Reincarnated as the Lady Prodigy

Thirty-Four

Anduril, Spellblade of Broken Families

I'm the boss. The owner. I'm busy.

No. Supposed to be. I should be busy, right? But no, I'm not. I'm free as a birdie. Wonderin' why? Let's just say...

"Mistress! I will stand on guard at the Teleportation Room!"

"Ah let me come—"

"Well then Mistress, farewell!"

"— too. Actually, just enjoy."

I stared at the light crystal on the chandelier counting it again and again and again. How many times have I been counting here? I wonder. I lost count. I want to look around too! It's so unfair that I'm left alone here while they all have things to do! I want to do something too!

There's a knock on my office's door so I straightened myself. "Come in!"

The mahogany door opened. Blake and Soka came inside. Blake is wearing his mask but when he faced me, his mask disappeared.

"What's up? Hey there, Soka. How are things going?" I greeted with a smile.

Soka smiled back at me while Blake remained passive.

"I'm here to report for the first half of the Faceless Shop." Soka said and hold out a piece of paper.

Faceless Shop. It's the name I decided where goodies like weapons, items and other stuffs for sale are. All items there are common and low-grade. Aya suggested that the scraps in Luxes to be thrown away so I placed it under Faceless Shop. Those scraps Aya said were priced no more than 50 coppers. The common items were around 500 copper but those with good quality are ranging from 1,000 copper which is one silver to 100 silver. The most expensive items there are sold for no more than 10 gold coins. Those that wants to buy items more than that are placed on the second floor which has high-grade items so because of that I placed two teleportation circles near the Faceless Shop and Soka is handling the teleportation circle.

"The response were all positive Miss, also, the items ranging from 10 copper coins to I silver are nearly sold out so we have to restock. From magic items to gears and weapons, all out product were sought after. There are numerous merchants who tried to buy in bulk but we were able to stop and warn them that hoarding our products is not allowed." Soka reported.

"Well done. How about problems, did you encounter any?"

Soka nodded. "I've dealt with four nobles causing commotion according to what I was taught. I offered apologies for the insufficient service they find unsatisfactory, but with regards to their insults hurting the employees they were appropriately warned, Miss."

I gave him a thumbs up. "Good job, Soka! You did very well!"

The customer is always right. The customer comes first. That is what most businesses' motto is. I do believe that, kind of. However, I believe that serving customers equally with respect and professionalism would be ideal. I made sure to instill that to my employees but more importantly, I can't have my customers abuse my employees. Especially arrogant motherfuckers. Na-uh. Wait a minute, I sounded like a kind big boss there. Hoho! Sounds like a real businesswoman.

I turned to Blake, "how about you Blake? What's up?"

Blake nods his head a little. "As I am in charge with security and public order Master. I received reports from shadows that there are lurkers going around. They must be waiting for the auction to start. We caught them and detained them but we will release them later. Is there anything else for us to do Master?"

I look at him contemplating what I should do. "Where did you caught them?"

"Restricted areas, Master."

"Good. We have appropriate evidence that they're snooping around. Well done, Blake. By the way, is the auction hall ready?"

He nodded his head. "We've prepared the brochures of the items to be auctioned along with their descriptions." Suddenly, Blake looks down then nodded his head. "I received a report that Duke Franklin, Marquess Rolfe, and Mister Vicar have arrived, Master."

"Really?!" Finally! I can finally leave this room! I finally something to do! "Thank you for the report. Where is Elise?" Elise's offered to help with the auction hall's preparation so she must be quite busy.

"Elise is in the auction hall helping with the stage preparation Master."

"Eufema?"

"Eufema is in the Control Room."

The Control Room is similar to the CCTV room back on Earth. We placed several magic items around the auction house in an invisible mode that records the scenes. It's limited so I placed them place it on important parts areas like the auction hall and Faceless Shop. It also has a sound stone with it so not only does it record what's happening but also the sound. It's a CCTV made of magic.

Alarkson is helping Blake with the security inside the auction house and so are Vana and Siren. Kiera, I wonder where Kiera is.

"Aya, where's Kiera?" I asked.

{Kiera is roaming around the auction house.}

My forehead crease. "Where exactly?"

{... near the kitchen of the employees quarters.}

Amazing.

I heaved a deep sigh. I should let Alarkson find out about Kiera's wonderful adventures. It will start another argument (war).

"I'd like for Kiera to return to Luxes."

{I understand.}

"You were planning on hiding Kiera's whereabouts at first."

