Chapter 85 — A Family’s Love

Ria was lost in thought as the horse-drawn carriage trundled on, and for the most part, Hulle left her to her thoughts even if he continued to find twisted amusement through watching her. He really was a weird boy.

A weird boy that had considered her as a fiancée candidate.

A weird boy who was helping her become strong.

A weird boy whose revenge she had whole-heartedly signed on to.

Ria closed her hand into a fist. The visit to Hulle’s childhood friend and former maid had given her a lot to think about, particularly about the divide between nobles and commoners, and her place in such a society.

She didn’t have any illusions that any country would be perfect, and Crysellia certainly wasn’t an exception—as Desi’s investigations had already proved. Ria didn’t know a lot about Desi, but maybe Desi was close with Hulle because they had both personally come face to face with cruelty and the unfairness of power? Maybe they had joined together to effect change, or at least a modicum of justice, where they could.

Or maybe that was wishful thinking.

Ria had been naive and full of idealism when she first arrived in the Crysellian capitol, even though Jarrel had warned her. After meeting Lord Vorshan, Master Rigure, Keira, Priest Dohan, and many of the people with positions of power and responsibility in Vorshan's Hills and seeing how well the common people were treated there… she had allowed herself unreasonable expectations. Keira was right. She couldn’t compare a small frontier place run by a minor noble House to the capital city of a country full of old and powerful noble Houses, each with hundreds of years of history.

And her friends were also right. Cruelty was everywhere if she looked hard enough. She had experienced cruelty in Vorshan's Hills. Even in peaceful Shadewood, not all the girls there had been nice to each other, and the cruelty of living under the nobles’ whims came sudden and hard, like an idyllic dollhouse smashed by a knight’s armored fist.

Intellectually, Ria understood that bad things happened everywhere, that they were a reality of life and that she couldn’t right every wrong. Even Hemse allowed the wolves to bring sorrow to his flock. But when she saw the cruelty before her, cruelty to an extent that made her rage, she couldn’t leave it alone.

The sight of Cassi’s legs was still fresh in her mind and her fury had yet to die down—even after filling two orichalcum tokens with the excess energy churning in her body. It was a sight of cruelty that would haunt her nightmares and her soul-strengthening sessions.

There was a difference between knowing and seeing. She had been beyond appalled at the condition of Cassi’s legs, emaciated limbs barely more than bones wrapped with skin. Cassi’s skin had still been smooth with the luster of youth, but even so, the girl’s legs and feet looked skeletal—like death wearing the skin of a teen girl. No simple healing could fix that! And to have lived for so long with her body in such a condition… Ria couldn’t even imagine the horror and despair!

As frustrating as it was, her attempt to heal Cassielle’s injury ended in failure. No, that wasn’t entirely right. The method appeared to work, but it was slow, energy-intensive, and would take many sessions. It was also exceedingly painful for Cassi and would only become more so the closer Ria got to fully replacing the scarred parts of the girl’s spine with fresh growth. Ria’s rage didn’t help with the fine control needed for the delicate process either, and it was only thanks to Lestina’s mental exercises that any progress was made.

Much work would be required before she felt prepared to attempt it again. Learning a pain deadening spell of some kind would certainly be required to continue further. More study of normal human spine tissue and bones would help as well. Her own had changed enough or was different enough that it was hard to use as a guide. There was also the issue that regrown bone was surprisingly soft and couldn’t support the body’s weight. Problems on top of problems!

She would have to seek advice from someone more knowledgeable. Keira was studying healing and could probably point her in the right direction. Hopefully. Hulle had already pointed out that most nature-type healers were related to or had relationships with House Sorrel, and Ria worried that seeking advice from them was something that would bring unwanted attention should Vanessa find out.

That said, she might be overthinking the risk. Improperly-healed spine injuries might not be entirely uncommon, particularly if the injured person lacked the coin to seek help right away, or had to rely on local healers lacking in specialized knowledge, experience, or skill. Maybe asking about such injuries wouldn’t raise undue suspicion?

If she couldn’t find help or wanted to be more discreet, there was still the library and her anatomy class, though it would be some time before the class got to dissecting people.

The healing attempt wasn’t all frustration. There was one huge accomplishment. Through force of will and because of her deepening understanding of the shadow element, Ria had succeeded in advancing her mastery of shadow toward the next stage: void. The devouring aspect of her ‘fake aura’ training proved the key to containing the energies released by dissolving the target tissue’s bonds. Though even with using a focus potion and the Soulkeepers’ focus technique, the void technique she created took tremendous concentration, and she could only maintain a small, thin area of the effect for a very short amount of time.

