Both of us stop talking for a few moments, simply admiring the scenery. I take the chance to think about what she told me, from her words and expressions I can tell she isn’t close to collapsing, she’s very far from yielding under the pressure.
She simply wants to change the rhythm of her life a little, to live a bit more like someone who doesn’t need to show a perfect façade to the world.
“You’re right, I’m not comfortable in these kinds of gatherings either, where perfection is the most important thing. I’ve always avoided them as much as possible, I’ve always wanted to stay away from this world… I don’t hate it, I was simply not born for this.” I’m as honest as she is.
There’s no point hiding it anyway, she could easily find out if she asks other noble friends in the empire. I’ve heard about her before, many people call her: the goddess descended from heaven. Because of her beauty and behavior, everything about her is always perfect.
“It’s a huge headache memorizing who every person is, their likes and dislikes, relatives, or special situations. I’m someone raised in a small environment isolated from the great cities, I never wished to attend parties or gatherings where people judge more how you look or behave.”
My childhood was perfect for me, training and exploring a new world alongside parents who would love me whether I had talent or not, a rather funny and strict grandmother, and my siblings who will always see me as the youngest even though I’m much stronger than them.
“That sounds fun.” She lets out a small smile. “I lived in a completely different world, ever since I can remember designers have come to our house to consult me about new clothing lines, I have to prepare for private parties, attend runways, or different performances.”
“Ever since I became a teenager, clothing stores usually close right before launching their new catalogs just to let me see their designs and give my approval. My schedule has always been full, I didn’t even learn about my sister Nanly’s disappearance until a day later because I wasn’t in the city.” She truly looks a little devastated at the end.
“I can also see you can never be alone.” I comment softly while refilling my wine glass.
Lully opens her eyes for less than a second, her expression returning to the same façade she has worn all this time. “I don’t know why it surprises me that you noticed them, Sister Nanly told me you’re very strong. Yes, those three are good people, they’ve always protected me.” She looks in the same direction where I sensed their presences.
They are on part of the roof using some kind of ability or artifact to camouflage themselves, perhaps a combination of both. I didn’t notice them at first, only a slight strange sensation, I had to focus my senses to the maximum to realize there are three irregularities. They are quite strong, they could surprise me with a sneak attack.
“Would you rather exchange your privacy and freedom for safety?” I ask while taking a large sip of my wine. “Wouldn’t you like to be free for at least one day?”
She freezes with the glass halfway to her lips, her hand hesitating slightly. She must not be used to someone being so direct, everyone probably always tries to make her feel as special as possible. Nobody who wants to survive in the world of fashion or entertainment would dare anger her.
“Every day I’ve asked myself the same thing. What would it feel like to go alone to the market to shop? What would it feel like to walk through the city without attracting attention? But those ideas disappeared from my head after Nanly was kidnapped, I don’t want my family to go through something like that again.” Lully turns her face slightly, thanks to Personal World I see her biting her lip a little before immediately looking forward again as if nothing happened.
“Yes, I understand you. Nobody is free from being attacked.” I myself am proof of that, I ended up in this place because of it. One of the reasons I trained my whole life is exactly that, I don’t want to depend on anyone for my safety and I want the freedom to go anywhere without fear.
I glance toward Lully’s guards for a moment, winking at them and giving them a broad smile. I create a small dome of mana and Imra around the balcony. “Nobody else can hear what we’re saying, you can relax a little more.” She must have sharp senses, she noticed my structure.
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“Aren’t you afraid of being attacked by my guards?” Her eyes blink in surprise.
“Not in the slightest, your mother probably already informed them who I am, they won’t do anything unless I try to hurt you.” I look in their direction for an instant again. “And even if they tried, they couldn’t do much.” I was only slightly worried in case some herald nearby interpreted my actions as reckless.
Most likely there’s always some herald close to her to support her guards, Lully is far too valuable to this territory to only be protected by three ruby ranks.
