Leveling up the World

Chapter 817: The Final Piece

This was the second time Dallion was called to the duchess in as many days. Even so, he knew this was a big deal. Being called to have dinner with the head of an imperial familyeven a branch familywas a distinct honor. As he was escorted there by Taem, who, as it turned out, was tasked to be his personal chamberlain, Dallion quickly got a brush up course in the etiquette when it came to similar events.

His attire, interestingly enough, wasnt viewed as being of particular importance. His manners while there, though, were an entirely different matter. Apparently, he could no longer afford the rudeness and frivolity of his first meeting. Dining with the duchess wasnt even reserved for all the members of her immediate family. At most a dozen would be present, normally half that number, all of which knew their place, which meant they only spoke when addressed by the duchess, never interrupted her, and never addressed anyone else without her explicit permission.

A small loophole existedthere was no mention regarding conversation with item guardians; Dallion planned to take full advantage.

Think that the duchess will be upset with my duel? Dallion asked while walking through a hallway wider than his entire new mansion.

I cannot say, Master Dallion, Taem replied. You were victorious in all ways, so maybe you wont incur her disapproval.

That was the most political answer Dallion had heard in a while. It wasnt like he blamed the butler. The unfortunate soul had gone all the way to Nerosal, pretending to be a merchant peddler, all so he could give Dallion his birthright.

You know, Ive been wondering. Dallion took advantage of the few remaining seconds he had to speak freely. How did you get me to buy the harpsisword? Combat splitting? Music? It cant have been luck?

It wasnt luck, young master. It was a test. Had you not felt the link and chosen any other weapon, your relation with House Elazni would have ended there and then. Fortunately, you were guided to your birthright.

Yeah which one? Dallion wondered.

So far, he had three: his birthright of Dherma Village chief, his birthright as an imperial noble, and his birthright from his other self on Earth.

The hall ended in a massive door of glass. Try as he might, Dallion was unable to see through it. It was as if the transparent surface was showing him anything else except what lay beyond.

The pair of sky silver metalins guarding the door stepped to the side in perfect sync.

Why are there no other people? Dallion asked within his realm.

Thats something youd have to tell me, dear boy, Adzorg said. Ive never been allowed here.

One of the metalins handed Dallion a small platinum earring. One look was enough to tell that it was a blocker item.

I guess just walking in there would have been too easy. Dallion took the piece of jewelry and clipped it onto his left ear. The moment he did, the door opened.

I shall be right behind you, young master, Taem said, remaining in his place.

The fact that he was allowed to join in spoke a lot about his place in the staffs hierarchy. No doubt he was one of the trusted servants the old duchess had.

A hall the size of a town square came into view. Metalins and bladerers of sky silver and crystal stood at all the walls, motionless, as if they were part of the decorations. Massive paintings were on the walls, all depicting important scenes of the family historymostly the second empress and her husband. There was no denying that she was depicted as beautiful in an almost common sort of way. Her clothes were outright simple compared to what nobility wore today. The only pieces of jewelry were her familiars and her weaponthe harpsisword that Dallion now held in his position.

Guess now I know why so many people were interested in it, he thought.

Id like to volunteer to increase our domain, duchess, he said quickly. Im familiar with the wilderness and

Commendable, she didnt let him finish. But you are mistaken. The emperor decides who will go where, not anyone else. The only way to gain his blessing is to acquire his favor within the capital. There was a slight pause. Youre still yearning for the key that will let you out of the cage.

Theres still a lot of wildness within him, Liya said without permission. Clearly, sitting next to the duchess came with its benefits.

He has the best chance, the bulky man on the other side of the duchess said. Round as a teapot, he had made an attempt to mask what nature had granted him with expensive and fanciful clothes, ending up making it even worse. Hunter, mage, and briefly favorite of the emperor. Unless you want to go out there. He gave Liya a warning glance.

No. The duchess uttered a single word that felt as if ten tons of iron had fallen on everyones shoulders.

Dallion could see the music within it, he even knew what it was, and yet found himself unable to counter it in any way. By the looks of it, he wasnt alone. Some were faring better than others, but everyone was suffering.

He will not take part in the selection, she declared. His achievements will make him the likely candidate and attract all eyeballs. Meanwhile, our real hopes will subtly slide through the layers of the city, working their way to the emperors favor. Am I clear?

The weight was lifted from Dallion's shoulders. Quickly, the rest of the nobles nodded. After a few moments, so did he.

Tors, you wanted a chance to shine. Here it is. Succeed or fail, its all up to you now.

Thank you, great grandmother. A smile flickered on the nobles face.

And as for you, Dallion. The duchess raised the index finger of her right hand. On cue, the servant behind her stepped closer, placing a small wooden box on the table by the duchess. A small gift to celebrate your stay. Think of it as compensation, if you wish.

Dallion was just about to use a spell to fetch the item, when Taem made his way all across the table, at impressive speed, took the box, then returned to his previous spot, placing it in front of Dallion.

A bribe? Dallion looked at the box.

Given the opulence the duchess lived in, he had no idea what the gift could be. His only fear was that it might turn out to be a useless heirloom with great historical significance: the pinky ring given to the second empress, a locket that marked him as her direct descendant, or maybe it could be something useful as one of her familiars?

The material of the box overflowed with magic, making it impossible to tell what could be inside. After several seconds, Dallion put an end to his personal suspense and opened it.

Really? He almost asked out loud.

There was a single skill gem in the box. Such a gift was beyond generous. Hunters spent their entire lives hoping theyd come across something of the sort, even if they didnt need to use it. And that was not all. This wasnt any skill gem, but the one that Dallion had been lacking all this timecarving.

I trust its to your taste? the duchess asked.

Dallion found himself incapable of replying. Instead, he reached down and grabbed it.

CARVING skills obtained!