Somehow, precision destruction of tissue and bone was more demanding than her usual penetrating or explosive techniques. She also now better understood why Tina was so interested in mastering the technique. There was a feeling that void magic additionally attacked the astral body, preventing light-based restorative healing. The ability to instantly disable an opponent or permanently slice away their limbs—it would be terrifying.

The thought reminded Ria of her own astral body’s condition. Wasn’t she at extreme risk until her astral body was repaired? Could she currently risk any restorative healing magic? If something happened to her, would light-based healing make her injuries worse? Would anyone know to use regenerative healing instead?

Should she tell someone? Or would that just increase the risk of her being targeted?

Ria shook her head. No. People were already too protective of her. Her friends wouldn’t even let her go anywhere on her own, and she couldn’t tell Hulle after just promising to help him get vengeance. She certainly couldn’t tell Jarrel. He might prevent her from going anywhere at all! Forget her classes, would he let her attend a large event full of scheming nobles from competing Houses? After everything Lady Asara had done for her, not attending would be terrible.

Her only choice was to repair the damage as quickly as possible. She would just have to be extra careful until then.

That in mind, she should skip dinner with the others and get a good night’s rest, then continue meditating or using the isolation chamber early in the mornings, and maybe Shadwich would have some advice for her… or a concoction to speed her recovery.

Ria looked up from scratching Ranger’s head as Booke guided the carriage into the Vorshan estate’s grounds.

To her surprise, Jarrel was waiting for her in front of Keira’s manor instead of Ana or Ana’s father or Keira. Ria was glad to see him. She hadn’t spent much time with Jarrel the last few days and really should, but… why was he dressed so formal?

A feeling that her just-made plans were about to be set awry began to creep into her consciousness.

“Welcome home, Ria, Ranger,” Jarrel greeted as the carriage rolled to a stop and Ranger hopped down on his own, eager to return to his fire attunement meditation. “Sir Mage Hulle, Sir Mage Verenzio, you have my thanks for seeing to Ria’s safety, and for the opportunities you have provided her.”

“There’s no debt necessary. Ria and I simply share mutual interests, and our Grand Games team will benefit from her being adequately prepared and motivated,” Hulle replied easily, casually waving away the gesture as he helped Ria to exit the carriage and step down.

While taking hold of her hand to guide her the rest of the way, Jarrel awkwardly accepted her elfin mentor’s demand, “If the young lord insists.”

“I do!” the Novidus boy shamelessly insisted.

Her feet on the ground again, Ria turned back to Hulle and Verenzio and thanked them for taking her shopping and helping her prepare for the Games.

“Get as much rest as you can, Ria,” Hulle advised. “You have a busy few days ahead of you and will need to be at your best come Waterday.”

Ria gave him a defiant smirk and flexed her arm. “I will!”

While she was saying goodbye to Hulle, Jarrel exchanged nods with Verenzio for some reason, and once the carriage was leaving the estate, Jarrel looked down at her with furrowed brows. “Are you okay?”

Ria nodded, then deciding more was needed, she threw herself at him and gave him a big hug, burying her face in his clothes and making sure to circulate enough energy to squeeze extra hard.

“Ow, ow!” Jarrel complained, but still hugged her back. “Did something happen that I should be worried about?”

Ria shook her head as she breathed in Jarrel’s scent. Oddly, he smelled of soap and evergreen rather than leather, steel, and sweat. “I’m fine, just tired.”

“I bet,” he snorted and ruffled her hair for a while before sighing. “You know, even if we are in House Vorshan’s and House Novidus’ favor, you shouldn’t be so trusting. It makes me worry.”

Ria had a fair idea what he was trying to say and gave him another squeeze. “Iori arranged the tutoring, and Lady Janacythe was determined that I not bring shame to House Vesali.”

“Lady Janacythe, huh…”

“Yep. By the way… how come you’re all fancied up?”

“Let’s just say that it’s good that you returned before evening, Ria. The lord and lady of the estate invited us to join them for dinner.”

“Huh?” Ria unburied her face enough to look up at him. “Isn’t Keira the lady of the estate?”

Jarrel chuckled. “No, Keira’s grandfather has tasked Lord Aredan and Lady Etrina with managing the property. Lord Vorshan does stay here when visiting the capital though.”

Lord Aredan? Lady Etrina?

Ah-! Keira’s parents!

