Chapter 11: chapter 10
I moved through the forms of the basic Samurai style adjusted for a long-sword with practiced ease, Man, stealing books from corrupt nobles is good for the body.
my body flowed like water as I parried, thrust, and riposted, following which moved into a quick drawing stance and flowed out of it with a slash that just bounced off of the steel automaton which had glowing lines all across its body.
Its movements were ridiculously unpredictable and somehow skilled as if it would switch martial styles depending on what I attacked it with.
It served as a valuable training tool, allowing me to refine my technique with the 1000 hour amulet.
From the corner of my eye, I noticed a flicker of movement at one of the upper windows of the manor.
Rem, her blue hair shimmering in the morning light, was watching me train, her expression a mixture of admiration and- something else. I felt my mind driving on what the future held.
A stack of books lay on the desk of my new room, their titles intriguing and slightly intimidating: "A Comprehensive Guide to Poisons of the World," "Identifying Poisons of the World, Volume 1," "Identifying Poisons of the World, Volume 2," "Identifying Poisons of the World, Volume 3," and "Lugunican Knightly Etiquette and Protocol."
I started with the list of duties and responsibilities, carefully reading each item with speed, my mind processing the expectations and challenges that lay ahead as fast as super humanly and inhumanly possible.
Protecting Emilia was the priority, obviously.
Constant vigilance and awareness of potential threats were a given.
Not just physical dangers, but also the sneaky stuff like poisoning or political backstabbing.
To handle that, I'd need to become a poison expert, familiarizing myself with all sorts of toxins, their effects, and how they're used.
The books looked comprehensive, covering everything from symptoms to antidotes.
Then there was the Lugunican knightly etiquette thing.
Guess they assumed I was some fancy Kararagian noble.
Well, time to brush up on customs, traditions, and all that crap.
Navigating the political scene and making sure Emilia got the respect she deserved was crucial.
Let's be real, though. It wasn't like I was doing this out of some knightly oath or sense of duty.
Emilia was the only candidate in this whole messed-up royal selection who wasn't either corrupt or power-hungry.
Her goal of equality, even if it was just a starting point, was something worth supporting.
The other candidates?
They could all go jump in a lake.
I was awoken from my contemplation of last night by a shout,Rem! Where are you, lazy sister of mine!"
I glanced towards the window, but Rem had vanished. A chuckle escaped my lips as I imagined her scrambling to hide, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
Ram marched towards me, her arms crossed and a scowl on her face. "There you are, Sir Tereda," she said, her voice clipped. "Breakfast is in an hour. Everyone needs to be ready, including you. And Rem is nowhere to be found, as usual."
I suppressed a grin, knowing full well why Rem might be absent from her duties. "I'm sure she'll turn up eventually," I replied nonchalantly. "Perhaps she's just preoccupied."
Ram rolled her eyes. "Preoccupied with daydreaming about a certain person currently in front of me, no doubt," she muttered under her breath.
I chuckled, choosing not to comment on her astute observation. "Shall we head back inside then?" I asked, gesturing towards the manor entrance.
She nodded, led me to the bath, and then walked away after leaving a fancy ice-blue colored attire that looked like the ones Lugunican knights wore, save for the covering.
I decided I would thank Kasimir the next time I saw him as I had my scarf absorb it as a form for a disguise.
I also needed to thank that old blacksmith who made my armor have an ever-cleaning enchantment.
After a quick wash and 10 minutes later, I arrived at the dining hall looking like a proper knight.
It was always best to be early.
I knocked on the dining hall door, as is custom, and was surprised to hear a childish voice instead of the voice of Roswaal inviting me in.
"Betty supposes the knight of Emilia can enter since he is being polite, I suppose."
Tilting my head in bafflement, I just enter and go with the flow.
"May I ask who I am speaking with?" I asked, still utterly confused as to why the dining hall door led to a massive library instead of the- you know- dining hall.
