Clap. Arkur snaps his fan shut, startling quite a few people. He makes his way around Cecil to the seat on her right and taps the fat Councilman's shoulder with his folded fan. The man hesitates but ends up getting up without making a scene, leaving the seat in front of Leomi for the Prince.

While it isn't too surprising that the merchant would fold considering the Izla does rely on Telnur's existence as a counter to Cenwalh and the man's guild likely trades with the Kingdom, it's quite unusual for Arkur to merely let go of my chair considering his attitude.

The middle-aged sword-master moves to stand guard behind him while Yvonne does the same for Leomi with Rowland, releasing quite a bit of the tension in the air. Huan Thrin doesn't seem happy at all about how things went, which might be a clue as to why the Prince didn't force a confrontation.

“Now that you're a well-known public figure, don't you think you should set an example, Countess Lance?” Arkur asks with a look of curiosity.

“I particularly despise those who act contrary to who they are because they're in public.” Leomi replies with an aggressive grin. The Prince makes a thin smile that seems a bit stiff to me. “But worse are those who try to pressure others to act a certain way to facilitate their lives as it means they are cowards who fear a direct confrontation.”

I purse my lips, aware that there are aspects of their conversation that I'm not catching. Still, her words so far have shown how much she's changed since we met. Thrin's expression grows brighter as the Caroline's grows heavier.

Count Urnan appears rather nervous while Master Amand is paying some attention but not much, he has mostly been observing the crowd. Most people look like they can barely believe their ears.

Tuala Hakarth, on the other hand, looks quite pissed at her table and those around her seem to be in somber moods as well. I lean in-between Roisia and Nahl to whisper in their ears as a counter to the sound construct.

“I think the two of you should go away.” I whisper. “Games afoot that the Hospitaliers and Templars don't want to get directly involved in.”

The two glance at each other and rise, looking slightly vexed by my dismissal. I ignore them, too preoccupied with the fact I may have underestimated Huan Thrin too much because of Patrick's utter stupidity back then.

The man is smart enough not to react to my provocations, there's no guarantee he hasn't figured out a way to get around my plan to force an open conflict, which means he may act this afternoon despite how embarrassing it would be to ask for Arbitration in the presence of his enemies and foreign Nobles.

“I have come to Izla Meria because Telnur follows the old truth you now claim to pursue, Countess Lance. A Titled Noble is the shield and sword of their demesne.” Prince Arkur speaks up in a clear voice, his words causing Thrin's face to freeze. “Yet, it seems like you've chosen a different path.” Thrin relaxes. I giggle without restraint at his reactions.

“We have chosen to follow the spirit rather than the letter for old customs cannot solve contemporary problems.” Leomi responds, acting as if my laughter isn't resounding throughout the plaza. She grabs her goblet of wine and takes a sip. “Low born grants Nobility the power to fight for them, and so speak they must for us to know of the danger that the shield must protect against or the threat that the sword must slay.”

A commotion breaks out from the crowd but only those peasants who were too busy working the land to acquire knowledge that isn't openly spread are truly stricken. They are few in proportion to the rest but they make a lot of noise in their shock to learn Nobility isn't inherently powerful.

“That is why you grant them speech?” Arkur repeats with a baffled look, his deep voice overtaking the clamor. He opens his fan and waves it towards Leomi, blowing air on her short white hair. “This is preposterous.” He utters with the gesture of disdain.

“I've established we do not grant speech as they possess it of their own that those with responsibility hold an obligation to listen to.” Leomi argues calmly. “And the Council alone holds the power to restrict it.” She adds, nodding towards Cecil who responds in kind. The rest of the Council-members cheer up from their nervousness at the sight.

I hesitate to speak up and claim none can shut me up because it would be out of pride, not to mention that this is Leomi's show and it would be rude to cut in even if I'm at the root of the confrontation.

The Prince snaps his fan shut again and frivolously taps his chin with it while everyone apart from my kitten watches on, Thrin looks suspended to his lips like he expects rebuke but dares not hope for it.

“This is most entertaining!” The Prince suddenly exclaims cheerfully, causing Huan's expression to fall while the rest of the main table breathes out in relief.