Ria nodded in understanding, of course they’d want to come for Keira’s debut! Letting go of her sharply-dressed swordsman protector, she took a step back so she could pat out the wrinkles just made in his formal attire. “I guess I’d better get ready. Where’s Ana?”

Jarrel looked amused at her efforts and took over the vest and jacket straightening. “She’s getting your bath and clothes ready. Why don’t you hurry on up?”

“Right.” A bath. There was no way she wouldn’t fall asleep.

Somehow, Ria found herself seated at the formal dining table beside Keira not an hour later in a new dress gifted by Keira’s parents and with her hair done up by Ana. She had Miela to thank again for her current level of alertness.

“Our little cherub, a Divinesday Champion!” Lord Aredan proudly proclaimed, much to Keira’s dismay.

“And we hear that you played no small role, Ria,” Lady Etrina added. “From the holocube Miela sent us, the two of you must have worked exceptionally hard to have improved so much. Your opponents were so strong, and every match was so heart-stopping to watch!”

Ria couldn’t help a smile as Keira hid her grumbling about unfaithful maids with a sizable gulp from her goblet of celebratory wine. Lady Etrina’s words weren’t empty praise either. Neither of Keira’s parents were weak mages, and each had held a flank of the defense during the siege of Vorshan’s Hills.

“It’s no wonder that Father has taken an interest in furthering your impressive talents, Jarrel. Ria’s performance is a testament to your skill and ability to teach,” Keira’s father said and raised a goblet in Ria’s and Jarrel’s directions.

This time, it was Ria’s turn to blush and hide her face behind a goblet as she mumbled demurrals. But… An interest in furthering Jarrel’s talents? Wasn’t he doing investigations and dangerous spy work for Lord Vorshan?

Jarrel waved a denial on Ria’s behalf. “I only started her survival training and physical conditioning. Tina’s the one responsible for Ria’s current fighting style.”

“The Yurren disciple teaching at the Adventurers Guild?” Lord Aredan questioned.

“The same.”

“Oh, is that how she made connections with House Yurren in the capital? Congratulations on forming connections with House Jayre and House Emberflow as well, by the way, Ria. Unfortunate business, the thing with House Vesali though…” Lady Etrina gave Ria a sympathetic look. “Those overbearing Royal-blooded crystalbrains and their sycophants will tire of tormenting you as soon as the next new shiny target comes along.”

After a glance in Keira’s direction, Ria nervously waved another denial. “That was mostly a misunderstanding. Phaelys has been considerate and supportive.”

“You can feel free to speak your mind here, dear,” Lady Etrina chided. “The Vesali are no longer royals requiring obeisance and reverent address. Neither would any of us be ungrateful enough to seek your disadvantage from whatever you have to say after what you’ve already done on our behalf.”

Gah. She didn’t mean to offend Keira’s mom!

Ria firmed up her voice and tried to better convey her sincerity, “I didn’t mean any disrespect, Lady Etrina. Since the duel, he really hasn’t been anything other than courteous.”

“Is that true, Keira?” Lady Etrina queried her daughter in surprise. “From your letters, it seemed they were causing trouble for Ria.”

Keira glanced Ria’s way. “Um, from what I’ve seen and heard, it’s mainly other first-year girls seeking favor with Ophesia and Nielle that have been involved in causing trouble for Ria. But there is a sentiment of discontent among many of the first and second years in regard to Ria shamelessly reaching above her station. I personally witnessed Phaelys defend her against Cousin Presius’ rudeness last Divinesday, and Cousin Faris told me that Ria and Ophesia came to an agreement concerning a private Vesali House matter today.”

“Oh?” Lady Etrina’s utensils paused and her eyebrows rose as she and Lord Aredan returned their gazes Ria’s way.

Ria nodded that it was true.

“Oh my,” Lady Etrina voiced and her hand rose to delicately cover her mouth. “Could it be that young Phaelys is truly interested in courting young Ria?”

“I’m not sure if he’s interested in courting Ria, but he does seem to show more interest in her than the other girls who have expressed interest,” Keira hesitantly reported.

After a stunned moment where Lord Aredan was looking her way with a calculating countenance reminiscent of Keira’s grandfather and Lady Etrina blinked blankly while reassessing assumptions, Keira’s mom set her fork down and gave Ria her full attention. “Is there anything else we should know, Ria?”

Ria gulped, swallowing her food and pressed a hand against her chest to calm her nervousness at all eyes around the table turning to her. “The matter was concerning Young Lady Ophesia’s friends. I… may have encouraged one of Young Lord Hulle’s Twilight Cloak friends to investigate and provide to the Daily Shadow embarrassing secrets about the families of the girls who attacked me.”