The strange blonde girl who looked like a living plush doll spoke, "Betty supposes you didn't come here on purpose then? Betty apologizes for the inconvenience I suppose. The library uses door crossing to change the door that leads to it every 15 seconds. I suppose. You may call me Beatrice, the keeper of the forbidden library of the estate and great spirit of yin."
I nodded, "It was nice meeting you, though, would it be wise to blacklist major locations like the bathrooms and the dining room? I assume a magic user of your skill could modify it in such a way?"
"Betty will take it into consideration." She then got up off of her chair, and started walking towards the double door which was now a washroom door.
She waited 30 seconds and the door changed twice and then she opened it to the exit of the kitchen which was near the double doors of the dining room.
I, of course, followed her.
I entered with Beatrice by my side.
Beatrice's eyes lit up upon finding puck in his tiny cat size form floating beside Emilia.
"Bubby!" Beatrice shouted, as she began to rub and pet the cat spirit.
Ignoring the two spirits that could probably negligently shred me into my atomic constituents or freeze the entire planet.
I moved towards Emilia and pulled out her seat.
I was now a bodyguard and I was not allowed to eat until Emilia was finished eating.
I stood vigilantly behind her as a bodyguard should.
Rem rushed in, her apron askew and I winked at her.
Rem and Ram came in with dishes that seemed to be salvaged for some reason I don't know.
Maybe Rem usually cooks?
I guess having maids with redundant skills with so few residents would be strange so that makes sense.
Emilia began to eat, and Puck flew up in front of me. "Hey Tereda, a little advice. Rem likes men who can cook as well as she can."
He flew back to Emilia and landed on her shoulder.
She smiled as she continued to eat and listen to Roswaal pontificate about something.
I didn't really care that much about what Roswaal was saying due to it not being directed at me, I was just thinking about how adorable Rem was when she's embarrassed.
Breakfast passed in a blur of Roswaal's eccentric pronouncements, Beatrice's sarcastic quips, and Puck's playful teasing.
Emilia, bless her innocent heart, seemed oblivious to the subtle currents of emotion swirling around her, happily chatting about her plans for the day and her hopes for the royal selection.
Meanwhile, Rem remained flustered, her cheeks perpetually flushed as she avoided eye contact with me.
Ram, on the other hand, seemed to be enjoying the spectacle immensely, her lips curled into a knowing smirk as she observed our interactions.
As the meal drew to a close, Emilia excused herself, eager to begin her day of meetings and preparations. Roswaal, with a flourish of his flamboyant robes, disappeared into his study, leaving me alone with the maids.
"I believe I have some. business to attend to in the village," I announced, my gaze lingering on Rem. "Would you care to accompany me, Rem?"
Her eyes widened in surprise, and a hesitant smile spread across her face. "I...I would be honored, Sir Tereda," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Excellent," I replied, my own smile widening. "Then let us be off."
We exited the manor and made our way towards the nearby village, the crisp morning air invigorating our senses.
As we walked, I stole glances at Rem, admiring her delicate features and the way her blue hair shimmered in the sunlight.
"So," I began, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between us, "what are your thoughts on Lord Roswaal?"
Rem's expression turned serious. "Lord Roswaal is a powerful mage and a cunning strategist," she replied, her voice filled with respect. "He is also a kind and generous master, who has provided us with a home and a purpose."
I nodded, acknowledging her loyalty. "He certainly seems...eccentric," I remarked, recalling his flamboyant attire and his penchant for dramatic pronouncements.
Rem chuckled softly. "That he is," she agreed. "But beneath his eccentricities lies a sharp mind and a deep understanding of the world. He is a valuable ally to Mistress Emilia, and I trust his judgment mostly."
As we reached the outskirts of the village, I turned to Rem, my gaze meeting hers with a playful glint. "So, tell me, Rem," I said, "what are your favorite things to do in your free time?"
I noticed in the corner of my eye a boarded up magic and alchemy shop that might be a way for me to get more items from Kasimir.
