Chapter 28 (2/2)
The current climate throughout the nation could be defined as the ‘Spring and Autumn period’ of the Guilds.
The guilds had banded together back when dungeons began generating profit. But it slumped into a period where the centre of power changed hands back and forth when Black Night, the guild that dominated the industry during the early years, ceased to be.
Guilds lacking in manpower would run riot with scouting new guild members, and among there were some who would abscond with the magic stones after completing a commission to subjugate the dungeon.
‘There’s no worry about mithril dungeons, but the other dungeons could pose a problem.’
There are no monsters to be found in a dungeon of mithrils since monsters are only attracted to magic stones. And every once in a while, there would be dungeons without such monsters. For that reason, monster-infested magic stone dungeons required the power of guilds.
‘Well, I’m without a connection that could introduce me to a good guild too.’
If she had such connections, she wouldn’t have been a Lyonne…
‘The guild leader of Black Night went into hiding and will only reappear at the later part of the original novel, so I don’t even know where he might be or what he might be up to right now.’
She could attempt to track down every last Black Night guild member, but as they had laid down their swords the instant their leader disappeared, it would be a futile effort.
Kynemeia hopped out of the bathtub in shivers. The maids, Shane and Liline, were already waiting with a towel in hand, and they patted her dry while she was absorbed in her thoughts.
“Is something the matter?”
“Nopeee…”
Shane glanced at Liline, silently quizzing what was going on, and the latter shook her head.
“Ah, by the way, the messenger you sent has returned, Young Lady.”
“Already?!”
Kynemeia’s gaze swung up when Liline delivered the news.
“Quick, get me dressed!”
She was chafing at the bit to get going, stamping feet and all, that both maids grinned as they wiped her face with the soft, dry towel.
“Yes, Ma’am. We’ll wipe you down soon, so don’t be in such a rush.”
“Seems like the messenger brought back something nice.”
“Uh-huh!”
As soon as the maids were done wiping her down, Kynemeia tore off to the dressing room. Shane and Liline brought out the articles they had prepared beforehand.
“Which one of these dresses would you like to wear?”
“How about your hat?”
“How about the accessories?”
“And your hairstyle?”
Hmmm! She pivoted away from the dressing room with a bemused expression.
“That, that. That too, and this!”
Shane smiled as Kynemeia randomly singled out articles of clothing,
“We’ll dress you up in them.”
“Uh-huh!”
She answered brightly then promptly plonked herself on a chair with Shane and Liline, carrying her outfit and accessories respectively, at her heels.
“You can sit by yourself now.”
“C’mon, I’ve been able to sit by myself well since some time ago.”
When Kynemeia smiled and waved a hand bashfully, Liline pointed out,
“Last time, didn’t you take a tumble trying to sit on the seat of honour in the conference room?”
Choke. Her face crumpling into a picture of pain, she whipped around.
“Who?! Who spread the rumours?!”
“I heard from Sasha who’s in charge of the kitchens. And she heard it from Emma, the one in charge of the bedrooms.”
“Gil from the stables recounted it to me. He said he learned about it from Theo the gardener.”
‘Wait, that means all the servants already knew! The entire retinue of servants knew of my embarrassing stunt?! How come?!’
Her shoulders sagged, much the same way as a rabbit’s ears drooped.
“You’re 12 years old now, so your height and legs will also gradually…”
“Right, gradually…”
Liline and Shane smiled comfortingly at her but stopped speaking. Then they abruptly shifted the topic, suggesting her hair should be tied half-up and braided.
“…Gradually, what?”
“My, Young Lady, look how silky smooth your hair is.”
“So, gradually what? Why aren’t you talking.”
“You’re an absolute fairy.”
Kynemeia looked up reservedly, but the maids only went ‘hohoho’ as their hands moved busily.
‘Why did they stop talking? Are they implying I’m a lost cause? Even though I’m still twelve years old? Of course, I did feel that at some point I didn’t mature one bit, but there’s something called growth potential, isn’t there? Right?’
“Ohohohoho.”
“Hohoho.”
‘Right?!’ Her pupils quaked while she submitted to their ministrations.
“Hey, what were you about to say after ‘gradually’ just now?”
“…”
“…”
But even after her hair was braided, she was outfitted, and a corsage was placed on her, she had yet to pry out an answer from them.