“Let us eat and drink without restraint!” Arkur declares magnanimously.

“This is preposterous!” Tuala cries out from the side table, slamming her hand next to her plate. “This entire banquet is a farce! Are we to be a spectacle for this gaggle of low born to gape at?!”

“Hakarth!” Thrin yells with a reproachful tone.

“No, I've seen enough! Duchess Roskal was right, Izla Meria is a rebellious cesspool!” Tuala utters with a dark voice.

The woman rises and stomps away. She is quickly followed by two other Nobles and then a dozen others rise to depart. Both side tables lose half their occupants, causing Prince Arkur to laugh delightfully like this is a spectacle arranged for his amusement while Thrin turns crimson from embarrassment and anger.

I doubt he would be this cheerful if this happened in Telnur, or if he didn't want to court what's mine, or if he didn't need Leomi to direct the army she's gathering south instead of south-east. I spot lips moving at the table and realize the sound construct was deactivated.

Hm. Probably Leomi's doing or it would have been cut sooner, especially since it was spread to reach me. Or Cecil. Unlikely to have been from a Noble since they wouldn't care to have the crowd listen in.

I twirl my umbrella as the feast begins anew for the crowd. Servants arrive with platters of delicacies, from tiny birds that make Leomi grimace in a rare display of unbearable cuteness to boars and fat chickens.

There is so much food they could feed six tables and there's only enough Lordlings and Ladylings to fill two. I regret my impulse to pay for this event, even though it screwed with Thrin's plans and helped Leomi.

Still, I find pleasure in the fact that there is an empty seat next to Lance, especially because I won't sit in it. Wait, Ladylings? I inspect the woman at the main table and the four others at the other tables, finding their looks to be of the same standard as the Lordlings.

Seriously, they sent both genders? I blink, dismayed by the eye-candy. Perhaps I've underestimated Leomi's stock among Nobility, hard to tell unless I investigate the houses they belong to which I'm too lazy to do.

As they stuff themselves, I ponder about what Grace is up to because I can't see her anywhere. Tuala might be linked to the impostor through Roskal since the barrier construct indicates Cenwalh is involved, although it's hard to tell considering how fractured Nobility is.

I spot a group of my employees in the crowd thanks to the fact that a few pledged their flow to me and am not too surprised to find two dozen strangers that have as well, the vast majority of them peasants if I go by their clothes.

It's logical since Leomi's access is on the low side of two hundred and I have a bit more than four portions available now, it means more than a hundred people have pledged their regeneration to Jessica Freepath or Elizabeth Vil.

Me? It's not too far-fetched to think that the rumors of your reappearance pushed some to pick you since those who did before gave up on you because of your exile and disappearance. I would rather take the Little one back, at least it's reliable in its attempts to eat us.

“Wait, is that Tianeel?” I suddenly call out, spotting a servant carrying a rolled up two-meter long creature on a silver platter.

“Young Tianeel, yes.” Leomi replies loudly without turning around.

I lay down my umbrella and spring up to leap down. I use a trickle of flow to soften my landing next to the main table. Leomi waves the servant over while I casually reach over my empty chair to grab my porcelain plate. She grabs the roast fork from the platter and serves me with a couple of the already cut slices.

“At least show some manners if you are to join us, Miss Freepath.” Thrin tells me in dissatisfaction.

“Join? Please.” I scoff without bothering to throw him a look. “That boar would make for better conversation.” I say, pointing at the apple in the animal's mouth. “You're lucky I even allow you my Leomi's company.”

Huan Thrin closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. Yvonne grunts to conceal a chortle while a wave of discomfort goes through the rest of my guests apart from the Prince. Leomi gives me a warning frown after placing the roast fork back on the platter and the fork I forgot to take on my plate. I shrug and turn to leave.

“Hahahahaha!” Arkur explodes in laughter. “Delightful, Miss Freepath!” He exclaims.

“Glad you're having fun.” I deadpan.

“Did you have Tianeel before?” He asks while suddenly pointing at me with his closed fan. I find the gesture odd but estimate it's a cultural thing.