A blush crept across her cheeks as she looked away, her voice barely above a whisper. "I- I enjoy reading, and spending time with my sister," she admitted shyly.
"And cooking?" I inquired, recalling Puck's earlier advice.
Her eyes widened "how did you know?"
"I saw that you were the one who must have corrected Ram's mistakes in the kitchen," I explained with a knowing smile. "I assume you watching me from the window stopped you from doing your duties. I am flattered, by the way."
A blush crept across Rem's cheeks, and she looked away, her voice barely above a whisper. "I...I apologize for neglecting my duties, Sir Tereda. It won't happen again."
"There's no need to apologize," I assured her, gently placing a hand on her shoulder. "I understand. And I appreciate your...interest."
She looked up at me, her eyes filled with a mixture of hope and uncertainty. "You do?"
"Of course," I replied, my smile widening. "You're a remarkable woman, Rem. Intelligent, capable, and incredibly kind. Any man would be lucky to have your attention."
I internally thank my reading of how to make your Lugunican crush swoon from the library I took it from.
A radiant smile bloomed across her face, her eyes sparkling with joy. "Thank you, Sir Tereda," she whispered, her voice filled with gratitude.
We continued our stroll through the village.
I bought Rem a beautiful hair clip adorned with a blue gemstone, which matched her eyes perfectly.
She accepted it with a shy smile, her cheeks flushed with pleasure.
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the dirt road, we found ourselves at the edge of the village ward, where a bench sat next to a magic stone that was used to keep Mabeasts away.
"Would you like to sit for a while?" I asked, gesturing towards a nearby bench.
Rem nodded, and we sat down, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and the quiet beauty of the surrounding nature.
A comfortable silence settled between us, broken only by the chirping of birds and the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze.
"Sir Tereda, would you hate me if I wasn't entirely human?" she asked, a bit hesitantly.
"Rem," I began, my voice soft, "I want you to know that I'm not like the other nobles you've met."
She looked up at me, her eyes filled with curiosity and a bit of fear. "What do you mean?"
"I don't believe in social hierarchies or the inherent superiority of one race over another," I explained. "I see you, Rem, for who you truly are. A strong, independent woman with a kind heart and a fierce spirit."
"I...I don't know what to say," she stammered, her cheeks flushing once again.
"Just be yourself, Rem," I said, reaching out and taking her hand in mine. "That's all I ask."
"I am one of two remaining Oni in the world. Please, don't hate m-"
I interrupted her. "I don't care, I see a blue haired, beautiful maid who can cook well, clean well, fight well, and top it all off, she clearly likes me- and her name is Rem."
I smiled at her with my biggest smile. "What makes you- you, is that exact thing."
She squeezed my hand gently, her eyes meeting mine with a look of trust and affection. "Thank you, Tereda," she whispered. "For everything."
A rustle in the bushes took my attention.
I stood up, and drew my sword.
"Reveal yourself."
A small girl comes out, and is holding a puppy.
Except no one walking through the woods would be a little girl with a puppy without dying before getting to the village.
My eyes narrowed.
"Please, I have nowhere else to go-" Whatever this was, begged, as if it truly had no way of defending itself or harming others, I called bullshit.
"I don't fucking believe any child with any puppy could get through a Mabeast infested forest on their own and without a carriage with an anti Mabeast magic stone. Now, let's try this again." I noticed Rem drawing her morningstar from within her gate.
"Who the hell are you?"
The puppy leaped down and transformed into a massive, hulking wolf the size of a building, roaring in my face. The girl slunk away with a grimace as I stood stunned by the sudden transformation.
Rem went to go after her, but I stopped her. "It's a trap, whatever that thing is, it's not a girl, or at least no simple one."
Rem nodded and got into a fighting position.
We charged the giant wolf Mabeast.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
InterPlanarGod
InterPlanarGod The benefits of going to the village 3 weeks early and having a brain!
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