VI

Learning

『Training Grounds』

“The strength of any spell relies on your primary divinity and affinity. If you were to use a spell from your primary, it will be cast with ease. If you switch to a different spell type then its power will diminish.

“Let's take for example 「Ignimancy」, if you were to use a 《Fireball》 it would be at full strength. However, if you switch to 「Aquamancy」 and try to use 《Waterball》 it would be slightly weakened. The reason for this is the mana you utilize is converted into what the spell requires. Trying to convert it to another type of spell creates an issue of efficiency. No different than if you expect a bread-maker to suddenly smith swords. It can be done, but it is not efficient. Do all of you understand this?”

“Sir, please do not speak so quickly, these summoned are still learning our language. It takes time to for them to translate what was said.”

“...Then why am I teaching them something as complex as magic theory?! How are they expected to learn if they can't even understand what I say? Have them learn how to at the very least listen before you throw them out amongst wolves.”

“They are learning quickly, but still require time. You are needed to train them.”

“Have you at least learned their divinity? If anything they could be taught common spells.”

“It is being prepared, but please do teach them what you can.”

“I was told there were eleven of them. Where are the other three, do they not wish to learn magic?”

“They have secluded themselves after the incident with Dentus.”

“Is that so. Was it true what had happened to him?”

“Yes, it seemed the summoned had knowledge of magic.”

“I would very much like to meet with him.”

☘ ☘ ☘

『S-Day +12』

『High Servant's Quarters』

It was nice being able to do my workout routine after so long. Even if it was not much, it still made me feel good. When I was done I went to take a morning bath with Saya. I told her my plans for what I wanted to do today. Mostly learn some of what the food ingredients were and how to cook it. I noticed there was eggs, honey and milk. I know what I could make for dessert.

The servant boy was done with the first lye processing so I took the crystals and set it in a container. More lye was extracted and he was sent to repeat the process. I should probably pay him, he looked exhausted. I put the container in the office next to the 「Magic Stones」 to make sure it would not be mixed in with the food.

In the kitchen there were different types of grains and all sorts of vegetables, fruits, nuts and legumes. After confirming with Saya which can be eaten raw I taste-tested some of them. I ended up recognizing a few more ingredients.

「Quest:【Learn Runomancy】 | Information: Ability to enchant any item. A most useful endeavor.

| Rewards: Runomancy Spells: 《Enchant Object Level:1》,《Re-enchant Object Level:1》,《Disenchant Object Level:1》」

After completing my quest yesterday this was the replacement. Where the hell am I going to learn that now?

☘ ☘ ☘

In front of me was the map Saya had bought on our outing. It seems I was wrong about this territory. Epistylia was an Empire, not a kingdom just as she said. 「Aventine」, the capital stood at the center. Around it was six cities arranged in a hexagonal formation connected with a wall. Another hexagon surrounded that, but the formation was turned slightly so the alighnment was not concentric, also connected with a wall. The next layer was in the same formation as the first and a final layer furthest out followed the second layer formation connected, by yet, another wall. The six fortresses were further out, isolated.

The size of the empire was probably along the lines of half the continental United States. The eastern area was fogged, but had a single fortress at the edge and the western area showed a large mountain range. I think that was the same mountain I saw when I woke up on the first day. The north was a much smaller mountain range and beyond that was a desert area. The south had access to the sea, but Saya told me the area was cut off by a forest.

The southwestern area was another country called Pompeii. Original. It was a trade hub of natural resources. It was currently occupied by ossians. Further west passed the mountains were something called Primes. The map does not detail it and Saya did not know much about it.

“Why are the names of the fortresses different from, well, everywhere else?”

“It is believed to have held significance to the previous summoned heroes, although no one understands the meaning of the words.”

Each fortress was in a specific area, probably at the borders of the empire. The names and, I am guessing, titles were written in english. Despite the similarities to latin it was enough to be considered an unknown writing.

Northeast: Healingspring – Fortress of Rejuvenating Waters.

