Chapter 5 Trifling Issues

It took some time to smelt down fresh iron. I surprised him again by telling him to throw any scrap iron or steel into the smelter. I explained that the process we’d be using can recycle the old metal, and if he mixed it into the fresh ore, it would make an even stronger ingot in the end. He did as instructed, and after hours of work, we were pouring High Carbon Stainless Steel ingots. He was able to make fifty Ingots out of his smelter, not bad for such a small Smithy. We took a Meal together while waiting for the Ingots to cool to a point where they could be worked. “Working the Stainless is only slightly more difficult than normal Steel. Same process, but you’ll be heating it more often.” He nodded. “Now I’ve seen the smelting, I can see what you mean just with my skill. So simple when you understand it, yet undiscovered by us. Thank you very much for teaching me this. I’ll get to reuse all the junk metal too. Hmm, I should dig up all of the old metal we discarded before. It shouldn’t be too hard to find it again, we always use the same spot.

” That’s a good idea, remember the more you recycle, the cheaper the cost of material, thus the lower you can price it, and the more items you can sell. By the way, the Stainless makes great kitchen wares too.” He looked at me. “I don’t just mean knives, which are something you make already, but pots, pans, a de-scenting bar for the hands, if you can make smooth thin sheets, it’s great as a counter top, or even roofing. There are LOTS of applications for Stainless. Think about different ways to apply it to everyday life, that’s honestly where the money is. Adventurers may bring in some hefty coin, but they don’t buy weapons or armor often, so you end up charging more as a result, and that, in turn, lowers how many weapons you sell. Everybody needs food, keeping people fed is always profitable.” I then sketched out several different kitchen knives for him. “Oh, I just thought of something, is there Silk available? Cheap Silk is fine.” After thinking a moment, he answered. “The Tanner down the street was traded a bolt of Silk a week past, he might still have it.” I smiled, “That’s perfect, I want it for my Armor, along with two steel plates that will cover my chest.” “I thought you were doing Hard Leather plates!” I looked at Jeanette, who had been mostly bored waiting for the Steel process to be explained. “Yeah, but if I line the soft leather with silk, it can catch arrows, and if I also tuck a steel plate between the Silk and Leather, then the odds of an arrow, or stinger, or whatever being able to pierce my heart are almost zero.” Both looked confused. “Silk can’t be torn. An arrow won’t go through silk, it gets caught instead. Then pulling on the silk will extract the arrow, without causing any more damage.” Amazement was evident. “How do you know so much?” I chuckled nervously. “My country of Origin had mandated education, the Steel I only know because of personal interest, spent a day or three learning the process by reading, and observing it in person on a Foundry tour.”

Thinking for a moment, I asked another question. “Have you heard of a Crossbow?” Both of them shook their heads. I then sketched out a miniature version, explaining the purpose of this design in particular, being a desperation weapon that I could use at range, to give me a little advantage against something chasing me. I also mentioned that a true crossbow is a good weapon for town guards because it takes little training, and a larger version still is called a Ballista, and is an anti-siege weapon, something for a Lord’s Walls, or City Wall defense. I showed the bolts and asked if he could make me everything, and have a Fletcher put the flights onto the bolt shafts. He happily agreed, and almost all my Gold went out of my Pocket. We went to the Tannery Shop, with the Steel Plates already in hand.

The Tanner was dumbfounded at what I asked him to make. The silk, having the ability to catch arrows, was unknown to him. He insisted on a reduced cost for having given him that information so freely, and bringing the plates for the chest as well. Telling me it would be finished the following day, and accepting the payment. Jeanette and I then went to find an Inn. “I want a Bath, I feel sticky!” Jeanette looked at me. “I thought you weren’t a Noble, how would you have had a Bath?” I looked at her. “Running hot water is common back there. Everyone had a Bath, or at least a Shower, in their own homes. Some businesses even had company showers for Employees to use before or after work. To my mind, it’s just a common thing. I understand that isn’t the way it is here, but wherever we end up living, I WILL have a bath. I’d love a Hot Spring, so we could bathe together outside, with a screen around the bath.” My wistful sound and expression made Jeanette smile.

We found the Inn shortly, and aside from getting a bucket of hot water, there was no other method of bathing. I had gotten some Borax while we were out, and so I decided we needed two buckets; we split the cost of the room and the buckets of water. Good thing too, otherwise I wouldn’t have had anything left. Jeanette was amazed at the effect of the Borax, she had no notion it could be used as a soap, and even for our hair. Once cleaned, which I took great pleasure in helping Jeanette, and I think she took equally great pleasure helping me, we went downstairs for dinner in the common room. We were surrounded by whispering patrons, but the food was adequate. Then we returned to our room, and I noticed that there was no lock, or even a latch on the window shutters. I took some rope and tied everything shut, and hung some metal bits onto the ropes for both places. Jeanette looked at me, curious as to why I was doing this. “I figure someone might try to rob us tonight, thinking I’m a Noble, and have plenty, or else even try to make us into Slaves or whatever. Even if they cut the rope, it will make noise. Hopefully, it will be enough warning to act. Even more, I hope I’m just being paranoid.” Understanding and slight panic hit her face. “No, you’re probably right, I wouldn’t have worried over much for myself, but with you I should have been on higher alert!”

