her in an embrace. “I truly mean it,” he whispered, “I would even accept any children you bear for you lovers.”

“W-why would I need a lover?” Maria pushed herself away.

“As a Legendary ranked hero, it would behoove you to have as many children as possible.” He cleared his throat. “Preferrable your lovers would be of Advanced rank or higher, but perhaps you may find a lesser ranked man with talents you desire your children to have.”

Maria sighed heavily. “I see now.” she tapped her foot furiously.

“I glad.” Maria was losing patience with his obliviousness. “It’s important for a woman to do everything in her power to aid her family rise to power.” And there it is! Maria’s smile turned to a sneer.

“Pardon me Saint.” They both turned to man standing just outside the pagoda. “Lady Ophelia wishes to see you.” Prince Ollimier bowed slightly.

“If you’ll excuse me.” Maria smiled as she quickly left the noble. She took Ollimier’s arm when he offered it, and they both headed back to the castle. When they were out of sight, Maria sighed in relief. “Thanks for getting me out of there.”

“I’m afraid I can’t take the credit.” Ollimier chuckled as his gaze lingered on her. “Lady Ophelia did ask for you, but I’m glad to have been of service. Were you not enjoying yourself?”

“Of course not!” Maria snapped. “What the hell is wrong with these men? Every single one who tries to court me, they always bring up lovers. Isn’t there any self-respecting man here.”

“Truthfully, it’s more complicated than that.” Ollimier smiled. “Every man in the kingdom is seeking your hand, but they don’t know your preferences. So, they’re trying to offer whatever they think will entice you. Besides, I think some are hoping you’ll have a slight attraction to the other heroes.”

“So, they’re hoping I take Duncan or Shawn as a lover and have a Legendary ranked child.” Maria rolled her eyes. “Back home, we called those men cucks.” she gave Ollimier a playful smile. “So, are you seeking to marry me as well?”

“Of course.” Ollimier laughed. “Would you care to join me for dinner tonight?”

“Only if it’s the two of us,”

“Then I shall make it so, my lady.” Ollimier kissed her hand.

Maria’s face became warm. “I should go see Ophelia.” she smiled as she pulled away. She was nearly inside when Ollimier called out to her.

“By the way.” he smiled warmly. “I wouldn’t share you with anyone.”

“Even if I fell for one of the other heroes?” Maria laughed.

“Yes.” Ollimier’s smiled faded into a serious frown. “I’d seek to be the only man you desired.”

“I’m glad to see there’s one self-respecting man in this world.” Maria smiled as she waved at him.

Maria glided through the castle with a soft smile on her face. She passed a few maids who curtsied to her, then started chuckling when she passed. However, she didn’t care. For two years, she had these nobles chasing after her. Each one was a disappointment.

“Why are you so happy?” a gruff voice grated her ears. Shizuka stormed down the hall, her face red with anger.

“You had a bad date too.” Maria smiled in understanding.

“Don’t give me that!” Shizuka snapped, “You clearly had a great date since you’re practically floating down the hall.”

“No.” Maria laughed in embarrassment. “But I have a good one planned for tonight.”

“With the Prince, right.” Maria’s blush deepened at Shizuka’s accusing stare. “If you like him that much then why not bag him?”

“There’s a certain order to this.” Maria huffed. “Unlike Duncan and Shawn, I’m not going to let the Prince jump on me right away. Surely you understand from your dates?”

This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

“My dates keeping asking me when I’m going to grow!” Shizuka snapped. “I’m eighteen years old, I’m not growing anymore, and yet they keep asking when I’ll start looking like you.”

“Really?” Maria couldn’t stop herself from laughing.

“Yes, apparently every past Archmage was a bombshell.” Shizuka started crying/ “It’s not my fault they summoned a damn loli.”

Maria hugged the small woman. “Is that one of your nerd terms.” she chuckled. Shizuka nodded. “Come, let’s go see Ophelia.”

Maria led Shizuka down the hall in a half hug. The Archmage was so upset that she started to hiccup as she blew her nose. Maria couldn’t help herself and she started laughing underneath her junior’s glare. Shizuka eventually calmed down when they stood outside Ophelia’s room.

After a quick knock, Ophelia called to them. “Come in.” The Oracle smiled at them when they entered. “Good you both came.”

“If only they were more prompt.” their gaze fell to the woman sitting next to Ophelia. The woman looked like Ophelia; except she exuded a mature confidence that made her look far more beautiful. However, her light blue eyes had a steely look to them.

“Mother, please don’t upset my friends.” Ophelia sighed.

“Friends?” Ophelia’s mother glowered. “You are supposed to be their caretaker.” she rubbed at her eyes. “I swear child, you are far too soft for your own good.”

Ophelia was about to speak, but Maria interrupted. “I’m sorry to have been a burden, Duchess Euphiere,” she said, “How has your day been?”

“I wish it was better.” Euphiere sighed. “The four of you have been causing me a mountain of work. The other nobles aren’t happy that none of you have taken a liking to them.”

“I-I’m sorry ma’am.” Shizuka swallowed as she slouched in her seat.

“Posture,” Euphiere replied with a glare. Shizuka sat up straight. “I swear child, puff out that chest. Archons know you need to accentuate any feminine charm you can.” Shizuka nodded with a heavy blush.

“It must be difficult being the nobility’s matchmaker.” Maria chuckled.

Euphiere nodded. “Yes, it is,” she said, “But it helps bring honor to my family, as a woman’s duty should be.” She looked over at the two heroes. “So, how did your rendezvouses go?”

“Not all that well.” Maria sighed. “The Viscount was a complete sycophant. Don’t any of the noble men have spines?”

