"They said that I'm responsible for 'logistical affairs' considering that we're supposedly an actual adventuring party. But any which way they tried to spruce it up, isn't it just counting supplies? Anyone can do that. I presume this is their ill disguised attempt to find something for me to do, how pitiful. Still, I suppose I can't deny I am somewhat grateful that someone would so readily take me on so quickly after everything."

- Lucinia Trax, Diary, "A Logistician's Conundrum"

A string quartet and pianist filled the hall with a soothing but energetic melody. The most noble sons and daughters of Carrador gathered at the center of the room, their elegance and grace on full display as they proudly took to the floor. Alliances, deals, marriages, and simple courtly intrigue radiated from the room. Their parents, the lords and ladies that held sway over Carrador watching from the sidelines, whispered words and obscured faces dictating the fate of thousands in their domain alongside colleagues. All the while they casually partook in festivities, more concerned over the fortunes of their own houses and name than the country or peasantry.

Just like back home, in its own… folky way. Lucinia observed. Traxian balls were far grander and more purposeful. Though she would freely admit that many of them were simply meant to be displays of power and wealth and otherwise an unhelpful use of local and state taxes. Keeps the lordlings happy, I suppose.

Even by the way the festivities were mostly confined to the nobles quarter and the palace already spoke of the differences in ceremony. In Traxia, when one wanted to host a ball, their attached demesne would likely be granted a day of holiday to celebrate in their own way. Some cheap food and drink to be distributed across town. For when Traxians wanted to hold an event, they wanted people to know.

She sighed and busied herself with her thoughts, sipping on a strange Carradorian cocktail that one of the saintesses had handed to her. Upon the liquid touching her tongue, she nearly recoiled from the aggressively sharp acid filled bitterness that came from the drink. Stars above, what the hells?! She coughed.

Amidst her pain filled gasping, she glanced upwards and shot a look of betrayal at the increasingly concerned saintess. Emi's eyes widened in amusement but mostly horror at Lucinia's coughing fit. The Traxian had to summon every possible ounce of willpower to not cough loud enough that she would draw any unnecessary attention. Although in that respect she already could hear the snickering of nearby Carradorian nobles. Likely taking great pleasure in her unsightly display of physical weakness.

"Hells…" She managed to finally utter a word, the sharp taste finally fading from prominence though doing the ultimate disservice by lingering on her palette.

"S-sorry." Emi hurriedly muttered, "I… I forgot that not everyone might like lemon sours the way I do. I just saw them boasting about imported drinks and flavors and wanted recreate something and-"

Lucinia shushed her and forgave her with a weak wave of her hand, nodding understandingly while trying to appear that she didn't almost just expire right then and there.

"Just… a lot more alcoholic and sour than I expected." She groaned.

"Well… I did warn you earlier that it could be sour." Emi mumbled.

"Could be is the keyword there, ack." She coughed, "Made it sound like it could be mild even."

The saintess flashed one last apologetic bob of her head before glumly retreating to her own drink. Lucinia hoped that the girl didn't feel offended by her poor reaction to the drink.

They had been left alone at the table, turned into unlikely compatriots by some design that she had annoyingly been unable to yet decipher.

Evaline Rosengart had informed them of the grand plan so far which did involve a speech by the saints. A role which Suzuki seemed almost a little too prepared for. I suppose she is the 'leader' of the saints and saintesses, Eva aside. Must've had some practice back in her world. World, huh? What a peculiar concept. The rest of them were to simply note anything unusual that they might see reaction or comment wise from the nobility. A dreary task at the best of times and even more so now, in a nation hostile to her. Stare or linger too long and to them, it might seem like a challenge. Too little or too abrupt, and they might find her strange or outright a skittish whelp. An image that she was already having trouble avoiding by being the noncombatant amongst a group of decidedly outlandish but almost fearless adventurers. Such is life. She sighed.

Hanabi seemed to have taken up a role of hanging out with her outlander friends and also taking care of Sigrid. The mermaid just appeared delighted that she had a chance to experience more of surface life. And she's still somehow more human than some people I know, how troubling. The other saints were mostly mingling amongst themselves, though the teasing of Miyuki and RIku were clearly escalating given how Suzuki still appeared almost unabashedly interested in prodding the two.

Sophie had decided to try and discreetly tour the ballroom alongside Aryana. The couple, using the fact that Lady Rosengart's return is still garnering more attention than Sophie's presence to enjoy the day. Though now that she looked over towards that side of the ballroom, she could see neither hide nor hair of Sophia. They said she was something like a shadow but… she let her eyes wander over the rest of the room before frowning, it actually feels like she disappeared somewhere. How? She's even in uniform, and she and Sophie are the only two looking like that. How the hells does one just vanish? Gah. At least those two are having fun.