With that, we got into the bed, though harder than I’d prefer, it was blessedly clean. So much in just two days, but having a snuggle buddy made it all worth it. About an hour after sunset, the window shutter jingled as someone attempted to cut the rope. Jeanette was instantly alert, and I wasn’t far behind. My Claws were already out, and Jeanette had a blade in her hand. We took up station on either side of the window, and soon the rope fell into the room, and the shutter opened, and in climbed a hooded figure. He had poor night vision, apparently, and must not have been too keen on smell either, because he didn’t even realize we weren’t in the bed, as he climbed in, and drew a knife. He approached the bed stealthily, and just when he realized something wasn’t right, we struck. A single cry was all he was able to make before he lay dead on the floor. We then threw him back out the window, used a rag to wipe up the little blood off the floor, and retied the window, returning to sleep. Naturally, we were awoken by screaming outside in the Morning. I groaned as I got up. We dressed and put on our packs before heading downstairs, where the common room was in a panic. “Calm down, everyone!” I shouted in my best impression of a Parade voice. Everyone turned to me, eyes impossibly wide. “I assume this is about the Dead man outside. He attempted to kill my companion and probably take me as a Slave last night. We didn’t want to interrupt anyone’s sleep, so we just threw his corpse out the window. Self-defense, no Murder here.” Instantly, the room calmed. A Tiger defending themselves was only natural. “How did you stop them, if you don’t mind? Whatever it was, I’d like to copy it myself for the rest of my patrons.” I turned to the Host. “My method was simple. I tied the window and door shut, with metal bits hanging from the rope, so when it was cut, it jingled, which woke us, with plenty of time to get ready. It’s not foolproof, but better than nothing. I’ll talk to the Smithy, though, about some basic room locks and window latches. Those will help even more.” Bafflement about room locks was evident, but the Host thanked me nevertheless for the consideration.

With that, we ate our Breakfast, then left the Inn. The Guards came just then, and only asked us to verify that it was indeed I who had killed the Man, which I did, reminding them that I wasn’t a Noble, but that never stops people from assuming things. Thanking me for being as discreet as I could be, they went on with their day. We visited the Tanner first, and my Armor was ready and perfect. It had a sort of deadly grace. I put it on straight away, and felt a million times better. Thanking him, we then returned to the Smithy, and everything there was ready as well. I collected my knuckles, my crossbow with twenty bolts, and the single Ingot of Stainless Steel for proof of concept. Then I designed the basic room locks, window latches, and keys. It took him no time to understand the concept of individual room keys, but also having a Master Key for the Host. How the Master works differently from a Basic key that only works in a single lock. He said he could have enough of the Basic Locks and Latches for the whole in by the next day, and since again I had given him the idea, he’d do the initial work at cost. Everyone was likely to want a Basic lock for their front doors and latches on their windows after this, so he’d make plenty of profit in the future.

Another trip to the Cobbler to pick up my new footwear, and we were ready to depart. Then I realized I hadn’t gotten my tent or a water skin. I groaned and explained to Jeanette. “Oh, well, I can get those things, and you can pay me back when we reach the next town. I figure we take an escort quest going in the right direction. Keeps things simple.” I agreed to that, and we gathered the remaining supplies, filled my pack, and hers with provisions. We then went to the Guild hall to see about an escort quest. Jeanette was going to ask a receptionist, but I pulled her to the board instead. I noted that escort quests were in a specific area. “What are some town names on the way? I’ll just look what’s up here.” She told me, and very quickly I spotted a perfect, and an almost too perfect, quest. “Holy crap, there’s actually, one going to the Capitol!” I snagged it and went to the counter. The receptionist looked at the tile, then up at me, and amazement hit their face. This was a different person from the day before. “Is this quest legit, or is someone trying to prank me?” “Milady, there is another lady here, and their escort has lost two people they need replacements, that’s all!” “In that case, it’s my quest, I don’t care if you need another higher ranker to join too, but we’re going regardless, so may as well be on the quest.” “What’s your rank, Milady?” I showed him my silver card, and he sighed in relief. “Splendid, that is higher than I would have expected to find here in any case, I’ll register the two of you now.” So saying he made a notation, and handed me the tile. We left instantly. “Whoever it is, we need to reach them quickly. If I were attacked, they’re in danger too.” Jeanette nodded.

