Yesterday, Eumiella-san had unleashed the Black Hole spell in order to prove the authenticity of her Level 99.
Earlier this morning, she was hence summoned to an audience before the King.
I sent her off as oft friends do.
She'll be fine, and will be back by evening; the Palace itself was around 20 minutes single-way by carriage.
On my way to class, I happen upon Lydia and Lionel Lloyd, children of Viscount Lloyd, my neighbour and relatives. They're my friends and second cousins.
Fun fact: despite them entering First Year together, neither are twins. Lionel was born nearly 10 months after Lydia, make of that as you will.
Anyhow, their birthdays fell within this year's attendance bracket, hence why they're attending here with all of us.
Once we exchanged greetings, Lydia asked
"Adler, aren't you being too friendly with that Dolkness girl?
She was bad news from what I'd heard.
Then she cast that evil spell yesterday. I was really scared"
Chiming in, Lionel adds his piece
"Adler, what sis said was true.
That Dolkness girl pissed off the Prince at the banquet.
Then she cast that curse. She's not helping herself.
As we walk towards the classroom, I replied
"Technically, she sat beside me in class.
In my opinion, I also find the others' perception of her to be flawed
If anyone took the time to befriend her, they'll see her anew"
Adding in "I get it with those rumours.
But believe me, once you had sat next to her, you'll understand her true nature.
Sat close enough, you'll feel her power thrumming.
Seek it, you'll know her Level is genuine.
Besides, she had actively hunting monsters since she was 5 years old. Not that many would believe her on that"
"What?!" exclaimed both.
"She barely knows how to use a sword. Don't tell us that she defeats monsters bare-handed. Most monsters have tough hide. That's impossible to do" said Lionel.
Lydia somehow thought of something,
"Wait. Are you saying...
She'd been hunting all these years by only using magic instead?
That's impossible to do, right?" said Lydia.
"Actually magic-only hunting is a monumental challenge, but quite possible nonetheless. She's actually also proficient in using other bladed weapons compared to swords.
And she had help from her friends.
Besides, she even exploited two dangerous items to accelerate her level ascension; such an obsession she had.
It would be foolish to attempt that sort of Level chasing her way, but she's intelligent and wise enough to know her own limits and tend to it.
She told me herself when we met for afternoon tea yesterday" I explained to them.
Both siblings quietly digesting the news.
Knowing where the Dolkness territory is actually located helped contextualize that.
They easily understand it despite any preconceived bias.
In fact, any decent frontier nobility could.
Hunting. Culling.
Managing monster of all sorts and their valuable parts are half the reasons of our collective frontier nobility's existence.
Despite dungeons and monsters does exist in the Central Territories, they are rare and far in between.
This enables actual Central Nobility whose territories are sandwiched between the Capital and the Frontier, to focus on administrating the Kingdom as their monsters could be sourced to third parties.
Hence the Prince's Central-wannabe slur upon Eumiella is harshly condescending yet undeniable; despite it's her parents' sin to bear, not hers.
As much as I would contest against it, my analysis on how and why the so-spurned Central-wannabe group exist is disturbing nonetheless.
Simply, it was due to some quirks of our kingdom's peerage system whom members doubles as the land administrative-owners.
The rank of Count and above are inherently hereditary;
While the Knights, Barons, and Viscounts are often awarded for serving only a generation.
But a by-law of yore created a loophole enabling these lower ranks to be hereditary-like via naming a successor acting as a stand-in for certain situation.
This exploit had been duly abused for generations, and no law patching up was planned it seems.
Since most of these lower ranks retains small holdings across the Frontier lands; their locations are often established alongside major roads, have low monster populations, or both.
This incentives and enables some of them to live in the Capital and Central territories in varying capacities instead of being bound to their lands.
Naturally, these lower ranks that was perceived abandoning duties to their lands are disdained by those higher ranked and amongst the dutiful of them.
Unfortunately, a political faction had arisen recently that entices some of them to band together in gaining grounds for recognition.
The Radicals lead by Duke Hillrose, rising in check to the nominal Crown faction lead by our King.
The Dolkness house was already an infamous Central-wannabe due to their condescending treatment of commoners, and their recent overt support of the Radicals doesn't help their reputation either.
I really hope Eumiella could be strong for the challenges ahead of her due to her family
Mulling along our way, we met others on the way to class, yet neither said these new information to others.
I do wish everyone to befriend and get know Eumiella better, beyond the undeserving stain she inherited.
I hope Eumiella had a better time at her Royal audience.
Eumiella Dolkness is perturbed by what happened in the first 30 minutes of the audience.
She does have a good outline of how an audience before the King should have gone, but...
Upon giving the formal greeting for one's monarch, she was tested by a surprise attack by the Royal Guard's Captain Adolf whom is rated at level 60.
His first strike was a horizontal slash against her throat, which she dodged easily backwards, head tilted under the blade.
This prompted a second attempt by utilising the previous momentum to perform a diagonal downward strike along her central axis.
She foiled that with left bare-palm parry upon the blade, leading it crashing towards the floor.
Everyone in the chamber is dumbfounded as the captain's attacks were lightning fast; by the eyes of normal people that is.
Fortunately for Eumiella, due to her high level and trained combat instincts, each action is practically telegraphed to her; with ample time for her to consider any appropriate reactions.
