Chapter 31

Outside my door was a character that I had seen before, but one that was so obscure that it took my mind a moment to register the character and their significance.

There in the flesh was a very gorgeous hand maiden. The fact that she was a hand maiden, or rather a female attendant to one of the royals attending the school was readily apparent based on the lack of flair that they wore.

The uniform worn by this attendant was plain, well plain for the noble family they were attending to. Given that they were apparently in support, their base uniform was white. They also had a red band on their left arm denoting a fire affinity for magic.

Honestly, I would have been at a complete loss for who the person was, or their importance overall, until I saw the fact that they had a crest with a white dragon over their heart. The dragon symbol instantly told me that this was an attendant of the Drakerton family. While the white dragon made it known that this attendant was in support of Darren Drakerton, the younger of the two brothers here in attendance.

Had it been a red dragon then it would have been an attendant for Rydel.

Immediately upon seeing me exit my room, the attendant who had been standing perfectly upright a moment ago, suddenly dipped into a deep bow and somehow managed to simultaneously hold out a card above her bowed head without losing balance at all. It was clear from the graceful movement and the complete lack of wobbling that she had stomach muscles for days. Had I tried that with this chunky body, I would have rolled headfirst forward.

In fact, that was part of Karen’s charm for the Roseblade family, she would attempt to be as graceful for Darren Drakerton on behalf of Claudia and tumble right into him.

Of course, this would illicit a laugh from the unflappable Darren, and often be enough to earn his favor. That of course was part of Karen’s charm and just one of the ways she could help you curry favor with the male love interests.

“Lady Laurain, my Master Lord Drakerton has requested that you attend the winter solstice with him, if you are not otherwise engaged on that day.” The hand maiden spoke, and as she did, I suddenly realized what exactly this was.

Now there were three things I could do here. I could take the card and immediately reply with an affirmation, this would normally begin my courtship with Darren. I could take the card out of courtesy and request time to ponder, the most neutral of the choices. Or I could completely blow off Darren’s attempt at courtship and refuse. This last option would likely cause me to become either an enemy or cause friction between myself and Darren.

Realizing that I was far too low on the pecking order to outright refuse such a display of cordiality. For that reason alone, I was going to at least take the card. Though I had no interest in a relationship of any kind at this time. Part of me still wondered what I could do in this situation.

The first thing I needed to do, was let this poor hand maiden relax her posture. Such a position had to be painful.

Reaching down I crisply but firmly took the card.

“Thank you, and please rise.” I stated.

With that, the maid seemed to exhale in relief as she again used her powerful core to stand back up to a perfectly prim posture. At first, I had been convinced that such movements were impossible, then a bunch of VTubers came along and proved that they could, but only if they did their specific type of exercises.

Standing to her full height, the servant was at a much higher vantage point and clearly looked down on me.

Shiver.

Just locking gazes with her was enough to send a chill down my spine. Though it wasn’t because she was hostile, but rather that she was so pretty. Imagine a tall amazonian blond haired blue eyed goddess, one who had core muscles for days staring you down.

I could also see that she too was momentarily flustered by locking gazes with me. This was to be a common experience, or at least it normally would be. But this time things were different, rather than looking disgusted into my glowing yellow eyes, she seemed to be captivated by the glowing platinum color of my eyes. The only reason I realized this change was, well there were a few things that tipped me off.

First, the attendant’s eyes seemed to widen in shock ever so slightly. Then the way her mouth opened in surprise, giving her stare less of a, “I’m afraid of you,” and more of a “my what pretty eyes you have,” vibe to her stare.

Second, it was her words next that helped to both alleviate the sudden tension in the room along with helping to make us both feel a little more comfortable.

“I can see why the young master was so insistent that I get to you first.” Hearing the maiden speak, I couldn’t help but be taken aback by the comment.

While I never had to interact these parts, most were clear. If a hand maiden came to speak to Claudia, then they would interact with either Karen or Marie, who in turn would pass on the information provided.

In this case, since I didn’t have anyone to act as my intermediary, the hand maiden had to interact with me directly. A nice nuance to the game, and one that seemed to make sense, for commoners, at least those with highly potent magical capabilities, were often taken in as either brides or concubines of the nobles.

I assumed that since this invite came from Darren that he wouldn’t subjugate me to being a concubine, but you never knew. If someone more powerful came along, then I of course would be forced to be nothing more than a concubine to a prince. Let alone to a prince of a powerful country like the Drakertons.