As we approached a very gaudy-looking coach, the guards around it, all wearing liveries indicating importance, straightened and were readying their weapons, but then froze seeing me. Instantly, their hands left their weapons, and they stood at attention instead. Panthers to a man, they were an imposing sight. “Relax, guys, we’re your replacement escorts; I know it’s probably not normal, but I’d like to see the Principal.” The Guard captain looked questioningly at me. “Principal?” I sighed. “Any decent guard detail NEVER mentions the name of the person they’re guarding. Just in case someone is listening. They are referred to as the Principal. Seeing me, and not being originally designated as my Guards, you might consider me as the Secondary, although I am NOT, in point of fact, a Noble. You have probably been trying to place me since seeing me, and it’s not possible because nobody has ever seen me before. I come from another country so far away that you’d not be able to reach it in your lifetime. My arrival was not of my own doing, and now I’m here, I assume that the Nobles are going to expect me to join the bloodline somehow, which is yet to be seen. I am educated, but have no Noble Etiquette whatsoever. I’ll ask you all to treat me as you would any guard, at least till we reach the Capitol, since it’s the last bit of normalcy I’ll have left.” The Captain was stunned, yet equally relieved. “Thanks for explaining all that. I agree that this situation will undoubtedly end as you’ve predicted. The Principal, as you’ve called them, will be delighted to meet you, I’m sure. I presume you have registered with the Adventurer’s Guild. May I see the Tile, and your Rank Cards?” I handed the tile over and showed my Silver rank plate while Jeanette showed her Bronze plate. “Silver, and Bronze, we couldn’t have asked for better here, and with it being so perfect for yourselves, and with your eventual future, being that she’s going to be family soon in some respect, this is, absolutely, perfect. We can depart immediately upon the Principal’s wish. This way, please.” He returned the tile to me. “Milady, the replacements have arrived, and though it’s unusual, you truly need to see one of them. They are both women, and high enough rank, but seeing this one will explain things, just at a glance, please.”

“What nonsense are you spouting?!” The coach door is flung open, and a pretty Tiger Clan girl appeared, with an annoyed expression, which instantly turned to shock, and then joyous wonder. “Who?! I know I’ve never seen you before, but that should be impossible!” “May I come inside for the time being to discuss some of that? I don’t want casual passers by to overhear things.” “Oh yes, please do! I’m ever so excited to get to know you!” “Ah, and the other person, well, she’s Mine, if you know what I mean, and she was there when I first arrived, so she can verify anything you need to know about my arrival here in this country.” Looking at Jeanette, she instantly invited both of us inside. “Please depart now, we have our replacements, and now more than ever, I don’t want to waste time.” With that, we entered the coach, handing our packs to be added to the luggage rack.

“Firstly, introductions are in order. I am Princess Adel Marion, and who might you be?” “I am very pleased to make your acquaintance, my name is Jane Rae Richards, and my Companion is Jeanette.” I smiled as I tipped my head in respect. “Oh my three names?!” “Please don’t think I’m being pretentious or anything. I’m not even a Noble back home. Everyone there has at least three names, just in case an extended family member has the same first name, the second name is a method of telling them apart. Some people get multiple middle names because everybody in their families wants to be remembered in some way. I know one person who had six, and he was a Teacher, not even a College Professor either, just a grade school teacher.”

This startled Adel quite a bit. “You’re saying you’re not a Noble, but you have schooling? Is that normal?” I nodded. “Back home, it’s mandated by the Government. Every child from the age of five, at the oldest, is required to attend school until roughly their eighteenth birthday. That’s the age of adulthood there. After that, many elect to pay for further education, that is typically more career oriented, or at least that’s the idea, usually doesn’t work out that way though, they end up wasting money on schooling, while they just get drunk, and attempt to be shall we say intimate with as many people as possible.” Adel’s eyes tried to open even wider. “I wasn’t one of those idiots, I just got a Job, and worked it, all the way up till I came here. The place I come from is so far away that I shouldn’t be here at all; there shouldn’t be a way for it to happen. Some power beyond my understanding pulled me from there and brought me here. It seems like I was put here specifically to help guard you on the way home. I’ve only been in your country for two days so far, this is the third day now.”