Then there was Elaria and Raylani. The bard and her unwaveringly loyal guardian and assistant. Seeing them always brought a pang of guilt in her own chest. The distinct lack of Lady Olivia by her side is a constant reminder of her own failings in navigating the political landscape of Traxia. Or maybe… maybe this is fate's own way of guiding me? She looked down at her drink, the mere presence of which repulsed her but drew her in at the same time. That I had enjoyed my life relatively worry free thus far was a boon for sure. But to have been so disconnected… could I truly champion peace without understanding the hardships behind it? With her lips already preemptively curled in disgust, she took a second sip of the sour drink. Might as well appreciate what gifts… gah!

"Pwah…" Lucinia practically shriveled up and almost spat the drink back out. Her tastebuds were completely overwhelmed and if she didn't know any better, she'd have thought she was in pain.

"Oh no, you don't need to drink anymore!" Emi squawked in alarm.

"It's… ahh…" Lucinia tried to speak but her mouth remained stubbornly unable to compose itself for a proper response. She wanted to reassure that outlander that it was fine. Though she doubted the girl would believe that statement given the agony that Lucinia was currently grappling with from just a sip.

"I uhh, I can always try making a milder one…"

"No… no need…" Lucinia eked out a raspy whisper between coughs, "Works… fine." She groaned.

She wasn't lying. The drink had done almost exactly as she had expected a second sip to do. So intense was the sourness in her mouth, her own doubts and worries had seemingly vanished amongst the sea of sensation. If only for a moment.

She felt Emi reach over and pat her on the back, a nervous but steadying grip that Lucinia appreciated in the moment.

"Should I get some water?" The girl muttered.

Lucinia nodded and managed to steal a quick breath. Recovering what composure she has left, she let out a thankful grunt and relaxed. The outlander quickly returning with a clear and hopefully non alcoholic drink.

Seeing the Traxian more at ease, Emi breathed a sigh of relief and Lucinia felt almost guilty at monopolizing the outlander's time. At least the girl didn't seem to mind, content to simply be left at peace now that Lucinia seemed to have recovered.

"You okay?" The outlander queried.

"Y-yeah." Lucinia stammered out, "Yeah. I'm alright. Damn."

"Hahah," The girl nervously chuckled, "We're okay, right? No hard feelings?"

"Heh, yeah. It's fine. I simply did not expect to be so… susceptible to the effects of this strange alcoholic sourness. I suppose it is a... an attempt at recreating something back home?" She tried to keep it vauge.

Emi nodded.

"In that case, despite my... less than enthusiastic response to what it is doing to me. Allow me to express proper gratitude at having the chance to at least try it." She offered a smile.

Emi appeared pleased by the response. Though Lucinia didn't know if it was because the outlander was being friendly or rather that she didn't accidentally kill someone with an overly potent drink. Either way, company was company, and for that she was thankful.

Her wheezing however, seemed to have attracted unwanted attention from the Carradorians. A few hostile sniggers, some hushed whispers, and eyes that wandered all across the two of them. Sorry outlander, it would seem I have made you more noteworthy instead. She apologized quietly.

The girl at least, seemed blissfully unaware of the stares they had now garnered. The outlander now busies herself with tidying her dress, much to her embarrassment upon realizing that her spluttering had unintentionally hit more than she thought. And yet, Lucinia didn't mind being fussed over. There was something comforting in it and for the first time after wandering into this ballroom, she found a small spark of enjoyment. With a gentle nod traded between the two of them the outlander shuffled back over to her own seat, almost content at the peaceful resolution of everything.

As her attention wandered back to her thoughts however, a shadow fluttered past her and she glanced up to find two Carradorian nobles approaching her compatriot.

"Ah, Lady Saintess, how very kind of you to have aided your acquaintance."

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"Very much so. Your act of kindness has inspired us to make your acquaintance as well. After all, tis a noble soul that you must possess to so readily lend aid to another"

The guy and girl spoke with an almost haughty air in their voice. While they were unabashedly fawning over the increasingly confused outlander, they barely even nodded or acknowledged her. To Lucinia, it was very clearly meant to be a snub. The same derisive look that was often traded within the court for those who were unwelcome but still present due to obligations or otherwise.

She chuckled grimly to herself. Wondering just how often she had stood in their shoes, on their side of the fence. Half heartedly trying to make another feel smaller through sheer presence alone. In doing so, she now realized the irritation that the other side now felt when put into such a position. In that realization alone, she felt shame more than anything. Of how she had looked down upon others that she deemed as unworthy of being in court. And now look at where I am, hah. I suppose this is the path I must now walk, Goddess. My own failures to be redeemed, I hope.

"Uhm, thank you." Emi awkwardly smiled and bobbed her head at their guests.

"Ah! How very rude of us, to approach so casually without introducing ourselves. Lady Adelia des Arnsberg, at your service." The elegantly dressed and poised girl declared herself.

"Lord Verun Besswitz, pleased to make your acquaintance." The lordling bowed, his every move almost too smooth to distinguish between one movement to another.

