The healer specialized in support was easily dealt with by the half-fairy tank who utilized their racial characteristics to the max—though it should be noted, this does not mean they couldn’t output damage—and despite the mix of highs and lows in that situation, the conversation reverted to its original track before the tea could grow cold.
Yes, letting tea grow cold is, well, unacceptable from the Threefold Empire perspective—it concerns one’s dignity.
“Well, joking aside about offering my own niece, shall we move on to discussing the matter of rewards?”
Taking a sip of the fragrantly sweet, premium black tea, Lady Franziska reflected on her own words, then pressed her finger to her forehead as she let out a troubled sigh.
“Hmm, though to be honest, it’s less of a reward and more of an apology.”
“Not at all. There’s really nothing that requires an apology…”
“Not so.”
Interrupting my words, she swiftly folded her fan with a snap and, while maintaining her smile, adopted a serious expression—an impressive feat—and began to speak in a commanding tone.
She declared that involving commoners in family affairs and causing them injuries severe enough to verge on half-life, half-death, was a grave misstep for a house that bore the esteemed name of a prestigious family. Moreover, if it were known that someone of common birth had resolved an issue of great importance concerning a young pureblood who would shoulder the next generation, it could lead to questioning the family’s prestige by the branches and cadet lines.
Of course, covering it up would be easy. Given that this particular marriage arrangement had only progressed internally up until now, and considering the prospective partner’s family was understanding of the situation, it seemed any handling of the matter would be feasible.
Still, even if others may not be aware, Erich of Königsstuhl Manor’s act of saving an important limb would remain embedded in the memory of the household.
After all, they are non-terminating beings. Generations change over mere decades for them, and in less than a hundred years, ancestors are remembered only through oral tradition—quite unlike the normative lifespan families who follow distinct house laws and possess different sensibilities due to generational turnover.
Persistent memories that fade so little can become sins. The unjust acts of the past linger endlessly. Hence, they, while envying our forgetful nature, also…
“At times, we envy the fleeting memory of mortals. The weight of accumulated memories acts as a far harsher fetter, deeply ingrained in our very being.”
Envious. As she played with a delicate sugar confection shaped like a flower—an item somewhat like traditional Japanese rakugan, with a refined sweetness complementing the black tea—the ancient vampire gazed at me as if observing something dazzling and beautiful.
Non-terminating beings have their own troubles. Especially for vampires, whose origins trace back to humans, eternity can stretch their originally mortal spirit to extremes, and the privilege of death that terminators accept without question is no longer enviable.
Hence, vampires who grow weary of life and expose themselves to the sun do appear.
“Receive this. Warm-blooded one. So that you do not become a thorn in our sides.”
The sugar confection shaped like an acacia flower crumbled between her fingers. Its descent into the faint darkness of the black tea stirred something deeply unsettling within me.
In the end, all I could do was express, with careful attention not to tremble, “Thank you humbly for your generosity.”
Ah, indeed, how fundamentally different these beings are, I realized.
“Obedience is appreciated. Now, let’s see about replacing what you had on you.”
Her words made me suddenly recall. Where had my armor gone?
“Ah, it was quite battered, so we were thinking of providing something new…
“Uh, excuse me! No! That armor holds great sentimental value for me!”
After all, it was the very first piece of adventurer’s gear I acquired. Made by Master Smith, the artisan of the manor who crafted it with foresight of my growth, I couldn’t bear to part with it.
“Hmm? Sentimental value… Shall I have someone fashion you a fine metal armor then?”
Though the idea was momentarily tempting, it wasn’t actually suitable for me. A plate armor covering the entire body may have superior defense, but for me, who moves dexterously in a style akin to galactic swordsmanship, it’s too heavy. Moreover, metal conducts magic well, meaning an armor full of metal could disrupt the concentration needed for spells. Given I already struggle with the metal plates on my vest and chest guard, a fully metallic armor would likely halve the activations of my “Invisible Hand.”
Additionally, it lacks practicality. Being non-folding, it tends to necessitate a larger armor chest, is difficult to don without assistance, and is highly conspicuous—for an aspiring adventurer like myself, a burdensome accessory at best.
“Very well. Then I shall arrange for it to be repaired through connections within the artisan guilds. Does that suit you?”
“Certainly. Even though I’ve declined your kind offer, I truly appreciate the gesture.”
“Very well. Emotional attachments to human belongings are a worthwhile burden. Cherish it.”
How truly grateful I am. I wouldn’t know how costly armor repairs could be, and I’d be in dire straits if my already thin wallet grew even thinner, especially since I need to save for Eliza’s tuition.
“Well then, next, would money be the most straightforward solution…”
My heart leapt at the most grateful proposition. Still, she placed her hand on her chin, tilted her head, and furrowed her brows thoughtfully.
“…How much does a human earn these days? Doesn’t one make at least one drachma per month?”