“You conspired to blackmail the Vesali vassals’ Houses? And the Vesali found out?” Lady Etrina suddenly looked pale and Keira’s expression had also turned to horror. Jarrel groaned.

“Ah-! I didn’t threaten them!” Ria desperately corrected. “I just wanted those who wronged me to pay a price. I mean… Young Lady Ophesia doesn’t have any evidence that I was involved. I agreed to see if I could put a stop to the investigations and assured her that I had no ill will toward House Vesali. And I don’t! I didn’t tell her but Phaelys’ chaperone has mentioned to Lord Jevaran and Lady Asara that the Vesali’s elders are interested in having me join House Vesali—that I would wear amethyst in the future rather than Novidus blue.”

Keira and the others in the room, including Ana and her mom, gasped. Jarrel sprayed out some of the wine he’d been drinking and apologized as Ana’s mom quickly sopped up the mess with a fancy cloth napkin.

Keira’s parents exchanged looks and Lord Aredan spoke first, “While I’m not happy with the risk taken, if Vesali vassals are making enemies while hiding corruption in their Houses, any consequences would be their own fault regardless of Ria being motivated to bring such scandals to light. Though creating future enmities is worrying.”

Lady Etrina nodded agreement. “Particularly if Ria is to join their faction.”

Ria grimaced. It was a risk, but maybe for the better? If she was to become a Vesali, she’d rather not have to associate with corrupt families and their evil offspring, or worse, have to side with them in their injustice and cruelty. Would her Truth abide such? The thought of being on the side of nobles worse than Vanessa Sorrel as they trampled the weak sent a chill to her core.

“Ria, I know Aredan’s father hoped that your talent would draw interest from the Greater Houses, but this is too soon. We haven’t had time to properly prepare you,” Lady Etrina carefully spoke, addressing her and drawing her out of her fretting. “Have you involved yourself with any of the other Greater Houses? Made any offenses or commitments?”

“Faris Novidus is a team member in my abjuration class together with Zena Emberflow and we often meet for lunch. Hulle Novidus was the one who sponsored me into the Sages, and Iori and her sister have also been mentoring me, but I’m sure you already know about that…” Ria started and received slow confirming nods from Keira’s parents.

Meeting eyes with Jarrel who was watching her carefully, Ria quickly decided not to mention House Novidus investigating her spiritbinding. This wasn’t the time or place to put her relationship with her protector in jeopardy. Instead she moved onto her involvement with House Ravelle.

Ria took a deep breath, trying to think of what to say. “I… agreed to lunch with Leriah Ravelle this Divinesday. We’re supposed to exchange apologies. Administrator Rente Ravelle insisted. Ah, I had to agree to letting Administrator Rente mentor me in social matters as part of avoiding more serious punishment for blowing up Shining Sun Hall…”

Jarrel sighed in exasperation and rubbed his forehead. Ria shot him a quick glare. He already knew about the reasons for the lunch meeting. Why was he sighing now?

When she looked back at the lord and lady, Lady Etrina suddenly looked like she was having difficulty breathing. “You… blew up…”

“You destroyed the building?” Lord Aredan asked in disbelief and eyed his cringing daughter then briefly glanced in Miela’s direction. “I don’t remember this being mentioned in any recent correspondence…”

“No, no, no. Nothing that bad,” Ria hurried to clarify, flailing her arms desperately to derail their assumptions. “During the last time Leriah and the other girls attacked me at the academy before Administrator Rente got involved, I kinda made the magic they were using go out of control and there was some damage to the academy grounds…”

“Like this?” Arthur helpfully added, holding up the collector’s edition copy of the Daily Shadow featuring the sensational headline text and incriminating scene of grand destruction in all its Ria indicting glory.

Gah! You’re not helping at all, Arthur!

At least she could take some comfort in the boy’s smirk turning to a grimace when Aeri kicked his shin under the table.

Lady Etrina looked like she was going to faint.

“It’s already been fixed!” Ria blurted out. “And at Administrator Rente’s suggestion, I’ve arranged to donate a gift to the Hall as an apology. So, everything’s fine! Not even worth mentioning, ha, ha, haha…”

After several deep breaths and noting her daughter nervously focused on a non-cooperative salad and her husband thoroughly willing to let his wife handle the issue, Lady Etrina’s gaze finally settled on Miela.