“Liz bragged about taking a bite out of the one she killed, made me want to try it out.” I respond, wondering why this arrogant man would engage with me.

My response causes the entire table to perk up, Thrin especially. I notice that the old Council-member with a cane makes a deep scowl. If I remember correctly, his name is Avery Colby and Liz threatened to kill him if he finished a sentence that implied peasants are lesser.

“Elizabeth Vil shouldn't have defied her exile.” Colby utters with a frail voice. “Challenging King Cenwalh like this is unwise.”

“Which is why it is so entertaining that she did.” Arkur notes cheerfully. “You said the Red Dwarf killed a Tianeel?”

“Didn't I just say I didn't come here for the conversation?” I question myself out loud.

“You did but my presence is preventing these fine Nobles from swarming you, Miss.” Arkur replies with a suddenly harsh voice. “The least you could do is be courteous enough to answer.”

“Oh, I'm sorry. I would be helpless without you!” I exclaim while rolling my eyes. “I'll answer one question because I'm curious which one you'll ask.”

“How did that happen?” He asks, lowering his fan to point at the flat left side of my chest without breaking eye contact.

“That?” I look down and then make a surprised expression. “Curiosity.” I answer. “I heard it killed the cat but I'm a bit larger so I survived.”

“Hahahahahaha!” Arkur chortles loudly.

I grow angry because I didn't expect that reaction at all after I tried provoking him and he clearly doesn't take me seriously. I clench my arm but Leomi reaches out to grab my wrist before I can throw the porcelain plate in the Caroline's face.

“Come with.” I half-order, half-propose to Leomi.

I turn around and climb back up the steps to sit down without waiting for her answer. I grin as chair feet scrape on the pavement. She joins me at the top, sitting on my left side as she watches me balance the plate on my left thigh.

Leomi grabs my fork to cut a chunk of Tianeel with the side before feeding it to me. I chomp down on half the utensil with a wide smile and savor as the slightly fat meat melts in my mouth.

“I should have left with you when they showed up.” She tells me with an apologetic tone.

“I didn't ask you to, and it's not our style to run.” I deny, grabbing my fork back. I struggle a bit to properly take hold of it with three fingers.

“Do you want me to grab you something to drink?” She offers.

“Nah, go back. I took enough of your time to make my point.” I reply.

“That it was your choice not to sit down rather than because you're afraid or don't have the status to?” Leomi questions, sounding stressed.

“I'm not that much of a politician but I guess that was part of my reasoning. I mostly wanted to make it clear you belong to me.” I tell her honestly. “That being said, I don't think Arkur is here for your hand.”

“This is quite vexing.” Leomi murmurs with a shudder.

“I'm going to assume that vexation is about the Prince, for your health and my sanity.” I utter with a somber voice.

“No, that I can't allow myself to show off that I own you right now because it would undermine you.” Leomi says a brief flash of actual anger twists her traits. “It isn't often I mourn my status but this is one occasion.”

“Speaking of which...” I trail off to force her to think which should take the edge off her impulses.

“I'll be giving up on my title tomorrow at the ball.” She replies. “Be there, in a dress.”

Lance rises without waiting for an answer and stomps back down the stairs to retake her seat at the main table. She's definitely mad at me, but the way she's rolling her thighs tells me it's the good kind of mad.

Yvonne and Rowland suddenly make their way up towards me, crossing paths with Leomi. I frown because I'm not really in the social mood but decide not to be rude because one's my best friend and the other is tolerable, especially when he's grinning boyishly like he is.

“That was amazing!” Rowland whispers a bit loudly when he reaches close but not so much he'll be overheard.

“Uhm.” I mutter while chomping down on another piece of Tianeel.

“Can you tell me that story about the Tianeel?” He asks as he sits down. Yvonne drops down on his lap.

“You going to make her all jelly.” I warn him, smiling. “And she was there.”

I point at Vikiana with my fork over my shoulder. I pause as I realize that the woman definitely heard Leomi and me banter earlier. I slowly turn to find her giving me a flat look with her jaw clenched.

“Come on, aren't we friends?” Rowland presses.