East: Peeringwaste – Fortress of Corroding Grounds.

Southeast: Driftingscale – Fortress of Balanced Trades.

Southwest: Valemarch – Fortress of Traveled Valleys.

West: Stonequiet – Fortress of Silent Walls

Northwest: Ridgefall – Fortress of Boundless Canyons.

According to Saya, only Healingspring and Peeringwaste was under imperial control. Valemarch was lost five years ago from an Ossian offensive that resulted in the destruction of the Third Legion. The first prince was commander of the Third. The last three were abandoned due to spread of a fast growing tree called 'Oakoo'.

Her descriptions of it sounded ridiculous, being harvestable at a single months growth for soft woods and after six months becomes a tall hardwood. After five to ten years it becomes this incredibly dense and malleable wood that, when burned, produces long lasting heat similar to charcoal. Supposedly it was created by a previous summoned.

I turned my attention to the lye crystals. The crystals were mixed with water then mixed with olive oil. The mixture was boiled over heat. The mixing was strenuous and took some time before it traced, when it did I took my bottle of orange oil and placed a few drops to scent it. The soap formed and thickened leaving a liquid which should be glycerol. The mixture was strained with a cloth with a container to catch the liquid and the soap was forced into a mold.

“We'll let this dry for a day or two then remove it to cut and cure for a month or so.”

“Master, this… this is a closely guarded secret of the 「Alchemist Guild」. Where did master learn of it? And this smell, this one had never smelled such a thing before."

“Hm? I don’t remember seeing any soap being sold at the market. Well anyway, my grandmother taught me how to make it. The body wash and shampoo we used in the bath is also soap.”

“It is?! This one had never experienced such a luxury before. To think soap was so easily made. The「Alchemist Guild」 would not be happy with this. Master must be careful.”

“Yeah it'll be fine, probably. Well, we'll see what happens.”

This was just an initial test to see if I can get the ratios down. It might take a few tries before I get it right. If I can get access to a kiln I can refine the potash to pearl ash making the soap even more higher quality. Or better yet… I could magic a solution.

☘ ☘ ☘

『S-Day +13』

There has not been much time where I could be alone. If Saya was not with me, it was one of the other two servants. It seemed Alicia had been pushing them to keep me company.

I had been wanting to do some potion brewing, but since I could not read the words and I could not get the Grimoire out I had to leave it alone. Veronica took an interest in it and with the help of her servant she started to experiment.

The day was spent examining the「Magic Stones」. The dealer's words were accurate. All the stones performed the way he explained they would. 「Charge Stone」 interested me greatly, I attempted to use it to charge my tablet, but I could not take a risk of overloading it. I asked Alicia and Veronica if they had a cheap electronic and I had received an old mp3 player.

Even though I was being careful I was unaware if the stone could have different voltages or amperes. Since I had little knowledge of what was necessary to charge I had to keep it as low powered as I could. I held the stone in my hand and gave it as little mana as I could.

After a few… many tries and constant exhaustion I was successful. I tested it on my tablet this time and it charged. Phone charge. Laptop charged. Veronica's electronics charged. Alicia's electronics charged. Rejoice charged.

Seeing Alicia and Veronica smiling with glee as they could now listen to their music or use their laptop made me happy. I wanted the two of them to keep smiling. Even though this was just a very miniscule step, my plans move forward.

After resting and recovering my mana I tested the 「Distortion Stone」. Just as the dealer said it created a distorted field. It was small and the distortion resembled the privacy glass panes in some showers. Or mosaics in certain movies I have never watched before.

The field it generated was small, maybe thirty to forty centimeters in diameter. It did not do much, I could move my hand through it and feel no effects. When I moved it to a wall or atop the desk the field diminished slightly. It did not seem to pass through objects. Aside from keeping things away from prying eyes, I had no idea what to do with these. The quest made a big deal out of these things, maybe I need it for the magic bag quest.