{Forgive me. I don't know what you're talking about.}

I chuckle. So obvious.

I dismissed Soka and Blake then waited for Kiera. A warp gate appeared in front of them while my tattoo glowed, from that gate exited Kiera who is looking guilty.

I raised my brows. "I hope there are meats left in their quarters."

Her eyes widen before he looks down. "I left some for them. I was curious why their quarters smell good so I tried to look but I... lost my... I'm sorry, Mistress. It won't happen again."

I chuckled. "I know. You're forgiven. Here," I handed her a fox mask. "Go with me to meet some friends?"

"For me?!" She exclaimed while caressing the mask with a happy smile on her face. "I will go with you, Mistress!"

"Good! Let's go then."

I shall welcome them personally and guide them to the private lounge intended for important guests.

I checked my storage ring where Geubert's sword is. Since I want to know whether he is indeed a chosen one, I'd like to his how this snobby sword reacts to him.

THIRD PERSON'S

The carriage carrying the symbol of the proud Duchy, House Bernard smoothly halted in front of the gigantic gate. Followed my House Bellmore, the Marquess and city lord, and finally, the Hunters Guild Head.

From the carriage of House Bernard exited the Duke himself, Duke Franklin, and his first son, Geubert Bernard. From House Bellmore exited Marquess Rolfe and his daughter, Suri Bellmore wearing an elegant light blue dress and finally, from the Hunters Guild exited the Head of Griselda branch, Vicar Garrat with Odalf, one of the best hunters the guild is proud of.

Franklin Bernard is born a noble. He is a noble through and through so it is not an underestimate to say that he is used to riches and fame. It does not faze him at all. However, right at this moment, he can't help but wonder just how much the gate alone costs along with symbols on it. The gate is not extravagant or anything of that sort, instead it's simple, it looked simple but through the discerning eyes of a noble, Franklin knows the gate is made of ordinary materials. It's comparable to the Royal Palace if not, maybe even better. They are greeted by two men wearing the same clothing at the entrance of huge double doors.

"Welcome to Faceless Auction House distinguished guests. Please follow us." The two greeted in unison with a slight ball. Those simple gestures are refined as if trained butlers from their childhood. Are they perhaps former servants of a noble? He wonders. As they went inside, they are welcomed by a spacious hall with receptionists sitting politely with a smile while conversing with other people. Franklin knew from the clothing of some people, they are commoners yet the treatment is similar between the well-dressed and poorly-dressed.

Duke Franklin can't help but smile.

"This way please," they were ushered to the left side where there are closed huge double doors. The hall they are currently in is unbelievably spacious, there are also some seats on the side for the guests waiting in line in the reception. He noticed there are indeed a lot of people but there isn't anyone complaining. All guests are accommodated.

The huge double door opened. Inside the door are several other doors lined on both sides. They walked towards another reception desk where three men wearing the same uniform as the one guiding them are.

"Welcome to Faceless Auction House." The three receptionists greeted once again.

"They are the Master's important guests." One of the men who guided them informed. "What room is available for them to use?"

Room? Are they supposed to wait in one of these rooms? Ah, he then realized that these rooms are the waiting room for Istorya's guests.

He caught sight of their nameplates. All of them are wearing nameplates. The man on the far left answered.

"The VIP room number 1 is available to use but we were informed that the Master himself will accompany them to the private lounge."

"Excuse me!" All their head turned to the new voice. It's a black-haired man.

Suri jolted along with his father upon seeing the new man. Her eyes widen.

Her hands started trembling as she calms herself. Her blessing is not working, no, it's being overwhelmed by the magic energy leaking out of the new man. Rolfe instinctively shielded her daughter while Geubert is ready to summon his sword from his ring anytime soon when the silver room opened.

"Alarkson?" They followed the familiar voice of Istorya. It was her who exited the silver door.

The black-haired man named Alarkson turned to Istorya with a wide grin. "Mistress!"

It was unsettling. Suri thought. It was unsettling how that man who carries that unbelievably powerful and oppressing magic energy is acting so cheerfully in front of her father's guest. And he's calling Istorya 'Mistress'?! Was she a man?

Right. None of them knew who 'Istorya' really is.

"I was doing well guarding here Mistress! None of the humans tried making trouble!"

Is just her or is she imagining dog tails wagging? Probably not.

"Good job, Alarkson. I knew you'd be reliable. Now excuse me for a minute, I'd like to talk to my guests."

"Sure Mistress!"