For the first time all night, she gives a genuine laugh, even her smile no longer feels practiced. “You know, I heard comments saying you’re a little crazy and love fighting a lot, apparently they weren’t wrong. I would have loved to watch your participation in the school tournament, sadly I was too busy traveling from one place to another.” She offers her empty wine glass.
“It’s the price of being someone so desired and in such high demand, sometimes you can miss the greatest spectacle you could ever see just because you’re attending the finest runways.” I answer while pouring more wine into her glass, striking the most elegant pose possible.
“Many people would pay thousands of coins just for me to give an opinion about some clothes, you should feel honored if I decide to watch your participation.” Lully responds and accepts the wine glass with perfectly practiced movements repeated thousands of times.
“I don’t have enough money to pay you, I’m bankrupt.” I make a sad face. “What a shame, you’ll have to attend another one of those private gatherings you love so much instead of watching two people beat each other with everything they have.” A small laugh escapes me.
“I could give you a discount or let you pay in installments, I must show my humility and it could even count as an act of charity.” She can no longer hold back and begins laughing hard. In another environment, that kind of laughter would have been impossible.
“I’ll never have enough money to pay you, but I could help you escape this prison of gold and jewels. Earning your family’s hatred might be a fair price.” I try to continue the game.
Her eyes change completely as she stares directly at me. “Would you really help me escape for at least one day? My father and mother would kill you.” Her voice tells me she’s no longer speaking sarcastically.
I hesitate for a second before answering. “I don’t want to become a wanted criminal, maybe I could somehow convince your mother to let you spend one day at the plaza disguised and without security.”
My words are empty, I doubt Mirtha or the governor would ever give me permission. I also don’t want to risk my neck if something happens, but I don’t want to crush her illusion too harshly either.
“That will be impossible, many people already tried.” She doesn’t sound sad, her voice simply reflects reality. “Still, I’d be very grateful if you at least tried, you’d already be doing more than ninety-nine percent of people.” She doesn’t look discouraged at all.
We continue joking together. I never thought someone with her lifestyle could use sarcasm so effectively or make me laugh this hard, I always viewed people connected to fashion and nobility as much more serious.
“I want to know the girls more deeply, hopefully someday I’ll have the chance to talk with them in different kinds of situations. I’ve only seen them at noble gatherings, performances, or runways. We’ve only greeted each other politely, but now I think we’d become good friends.” Lully says it with a broad smile.
“They’ll also be happy to meet you. You could join their club dedicated to criticizing me or speaking sarcastically whenever I make a comment, you could quickly become a VIP member.” At some point Lully became much more comfortable, joking more than before and even throwing passive-aggressive remarks at me.
Her way of speaking and interacting reminded me a lot of how the girls behave when they’re together. I’m sure they would all become good friends if they met, though I don’t know if that will happen anytime soon.
Marga, Arisa, and Sol live in the capital of the marquisate at the academy and return to their territories during vacations, while Brendu lives in her kingdom. Only during certain special occasions do they all gather in the same place.
“Five noble women criticizing you even for breathing or walking passively… I don’t know if you’ll be able to endure it for very long.” Lully takes her last sip of wine and asks for more.
“You say that as if you’re planning to move in and live with us.” I roll my eyes. I know her criticisms are only jokes, they don’t bother me at all.
“Well… I could stay over together with everyone. You do have a big bed, right? I think I could fit quite easily.” She laughs softly, clearly her words are sarcastic and everything is just a joke.
“We’re still joking… right?” I can’t help asking.
“Who has been joking, Maki? I thought we were making future plans.” Her serious gaze and clear voice feel like a bucket of cold water poured over my head.
I blink several times, opening and closing my mouth while searching for the right words. Two seconds later, Lully bursts into laughter, instantly breaking the atmosphere and making all the heaviness disappear.
“Obviously I’m joking, but I really would appreciate it if you gave me a room whenever I have the chance to visit. I don’t ask for much, just something similar to the one in my palace.” Once again, the sarcasm returns.
“I can offer you a small little room with a bathroom.” I look back inside, the ceremony has already started quite a while ago, I’m surprised nobody interrupted us until now. “We should return, we already missed half the show.” She looks through the window and nods sadly.