「Float Stone」 was pretty great. It reduces the weight of an object that it is attached. Although I am not sure by how much, it would be a good idea to get more of these. It did not matter how it is attached, just as long as contact is made. Feed in some activation mana and it would remain active for a few minutes, rinse and repeat. Judging from the size of each stone this was probably what made the treasure chest easier to carry.

「Glow Stone」 was a very mild glowing stone. While 「Bright Stone」 gave off, big surprise, bright light. It is used in different places to illuminate during the night. There were not any in the servants quarters for some reason even though there is a 「Frost Stone」 powering the fridge. These two would be good as magic flashlights. Maybe coat it with 「Dye Stone」 to enhance the light color. Red or green light for night time use to protect night vision.

My favorite was 「Dye Stone」. This thing was super cool. It had the appearance of a glassy gray color. To activate it, one must feed mana into it and think of a color. Using colored items helps focus on the desired color. I brought out my tablet and opened the drawing app I had used before. The color palette had a large amount of gradient colors.

The first color I tried was a simple orange color. It was a success. Then I tried a neon purple. It looked very nice. An attempt for metallic color was less than successful, but still had its shininess. Just a bit dulled. The next color I tried was an iridescent color. It was pretty good looking, like an oil slick on water. I am pretty satisfied with this. The next batch of soap I make I should try using the「Dye Stone」.

I did not understand how to use「Appraisal Stones」. I thought it would be a simple thing to operate, but I was wrong. My thinking was that I feed mana into the stone then try to analyze something. When that did not work I tried touching the stone to the object. Same thing. I may have to go back to the dealer to learn how to use it.

Despite that,「Magic Stones」 are freaking awesome.

☘ ☘ ☘

『S-Day +14』

The test batch of soap came out alright. It was slightly crumbly at the edges, but overall it was usable. To correct the next batch I would need to use slightly less lye, measuring instruments would be nice. The next batch of lye crystals were ready. I wanted to try purifying it to get pearl ash. A small portion of lye crystals were placed in the oven.

I tried creating a new spell by focusing a flame and forcing air through it. It was to resemble a blowtorch. Since I was able to get a clear image of it in my head the 《Blowtorch》 spell was easy to learn. The problem was how long my mana would last as it was a sustained-type spell. Also getting the heat high enough to sufficiently remove impurities within the crystals.

When I felt exhausted from mana use I took a mana potion to recover a bit. The stone where the lye crystals were started to crack and chip forcing me to stop. The powder became brighter than before, but I think it is still not pure enough. At least I got the proof of concept down.

Since there was not much to do I asked Saya how 「Viseremancy」 worked. She had told me before that she can learn anything just from observing it. I wanted to know the details of that and if it was possible to teach it to me.

As it turns out I was easily able to learn it since I had an affinity for it. It was probably a subtype of my 「Proficiomancy」. I had Saya cook something for me that she had not cooked before as I watched her. I think my staring at her bothered her, but she had been doing the same thing to me for awhile now.

Too much mana usage made me feel tired that I even ran out of mana potions. With this in mind I went to go visit Veronica. She had been busy learning the writing system and practicing potion brewing.

“Hey Naoki, what's up?”

“Out of mana potions, finish making any?”

“Yep, here. Made two.”

“Thanks, how's the language issue?”

“I think I got most of it translated, Cassia has been a lot of help.”

“This one is happy to be of use to master.”

We spent the rest of the day working together on potion making. The both of them worked hard.

Umu, I should cook them something special.

“Hey, so, has Ali talked to you yet?”

“About?”

“I guess not. Don't worry about it.”

☘ ☘ ☘

『Training Grounds』

“「Fortimancer」,「Telumancer」, 「Ligaremancer」, 「Sanomancer」, 「Protegomancer」, 「Ignimancer」, 「Glaciomancer」, and a 「Runomancer」. That is quite fascinating.”

“Is that good? What does each one do?”

“It is good that you can now understand me, but where are the other three?”

“Never mind them, what about our magic thing?”