I almost choked on my tea. The disconnect between the rich and the common people’s sensibilities is known, but isn’t this going a bit far? Lady Agrippina and Lord Raizenitz were well-versed in the commoner ways, though—ah, they frequently do fieldwork and have attendants.
“No, Aunt, at most half of that.”
“Hm? Is that so? When was it… The amount spent to gather laborers to repair the manor, I believe…”
“Wasn’t that inclusive of the intermediary fees paid to the artisan guild when dispatching craftsmen?”
Ah, even so, fifty libra a month is quite extreme. Regular employees of large establishments don’t earn that much. Lady, are your standards perhaps based on those blessed with high salaries who can donate to the manor for merit?
Still, income varies greatly. Even in a somewhat decentralized empire like the Threefold, there’s a substantial difference between living in rural estates and urban areas in terms of income and monetary needs.
That said, no single individual can earn in a year what an average home can without tenant farming.
Though it’s rude to interrupt a noble’s conversation, I had to interject and explain a suitable commoner’s mindset, for fear it might skew the reward discussion into something financially unrealistic.
If this were a one-time client I’d never meet again, I’d gladly accept their wildly unrealistic monetary offer. But I couldn’t sabotage a potentially long-term relationship.
In this world, connections matter far more than coins. Which one is stronger—coins used once and then gone or the charm of “connections” formed by resolving difficult situations? The answer is obvious.
To speak plainly, Lady Cecilia turned my unlucky roll into a fortunate one. If the opposite side of the lowest value on the dice holds the highest, she must be akin to a guardian deity to me. It would be unthinkable to displease her, much less before we consider the value of human relationships.
“Ah, I see… One can apparently live in the Imperial Capital with that much income now.”
Surprisingly nodding, Lady Franziska recounted the cost of living when the Imperial Capital was first founded, stating that rent alone would have been at least ten libra.
“This age repeats itself. Perhaps I should engage with the classics and write more about modern times as a playwright.”
Producing a mysterious bundle of papers from somewhere, she began jotting notes while enthusiastically nodding. Keeping knowledge updated is indeed crucial, or one’s communication with normative-lifespan individuals could easily go awry.
“Being detached from the mundane world while indulging in creations might leave me behind the times, huh? Hmm, shall we offer around five hundred drachmas then?”
“Buh?!?”
“Kyaa?! Is something the matter?”
Unable to contain myself, I burst out laughing. Did anyone actually hear that?
“My dear, though it’s cheaper when compared to the value of my niece, excessive wealth can destroy one.”
Turning her head while seemingly unaffected by the sudden outburst, her aunt nonchalantly tilted her head and asked,
“Still too much?”
“Not at all! That’s the amount my family might earn in an entire lifetime, and please do not toss it around so casually!”
My courtly language began slipping, a testament to the shock I felt. While I did undertake a considerable adventure, the number lacked any semblance of reality, nearly overwhelming me. Farmers who live alone earn a mere five to ten drachmas per year—anything above that falls into the prosperous farmer category handling multiple tenant farmers, a world entirely removed from my values.
It is true that adventurers often have distorted perceptions of monetary value. We invest absurd amounts into weapons that could build homes or castles, seeking enchanted and specialized arms while drinking cheap liquor in cold stables. Yet, a genuine sum can leave one at a loss…
Stopping Cecilia from appealing to miracles for my supposed ill health, I wiped my mouth and spoke.
There is a rather reasonable amount that would resolve my plight convincingly while satisfying Lady Franziska.
“So then… I humbly request sponsorship for my younger sister’s tuition.”
“Hmn? Tuition?”
People often become indignant when offered a value lower than one they suggested themselves, after all, they’re essentially rejecting the value one has acknowledged. An understandable reaction.
“Yes. My younger sister’s gift with magic and special personal qualities caught the eye of researchers at the Magic Academy, under whom she now studies.”
“Ahh, I see. Yes, an expensive tuition indeed for those from our world below.”
“The tuition alone costs fifteen drachmas annually. Even if my family pooled every resource for two years, it would still fall short, not to mention living expenses, clothing, and other miscellaneous educational costs that would double the sum.”
While food, clothing, and housing are provided by Lady Agrippina, these services are not free, and Eliza’s needs continue to grow. If she becomes an official student with robes and staff, I’d have responsibilities to provide those as well.
Robes, being an essential symbol of a mage, are mandatory, and even with her innate ability as a half-fairy to activate magic without a focusing device, a staff would be beneficial for efficiency…
—Though perhaps the robes would be cheerfully arranged by Lord Raizenitz, and a magnificent staff offered as a hand-me-down from Lady Agrippina, so I may not need to arrange them myself.
Nevertheless, five hundred drachmas aside, tuition is a significant amount. Asking for it as a reward wouldn’t seem too low, as my honed <Negotiation> skill indicates. Indeed, this amount seems expandable.
“Ah… So in essence, all you require is for us to do what we normally do?”