“You? And me?” I ask, blinking like I don't understand what he's getting at.

“Yes.” He nods seriously. I snicker under my breath. “Hey!” He protests.

“Don't worry about it, you'll get there.” Yvonne reassures him absentmindedly, staring at her hands while she pats his chest.

“If this is about Uhla, it was Nahl's idea!” Rowland says, selling the Templar out.

“It isn't.” Yvonne tells him with a sigh as she tears her eyes off the object of her fascination. “You could stab Jessica and she wouldn't care much if she took you as a friend.”

“Hey, don't give him any suicidal ideas.” I quip, pretty sure she sneaked an innuendo in there that doubled as a jab against my indifference and his virility. Masterful, really. Yvonne confirms by turning to give me a huge grin.

“I wouldn't hurt her.” Rowland protests in blissful ignorance.

“There are two ways to become friends with her if you're interested.” Yvonne tells him. “Pick one.”

“Wait, that's it? No details about my options?” He questions.

“No, she would think it's cheating if you know before you pick.” She explains.

“Then how do I choose?” He asks me. I ignore him to keep eating.

“Any way you want.” Yvonne tells him with a shrug.

Rowland ponders for a long time, leaving me hanging from his lips out of curiosity about what Yvonne will tell him. After a while, he pecks Yvonne's lips and turns to me.

“I do want to be your friend.” He tells me seriously.

I thought he had already decided as much so his response completely catches me off-guard, I almost drop my fork and plate from my crushed expectations. Rowland smirks and Yvonne chuckles. I giggle in amusement.

“Good trick.” I compliment and nab a piece of meat.

“Now I definitely do.” Rowland adds, making me choke. “What would you pick for me? I'll pick the other option.” He pauses. “Or is that cheating too?”

“Yes.” I reply.

“Then I'll cheat and take the way she wouldn't want me to.” Rowland tells Yvonne, picking up on the game.

“Why?” She questions.

“Because she's not right in the head so it's likely the way she wouldn't choose would be the easiest for me.” He explains with a teasing tone.

“Smart.” I comment with a nod of approval.

“Okay, but it's the most difficult.” Yvonne says with a sigh. “You need to completely lower your guard and slowly approach her to give her a hug. If you make it, you'll be friends.”

“Am I a wild beast?” I jest.

“In some ways, yes.” She confirms with a serious expression. “Like a well-fed Argavis, very cuddle-worthy plumage but will tear your arm off if you startle it.”

“Kh.” I smother a laugh.

“What was the other option?” Rowland asks, looking apprehensive about the one he picked.

“Go through something terrible alongside or against me, it doesn't matter. I'll be familiar enough to take you in at the end.” I reply for Yvonne.

“Take me in.” Rowland repeats derisively. “I don't need to be taken care of.”

Yvonne and I burst out in laughter to his dismay. He scowls at us, smart enough to know we're making fun of him but too innocent to get it. Unfortunately for me, I start feeling guilty because I find it charming.

“I get why you like him.” I tell Yvonne.

“Isn't he great?” She asks rhetorically.

“I should really keep you two away from my daughter.” Vikiana mumbles loudly.

“Leomi would resent the fact you're implying she's the naive one.” I note offhandedly.

“And she definitely isn't out of us three.” Yvonne comments while throwing me a pointed look.

I fail to sustain her gaze so I turn to throw Rowland a questioning glance before I start blushing. He sighs and picks up Yvonne by the waist to set her aside. As he stands up, likely to pass the hug trial, I shift to prepare to knee him if he tries. He spots my discreet movement and reflexively closes his knees.

“You wouldn't.” He utters with paling cheeks.

“No promises... but congratulations, you've learned from our spars.” I tell him, impressed.

“That's just instinct.” He mutters.

“She won't.” Yvonne affirms.

“I... do you want me to take the risk?” Rowland asks her.

“... not today.” She acknowledges and taps the steps to tell him to sit back down.

I chuckle as the two return to their previous embrace, especially because he doesn't seem to get that she's aiming to corner him tonight or she would have taken longer to consider making him take the risk. I finish my food and grab my umbrella to set it on my shoulder.