“Yes yes okay, listen up a 「Fortimancer」 belongs to the 「Alteration」category and strengthens the body and any items held or worn, it is fairly common. A 「Telumancer」 belong to the 「Domination」 category and is able to learn any weapon and fighting techniques. A「Sanomancer」 and 「Protegomancer」are uncommon magecrafts that are highly sought after being able to heal wounds as well as cure poisons and use protection spells and barriers, respectively. Both belong to the 「Protection」 category.

“ 「Ignimancy」 and 「Glaciomancy」 are common magecraft. Fire and ice, though most would normally be 「Aquamancers」. It belongs to the 「Elemental」 Category. 「Runomancy」 is quite rare and very useful to artificers. Simply put, it uses runes engraved into a medium to enchant a magic onto it. A 「Ligaremancy」is something I have never seen before.”

“Great, I’m an anomaly.”

“And here I thought Zoe would be a 'slutmancer'.”

“'Cunnimancer would probably be more accurate.”

“Shouldn't I be called a 「Pyromancer」?”

“Common magic? Lame bullshit.”

“Hold on, how did you even find out our divination thing?”

“I explained it before we even started, weren't you listening?”

“You were speaking too damn fast, we just learned your fucking language asshole.”

“Okay okay, calm down. It's called an Appraisal Plate. It's an orichalcum plate engraved with 「Runomantic」 magic. An appraisal stone is attached and can reveal an objects or persons information.”

「Chad Winters: Primary Magecraft: Fortimancy | Category: Alteration」

「Zoe Summers: Primary Magecraft: Ligaremancy | Category: Domination」

「Emily Herbst: Primary Magecraft: Sanomancy | Category: Protection」

「Samuel Springer: Primary Magecraft: Telumancy | Category: Domination」

「Liam Xia: Primary Magecraft: Protegomancy | Category: Protection」

「Riley Sorley: Primary Magecraft: Ignimancy | Category: Elemental」

「Isaac Morana: Primary Magecraft: Glaciomancy | Category: Elemental」

「Vincent Akiyama: Primary Magecraft: Runomancy | Category: Creation」

☘ ☘ ☘

『S-Day +15』

It was the early morning when there was a knock on the door. The princess had sent her messenger who notified me that today would be a favorable time to meet. The time was 6am when Saya and I left. Alicia had her own plans and went somewhere else. She had been doing that all week.

We walked through a part of the palace I had not seen before. This area was just like the other part I had seen and still impressed me. Statues and decorated columns lined the halls with various murals or plants covering the walls. There were lamps hanging on the wall and chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling.

Reaching a door guarded by two sentries we were greeted by a servant.

“Greetings sister.”

“Greetings sister. Master, weapons are not permitted within the princess' private chambers. This one shall keep it safe.”

“Sister, the princess wishes to see the sword of the summoned one. It has been permitted.”

“This one understands. Master has yet to eat, shall this one prepare breakfast?”

“Aa, that's a good idea. Please do so.”

The two servants left as I entered the chambers. The room was exactly like I would expect from a rich girl. The room was massive enough that it was not even a room, more like a villa within the castle. As I walked in I was met by another servant who guided me to where the princess would be. We passed smaller rooms, private rooms, an open ceiling area with water falling from the skylight into a pool and even an herb garden. There was also a room that looked like a kitchen.

Why did Saya and the other servant go somewhere else?

The room I was guided into looked like the princess bedroom. The bed was a canopy style bed that sat on one side of the room against a wall and was very large. It could easily fit seven or eight people and it looked a lot more comfortable than the bed I was using now. The princess was out on the balcony sitting at a table. This was it, the dreaded moment of having to deal with royalty. But I would be able to get something out of this mess.

“Princess, the summoned one has arrived.”

“Thank you, you may go.”

“Yes, princess.”

“Please have a seat.”

I bowed to her before sitting down. We greeted each other.

“I was told you wanted to examine my sword.” Sword was displayed on my hands for her to receive it.