Adel looked at Jeanette, who nodded. “It's true, Milady, when Jane arrived, it was in a flash of light, she landed face first, and was completely naked. Teleportation is supposed to be impossible, so whatever brought her here is beyond my understanding. Then, to be able to meet you only two days after her arrival, it does seem rather orchestrated. Plus, last night someone tried to take her from our Inn.” Adel was shocked again. “What happened to that person?!” “We killed him, tossed him out the window, and went back to sleep,” I answered casually. “Good, that’s one less thing to worry about. How are you funding yourself by the way? You seem to have excellent gear, all things considered, though I don’t see any weapons, you aren’t relying solely on your Claws, are you?” I chuckled a bit. “Well, the morning of the second day, I was attacked by a particularly troublesome Boar. I killed it within a few seconds, but as it turned out, that Boar was Jeanette’s quest target. So with my share of that Reward, and yes, Jeanette TRIED to make me take it all, I wouldn’t let her, and then the sale of the Materials, and Meat, I was just able to get my weapon and armor, clothes, and shoes. Jeanette spotted me for camping equipment, my water skin, and food, though, expecting to get paid back out of an escort quest. Imagine our surprise when we went to look for an escort quest, and we discovered one going to our destination. Then finding out you were here as well, it was impossible not to take the quest, like I’d trust anyone else with it, we’re going to be family soon I expect, I’d have felt awful if I found out later that something happened to you, and I had been that close.” Adel grabbed my hand and squeezed it in gratitude for the sentiment. “You said you had weapons made, but I don’t see them.” I reached for my Knuckles and showed them to her. “These are Knuckle-type weapons. So I can punch things full force, without worrying about my fingers breaking, then there’s the spikes on either side. Also,” I reached for the Crossbow, which was already loaded, and the safety was on. “This is a covert Crossbow. It fires bolts, not arrows. Less effort to aim, I just have to release the safety, then pull the trigger once I’m lined up. The range isn’t as great as a bow, but the power is higher. They can punch through most armor types.” I handed it to Adel, and she marveled at the simple, yet deadly design.

“Incidentally, I taught the local smith how to build full-sized versions for guards, as well as oversized ones for wall defense. The oversized ones are called Ballista and are anti-siege weapons. Then there’s the metal, it’s Stainless Steel, it won’t rust.” I pulled out the one Ingot that I was bringing with me. “This is a Stainless Steel Ingot, I’m bringing this to show the King, and intend to teach the Royal Smiths the technique to produce the Stainless themselves. It only requires a Chemical that Alchemists tend to be overstocked on, and raising the temperature higher, also using scrap metal tends to improve the process, so that reduces waste.” Adel positively beamed at the new metal. “We can make similar things with Mythril, but it’s too expensive for general deployment. This will be very well received. As with the Crossbow, and to a lesser extent, the Knuckle weapon. It’s good for someone who has yet to be trained to use a more conventional weapon, but most Nobles won’t want it, and the Army needs more reach.” I nodded at that. “I understand that, but weaponry back home is far more advanced. Nobody can survive with just a sword, arrows are too short ranged even. Some of our weapons can be fired from our country, and fly across an ocean to attack an enemy, only it makes a sort of poison that would render the land uninhabitable for a century or more, thus we only ever used it twice, each weapon destroyed a city, and ended the war instantly.” Her eyes looked like saucers, and she trembled in fear. “Like I said, it should be impossible for me to even be here; those weapons can’t reach here at all. I also don’t have the slightest idea how to build them, and even if I did, I wouldn’t, they’re a weapon of last resort in a world of too advanced warfare. I don’t want that coming here.”

Adel relaxed slightly. “If I couldn’t smell your conviction, I’d be tempted to have you assassinated after that sort of a revelation. To think such terrible weapons can be created, I’m glad you’re smarter than the country you came from. Would you please discuss any technology you want to introduce with the King, or his advisers, before you do anything else? The Stainless is of no Consequence, even if every Smith starts using it, they still have to craft the weapons with his skill, so it changes little, and the Crossbow is perfectly fine, it’s sort of a Lazy person’s weapon, something that can be handed out to even the young during a Monster Raid, and the larger size can’t be moved, so it only bolsters our main defenses, so those things are all well, but with the vast difference between what you know, and what we have, I worry about what may happen if you just do as you please.” I nodded firmly. “That was my intent, if I hadn’t casually mentioned Stainless at the Guild, I wouldn’t have done anything, I just assumed you already knew about it, likewise, the knuckles were for myself, but I figure it doesn’t hurt for previously unarmed fighters to have something that works with their style, and the Crossbow is exactly what you said. I feel like I’ve already stuck my foot far enough into my mouth for starters. Your father is much more capable of deciding what should, or shouldn’t be introduced.” Adel smiled at that.

I made a decision and opened the screen to the Driver’s Bench. I handed my Crossbow to the lookout, I explained how to release the safety, and to fire the weapon, and handed my bolts. “Better you have it, and not need it, than need it, and not have it.” He gave me a firm nod. “Thank you, Milady, I will not squander a shot!” I closed the screen again and returned to my seat. “That was an excellent notion, Jane; I heartily approve!” Adel looked proud of me. “I may not be the smartest person, but I hope I’m not too stupid.” Everyone chuckled at that. “Still, the thought of even the lookout being able to help in a battle never crossed my mind. A normal Bow wouldn’t allow that, but your crossbow is a different story.” At that point, the carriage hit a particularly nasty rock, and we came to a stop. I immediately got out to see what was wrong. “The wheel is cracked! How are we supposed to replace it out here? There aren’t nearly enough men to lift it! Ugh!” The Captain was rather agitated. “Captain, do we have a spare wheel, or is that the reason you’re so stressed right now?” He turned to me, his tension slightly lessening as he replied. “We have the wheel, but not enough people to lift the carriage so we can replace it.” “Ah, no problem then. You there, go fetch that rock over there, and you, with the ax, I need a tree, almost as thick as the axle, let’s say five times your height, you don’t need to limb it, as long as we can reach the trunk at the upper end, roughly five times your height from the base cut. Hurry with that, please!” They didn’t even hesitate. The Boulder was brought first, and I had it placed where I wanted it, and within about fifteen minutes, the tree had been felled and brought over; I had them place the base of the tree under the carriage, and put it on the Boulder. I then went to the other end, and leapt up to grab the trunk, smooth as silk, the carriage was lifted until I was touching the ground again. “Someone else needs to help me push it down to get it high enough to replace the wheel.” The captain pointed to one man, and even with the wonder on his face, he wasted no more time in changing the wheel.