“What do you mean by ‘normally’?”
“Patronage. This one lacks an eye for the musical arts, and hoarding wealth without purpose draws the Treasurer’s attention. Thus, funds are generously distributed to talented youths to dedicate themselves to the arts.”
I understand. With someone of her considerable wealth who has ample free time, this practice is quite common. Great artists, inventors, and creatives have historically been supported by nobility, contributing their creations or monopolizing their output in exchange for daily living expenses.
“Very well. Then I shall be named patron of your sister. I’ll allot funds for her entire lifestyle and all of her research needs, with no fixed term, as this one knows little of magic and shall not demand excessive gifts.”
A patron-protégé relationship resembles a parent-child bond but fundamentally varies in that the relationship can be dissolved if results aren’t produced. Similar to how Mika is supported by the local Deputy, students risk dismissal after a long period of fruitlessness or failure to present satisfactory works.
Given that this arrangement comes as a reward, it feels particularly gratifying. Knowing the support cannot be arbitrarily terminated by the patron’s whims allows me to rest easy about whether dear Eliza might end up destitute.
Overcome with gratitude, I controlled my trembling body, stood, and knelt before Lady Franziska.
“Your kindness overwhelms me. Should I ever be of service to you, please summon me freely in the future.”
“Ah, well done, Erich of Königsstuhl Manor. I shall send the reward documentation to you shortly.”
Upon receiving this acknowledgment and awaiting permission to raise my face, a hand was unexpectedly extended. The vampire’s pale, ivory-like skin, smooth as marble, shone beautifully under the clear moonlight.
“This is your reward. Surely, it would be lonely if you couldn’t take anything for yourself?”
” … An overwhelming honor it is.”
A kiss to the back of a gentleman’s hand signifies respect and is a traditional cultural gesture among nobles of equivalent rank, far beyond the reach of someone of my station. However, to be permitted this by a woman carries significant meaning.
I gently took her hand as if handling a fragile object, leaning slightly forward but not actually touching it with my lips, having read that this suffices as a gesture of respect from a bookshelf.
“Hmm, most modest. Now then, it wouldn’t do to only give from this one side of the exchange.” Rising gracefully, Lady Franziska flashed a rather sly smile and unexpectedly stepped behind a rather dissatisfied-looking Lady Cecilia, inserting her arm and forcibly supporting her to stand.
“Uh?! What?! Oo… Auntie!?”
“You may also offer her a reward. The back of a virtuous maiden’s hand, blessed by the divine, shall surely bear great spiritual power.”
Carried like a kitten, Lady Cecilia was thrust before me and gently urged on with a tap to her waist. The subtle lack of coercion revealed an interesting aspect of Lady Franziska’s character—she seeks enjoyment, but not at the cost of another’s comfort, a rare trait in one inclined for the arts.
“Um… Well…”
Looking down at me while kneeling, she hesitated, her gaze wandering along with her right hand, searching for the courage to extend it.
Ah, I understand. Even for a clergywoman accustomed to offering the back of her hand, being asked to so suddenly permit a man such intimacy must feel awkward. I started thinking of ways to tactfully let her off…
“…Please.”
“Huh?”
Surprisingly, she extended her hand to me. She even carefully pulled it out from her long gloves.
A hand unsullied by anyone, pristine as fresh snow. Simply gazing at it made saliva well up in my mouth, though I struggled to swallow as if it were boiling hot.
The amused gaze of Lady Franziska hung heavy on us like an entangling web.
Cecilia, looking bashfully down at me, flanked by two faces—one hers, one resembling her closely yet distinctly different—left me overwhelmed as I tentatively took her hand. Declining here would embarrass her.
Thus, as before, I leaned in only to hover my lips close and quickly pull back.
But…
…It didn’t happen.
Because her hand, blushing red and growing even warmer, moved closer to my lips.
The skin felt damp, as if it had just been moistened—before touching mine, leaving a small kiss-like sound in the air.
And immediately, a surge of blood rushed violently to my face, so intensely it felt like an explosion……
【Tips】A kiss on the back of the hand symbolizes affection, respect, and loyalty, largely reserved as greeting among lord and vassal. However, if offered directly by an intimate relation, it may suggest a deeper connection…
A rather long absence, for which I apologize.
I’ve been moving at a frantic pace through the year-end and into the new year, with various occurrences.
I aim to quicken the pace a little this year.
At minimum, I intend to update weekly.
This concludes the reward sequence. The rest will involve some entry missions and wrap-up master scenes.
Then we’ll fast forward to the chapter about our hero becoming an adventurer.
In closing, thank you for all the reviews, follows, and retweets from the last year.
Receiving your feedback and support keeps me motivated, helping me carry on writing.
As both a New Year’s greeting and gratitude for the past year, I’ve decided to release this update.
Thank you very much, and as always, I look forward to continuing with your support.