"Out of the way!" Suri's eyes widen again. Not only is the man named Alarkson, the lady with Istorya is also overwhelming with magic energy.

Istorya made their towards them then bowed slightly. "Welcome to my auction house. Thank you for making time."

Duke Franklin cleared his throat. Others can't seem to speak for a minute. Not even Vicar Garrat and the hunter Odalf. "Of course, Istorya. We are thankful for the invitation."

Istorya chuckles behind the mask. Because of the peculiar mask, they couldn't help but wonder what expression she really is wearing. It's rather difficult to converse and trust this person in front of them completely because of the mask yet Duke Franklin, Marquess Rolfe, and Vicar discarded that thought. They have much to win than lose when dealing with Istorya. This auction house already is the proof of this person's peculiarity. It may be unknown who the person behind the mask but for now, it does not matter.

They'd rather have this person on their side than becoming his enemy.

"Thank you for doing a wonderful job, guys." Istorya addressed his employees.

"We are simply doing our job, Master. Please enjoy your time valuable guests."

Istorya chuckles. "They're very formal, aren't they? Their trainers were frightening so they don't want to make mistakes. Here, please follow me."

She started walking back to the silver door.

"Mistress can I go too?!" They all looked at the man named Alarkson.

"Sure!"

As much as Suri fears the overwhelming magic energy from both unknown people with Young Master Istorya, she can't help but grow curious as to how strong they really are.

The lady with Young Master Istorya opened the silver door and Suri's eyes widen upon seeing what is in front of her. No, not only her but all of them.

Suri couldn't help but step forward. "Could... could this be a teleportation circle?"

"It is. Although it's not a circle with only one exit point. Please stand at the circle." Master Istorya said while gesturing to them.

This scale of teleportation magic circle can only be done by high-level mages from Konseho!

Suri can't take her eyes off Master Istorya as she took out a blue crystal from her ring. It's imbued with... runes!

"Please!" She exclaimed unable to contain herself. "Please tell me how you did this!" She begged with her eyes closed and head bowed.

The others with them stilled. For a noble, a Marquess' daughter to bow her head, it was unbelievable. It was the first time that Odalf saw a noble bowing her head.

"Suri, that's enough. You know it's impossible." It is impossible. This type of magic knowledge can only be taught to a disciple or a student. This magic circle is different from others, with that, it is also inappropriate to ask about how it's done. It's a mage's trade secret and even Suri knew that yet... yet she can't help herself! Her eagerness to learn surpasses all etiquette and rules.

She sighs ready to take back what she said. What she did was inappropriate. She must respect the privacy of a mage when Istorya spoke.

"Yeah sure. I'll tell you later."

The blue crystal that Istorya was holding glowed light pink, then the teleportation glowed pink and the symbols in the circle started moving around in circles until they're covered with the blinding pink light. They closed their eyes and when they opened them, they're in front of a big brown door.

"Come in,"

The room is a spacious room, the chandelier is using light crystals to light the room. It's a spacious living room with a round table on the side.

"Have a seat, please. Kiera, could you pour us some tea?" Then Istorya turned to them, "well is there anything else that you'd like? Would you prefer fresh juice to tea?"

They accepted whatever was offered to them. The door once again opened, two ladies came in. One with red hair and the other with silver hair.

Just like the two, the newcomers also possess overwhelming magic energy!

SURI'S

I watched how the new ladies that came in glanced at us before they walked towards Young Master Istorya, oh, perhaps Miss Istorya?

“Mistress,” they both greeted him, I mean her.

“Vana, Siren, what’s up?”

Oh… How informal. Is it all right for a master to talk that way to their servants? I’ve noticed it the first time with the man named Alarkson. It doesn’t look like Miss Istorya cares about formalities and rank at all.

However, why does father and Duke Franklin calls her ‘Young Master’? Is she… crook?

“We have finished the necessary preparations. Are we perhaps disturbing you, Mistress? Should we excuse ourselves?” It was the silver-haired lady. Unbelievable. How is it possible to possess such an amount of magic energy? It also seems like they’re even surpassing it. These overwhelming magic energies are simply leaking magic energy that they don’t notice leaking off of them.

Unbelievable…

Miss Istorya shakes her head. “Of course not. You can sit wherever; I have to entertain my guests first.”

She then turned to us. “Sorry about that.” She sounded sincerely apologetic.

My father and Duke Franklin disregard her apology, yet if other nobles were to be ignored like she did my father and Duke Franklin, she will be punished. Some nobles are simply too egoistic for their own good.