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Repair completed, I let the trunk rise back up, and conversely, the carriage settled back down. “Sorry for barking orders at your men, but explaining leverage without a demonstration is practically impossible. We aren’t strong, but we weigh plenty, and with where the Boulder was placed, we were lifting with four times our combined weight. More than enough to lift a Carriage.” He shook his head. “No, thanks to you, we’re back on the road in less than half an hour. We’d have had to send someone to fetch help otherwise, and been stuck here for over a day. I can overlook a few well-timed orders being barked, and besides, it’s good practice for you.” He smiled broadly at me. “Don’t tell me they’re going to expect me to lead people in battle or anything. I’d rather roam the country doing inspections and adventuring quests along the way.” Adel had witnessed the Lever in action, which pleased her, but seeing my casual interaction with the Captain didn’t. Once inside the Carriage again, she spoke. “You seem quite relaxed with the Captain.”

“He seems an ok sort, didn’t throw a hissy fit when I ordered his people around. Too bad I won’t be able to act so casually later on.” Now Adel pondered my words, I knew I wouldn’t be allowed this sort of casual behavior as a Noble, but at the same time, I wasn’t a Noble yet. “Well, I suppose this is the last time of you not being a Noble then, and you’re trying to enjoy it as much as you can, while you can.” I nodded my head. “I refuse to accept any Noble Decorum one second before I have to.” “I wonder, which one of us will you marry? Do you have any Preference?” “Um,… I don’t have any knowledge of any of my options, but I’m not into men. So hopefully some Noble's Daughter will take pity on me, and offer herself so I can avoid the worst case scenario.” Adel was Radiant. “There’s nothing to worry about there, my Sister would probably want you for starters. I’m into men, or else I would. I was rather vexed with your casual nature around the Captain, because well.” “I can guess, best not to say it aloud, until you manage to ask him directly. Though I expect he will refuse as long as he’s on your personal guard detail. Maybe you should ask him to switch with your Sister’s guard captain instead.” Adel’s eyes widened. “Do you truly think that’s the problem?” I nodded. “It would be too much of a distraction to be in love with his charge, or more accurately, to be in a relationship. You can love someone, and still focus, but when you’re allowed to embrace them, then your focus is reduced.”

Adel smiled, thinking of the thought of finally getting somewhere with the Captain. “I think one thing I will introduce is Leaf Springs, This carriage is rough on the body.” Both Adel and Jeanette looked at me. “Leaf Springs are a collection of different length metal bands that are stacked together. They allow the carriage wheels to bounce while the Carriage itself stays relatively still. It’ll be more of a swaying, rather than a hard bouncing. Then a lesser version under the seats will help too. That, coupled with proper cushions, and this, will become a much smoother ride. Although the roads leave a lot to be desired. Tar and Chip would be a good option, assuming tar can be found cheaply, that is.” “I expect you can get Tar without any difficulty, but what for?” “You heat the Tar, then mix it with rock chips, then spread it on the road, and tamp it down. Once the tar cools, it’s practically a single rock, and you can level and crown the road so there’d be no bumps, and water runs off to the sides. It needs to be resealed every couple of years or so, maybe ten years at a stretch, but that’s just for cracks and the occasional pothole. Carriages and horses will be able to move quicker on that kind of road too.” Adel smiled. “This is an example of something Father needs to handle, tell him how it’s done, and let him handle the rest. That’s a National investment, but I’m sure he will implement it, gradually over time. Most likely connecting major trading hubs first, improving shipping times across the board will be worth the investment. As to the Leaf Springs, you’ll need the smiths to manufacture them, but the Carriage-Rights will need to redesign the Carriage to use them; are you able to help with that aspect?” I nodded to Adel’s words. “Yes, the modification isn’t difficult; I will have to explain the processes on both to the craftsman, but they’ll pick it up almost instantly. Also, has the concept of a Stage Coach come into being?” Adel shook her head. “Explain it, please.”