Also, refusing this would take away one of the two friendly faces in Choir. Especially if things between Marie and I keep going at the rate things are going, I will need someone to be friendly with. Otherwise, it will be like normal high school all over for me. Except rather than being the excessively skinny girl who can’t gain wait regardless of what she eats, I will be the opposite way and be the big girl who can’t burn off weight with a flame thrower.

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Glancing down the hallway, I almost wished to see a hand maiden for Rydel nearby, but alas no. Just Darren, while it was still early, I assumed most would already have someone else in mind. I’m sure Priam and Galvis both will choose Claudia.

Actually, maybe the event by the fountain yesterday was the event that somehow spawned this event. Claudia burned the bridge with Darren so hard and fast, that Darren automatically thought about me. No, that seems unlikely. More than likely, it is just the game world providing me a chance.

One that I’m certain if I said yes here and now, would let me start the process. Given my lore of the world and knowing all of Darren’s triggers, I would be more than capable of landing Darren as a paramour. The only problem was, that Darren was a healer. One of the best healers, or at least he would be, especially once he unlocked his Drakerton bloodline powers that would amplify his magical capabilities. Until that point Marie was a better healer, heck I was a better healer than both of them right now, but only due to my cheating and knowing the optimal ways to cast, chant, and envision every spell form.

“I assume you would like a response?” I ask, trying to buy some time.

“Yes, though it was stressed that you were to be given as much time as needed, according to my master.” The servant said, her voice all but begging me to give any answer other than an immediate no.

“I take it you would come by daily to ask for my response?” I ask, wondering if this would be the way things would go. As Claudia you could do this as well, send Marie or Karen daily to request a reply from the love interest. After the first time if given time to think, meaning your infatuation score was not high enough, you could go daily and ask. Then only if you asked every day until the day of would the gamble pay off and the love interest choose to go with you. By my asking about this, I effectively made sure that this would be the strategy.

“My master has made it known that your affirmative response is of singular importance, and that I am to do whatever it takes to ensure a positive reply.” The servant said, giving a slight bow. Though as she did, her blue eyes never left my own.

Her stare was not in the form of a challenge, but rather the gaze of someone who was captivated. Realizing that I could use this for my advantage, I pressed.

“Does this mean that if I asked you to show me your core workout that you would?” I ask.

“My core workout?”

“Yes, your stomach muscles must be amazing.” I say moving a step closer and trying to see if I can get a hint of definition from under her loosely fitting house affiliated wardrobe.

That was the other thing, every woman who could do the perfectly balanced ninety-degree bow and card offered above the head had rippling stomach muscles.

While I might not be in my real body, I’m pretty sure that if I speak out loud my desired results, I might be able to make them happen. With that goal in mind, I decide that for the first time, I will have stomach muscles. They will be hidden under a well insulated layer of outer protection, but they will be there nonetheless. At least that is my goal.

“Am I understanding this right, when you say that you wish for me to come and teach you my exercises each morning?” The attendant asks.

“Yes, you are clearly doing something right.” I reply, also the idea of having a tall amazonian goddess like her around is never a bad idea. First it will mean I have someone to help watch over me while I do my pre-Lady Von’Graysing exercises. Second, this should help me reach my target goals better. While I want my attributes to go up quickly, and I can heal any damage to myself, I’m wondering if I can get a cosmetic adaptation based on activities. In this case, I want abs. Well as close to abs or a sultry figure as this body can handle. Third, and probably the shallowest reason of all, this girl is hot.

Is it bad to think that Darren’s maid servant might have a better shot at me than he does? No, that part actually makes sense to me, as he is a noble and regardless of how I might try to hide it, I am nothing in this world.

Blushing, the tall girl actually blushed bright red at the compliment.

“You flatter me, my lady.” The servant said, then seemed to ponder the request, and counter proposal in her mind. Then seemed to debate the two against her overall objective and finally smiled brightly at the idea. “I do believe, that if my lady so wishes, then I must acquiesce to morning workouts.”

Hearing that, I couldn’t help but smile.

I don’t know if she saw, but maybe the intensity of my eyes changed as she seemed to notice the change. Then I realize something that seems totally off.

“I’m so sorry, you seem to have me at a disadvantage, for you seem to know my name. While I don’t know yours at all.” I reply.

Hearing that for the simple request that it was, the servant seemed to smile even brighter.

“I am Maiden Octavia of House Drakerton, at your service.” The servant, Maiden Octavia began.