She took the sword and unsheathed it. Carefully observing the blade.

“I was surprised to see such a sword that day. The curve of it is quite unique. Is this mithril?”

“Mithril, so it does exist in this world?”

“Yes, though it is quite rare even mixing a small amount to iron makes anything forged incredibly strong. The mithril impurity in iron gives it a blue tint, but pure mithril is a glimmering white.”

“Not silver?”

“No, here let me show you. This dagger is made of pure mithril. Strong and light. This was given to me at my birth, I was told it took six years to forge, but I doubt it needed that much time. See how the light affects it?”

It was a white with an almost pearl white appearance with an iridescent gleam. She let me hold it and the weight felt as if I was holding a pairing knife. A pure mithril pugio. We returned each others weapons.

“It's a beautiful dagger.”

“Thank you, but compared to your sword? Long swords are common amongst adventurers and mercenaries, but there has never been a sword with that shape and edge. Where did you attain it?”

“Given to me by my grandfather, it had belonged to our family for generations. I don't know much about its origins.”

The conversation continued to where we introduced ourselves in an official manner and giving pleasantries. The food arrived and we both ate. The princess had enjoyed a recipe she was unfamiliar with. As we ate, the conversation renewed to a new topic.

“Has Saya been satisfactory?”

“Yes, she has been most helpful.”

“When I had heard that another summoned was found and that he had proven victorious against a jungle turtle, but was injured I had sent for her to attend to you. She was my personal handmaiden, but it seems she has grown fond of you.

“How is your wife fairing with this arrangement? If there is a problem I am sure something can be worked out.”

Wife? I see, interesting.

“She has no problem with it. In fact, she is quite enthusiastic about sharing me with other women. When she had heard of a meeting between the two of us she was quite… jubilant.”

“I see, that is good then. Most wives have problems with their husbands purchasing numerous servants to keep as concubines. If you wish I can offer you a second servant to use as you wish. However, I am unable to offer you myself due to my position.”

“There is no need, Saya is more than enough. By the way, I’m sure it has an obvious answer, but why were we summoned?”

“… I would like to make it clear that I was against the summoning. My father and brother were adamant that the summoning take place.”

“Yes, but why?”

“Twenty years ago a large Rift opened near Pompeii. It was a size so large, one could see it from Fortress Peeringwaste in the east. Ossians spewed forth and the capital of Pompeii, Vesuvius, was overtaken in a single night. Over the course of a week, millions came through and spread like wildfire destroying or occupying every village and town they can. You were summ-”

“Summoned to defeat and retake Pompeii for the glory of Rome, or I should say Epistylia. Share knowledge of technologies of which the summoned hold and use it to spread the influence and realm of the great empire. Save lives at the cost of our own, blah blah blah… Yeah, I expected as much.”

“You are correct, the training was to prepare you for a future military campaign of retaking Pompeii as well as retaking the lost fortresses.”

“Obviously I won't consent to that. Are the others even aware of what you intend for them?”

“They somewhat had agreed. Would you speak to them? Your fluency of our language could help stifle any misunderstandings.”

“Fine, but I want everything involved with the summoning ritual. 「Alter Stones」, notes, assistants to the summoner. Everything.”

“That is… not possible. The 「Alter Stones」were destroyed and all research items have disappeared.”

“… Convenient. Then I have no reason to mediate between you and the others.”

“… That is fine then, I do offer my sincerest apologies. Then for the reason you are here. I will teach you 「Sentiomancy」 as an apology for what had occurred between you and Dentus. I had specifically forbade him from challenging you, especially after already suffering an injury. You have my word that he has been punished for his transgressions.”

“So I have heard.”

“Yes, after your visit with him I saw your handiwork. You are quite ruthless aren't you?”

“He annoyed me and made things difficult. By the way, are you also able to teach me 「Animancy」?”

“「Animancy」? Well, it is related to 「Sentiomancy」, but I have not learned it. I can make a request at the 「Mages Guild」.”

“If you would kindly.”

