On one side, there are Laura and Lucinda, blistering in anger. On the other, there are Cassandre and Penelope, two confused won.
How you doin?
You slept with this woman after you promised to marry ?! Laura shouts, sword in hand. The Royal Guard is behind her, not looking happy about my presence or maybe just about the fact that Im still breathing.
None of your business, I say to Laura with a smile, you disappeared and took advantage of . Now that Im not a contaminated product anymore and none of that thanks to you you co back? What does that an?
As shes starting to formulate an angry reply, I hold a hand up.
Laura, Im done with you.
I turn to Lucinda.
If you have any serious problems involving your safety or anything like that, co back tomorrow morning, and well talk about it. If you are here in any other vest, Id rather not see you.
I turn to Penelope.
Miss, I gotta go now. Its late. I suppose Robin was talking about you, right? Well, you can co back tomorrow at a more reasonable hour, thank you. I bet we have a lot to talk about, but Im tired.
I turn toward Cassandre and just wave a hand.
What did you just say
Laura, I look at the [Princess] while the only real princess in my arms squeals insults at her, Im not having any conversations with you at this mont. And I have no idea why you would think that entering my house in my absence was a good idea nor can I imagine how blowing up so windows was whatever. Im covered by the [Archmages], reputation-wise, but I bet I can take you and your Royal Guards if you want it to get ugly. If you want anything else, talk to the [Dean], Ariostus. Hell schedule a eting in the presence of other [Archmages]. Thats the only way Im eting the royal family.
Lucinda just stares at with a frown, clearly not happy about the situation. Laura, on the other hand, looks on the verge of exploding.
But listen, Im done. Ive had my fair share of crazy in the past. I know, I know. Nothing like a murderous and opportunistic [Princess], but still. I didnt want to get a red class or whatever, and I listened to Ariostus, who seed to be one of the few people who actually cared. So, why not start taking a bit more care of myself? Its late, and I want to rest.
Alia, bring Alba and the others to my house. Close the door and twist the handle two tis in the other direction. That will turn on the wards in case anyone was to attack.
Thankfully, the older woman gets the ssage and starts herding the others toward the house.
Ill see you ladies at another ti, then?
Bloody hell, Joey Luciani, Penelope mutters while going away. I turn over my shoulder and see Cassandre still standing there, looking dazed.
As I see it, the main problem here is the two nutjobs whose nas start with an L. But if they want another L, Ill gladly give them one. Because they are not getting any D, thats for sure.
I didnt even know if you were alive! I thought you had turned to the Vanedenis side! How could I have known that you were still alive?! Princess Laura shouts at .
Here we go.
I steel my heart.
You didnt do shit when Marcus tried to kill . Neither did your ancestor, King Tiberius, the na rolls off my tongue with venom. Its the first ti I have talked about him like that.
Guess that that Stan has died.
And so, you just go around sleeping with another woman because you dont know what happened?! You dont think I pleaded for your case at court?!
I an, in a way, this flatters . It ans Im so strong that even the ever [Princess] wants to get a hold of . Why Lucinda is here, instead, Im not entirely sure. Ill give her the minimum benefit of the doubt, though.
So, now we shift the bla. I could have died, but sure, sleeping with Lucinda is the problem. Laura, listen, you might have so redeeming qualities here and there, but our history is through. Im done.
As I speak, I notice that Lucinda has yet to utter a single word, and that makes nervous. Crazy and loud? I can handle that. Crazy and silent? Oh, shit, start running, my friend.
Why dont you grow up, Joey! Im a [Princess]. Do you have any idea about the responsibilities that hang over my shoulders?
Rule number one of a manipulator: shift the bla or make yourself the victim; once you take the high moral ground, you are good.
As I look over my shoulder, I see a big half-giant standing by Cassandres side and whos currently speaking into her ear. After a second, they go away.
Huh, I muse.
and all that I could have done if you just asked! Instead, you wanted to fight alone! You wanted to side with the Vanedenis instead of and my ancestor!
Christ, still speaking?