“Now then, I want to discuss something. Personally, I’d like to discuss it alone with just the three of you,” she was talking about talking only with father, the duke, and the head of the Hunters Guild. “however, seeing that it’s your daughter, your son, and your most trusted hunter, then, I think this will be fine.”

I can’t help but feel that despite her mask, she is staring at us intently.

“But Istorya,” Duke Franklin suddenly spoke.

“Yes?”

“You’re a girl?”

The latter fell silent before she cleared her throat.

“W-well, yeah… But, I have my reasons why I’m disguised as a man, no wait, I am not disguising as a man. I am keeping my identity a secret but you know… it just happens that everyone thought I’m a man because of my mask so… yeah… why didn’t I correct that misunderstanding? Uh, I can’t anymore? I can’t correct it just yet I mean. So I… actually, yeah, I’m a girl.”

The room is covered in silence before my father chuckles. “Perhaps it is also because of Franklin’s misunderstanding.”

“Wha—what?! His, I mean her voice was that of a man, what do you expect me to think her gender is?!”

Here they go again. We let them bicker for a couple of seconds before Geubert cleared his throat to interrupt them. They finally settled down. I caught sight of Mister Vicar shaking his head. Ah, he is also my father’s acquaintance. A friend of theirs. He seems well now compared to the previous days with the issue about Konseho and the Hunters Guild.

“Anyway, as I was saying. I hope that whatever you see, whatever you hear, when you leave this room, leave it here.” She sighs, “I am very particular about not standing out that’s why I did everything to keep my identity hidden. But with the recent negotiations, I had with the Duke and the Marquess as well as the response the people hold about you, I decided that it is only proper to show you the face hidden behind this mask. You as well, Sir Vicar. I hope my identity remains anonymous except for the six of you.” she heaved a deep sigh.

I looked at my father, the duke, and the head, they are looking at her almost unblinking. Slowly, the mask started to fade and her face finally showed. I almost gasp out loud.

She?! She is Istorya? The owner of this building. How…?!

“Lady Jozine?!” The hunter named Odalf exclaimed. I turned to him surprised that he was able to call her name out loud like that.

“Hey…” she awkwardly chuckles.

“You own this place?!” he exclaimed again. He does know her. Is he an acquaintance of her? Since when did she acquainted herself with hunters?

Oh wait, I heard rumors that she lost her ability to use magic and decided to become a hunter. It caused quite an uproar since she’s the first noble to ever openly became a hunter.

“I see it’s you, Young Lady. You never fail to amaze me.” Even the Mister Vicar commented. It seems like she has quite the reputation.

I thought she can’t use magic? Why was she able to activate the teleportation circle then? Was it a circle that can be activated without one's own magic power? How is it possible?!

Ah, ah! This is bad! I really want to ask her questions about the teleportation circle but she’s now busy talking to father and the duke with the Hunters Guild head. I want to talk to her too! I want to discuss magic with her too! She’s a senior of mine in the academy and not only does she excel in academics but also practical magic! She was truly a genius! It’s such a pity that she can’t use magic anymore but I’m sure the theories that she studied and developed would be interesting.

Ahh… I really want to ask her!!!

“You’re squirming on your seat Lady Suri.” I jolted in my seat in surprise by the sudden whisper in my ears by none other than… Geubert.

Ugh.

I kept my expression neutral. “You must be seeing things, Lord Geubert. Please have your eyes checked.”

He didn’t budge, instead, he smirked. “Is that so? I seem to catch you while you’re restraining yourself from attacking her questions regarding magic.”

Ugh! Calm down, calm down. I must calm down! I must not let him see how affected I am, no, I am not affected. I am simply annoyed that this man is acting so familiar with me when we’re not even acquainted personally! We simply know each other because of our parents so why is he whispering in my ears now?! He acts too familiarly with me!

This… this brute!

I smiled and turned to him only to realize how close his face is. Eek! I almost moved away from him but he doesn’t look bothered so I shouldn’t too! “That is simply because I dislike our current seating arrangement and nothing else. Please don’t mind me next time. Let’s not act familiar with each other, Lord Geubert.” I emphasized and looked away.

Haaaah. Why was his face so close back then?! How inappropriate!

“Why not? We are familiar with each other. Aren’t you my betrothed, Lady Suri?”

UGHHHHH!!!!!

WHYYYYYY!! WHYYYYY!!! WHY MUST I SEAT NEXT TO THIS @#$%^&.