“Maiden?” I ask trying to clarify that I heard the title correct.

“Yes, it means…” Octavia began.

“I know what it means full and well. That you have been recognized as an official knight, or knight equivalent for the Drakerton household. That you are both recognized as an accomplished fire magician, but more is expected of you.” I reply, glancing at her red arm band to make sure that I had her affinity correct. Then I remember her being able to lead one of the mid-level squads during times of siege against one of the controlled future garrisons.

Yes, in addition to the Drakertons themselves being formidable with their dragon bloodline, their knights were also known to be equally capable.

For a moment, I had an idea of taking the best and brightest of all the personal attendants and making my own army. Yes, they likely wouldn’t be able to stand up to the heroine’s party, but they wouldn’t have to. As I’m pretty sure I could create enough courtly drama within their own territories to make them incapable of amassing a siege against me, even if they all banded together.

For a moment, I have the vision, this dream of power. Then I am brought back by the intense blue gaze of the servant before me.

I just finished talking, and there is a moment here.

“You know that much, from just glancing at me?” Octavia asks, a note of something in her voice. Perhaps multiple emotions all coming together now to show that this is likely a developmental point.

If I wanted to press to make my own future army of subordinates. Or at least subordinates who might eventually decide to join me, this would be my time to make a move.

“Yes and no. I can tell that you are powerful, poised, and above all committed. Just know that I recognize both your importance and you as a person. I hope that Darren, I mean Lord Drakerton appreciates you for all you are and represent.” I reply.

There is a moment, where I wonder if it was too much. If I had pressed a little too hard. Honestly, having her by my side would be amazing. In fact, I almost wonder if there was a way for me to convert retainers away from each of the noble houses.

I even wonder if I could do the same to Marie, but then think better of that. For some reason, I can’t imagine trying to deceive her. Maybe it is my memory of who she was in the game and what she represented. I know I couldn’t live with myself if I was the reason she turned to the dark side, she is far too pure and innocent for that. No for now, I will try this process out in small ways.

Converting the retainers who will eventually be powerful in the future, but who have not established themselves as anything more than an errand boy or girl for their perspective masters.

At the very least, this might be a fun way to push myself even harder during morning workouts. Or an extra reason to get out of bed early each morning.

Alternatively, Octavia here could be my first of many pieces I collect to be able to survive the inevitable conflicts that will arise shortly. As there is still an invasion from the Dark Continent to happen. Along with a number of solar and celestial events, all of which will have massive impacts on magic, magical capabilities, and even potential class evolutionary processes. For once this is all done, I do hope to have an actual magical class assigned that is recognized by the great system.

“I am honored by your words,” Octavia says bowing, the red hue still filling her cheeks.

Gods she is pretty when she blushes like that.

“I will inform my master of your needing more time and assurances from him that he is truly committed to this request.” Octavia says, apparently ending our conversation.

“Make sure you come back tomorrow prepared to work out.” I reply, letting her know that I want the toned core model to appear, if for no one other than myself. I’ve decided that I want abs, and that I’m pretty sure I can force a model or appearance change if I work out with this girl.

“I will, my lady.” Octavia says, then she gives another perfect bow before rising up and leaving. Though I swear I could almost see her doing a slight ballet dance with her toes as she seemed to be leaving here excitedly.

This is good, as it means that she is both excited for what is to come, and happy to come back. Which means that I will have more chances to work on my alternate goal of bringing her to my future faction.

That is the other thing from this morning, while I had been planning to go about exploring. I still intend to do that, but now I will also establish my own empire. Yes, I want to push this new expansion to see just how much it is ready to expand and change. The ability to create an empire is already there, so I just need to make it so that I am seen as a viable source.

Standing there, I watch the blonde amazonian servant leave. Only to be quickly reminded of why I decided to leave so early.

“Are you finally going to come to our session?” Lady Von’Graysing asks, her voice so close that I almost flinch. Fortunately, I master control over myself and calmly turn to see that the spymaster was right there leaning next to my open door.

“Hello Master.” I state and bow.

“Come on, we are already late.” Lady Von’Graysing states.

“Late?”

“Yes, it seems that we have a tag along to our morning exercises.” Lady Von’Graysing states, then turning back to where the blonde attendant just left she adds, “one that you didn’t invite.”

Then with that Lady Von’Graysing begins walking away the exact opposite direction, away from the inner courtyards and towards our training fields.

“Oh really, who?” I ask, but that would apparently be a mystery for when we got there.