Seeing both attempts failed, Captain Adolf sheaths his sword and leant across to apologise for the attack;
He iterated in a whisper that this was a request from the King, and his own fault for attacking her twice rather than once as he was instructed.
Eumiella minded little as she understood the need.
As Adler points out, she had a level too high for most would believe, and she's a Darkness magic user to boot.
She is a dangerous unknown, a neutral party for now; making waves by appearing suddenly on everyone's radar.
Naturally it's in the King's best interest to bring her into His fold as soon as possible,
In any way necessary;
An asset as best, or a loyal subject at least. A chained beast at the very worst.
Intrigued by her skill and speed, the King requested her to showcase the magical aspects of her level.
She didn't disappoint Him by summoning a dozen flexible shadowy hands before these hands become stiffened tendrils which then piercing a wooden demonstration board she brought along as she anticipated the need.
In awe, the King compliments her magic while vocally asking the opinions of the Court Magician on the nature and danger of Darkness magic.
The Court Magician explains how her magic is not evil as many would perceived, for some of the past Court Magicians were Darkness element wielders themselves.
The Court Magician also postulated some higher demon may wield Light magic instead as it is part of the 6 known magical elements.
It seems this projected dialogue between monarch and advisor was used as a methodical counter-argument against her Darkness being solely an evil element in prejudice.
She came back to her senses in time for the King to address her.
"Lady Eumiella, you've reached the very pinnacle of what humanity could ever dreamt achieving. How admirable" announced the King.
"WE wish to hear all about the process that admitted you so far beyond" the King requested.
"By your grace, Your Majesty.
I had done nothing special, nothing more than hard work and perseverance.
I simply started by hunting alone the animals and monsters roaming the forest nearby in my family's land.
Once properly funded by selling the produce and rewards collected, I bought myself some growth charms and a monster summoning flute.
Subsequent hunts thus becomes a cycle of defeating monsters and summoning more.
Even as I'm hunting alone in the dungeons" she enthusiastically explained her efficient method.
Murmurs grew and enveloped the hall as many felt incredulous at her exploits.
Even amongst the Centrals whom never personally faced monsters knew:
Common knowledge dictates Protection Charms is an essential item, and never hunt monsters alone especially in the highly dangerous Dungeons across the land.
Her disregard for both is insanity itself. But the fact that she even utilise two forbidden items had paint her reputation worse.
She is too unhinged, a monster disguising herself as a young noble lady, a greater danger to the Kingdom.
Eumiella was not oblivious to the development around her, yet she kept her face stoic.
Adler-san had explained her… their... Incongruity to their current society.
She knew many future things that none knew, nor could they take action against.
She have a new purpose now.
Her new plans involved changing certain events that will expedite the kingdom's safety.
Growth Charms that traded one's defence for an accelerate growth,
And Monster Summoning Flute that brings ruin by calling monsters towards itself;
They are considered abominations never meant for use.
Unfortunately, those are misconceptions.
Neither are forbidden items; both had quite rare and specific uses; and combining both never crossed most minds.
Growth Charms are oft used by children or beginners in hunting low level monsters to bolster their development.
Monster Summoning Flute are often used to expedite monster subjugation or culling quests by concentrating the monsters towards the hunter teams.
Yes. What she did was unconventional, but it works well for her.
These gains are essential for someone who knew their limits and had the knowledge pool to exploit it.
As the murmurs reach its highest pitch, the King start to address Eumiella once more.
"Eumiella Dolkness, in light of your exploits and capabilities, WE wish for you to wield your power as the Kingdom's [Sword]"
Given a moment's notice, Eumiella bow slightly to answer.
"By your grace, Your Majesty.
As one of Your Majesty's dutiful subjects, I shall serve as our Varschine Kingdom's [Shield]"
The King was slightly taken aback, but kept His visage calm.
He thus responded "WE understand. WE hope you shall gladly lend your strength should danger struck our nation.
Very well then, WE wish to reward your exceptional ground-breaking achievement.
If you have any wish, hesitate not to name them.
Be it title, lands, or national treasures, WE shall prepare them.
WE are willing to accept you into OUR Royal Family should you desire"
Given the moment, Eumiella understand the gravity of the rewards.
As she expected alongside Adler, she is too valuable an asset not yet bound to the nation.
It seems any means necessary is on the table.
Acceptance into the Royal Family?
Even a Ducal Heir would be drooling over at such extravagant offer.
But she knew herself better.
"I humbly grateful for Your Majesty's generous offer.
I am simply happy for a peaceful life.
If the kingdom and everyone around me could live in peace with their needs of sustenance, clothing, and shelter satisfied, I could not wish anything more" replied Eumiella.
She initially thought of adding a request in regards to Adler, but she left it simmer for now.
Adler represents an unaccounted potential that could change the course of this world, but they need to settle down and discuss further to determine its extents.
The King considered her reply and spoke highly of her aspirations, and promised to live up to such ideals.
Despite Him offering more, Eumiella still took no boon more than His compliments to her.
The audience thus concluded and Eumiella shall depart back to the Academy.
Said trip back to the Academy had however been waylaid to another room within the castle.
[To be continued]
A.N: Well, another chapter is done.
My original draft was long, but I'd decided better to break it here.
Thank you very much to my patient readers out there, and your kind feedback.
Cheers to all.
See you next time