I sighed, “A stagecoach is a public transportation carriage. It’s designed to hold around sixteen passengers between two compartments, then the luggage rack on top, and the driver, and lookout just like on your carriage. They accept fares to take people between cities or towns, and carry mail and parcels as well. They’d only go between two locations, and the fare is per person, unless it’s a child, who can sit in its parent’s lap. Those children can ride free, as long as the parent pays.” Amazement, simple amazement, is all that Adel’s face could reveal. “Couple that with a Government Sanctioned Postal Service, where the Coachmen drops off all the mail, and it gets sorted to be sent on, or else handed to the recipient, and you’ve got a pretty good infrastructure and can send out Royal decrees without dispatching individual riders.” Adel was positively shaking with joy at this. “We are beyond lucky you came to us! I know my Sister is going to love you, that is, if you can accept her as she is.” “What do you mean?” “No, it’s best if you see that part for yourself, it’s what she looks like, nothing about how she behaves.” “Ah, well, I don’t hold anyone’s appearance against them. As long as she’s an actual girl, that’s all that Matters, well that, and I don’t want to be a Mother myself, maybe someday, though I doubt I can make myself go through with it.”

The lookout shouted, and I heard the unmistakable sound of my Crossbow firing. We suddenly stopped, and I flew out the door, with my Knuckles ready, and Jeanette with her blades. What we saw were five grotesque toad-like monsters, one with a bolt stuck in its eye, clearly dead. “Damn, must be mating season! Damned Toads never group up outside of mating season!” I didn’t care, I just leapt into action. Halfway to the Toads, a second bolt slammed into a head, which stunned it long enough for me to finish it off with a pierce of my Knuckle’s spike. I pulled it out and leapt over a darting tongue. The retaliation of my fists caved in its skull, as a third bolt slammed home, killing the fourth Toad. I performed a Back flip, avoiding another tongue lashing, and kicked the final Toad in its head, slamming my spikes down a split second later. “I love my instincts at times like this!” I collected the bolts, none of which were damaged. I returned them to the quiver, as the guards stood in amazement. “Your Silver plate, it’s a Lie, right? Surely you must have at least Gold!” “It’s only my second day as a registered adventurer, so I think Silver is pretty high at this point, right? Maybe I got some more power from that one assassin, or whatever he was, but I bet these guys are worth more.” Jeanette looked a little sad. “I’m starting to feel useless here, you know! First the Boar, and now this! Let me have some fun too!” “Are you telling me you seriously wanted to play with the Nasty Toads?!” Jeanette shuddered, “On second thought, I’m not mad at all, feel free to kill the Toads,…and Slimes too, I look forward to seeing that!” All the men chuckled at that, and I suspected slimes had a particular effect on clothes. I grinned, “As long as there’s no men around, I’ll deal with as many slimes as you want! What’s more, I’ll strip beforehand, so I don’t need to replace anything later!” Jeanette blushed mightily.

“Speaking of Slimes, if that’s something likely to happen, we should make Chain mail Bikinis, then we don’t need to worry about our clothes getting dissolved, right? They only affect cloth, and maybe hide, or am I wrong?” Jeanette looked dumbfounded again. “So simple, Chain Mail can’t be dissolved by slimes, why has nobody thought of that? Sure, it’ll be a little expensive, but not to the point that it will matter when you continue to clear out all the slime requests that keep building up. We should do that, I don’t have a problem with slimes, it’s always the loss of clothing, the slimes themselves are kind of cute honestly.” All the Men stared, another brilliantly simple concept shaking their common sense. “Before that, is there anything on these things that we need, cause I’m hoping not!” Everyone shook their heads. “Good, then let’s pull these things out of the way, and leave them for scavengers.”

“That was truly impressive, the Kingdom is lucky to be gaining such a talented fighter!” The Captain was very happy with my performance. “Well, I can’t take any credit, I just move on instinct at this point. I hope someone can give me proper lessons soon, put this raw ability to use in a more refined manner.” He looked baffled, “I can naturally arrange for a trainer, but do you need it?!” “Seriously, any true martial artist would laugh at my fumbling around, no matter how well it turns out, I’m an amateur in terms of actual skill.” “If you say so, I’ll see if there’s anyone who can teach you to use those weapons with more intention when we reach the Capitol, which, thanks to your efforts, is only half a day away. If only we had a light mage, we could make it tonight. The horses had a decent break with the Wheel repair, so they could handle it.” I thought for a Minute, then decided why not try. I pictured the light from one of those ten thousand lumen LED spotlights, and willed it into being. Surprisingly, it worked, unfortunately, it was aimed at me. “ACK!” Temporarily blinded, I cancelled the magic. “I think I got the Light Magic covered, just give me a second to get my eyesight back, and I’ll try aiming it forward instead.” I couldn’t help but laugh at myself for that fumble. “Silent magic! Something so advanced, yet performed like you’ve never cast a spell before, it doesn’t make sense.” “Well, I never tried it before, but I thought, what’s the harm, just don’t make any noise, and nobody would know if I failed. Didn’t fail exactly, but blasting my own eyes feels more like a fail, I have to admit.”