“Unfortunately, you heroes have thrown the whole system into chaos.” Euphiere sipped her tea. “Rank and class are the greatest factors when determining one’s value. You heroes will always produce children of Heroic rank, and your children are most likely to awaken to advanced classes close to your own. That’s why you are all given privileges that others don’t have. It’s also what makes you more desirable partners.”

Euphiere sighed. “Take the Champion as an example, since many in Everhall hold martial classes in such high regard, many women desire to sire his child, even the married ones. Thankfully, that elf of his has kept his lust away from other women.” She turned to Ophelia. “You’ll need to keep a healthy stock of contraceptive draughts on hand.”

“Yes mother.”

“What about you child?” Euphiere looked at Shizuka.

“I-it… didn’t go… well,”

“Speak fluidly and with confidence.” Euphiere scolded her. “And pull in your stomach to speak from your diaphragm. It’ll give you the power to project.” Euphiere stood up and gestured for Shizuka to follow. The girl sheepishly followed and Euphiere moved her to stand in front of a mirror. “Let’s remove this robe.”

Shizuka squeaked when Euphiere tore the baggy robe off her body. She wore a simple blouse and skirt that hung down to her knees. Shizuka slumped at the sight of her own reflection.

“Stand up straight!” Euphiere shoved her fist into Shizuka’s back then shoved a hand into her abdomen. “Pull your stomach in!” Euphiere sighed as she cupped Shizuka’s breasts. “We’ll need to change your wardrobe. These clothes do nothing but hide your assets.” She undid Shizuka’s braids and combed out her hair. “But you do have lovely hair. Long and silky. A change of hairstyle will do wonders for you.”

Shizuka looked down. “You think so?”

Euphiere tutted as she lifted Shizuka’s head. “Head up child.” A motherly smile appeared on her face. “You may not have the sexual appeal that the Saint or my daughter have, but don’t undersell your own beauty. By the end of this week, I’ll have the men fawning over you.”

“Really!” Shizuka stared in awe at her.

“Yes,” Euphiere said, “As for you Saint. You have appeal and decent posture, and your wardrobe choice is quite excellent. We simply need to find the right man that works well with your personality. I believe… the prince would suit you well.”

Maria blushed. “I think so too.”

Euphiere smiled at them. “Why don’t you two rest for a bit. Archmage, we’ll work try some different hairstyles tonight.”

Shizuka smiled brightly at her as she and Maria left.

----------------------------------------

Ophelia stared in awe as her mother watched the two heroes leave. The warm smile remained on her lips as she glided back to her chair and elegantly sat down.

“That is how you should act as a caretaker.” Euphiere smirked as she sipped her tea.

Ophelia nodded with a sad smile. “I guess I still have a lot to learn.”

“Yes, you do,” Euphiere said, “You should also think about your future more. Speaking of which, the royal family as sent you another marriage offer.” Ophelia groaned, rubbing her face. “You aren’t getting any younger child, and there is prestige in being married to the prince, even if it’s as his second wife.”

“I don’t think it’s a good fit is all.”

“Child, are you still fawning over that Inventor?” Euphiere sighed in frustration.

“I’m not fawning!” Ophelia snapped, then blushed under her mother’s glare. “I know he’s alive. Hopefully, we’ll find him when we stop by Rumand.”

Euphiere chuckled. “You sound like a girl struck with flights of fancy.” She shook her head with a sad smile. “Let’s say you do find him, and he does return your feelings. Do you truly believe that you’d be allowed to be together?”

“Maybe.” Ophelia gave her a shy smile.

“Don’t be daft.” Euphiere laughed as she moved next to her daughter. “No one in court would allow that.” She brushed a lock of hair out of Ophelia’s face. “The Oracle has always married into the royal family or been wed to the Champion.”

“I can barely stand being in Duncan’s presence now!” Ophelia whined. “It would be a nightmare if I had to marry him.”

“Your father and I wouldn’t like it, that’s for sure.” Euphiere smiled. “Your father was ready to attack the Champion and Ranger for assaulting you.” They both laughed at the image. “Dear, if you truly want to be with this man, then we’ll need something more tangible than your visions to prove his worth. Even if his class is brand new, it’s a crafter class. Isn’t there any useful information you can give me?”

“His talents are [Intuition] and [Innovation]. That’s what allowed him to make the cement, steel, anesthetic paste, and… this.” Ophelia slipped down the sides of her dress to show off her bra.

“That’s not what I mean dear.” Euphiere groaned while rubbing her eyes. “These innovations are all well and good, but they won’t sway the court.” She took her daughter’s hands. “Think, there must be something. Your father and I will gladly support you.”

Ophelias scrunched her nose in thought. “He was an… engineer back in his old world.” Euphiere gave her a blank look. “Apparently, they are a class that greatly changed society. They made horseless carriages that could travel great distances in a short amount of time. They made it possible for two people to communicate instantly from opposite ends of the world. They even found a way to fly, and they were able to go to the moon.”

Euphiere snickered in disbelief. “Do you expect me to believe that?”

“The other heroes confirmed it.”

Euphiere slowly tapped her lips. “Do you think the Inventor can replicate those creations?”

“I don’t know,” Ophelia said, “I… couldn’t quite grasp what he was telling me.”

“Neither can I.” Euphiere hugged Ophelia. “I’ll see if I can get your father on your side, but I can’t guarantee anything. He’ll want actual proof that supporting the Inventor will benefit us in the long run.”

“Thank you, mother.”

“I’m your mother dear, as well as your matchmaker. It’s my responsibility to make sure you have the best prospects you can.”