“The young mistress wants to take responsibility on her own and asked me not to report on it,” Miela admitted. “I thought it an admirable moment of growth for Young Lady Keira and honored her request, figuring your lord and ladyship would be arriving soon and could be informed more directly and discreetly.”

Miela’s answer drew an immediate and betrayed look from Keira.

“Hmm, and what sort of responsibility did my growing daughter accept in order to maintain the House honor?” Lady Etrina directed to Keira.

Keira huffed into her mostly empty plate, not daring to meet her mom’s eyes. “A week of service to the other Order members.”

“And you have been properly performing this punishment with a humble and respectful heart?” Lady Etrina pressed, her tone serious.

The golden-haired girl winced. “Aldri’s been helping me.”

Lady Etrina sighed. “You shouldn’t cheat your punishment, especially a punishment voluntarily accepted on behalf of your House. Still… I suppose it’s fine. Have you and Ria decided on an appropriate apology gift? There are certain standards that must be met. And it’s not a trivial expense. Have you arranged funding?”

“Ria’s paying for the materials from her tournament winnings and wants to create a jade meditation aid in Grandma Averlee’s likeness. Arthur has agreed to help with the crafting and imbuing.”

“Mother’s likeness?” Lady Etrina asked, taken aback and looking thoughtful.

Lord Aredan noticed Bienna, the manor’s cook, wheeling a cart with the next course of the formal meal and motioned for the plates to be exchanged. “Etrina, let’s not get too distracted by matters that need proper consideration and deliberation. Weren’t there some things you wanted to tell Master Rigure’s grandson and our candidate to House Astacio's governing school? I know you are passionate about matters involving the Golden Dawn, but why don’t we let Keira continue handling the apology. As a future head of House Vorshan, it should be a good experience for her.”

“Ah, you’re right, Aredan. I got a bit carried away by two of my greatest passions,” Lady Etrina agreed with a chuckle and cringe-inducing wink in Keira’s direction.

Ria was surprised at the abrupt halt to the interrogation but relieved that she and Keira had temporarily escaped being the center of attention. The mushroom head sitting across the table brought it on himself with his trouble making, so she had no sympathy.

Arthur and Aeri sat up straighter as Keira’s parents turned their attention on the pair.

“Arthur, it’s good that you’ve become friends with Lady Asara’s son. Strengthening our ties and friendship with House Novidus and supporting House Vorshan’s extended family are both important goals for House Vorshan. I also hear that you’re diligently working to join a well-respected workshop, like your father and grandfather. Aredan and I are well-pleased with your efforts.”

“Thank you, your ladyship,” Arthur lowered his head. “House Vorshan’s support has provided me with important opportunities and opened many doors for me.”

Lady Etrina nodded and turned to the other girl wearing a newly gifted dress. “Aeri, too. I’ve been hearing good things about your performance at the governance academy. Congratulations on also gaining Lady Asara’s support.”

Aeri blushed to the tips of her ears at the praise and ducked her head. “Thank you for your ladyship’s kind words. I’m grateful for House Vorshan’s support.”

Around a forkful of the flavorful meal’s latest course, Lord Aredan added, “Nurturing talent is important if we’re to grow and strengthen the House.”

Aeri seemed a bit surprised, maybe at being considered part of the House. “Thank you, Lord Aredan.”

Arthur echoed Aeri’s thanks.

Afterward, Lord Aredan complimented Bienna on the food, causing the attention and discussion to turn to the surprisingly tasty main course, leaving Ria frustrated that the other two didn’t get interrogated at all! Her disgruntlement wasn’t helped by the wink, the smug boy directed her way.

The sound of forks, knives, and goblets in motion continued uninterrupted for a period of time until Keira spoke up. “How are things back home?”

Lady Etrina placed her fork down and gave Keira a stern look. “Your brother misses you, Keira. He was really proud and excited when he saw the holocube of your tournament, but also disappointed that you weren’t the one to send it. You should at least send him a letter.”

“Ah… I forgot,” Keira admitted sheepishly. “I’ll do it after dinner. So, no further problems with the barbarians?”

“None since they were routed,” Keira’s dad answered. “It’s a good thing that Father started construction on the new fortifications and the mining village in the northern wilds, because Arengrade has begun building watchtowers at the edges of the former Skyreach territories and claiming the former barbarian lands. If we hadn’t already moved into the northern wilds, Arengrade likely would have claimed the northern wilds as well.”

“Ugh, I hope it’s not a sign of another war coming,” Keira groaned.