“Where did you learn about 「Animancy」 and 「Auramancy」? It is not something that is common enough to hear about.”

“I saw it in a book…”

“You also learned our language quite quickly compared to the other summoned. How were you able to do so?”

“It… there was a similar language in our world. I just happened to have learned some of it.”

“I see… then, since I will be teaching you won't you come live in the palace? The chambers are quite large and you would be more comfortable here. The servant's quarters were only meant for servants after all.”

“I'm fine where I am.”

“About the training, does this time each morning suit you? Afterward I would be overseeing the training of the other summoned.”

I took out my phone to check the time. It was just past 7am.

“A little earlier would be best. I don't have much to do between 5am to 6am.”

“I am not sure of that meaning, could you explain? And that item, what is it exactly? I remember seeing it the night we had met and the sudden light startled my guards. They were ready to apprehend you.”

“The numbers are hours of the day, 6am would be around sunrise. It is currently 7:16am. What I did that night was take your picture, here I just took one right now. Princess Minervina is very photogenic.”

I showed her the picture I had just taken.

“Is that me?! I-it's so clear! I-I can see so much detail, so much more than a portrait or the mirrors we have. How?! I… I must have one.”

I would have liked to take a video of her little outburst, but she would not let go of my hand that held the phone. It was pretty cute. A royal princess acting like that. Yeah, super cute.

“I've taken much of your time, I shouldn't keep you any longer. Thank you very much for meeting with me and agreeing to training me. I will see you tomorrow.”

“W-wait! I want-”

“Princess, the time for training the summoned is near.”

“...I understand. I will see you tomorrow, Naoki Kuroba.”

I bowed and departed. Taking Saya along, we went to do some shopping.

☘ ☘ ☘

『Patrician Residential District』

The two of us visited various market stalls. Since there were numerous things I wanted to buy I had Saya hire some helpers. I intended to bring back a few heavy objects. First was a typical size barrel which was then filled with ten libras each sacks of wheat, chickpea and salt. No idea how many kilos that is. When I picked one up it felt to be around four kilograms, maybe more maybe less.

Next was some cloth sacks and unaltered lengths of cloth. A roasting pan and large kettle is needed for the roasting the wheat and boiling the chickpeas, respectively. Large wooden mixing paddles. A shallow-wall box to hold the mixture to ferment. And some straw to try and extract molds and bacteria from.

Other things that I wanted were ingredients to make mayonnaise, more butter and maybe ice cream. Since 「Frost Stones」 exist ice cream and other frozen desserts should be a thing, but apparently that is not the case. The natives here use it for food preservation to conserve as much salt as possible. One would think that the way the natives talk about the ossians there would be enough salt to go around.

If I do this right I can influence the princess with food and get some major backing for my plans. Despite not wanting to deal with royalty, using the princesses influence could be beneficial.

I wonder if I could make rolled egg.

☘ ☘ ☘

『High Servant's Quarters』

The materials for the soy sauce alternative was put in the next door apartment. I was organizing the help with where each item goes and had Saya supervise it. The second lye extraction was completed by the time we arrived. I paid the kid and put the crystals in a container for later. I should consider setting up production facilities.

“Saya, when you are done here come see me. We need to talk.”

“Yes master.”

I left them to their work and headed for my apartment. When I reached the door I ran into Alicia who was about to go disappear like she had been doing for the past few days.

“Onii-chan, you're back. How did it go with the princess?”

“Un, yeah, she agreed to train me. For free.”

“That's great… what's wrong?”

“Let's go talk inside.”

The both of us walked into the apartment and into the dining table since it had enough chairs for us. We sent Alicia's servant, Illyria, to go assist Veronica.

“Interesting name, I wonder where they got it from since it was a Greek region.”

“Didn't the Romans take over that region? Probably got it from there.”

“Except this isn't Rome and there isn't too much Greek influence here.”

“Odd.”

“Yeah, well, anyway… about Saya, she had been giving information to the princess. It's possible that the other servants are being used as spies as well.”