I heaved a deep sigh. “Please, as if we will really continue with the engagement. We both know that you despise it. So do I.” I muttered. Geubert fell silent beside me which I’m thankful for.

Really, I should hurry with breaking the engagement off. It’s for the best.

…for me.

“Oh, Lady Suri and Lord Geubert are quite close aren’t they?” Istorya, I mean Lady Jozine commented while looking at us.

I cleared my throat. “We are after all… childhood friends.”

She stared at me before she smiled and nodded her head. “Oh! I almost forgot the sword I was about to give to Geubert.” She declared joyfully before she took out something from her storage. The sword.

It’s a matte black box with intricate symbols in silver. Its size is about a hundred inches. Lady Jozine placed it on the large table on our side as she called Geubert over.

“This is…?”

“It’s a greatsword. I found out that you wield greatswords instead of knightly sword so I picked this one for you.”

Geubert, as if in trance opened the wooden box and pulled out a massive sword. It’s about 2-3 inches wide and almost 90 inches long including the handle. I don’t know about swords since it’s not what I am into and I am not a knight but the sword gives off a different feeling. When Geubert pulled it, the air changed.

Something is here… something that does not want to reveal itself.

The handle is black and the blade is glass-like red. It’s almost transparent.

“This is Anduril, Spellblade of Broken Families. The greatsword of the Swordsaint, Anduril.”

I watch as Geubert raised the sword as red lightning started to cover the sword. The wind violently blew inside the room; I was ready to cast a barrier but Lady Jozine’s servant beat me to it. We watch in anticipation as the red lightning started to form a silhouette of a man… what?

“Hoooh?! It seems someone worthy finally appeared. Young man, state your name.” The unknown man inside the red lightning’s voice is booming with presence. He is intimidating even though I am inside the barrier place by the lady name Kiera.

“Geubert Bernard… My name is Geubert Bernard!” He shouted. He has to shout because the pressure from the man is overwhelming along with the wind violently blowing. I’m ready to cast any spell in case need be but Lady Jozine and her companions does not seem bothered. It’s as if she expected this. Even Duke Franklin’s expression is unexplainable. It’s as if he’s seen a ghost. What is happening?

“I see!” The pressure from his voice is strong enough but it’s even stronger if he laughs?! “Well young man! I wish you luck and may your reach the peak of the swords with Anduril, I now gave you its blessing as its new master!” The man, Anduril referred to as sword saint started whispering in an unknown language.

 “∆∋∎∌∈∓∐∂∝≾”

Geubert’s body glowed like the sword after the sword saint finished whispering. We were then able to see the man named Anduril. He’s a bearded brown-haired man older than my father, he is wearing a full armor without his helm and he’s grinning happily. “Good luck, chosen successor! May you reach Zados.” And then he started to fade like a mirage. What is left is Geubert with his massive sword.

“Uh…”

“Istorya! Where did you get one of a sword saint's swords?!” I flinched when the Duke suddenly yelled in excitement. “Those are considered lost treasure and comparable, if not stronger to the Holy Sword!”

My eyes widen. What? That sword is comparable or even stronger than the Holy Sword?!

Holy Sword which is the kingdom’s most treasured weapon?!

Who is she really?

"Now that I've given his sword, let's discuss what might possibly happen in Moon Break and who can possibly be the Mastermind behind the recent attack in Kalghaya."

The attack in Kalghaya. Such a wonderful village faced a tragic end and I hate to admit that it's because of the nobles' shortcoming of not being able to send help. It falls in our responsibility, especially us, House of Bellmore. We made sure that all nearby villages were protected and swore that we will send help in times that the villages around us are in need since the city of Griselda is the biggest city nearby. Why were not informed that the village is suffering that way? If it weren't for the Hunters Guild who received a request from the village, no matter whether it was done by those who committed the crime, it falls upon our responsibility. If only we did better. That beautiful and historic village wouldn't have suffered.

"We are certain. Some high ranking noble is planning on terrorizing the city in that day, however, there are also signs from the capital of the same act." Mister Vicar said.

Not only in Griselda but also in the capital? How about the people?

"And good news, it seems that mastermind is currently in Griselda and will attend the auction later."

All attention was shifted to Lady Jozine. She's smiling, no, it's not a smile but rather a smirk. She's smirking evilly. "So I'd like to bait him with a gift he won't be able to say no." Her eyes glinted with mischief. I shudder.

What... what was that? Was that magic? No, it's simply the pressure of her presence! Unbelievable... who is that woman?

To be continued...