“From your mouth to Anasari’s ears,” Lady Etrina prayed in agreement.

Keira’s little brother was cute. Setting aside the talk of possible war, Ria couldn’t help asking, “What part of our tournament battles did Asemi like best?”

“The parts where his big sis rained down barrages of heavy light, of course,” Lady Etrina answered with a laugh.

Of course it would be like that, Ria chided herself for getting her hopes up that it might have been her own heroic fighting.

“You know, Keira, your fights reminded me a lot of your grandmother,” Lady Etrina told her daughter. “Mother—Lady Averlee Lightborn—You’ve become quite good at using her Heavy Rays spell.”

“It certainly is an impressive show of alteration magic and control to be able to cast so many Heavy Rays so quickly,” Lord Aredan agreed.

“Heavy Rays is Grandmother Averlee’s spell?” Keira blurted, surprised.

“It is,” Lady Etrina confirmed. “Mother designed the spell and its custom light glyph.”

Keira formed the glyph over her hand and stared at it with newly appreciative eyes. “I had no idea.”

Getting an idea, Ria asked, “Lady Etrina, do you have anything with Lady Averlee’s likeness that we could use for making the statue?”

“Indeed, I do,” Lady Etrina grinned and held up a clear gem inlaid with mithril. “Miela, if you would?”

Once Keira’s maid had handed over the gem, Ria sent energy into the mithril designs, causing an image of a powerful-looking Lady Averlee holding a gem-topped staff to appear above it with her hand outstretched and shoot lances of light into the distance. Somehow, Ria could feel the woman’s aura captured in the gem as her hologram cast the familiar Heavy Rays spell. It was exactly what she needed to make the statue feel like the real Lady Averlee, to impart insights of light-aspected energy gleaned from the woman herself!

Keira also leaned close to get a better view, eyes glowing with Mage Sight.

“After House Lightborn decided to marry me off to a young frontier lordling, Mother had it made for me—to give me courage when I felt alone and so far from home,” Lady Etrina explained with an obvious warmth toward the memory.

“Frontier lordling, huh?” Lord Aredan complained.

Lady Etrina rolled her eyes. “Well, you are, aren’t you?”

To her father’s further exasperation, Keira giggled.

A gift from mother to daughter—the holocube really was something too precious to borrow, but where else would they find a holocube with a still-youthful likeness that also captured the feel of Lady Averlee’s aura and magic.

Ria made her decision. The only choice was to succeed and create something worthy of the memory contained within. “Thank you for entrusting this to us, Lady Etrina. We’ll do our best to make a statue worthy of Lady Averlee.”

“You are welcome, Ria. I can’t wait to see what you three create,” Lady Etrina encouraged.

“Hmm… speaking of being married off…,” Lord Aredan interjected, failing to hold back a grin.

“Ah-, thank you, dear,” Lady Etrina acknowledged as if Lord Aredan’s words were a planned prompting, and gave a proud smile in Keira’s direction. “Further congratulations are in order for our lovely golden ray of sunshine!”

Keira froze. From the ominous introductory context, Ria, Arthur, and Aeri all exchanged wide-eyed glances, each with eyebrows as high as they could go.

After enjoying the tension, Lord Aredan began, “We’ve received a reply from House Touften, and…”

“They’ve agreed in principle to both your engagement to Aldri and for him to join our house,” Lady Etrina finished and waited eagerly for Keira’s reaction.

Keira didn’t disappoint, turning super red with embarrassment before managing a “Thank you, Mom, Dad.”

“Congratulations, Young Lady Keira!” Aeri cheered.

“Congratulations,” Arthur echoed, grinning. He and Aeri exchanged a meaningful look about something, and Aeri blushed and stuck her tongue out at him.

Ria was still blinking in surprise, blindsided. Keira and Aldri, engaged? Wasn’t that too sudden? Did noble marriages get arranged that quickly? Keira had only known Aldri for barely more than a week! Keira didn’t seem upset about it, though…

“We’re going to meet with Aldri’s parents and the head of House Touften at the Novidus ball you are attending and work out the final details in the days afterward,” Lady Etrina happily revealed then cautioned, “So, it’s not official yet, but…”

“Don’t worry,” Keira’s dad told his daughter with reassuring confidence and exchanged a glance with Lady Etrina. “Your grandfather has given his blessing, so we’ll be able to offer whatever is necessary to secure the agreement for you. Maybe even in time to announce it at your birthday celebration.”

Keira nodded. “Thanks, Dad. I’d like that.”