“So I was right…”

“You thought the same thing?”

“Yeah kinda, after you found out how to learn the language I did some snooping. High servants are really expensive. Like thousands of gold expensive. I thought it was odd that each of us got one. And when I was still in the palace I remember seeing some of our servants constantly speaking to the princess or the emperor.”

“So, what do you think we should do? Get rid of them and go solo? If they turn into enemies or label us enemies what they learned so far could become a problem. Saya's magic is to copy what she's able to see. She's seen a lot of what I can do and...”

And she saw me working on my pistol.

“And…?”

“It's a dangerous magic if it is spread to others, if she understand how my gun works then they can replicate it. I am already weary about being trained by the princess. She is already suspecting me of something when I asked her about 「Auramancy」 and 「Animancy」.”

“So they don't know about the Grimoire then?”

“As far as I know, no. If they do they keep it a secret. Something like this could easily give someone tremendous power.”

“Like us. The fact that we can manipulate our own attributes and skills is already a massive cheat. If we can use it properly we can influence a lot of things.”

“That's one of my plans… are you willing to become enemies of the empire?”

“Onii-chan, where exactly do you think I go everyday?”

“Honestly, I have no idea. I figured you had a good reason.”

“I've been training. I go around the training grounds and watch what the soldiers do, watch what our classmates do, learn schedules, patrols, routes, hidden areas. Then I find a secluded place and practice my magic.”

“I see, that explains why you've been getting more toned.”

“Yup, I’ve also been recording things with my DSLR. Counter-spying.”

“You have a camera? Do you have anymore?”

“Just the one and my phone. I bought a set before the trip. Didn't you see what I had when you were charging it?”

“Ah no, I was busy focusing on the charging part. I didn't want to accidentally overload something and ruin it.”

“Oh, if you want more stuff I know Vince has a drone with a Fivepro.”

“Vince? Which one is that?”

“The Japanese one, but he's from Canada, he makes a big deal about it for whatever reason. He should have a bunch of stuff. Do you want me to talk to him?”

“No, I can do that. Since I will be at the palace everyday to meet with the princess I can stop by and talk to him.”

“...Okay. Just… be careful around Zoe. I don't want you being seduced by her.”

“You can trust me.”

As we finished talking Saya entered the room. She had finished her task and I instructed her to sit across from me. Alicia changed seats and sat to my right.

“Master, is something wrong?”

“Maybe… answer me truthfully. What have you been telling the princess and who else have you been revealing information about us?”

“Only what this one has been instructed to report and only to the princess. The princess had ordered me to learn your demeanor, habits, appetites and anything else of interest.”

“Where does your loyalty lie? If I cannot trust you, if you cannot serve me and only me then it might be better for you to return to serving the princess.”

“T-that! No master! I do not… this one wishes to serve master. This one belongs to my master, Naoki Kuroba, Head of the Kuroba Clan. This one will remain loyal only to master and master's wife.”

I? that's the first time I heard her say that.

“Alicia what do you think? We should also consider the other two as well.”

“Keep her around for now. I'll deal with the other two.”

“Fine, Saya, serve me faithfully and never reveal information to others without my permission. Even if it is the princess or the emperor.”

“This one understands. This one begs forgiveness for transgressions made.”

“Yeah, okay whatever, you are forgiven, but a punishment is needed. Hmm, yeah okay, I got it, no listening to music for one month.”

“Master! Please wait, that punishment… something else! This one begs of you!”

“Music?”

“She really likes listening to music.”

“Master please...”

“Nope, punishment. Also, the day is still early so take me to the blacksmith that holds my turtle items. I want to have a word with him.”

“… Yes master.”

“Alicia?”

“I've got training to do. I’ll see you tonight.” *chu*

This was resolved pretty easily.

We departed and met with the blacksmith and leather worker who held onto my turtle shell and turtle leather. I explained what I wanted and that I would be working with them to make my armor.

I will be designing something this world has never seen before.