Chapter 219
Returning to Cairula
Unlike the natives who had their knowledge upended and were trying to make sense of it all, Lihua and Connie were unperturbed by the information. Connie stayed in the secret room and sought for any interesting books that might pique her interest.
“A Venom that can inhibit Mana absorption? Now, that’s a thought,” Connie spoke idly as she thought back at the poison that managed to end the First King’s life. “But having the Mana equivalent of a rock, it would be hard to test it on myself. Yes. Let’s put that in my list.”
Connie ran her finger across the line of books on the shelf and stopped when she saw one that had the Steelheart Family’s sigil on its spine. “Oh, that looks interesting,” She withdrew the book from its place and flipped through it. She found out that it contained the sword art of the Steelheart Family.
As she mulled over the book, she heard Nick’s voice calling her from behind.
“Milady, may I have a word?”
“Speak,” Connie said dismissively without removing her eyes from the book.
“Milady, about Lord Ulrich’s diary…” he paused, rethinking about what he was about to say. “I…think there’s a possibility that you might be – “
“Ssh…” Connie raised a finger to the air. “I know what you want to say, Nick. An adopted little girl. A family of loyalists. However, what you are thinking is simply a conjecture. A hopeful fancy.”
“But your blonde hair, your blue eyes. Are they not proof?” Nick stated.
“There are many blondes in this Kingdom, Nick. Going by that logic, any one of them could be the rightful heir of the throne,” Connie said as she closed the sword manual in her hand with a thump. “And even if this is true, what good would this do us? Shall I tell the world that I am an heir to the Calendian throne? Hah! Might as well paint a target on my head.”
“Regardless! No matter what the bloodline of this body is, and no matter what the gods have in store for me, I am! And I always will be, Wang Tian Gu! the Heavenly Poison King! A measly throne does not interest me. Only the culmination of my Dao is,” Connie said, her eyes gleaming with determination.
“…” Nick bowed. Yes, how could I forget? This person is not Cornelia, her daughter. Solving her murder is the least of her concern. No, that has been my purpose from the start, no one else’s.
She sat down on the chair and tapped the diary of Ulrich Steelheart sitting opened at the top of the desk with her thin forefinger. “At this time, the information in this book is more of a poison than anything. One that could destroy everything that I’ve built. Nevertheless, as with any poison, when used correctly and at the right time, it can become a cure,” she pressed her finger onto the page. “Now is not the time.”
Nick thought over the possible future they would face once the information was revealed to the masses. He could only see themselves on the gallows. “Yes. I agree.”
“One thing is for sure; The Royal Family is not our ally, despite the King and Queen’s goodwill towards me. Especially if everything in this book is true. At best, we are using each other,” Connie paused. “So, we must be prepared for the worst. Which brings us to a point I want to make.”
Connie looked at him sternly. “Nick, at this moment, you are the weakest member of the party. If you stay like this, you are just going to kill yourself.”
Nick could only nod weakly. Yes, in a part comprised of abnormal people, he was the only normal one. And knowing what he knew about their future undertaking, he was feeling the limits of his abilities. And yet he could not just give up.
“I…am aware,” he said. “But I cannot just give up! I still haven’t solved the mystery of my Mistress’s death!” Nick continued. “I…cannot stop. Not even it means my end!”
“Haha!” Connie laughed. “Good. That’s how a man should be. If you don’t have the ability, at least you have to have the grit,” she grinned. “There are many ways to get stronger, Nick. Even if you aren’t able to cultivate.”
Connie lifted the book containing the Steelheart Family’s swordsmanship using her Energy and sent it to Nick. The heavy, leather-bound book Floated gently for a second above Nick’s arms before he caught it as it fell.
“That book is a manual for the Steelheart’s swordsmanship, based on the Calendian Knight’s Rustungbruch Style. Very decent. It’s better than the one taught by the Palace Sword Instructor. Cornelia had trained it in for years, but the poor girl did not have the strength and build to properly master it,” Connie said.
Nick was surprised. For a person whose swordsmanship had reached a level few could match, to call the manual "decent" meant that it was something incredibly precious in the eyes of normal people.
“A-are you sure, Milady? This manual is supposed to be something that’s only taught to descendants of the Steelheart House!”
“It’s better than letting it rot under this basement,” Connie stated, waving him away. “Come to me when you have questions.”