Once my eyes recovered, I climbed up between the lookout and the driver, and activated my new light magic now facing properly forward. We were able to continue despite the darkening night. The road had improved as we neared the Capitol, and our speed had increased as a result. Two hours later and a group of bandits appeared on the road in front of us. They raised their bows, and I instinctively increased the light to about ten million lumens, causing every bandit to scream in pain as their eyes were seared with pure light. Then I dimmed the light back down to the previous setting. The Men and Jeanette didn’t hesitate to take advantage of the opening I had made. I decided to sit this one out. Less than a Minute later, every bandit had been bound and disarmed. They were then tied in line behind the Carriage on my insistence rather than killing them. “You can’t interrogate dead people, Those cloaks look very similar to the guy who tried to take me out; I’d rather not take chances that there’s a larger structure involved in this. Too coincidental for my taste, seems like a Plot at this point.” The Captain was startled at the thought that the incidents might be connected, but agreed instantly when I had explained my concern. Four hours later, having had to slow for the bandits being blinded and we reached the Capitol wall.

The gate guard was about to demand we halt, but when they noticed my tiger nature, as well as the crest on the carriage. Instantly, the gates were opened to allow us inside before we halted. “These bandits attacked us, don’t kill them, they need to be interrogated, there might be a conspiracy since they resemble the person killed by our Light mage here, she doesn’t like the thought of someone having targeted the Princess, so we need to be thorough here.” The gate guard saluted and took the Bandits away. “I’ll see to the Interrogation personally, I know just the people, mage breakers all of them. We can get every scrap of information out of them without any resistance.” I spoke up. “Not to but in where I don’t belong, but please don’t kill them if there is a conspiracy, we’ll need them to testify in court in that case, their deaths can be postponed until after anyone else is brought to trial, and depending on their behavior, their sentence might be commuted to slavery instead, at the King’s discretion.” This startled the Gate Guard, but he bowed politely at the suggestion. “A wise notion, I’ll see to it personally. Having their own Bandits forced to testify in front of the Court will certainly be a powerful move.”

With that settled, I returned inside the Carriage, there was enough torchlight for the horses to return to the Castle on their own. “This has been a Tiring journey, but you cut over half a day off. I’m sorry you won’t be able to rest properly until after Father has met you first.” “I figured, I’m used to long nights at my former job, I can manage, just please cover for any social blunders I make out of ignorance.” Adel smiled. “Naturally, your situation is most unique, I think much can be forgiven, and besides, your behavior isn’t unpleasant. You aren’t Rude, and some polishing will set you straight when you have to address the court in the future.” Soon we reached the Palace steps, and we exited the Carriage. I asked for my Pack and Jeanette’s. “There’s no need, the staff will tend to it.” “Maybe so, but handing them directly ourselves to be placed in whatever room we’ll be assigned is a better idea, and besides that, we have good clothes in our packs, not quite Noble quality, but originally made for a Merchant, so it should avoid any embarrassment for the Crown in that light.” “Ah, splendid, we can take a few moments to freshen up on the way, I prefer to don new garments as well.” Carrying our packs, we were led by Adel into the Palace, and to a side room with some maids, a full-length mirror, and several dresses of the Princess, I presumed. Jeanette and I changed into our good clothes, as the maids aided Adel. I kept my Crossbow, but placed the bolts in the pack, and my knuckles as well. “You intend to show the Crossbow, but are leaving the bolts, did you say? So as not to alarm the Guards, yes?” “That’s the idea, I want to showcase my assets as it were.” “In which case, we should have your rank examined before we enter the Audience Hall. We have one here, luckily, so it won’t take a Moment, and your Plates can be updated if warranted.” Adel led us into another chamber where indeed there was a Guild member with a Tablet. He startled awake, but took no notice of dealing with our update, and sure enough, Jeanette and I both increased to the next tier. “I’m an Iron rank already?! Then you’ve already reached Gold, you only have Cobalt, Mythril, and Orichalcium till you reach Obsidian, which is the highest tier anyone has ever gotten!” “Huh, this is some crazy progression, even I don’t get it!” Adel positively glowed with Happiness. “Father is going to be so thrilled, luckily at this late hour it will only be Mother, Father, and my Sister when we reach the hall, my Brothers are all off on Missions, and even if they weren’t, they couldn’t be bothered to attend my return in any event.”

We moved quickly with our new plates to the Audience Hall. “Welcome home, Adel! I’m surprised you arrived so late, and who might you have brought with you? … A Tiger I don’t know, how is this possible?” Adel beamed at her father as she curtsied. “I am glad to be home, but more so to be bringing Miss Jane Rae Richards of a foreign country, and her Companion Jeanette, who witnessed her arrival in our Country only three days past. In just those three days, Jane has already reached Gold rank as an adventurer, as just confirmed before our entrance. Furthermore, she has brought a new form of Steel Ingot that she has taught one Smith how to make, and intends to teach our Smiths as well, it is called Stainless Steel, and doesn’t rust, though not anywhere near as strong as Mythril, it is affordable for the Military’s use, relying heavily on reusing scrap iron during the formation of the Ingots. She also has introduced two weapon types, one of which she left in her Pack, because it’s a Melee weapon, while the other is a Projectile weapon, and she left the ammunition behind out of respect to the Guards.” The equally Beaming King addressed me. “Please approach Jane, show me this Weapon, and I hope to see the other one later. Also, I hope you realize that I will need to marry you into the Nobility.”