Whats the best move here? Usually, its ghosting. But when you are dealing with a literal [Princess] with dangerous bodyguards?
Youre here to start trouble as well? I ask Lucinda.
I am talking to you! Youyou worm!
Can I repurpose the word worm? Like, can I start a trend among Humans? Calling each other worms? Mmm, the more I say it, the better it sounds. Why not.
You talking to , worm? I shoot back.
What did you call ?!
I called you a worm, worm, I snort at Laura.
The Royal Guard finds that less amusing, though, and a few weapons are unsheathed imdiately.
You dare insult the crown?!
Man, shits going down, isnt it?
Id advise you against any escalation, Laura. You called a worm; I simply called you a worm back. If you harm Lucinda or , not only will the [Archmages] have to intervene, and you might risk big in your position, possibly creating the basis for a civil war, but youll also make an enemy out of Princess
You are a poor bastard worm! Im going to take your head off!
God, the woman is beside herself. But if we cant avoid a battle
Suddenly, Princess Bianca escapes from my hands, jumps over my shoulder, and lets out an angry squeal at Laura.
Oh, co on, Princess Bianca, shes not a stupid bitch? What? No, shes not a power-hungry magic digger? What did you call her now? Can you repeat that? What? A stupid manipulating idiot? Oh no, shes not that. No, no.
Better goad her into making the first move.
Lucinda starts walking away from the Princess. The latter is now so furious she has lost any reason and willingness to discuss further. I start summoning magic at my fingertips, reading several spell matrixes on hand. I kind of feel bad for insulting her like that, but I do need her to lose it. Once she starts attacking, Ill just defend myself until soone intervenes. Princess Valarith, or any [Archmage], really.
Oh, little Laura, I hear a voice before things get serious, and I look up.
A huge woman is levitating above us. She wears sleeveless garbs, and her trendously fat arms jiggle in the windy night.
[Archmage] Alonna, Laura suddenly sobers up as she sees the woman coming between us.
You know that hes under our protection, child. So, what do you think you are doing?
Do you think you can just hide behind an [Archmage]?! Laura ignores her and shouts at .
I an, honestly? I think I can hide very well behind this [Archmage].
Alonna, clearly not happy with being ignored, raises a huge leg and slams it on the ground. For a second, my feet leave the ground.
Jesus, I say as I land and grab Princess Bianca before she falls.
If you want to ignore , little Laura, you better be ready for the consequences, Alonna speaks somberly.
[Archmage], suddenly, an armored mber of the Royal Guard steps forward. Its probably ti for damage control. Even the [Princess] can do so much before a magical spanking, it seems.
Captain Lucianus, Alonna smiles curtly, it would be better for you if you reined the Princess in. Im not used to dealing with kids and derive no pleasure from punishing them.
Im really sorry [Archmage], the man designated as Captain Lucianus says, we will get out of your ears imdiately.
Lucianus, I realize, is a beautiful na. We could be friends, you know? Also, if even the [Archmage] knows this guy, is he important or sothing?
I am not
We will organize a eting with Joey Luciani if you will be so kind as to be the host, [Archmage], the captain nods at the other guards, who basically drag Laura away.
That would be a welco resolution, Alonna nods. I have so business with Joey Luciani now.
Sure, [Archmage], the man in the bulky armor says. He does so kind of military salute before marching away.
Wow, that was sothing. Why dont I possess the sa authority as this woman?
Joey Luciani, Alonna says while turning to face .
Well, there were a bunch of girls around until a minute ago, I smile widely, and now Im stuck with the most beautiful one.
You are a flatterer, Joey Luciani, Alonna smiles, but lets avoid having my truth spells explode. Give a second.
[Advanced Mana Sense]
She starts chanting under her breath and several privacy spells form around us. I activated my skill because Im curious to see what level her spellwork is at.
Christ.
With the finest control I have seen in a long ti, she weaves together so simple but effective barriers. They intertwine so tightly that what they do to avoid people spying on us is basically just create a filter so tight that it becos impossible to bypass.
Lets chat now, she says.
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