Nick then quickly left with an appreciative bow.
Lihua came out from the shadows a few moments after the gruffy Paladin left. “Will mastering a sword manual be enough to let him survive our inevitable opponents?”
“Obviously not,” Connie said. “That’s why, next we are going to visit the Temple of Saint Lorena, the Headquarters of the Junnaveil Faith. Where Dauthisaz, the Armor of the First King now sleeps.”
“You are going to give him such a precious artifact?”
“You’ve seen the First King’s statue in the square. Can you imagine any of us fighting while wearing such cumbersome heavy armor?”
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Lihua imagined the hilarious picture of Connie trying to fight in heavy armor, and let out an involuntary chortle. “It is…not a dignified image.”
“Exactly my point. Anyway, we shall see if he can step up. If not, then…well, let’s worry about it if it comes to that.”
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The ceremony for the official investiture of Noble Rank happened in the middle of the week. That day, several new members of the Nobility would be assigned their ranks. It would proceed from the lowest rank to the highest. Along the hallways, Connie saw young, expectant men trying to calm their nerves by talking to each other. Connie shut them all out, took her seat, and simply waited until her turn came.
The moment her name was called out, she walked to the front of the audience chamber with a stern, confident gaze.
She walked down the red carpet, with the sureness of a woman who knew her worth. Her magnificent dress uniform, a conglomeration of gold, red and blue, gleamed as the sunlight hit it. As she walked, she saw Nobles, allies and enemies alike, were watching her. Duke Gladstone followed her with eyes that screamed murder. The hate contained within was so palpable Connie could not help but threw a thin, callous smile at him. The Duke coughed fervently in response to the provocation.
She then stopped just a few feet shy from the end of the red carpet and knelt before the King.
Alrond, who had been standing at the bottom of the stairs took a parchment from a Knight, unfurled it with a flair and began to speak.
“By order of His Royal Highness, King Gerard Orvell Calendia. Lady Cornelia Asterium Steelheart, shall be granted the styling and the titular dignity of a Duchess of the Kingdom of Calendia. She shall henceforth be known as Her Excellency, Cornelia Asterium Steelheart, Duchess of Arlaine.”
The King walked down the steps, taking a ceremonial sword; one made of silver and gold, and patterned with the image of lions and dragons (which made Connie wince as soon as she laid eyes on it) from a luxurious blue cushioned tray carried by a member of the Blue Lions. He held it sideways with both hands and presented it to Connie.
“May it be that by this sword, you will continue to protect the Kingdom as your father and your father’s father had done before you.”
Connie raised her arms and accepted the sword without looking at King Gerard’s face.
“It is my honor, Your Majesty.”
King Gerard smiled as he let go of the sword and took a step back.
“Arise, Duchess Cornelia Asterium Steelheart.”
With the ceremony done, most Nobles intermingled outside the audience chamber, congratulating the newly minted Highbloods. Connie had no taste for such gathering, and slipped away successfully.
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Three days after that, Connie and the rest of her party left for Cairula. Lihua and Martell had left two nights before to take care of things in her property before her arrival.
As the carriage slowed into a stop, Connie saw the raven-haired beauty, standing in front of the gate, with Martell and Bertus behind her.
“Aaah, Cairula,” Connie said as she stepped onto the cobblestone road. “It felt like it’s been ages since we were last here.”
“I guess…” Illumca said. She did not exactly have the fondest memory in Cairula.
“Welcome, Mistress,” Lihua greeted her with a bow. Bertus and Martell stood behind her, bowing as well. A handful of servants were standing in a row, their faces full of smiles. Most of them were elderly.
“How are things, Lihua?”
“As you’ve ordered, this one had fired most of the servants. To make up for that, we have invited those who Mr. Bertus had recommended.”
“Any resistance?” she asked.
“Of course, but Little Martell took care of it,” Lihua said.
“Please, Madame Sui. Mistress’s fame did most of the work. I simply said to them. “Did you not hear the rumours about her actions? They were all true. Even the head on spikes,” They left without even asking for letters of recommendations.”
“Good work,” Connie said. “As for you, Bertus. You look good.”
“By Junnaveil’s blessing, Duchess.”
“Here, let me introduce Akula to you. She has been a precious companion ever since we met in Courandhel.”