I rose and approached. “I do understand that need, but I must state that I can neither marry a Man nor be a Mother, so that will need to be taken into account when asking who will offer for me. It feels as though I’m some sort of dangerous creature, and someone must sacrifice themselves by covering me with their own body to protect others.” I chuckled a little. The Princess on the Dias next to the Queen spoke up. “That’s perfect for me, Father, I’ve always wanted to be the Mother, but none of the Noble ladies who would have taken me would have let me do it!” I flinched a little. “There’s a Cultural issue to consider, too. I say this due to your apparent age, which may not be your actual age, but in my original country, nobody under eighteen years of age was allowed to engage in physical intimacy, or to marry. I would find it difficult to accept someone under that age, and Impossible if she were under Sixteen.” “If it’s only the number that’s the problem, and not my appearance, then there’s no issue, I am, in fact, the first Princess, you’ve just come home with the Third Princess.” My eyes widened. “That I can work with, if you're sure you want me, that is.” She smiled. “Well, do you like what you see, or is it more that you can accept what you see, because I’m old enough?” “I would have liked what I saw either way, but I can accept it because you’re old enough, even if you’re still younger than I am.” Now it was the Princess who looked startled. “Your Majesty, if I may ask, how old are you?”

“Thirty Five my dear, why do you ask?” I chuckled again. “Well, that means I’m the oldest person in the room, I’m forty-two.” Total Silence. “You two are indeed perfect for each other. This will be a wondrous occasion.” “There’s more to tell besides my age. My country, the one I came from, is in another world entirely. I was falling to my death when a Blinding White light enveloped me; the next thing I knew, I was falling face-first onto the ground in a Forest, naked as the day I was born, right in front of Jeanette.” The King looked like he was about to explode at what he thought was a lie, when the Princess who’s name I still didn’t know said “She’s not telling a Lie, my senses are better than most, and her scent is super strong, I think most people could read her if they were close.” The King looked startled at his Daughter. “I see, is there more to tell?” “Two things, one is that my species changed during that transport, it seems like my original species doesn’t exist here at all. The second thing, I feel, only pertains to the Princess if she truly intends to marry me, then she deserves to know this last fact, which will explain my behavior much more than what would generally be needed. It’s her right to know it, and I’ll accept her Judgment on whether you should know too.” The King nodded at that. “Go, daughter, learn this last secret, and make your decision .” She came down from the Dias, and I whispered into her ear that I was originally a Man, and that my Gender change is why I can’t be the Mother, and would never be comfortable in a Dress. “Father, as it is my choice, I find the information, though indeed startling, something that can be a general family secret. It turns out, Jane was formerly a Man. The transportation altered his gender, as well as his species. This explains the near lie of her Name earlier; Obviously, she changed it to fit her new gender, and for no other reason.” I nodded, now nervous about the reaction. The King went from shocked again to smiling. “So you have a Man’s fighting spirit in a Woman’s body, I couldn’t be happier; tell me what was your original name, I’d like to know just how much you changed it. Three names are quite startling here, but perhaps it is different where you come from.”

“Yes, your Majesty, my original name was John Ray Richards, so I altered to the Female versions of my first and middle names. My original country had Massive numbers of citizens, and all registered, with instant communication between facilities over the entire country, and travel across the whole country within a week at the outside, people had to have three names to prevent any repeats. If someone else in my extended family was named John, and I know there were quite a few, each one would have a different middle name, thus avoiding any legal confusion.” A look of startled understanding could be seen on the King, Queen, and Adel were smiling with Pride for having brought me to her family directly. “That makes me curious about those Massive numbers; what was the average size of a City in terms of population?” “Most settlements were no less than five thousand, and no city would have less than a million, and major cities might be slightly over a billion. Medical Care, and Good Nutrition, along with decent Police Presence make for long lives, and decent birth rates, despite all the birth control methods available.” I let those numbers sink into the King’s head for a bit. “Your Majesty, your Grace, and your Highness, I’m afraid I am unaware of your names, having only been in the country for three days, that information was never taught to me yet.” “Ah, Understandable, I am King Donican Marion, this is my wife Queen Vanessa Marion, and our First Daughter, who has decided to accept you as her Wife is Princess Alian Marion, our Sons are currently abroad in the country, and our Second daughter is soundly sleeping, I shall introduce you to her in the Morning, and our Sons as timing allows.”