Chapter 252 – Irrefutable Offer

Chapter 252 – Irrefutable Offer

Two years in the Sanctuary had gifted Kai the instinctive ability to spot any monster nearby. Mana tickled the hairs on his arms, the slight pressure in the air pushed down on him as if gravity had become imperceptibly stronger.

The governor’s wife stepped into the courtyard behind him. He didn’t need Mana Observer to know she must be late Yellow, perhaps half-step into Green with her profession. Apart from a few passing mentions, Lady Cressida remained overshadowed by her husband, the only green human currently in the archipelago.

She’s married to that asshole. I should have expected this…

The most worrying part was Valela’s uneasiness. He had never seen her this apprehensive, even when dealing with the military and high officials.

A kick on his shin brought him back to the present.

Hey! Kai glared at the violent princess across the table with an arched eyebrow. What was that for?

Valela lightly tapped the documents on the table, without ever averting her eyes from the figure behind him or letting her smile falter.

Right…

Mat scribbled his signature on the contract in double copy. “Hmm… Are you—” He squinted at the princess as if just realizing someone else had come and following her gaze to look over his shoulder.

Let’s see— Oh…

Honey-colored curls framed the delicate features and effortless smile, the gold and crimson silk of her dress fluttered behind her like a cape. Lady Cressida glided on the pebble path as if it were a runway. The only piece of jewelry she wore was an enchanted bracelet of rubies on her wrist.

Kai caught himself staring. There was something striking about her, though he couldn’t quite put his finger on it. Her stature was average at best. While she was among the most beautiful women he had ever seen, that had never left him speechless.

Is it some kind of skill? Or just her grade…?

There wasn’t time to think, the woman was upon them.

“Valela, my dear. I hope my sudden arrival didn’t cause you trouble.” Her voice poured sweet like syrup, keeping a note of undeniable authority. “When I heard you found such a promising young man, I couldn’t miss the chance to congratulate you.”

Great. Just what I needed.

“It’s never a bother to see you.” Valela beamed. If he didn’t know better, Kai would think they were best friends. “You’re always welcome in my father’s house.”

“May the Moons watch over you, you’re always such a gracious host. I wish my boys had your manners, but they took after their father.” The woman let out a small sigh, then her hazel eyes fell on him. “And you must be Matthew. The whole city has been buzzing with rumors about you. A pleasure to meet you. I’m Cressida Delmare, but you may simply call me Cressida.” She winked with a complicit grin and offered her dainty hand palm down. “I never cared for formalities.”

Something tells me that’s a lie. Does she expect me to kiss her hand?

“Nice to meet you too.” Kai stiffly shook her hand from his seat, for once glad awkwardness came so naturally to him.

If Cressida was put off by the dozen etiquette rules he had certainly broken, she didn’t show it. A servant hurried into the garden with a third chair. The governor’s wife folded her dress and gracefully sat without a hurry.

“The rumors were indeed true. You must be proud of your accomplishment. Few people advance to Yellow at your age, even with the advantages of Alchemy.” Her gaze dug into his. “Is it true you’re quite the talented brewer yourself?”

“Hmm, I—”

“Matthew’s quite accomplished for his age,” Valela answered for him. “He just isn’t quite used to all the new faces in Higharbor. His father kept him isolated in their manor for most of his life.”

“I heard. Quite the story indeed.” Cressida picked up the contract lying on the table and leisurely flipped through the pages. “I see you’ve already come to an arrangement. It’s very generous of you Valela. But tell me, Matthew, have you decided what you’ll do once you reach the mainland? I’m always looking to help promising individuals achieve their goals.”

Come to take a piece of the pie? And how does she know where I’m headed?

Kai took advantage of his timid persona to avoid her gaze. The less information he gave up, the better. He didn’t trust his acting skills entirely. “I’ve already signed a deal with Valela.”

You’re too late. What a pity.

“I don’t see any exclusivity clause in your contract.” Cressida smiled warmly at Valela. “Your last visit at the Raelion Academy was quite successful, but you must have realized how vast and complicated the continent is. While your hard work and abilities are commendable, you must agree you’re inexperienced in those waters. You wouldn’t mind if I offered young Matthew some help, would you?”

“Of course not.” Valela gave her a frosty look with an undercurrent of meaning Kai couldn’t unravel. “If that’s what he wants.”

Stolen story; please report.

The attention of the table switched back on him, two hungry beasts hiding their fangs behind pearly grins.

Thanks a lot. Why can’t the Republic just leave me be?

“I— I still don’t think it would be fair to sign another deal…” Kai mumbled, looking at Valela for support. “I’ve already got everything I need.”

Instead of annoyance or outrage, Cressida’s lips curved upwards. “You’re quite principled too. That’s rare nowadays,” she said, sadly shaking her head. “The continent can be quite cutthroat for young honorable men. I could never forgive myself if I let you wander in that den of wolves, and something happened.”

Blessed spirits, what a sneaky snake.

She was far more experienced in fencing with words than he was. Whatever he said was turned into a reason why he should accept her help. Even Kai would struggle to turn her down without offending her, as for naive little Mat, he was stuck in her web of half-truths.

He couldn’t refuse outright. If Cressida was half as sharp as Valela suggested, she would notice the inconsistencies in his cover, or at least suspect he was hiding something.

Smelling blood in the water, the governor’s wife continued her assault. “I don’t like to boast, but I still hold sway among the patrician families of the mainland. Trust me, Matthew, you can never have enough friends out there.”

“I’d need to thi—”

“Naturally, I won’t ask anything more than you’ve given Valela, and can offer much more. You’ll represent what our archipelago is capable of.” With a wave of her hand, three neatly written sheets appeared from thin air. “Why don’t you take a look? We can discuss anything you don’t like.”

Stunned by the display of a spatial artifact, Kai found himself with the contract in his hands before he could refuse. The looming feeling he was dancing right in her palm grew stronger, but he didn’t know how to break out of it.

Is this the difference between people who take social skills? Or is it a profession?

Valela tapped his leg and sent him covert glances, perhaps worried he’d blow his cover. She engaged Cressida in small talk while he read, but if she was trying to tell him some secret message, it flew right over his head.