“Of course! Lady Akula, it is a great pleasure to finally meet you,” he bowed to Akula with great fervor. “The stories of the Duchess and her party’s heroic deeds had spread far and wide. We are here to serve…” Bertus suddenly began to sob. “Ugh…”
“W-what are you crying for?”
“I am…just so happy, Duchess. For you have taken what is rightfully yours,” Bertus flicked away a tear that had formed at the edge of his eyes. “My word. I could never have imagined how happy it would feel to hear myself say that title.”
“These servants are all loyal to your father, which was why they were persecuted by your stepmother. They willingly return to your service as soon as they heard that you have taken your rightful place.”
“You might have forgotten us, Duchess. But we have not forgotten you,” an elderly man said. “We wish to serve the family once again, if you will allow us.”
Connie nodded. Loyal people were hard to find these days, it would be foolish not to take them in. “I accept your loyalty. These people are my precious companions. Serve them as you serve me. Lihua is my Head Maid and will take care of things while we are here. When we are gone, Bertus, you will take charge.”
“As you wish, Duchess.”
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After a short rest, Connie went to Ethel’s store with only Akula and Illumca. Nick chose to stay back as he was engrossed in learning the sword manual, while Martell and Lihua still had things to do in the mansion.
When they got there, the store was as busy as ever. Sen was putting out a new box of Potions when she spotted Connie.
“Connie!”
“Hey, there’s the little girl I’ve missed!”
Connie wrapped her arms around Sen as the little one flew into her embrace. “Have you been a good girl?”
“Yes, I have! I’ve been helping my mom tend to the store!” Sen said proudly. She then saw the the towering Akula and immediately shrunk back.
"Sorry, did I scare you?" Akula said through her veil. "I am Akula Altanghazar. Proud Tonsulde of Connie's."
"She's my friend," Connie explained to Sen. "And she'd also like to be your friend."
Akula took out a small, colorful braided tassel from her pocket and cautiously offered it to her. "A gift, for you."
"Ooh..." Sen's eyes gleamed when she saw the curious item. "Is that for me?"
"Yes," Akula said with a gentle smile, trying her hardest not to sound aggressive, as Lihua had taught her. "Go ahead and take it."
Sen accepted the gift and admired the colorful gift. "Thank you!"
"Sen...? Sen...where are you?"
A middle-aged woman with hair tied into a bun came out from the back of the store with a box of potions. The woman looked thin, with a thick scarf wound around her neck.
"S-sen?!"
"Mom! This is Connie!" Sen said with an innocent smile.
The mother, who initially went rigid from seeing a stranger holding her daughter, quickly relaxed when she realized who she was. Although she was still looking nervous.
“G-good afternoon, Duchess Steeelheart. My name is Annelinde.”
“Ah, yes. you’re Sen’s mother, aren’t you? Ethel wrote to me about you,” she glanced at her complexion and spoke. “Is the Pill I prescribed working?”
“Yes. I’m much better now. I’ve also been working for Mrs. Ethel, managing the store,” She bowed with gratitude. “I appreciate everything that you’ve done for us, Duchess Steelheart. I’m sorry. I wanted to come to you and said my thanks earlier but I haven’t got the chance.”
“Don’t scare her, please. You got that effect on people,” Ethel commented, coming out from the carriage with a bag of her own stuff.
“Really? I thought I’m amicable enough. Am I scary, Sen?”
“Sometimes you are, a bit.”
Illumca gave tight smile. “Children are very honest.”
“She’s a bit skittish, but she’s done very well,” “Wouldn’t know what to do if there’s no one tending to the front while I’m busy concocting Pills.”
“Mrs. Ethel!” Annelinde was surprised. “I thought you said you’re going to be staying at the Capital for a while longer.”
“I would have, but this newly minted Duchess here said she needed me to return with her, so she dragged me back here. Hah! After she dragged me all the way to Courandhel.”
“I’ve a reason for that, Ethel. And this pertains the future of you and the Alchemists under me. So, I want you to gather the Alchemists that have signed contract with me tonight. I have something to tell all of you.”
“Ooh…I don’t like the sound of that,” Ethel said.
“Well, we’ll find out tonight, won’t we? For now, you wanna look at the presents I brought you from the Capital, Sen?”
“Yeah!” Sen got down from Connie’s embrace and ran off to see the bag that Illumca just dropped on a chair.