"Oh, uhh, Emi Fukada, nice to meet you two." The outlander replied a bit too stiffly.

Loosen your shoulders, Lucinia wanted to whisper to her.

She had given the outlanders the crash course of crash courses in regards to how they could deal with their interactions with members of the court. The politesse that they must conduct themselves with, the way in which they needed to watch their words lest they were taken out of context or twisted to be used against themselves or the rest of the group.

The advice had been quick and to the point. A mere blip right after Lady Rosengart informed them of their marching orders in the coming hours. For now, the main objective for them was frustratingly vague, 'enjoy the ball'. Since then, most of the saints have scattered to the wind, winding up here or there in the ballroom. Though more than once Lucinia could spot one of the two inquisitors carefully watching over them.

In truth, she had little hope that any of what she said would stick to them, much less have any actual applications in a court so far removed from her own. Still, she played her part, the rest was now up to the others to either make a fool of themselves or not.

"Is this your first time in Carrador then?" Lady Adelia asked.

That question made Lucinia's ears perk up. A simple, blunt question.

Hearing it, she felt a modicum of tension leave her body. Where she had unconsciously been gripping the hem of her dress, she now let them go and settled for the cushioned chair instead. It was a question that seemed to dig for answers, though not one of a political kind but rather, one in service of a bored noble's fascination with a new factor in the court. For most, there would still be room for a plethora of mistakes that one could continue with based on their social standing. But considering that Emi was a saintess and outsider, Lucinia was at least hopeful that meant she would be insulated against such consequences.

"Yeah, with uhh… Lady Rosengart and the others." Emi shakily answered, her face half scrunched in trepidation.

At the same time, she could feel the outlander's eyes searching for hers. And in trying to hide the fact that the girl was looking at her instead of the speaker, a definite level of rudeness. She opted to try and subtly nod, praying that her approval would reach Emi.

"Oh my, how delightful of her to bring… compatriots along for such an occasion. And such illustrious ones such as yourself too."

Emi turned briefly towards Lucinia. She looked expectantly back at the outlander. One-to-one, a compliment for a compliment, she had to restrain herself from grunting out the answer under her breath. Thankfully, something of an 'ah' seemed to form on Emi's face and the girl smiled back at Lady Adelia. Though Lucinia also noted how the Lady seemed to have separated the saints and Sophie's party. Understandable, really.

"I am honored by your acceptance. Uhh, it makes me happy to know that such warm welcomes were awaiting us." Emi somewhat confidently replied.

Lucinia had to stifle a gasp. This isn't what I was trying to tell you. What nonsense is she trying to string together? A compliment for a compliment!

Even Lady Adelia seemed a bit baffled, but then tittered and chuckled as she seemed to sense no ill intent from the outlander. Instead, she slowly seemed delighted by the response and nodded cheerily.

"Of course. Lady Rosengart is Carradorian, after all. No matter the… peculiar situation that she might've found herself in. Therefore, a friend of hers is a friend of Carradors."

"Quite right. You are a welcome guest here, my lady." The lordling added.

There it is. Lucinia allowed herself to click her tongue as she wisely opted to sip from a glass of water instead of the lemony drink. The noble just chalked it up to some strange cultural difference with outlanders, hah! Called it. She smirked at her own reflection in the glass.

As the newly formed trio traded more pleasantries, Lucinia took the moment to scan the room for the other saints. Suzuki's jet black hair and straightened back was almost instantly noticeable. The older saintess pantomiming what Lucinia assumed was movements to a slow dance. Her audience consisted of Miyuki and Riku, both of whom were paying rapt attention. Hah, cute. Then she frowned. With Emi at her table and the three there, that left one saintess missing.

She almost readied herself to at least warn her nearby compatriot until the panic subsided just as quickly as it had arrived. Closer to the grand entrance and before the area where people were now dancing, a different trio were now huddled around what looked to be several plates of snacks and food. Ayumi seemed to have taken a shine to Sigrid as well, joining Hanabi and the mermaid in their culinary adventures as they sampled and gnawed on everything that was plated or presented before them.

It was almost a relaxing moment until she caught the sound of a tiny clink of glassware. Knowing that no one else had come to the table, and that Emi hadn't left, she suspected this was a subtle way to summon her attention. She quickly glanced over at Emi and noticed the relief on the girl's face when their eyes met. Something's up. Trying to not be too overt, Lucinia pretended to be musing over the alcoholic lemon drink and leaned onto the table like some bored connoisseur. Though her ears strained to try and listen in.

"... is it not dreary to simply sit while the festivities are on going? Surely there must be a few things you might be curious about." Lady Adelia's shrill voice reached her.

Oh?

"Oh, for sure!" Emi bobbed her head, "But it's fine right now, really. Everything's just a little overwhelming so I'm just… slowly taking it all in."

"What a darling notion. I can understand you there. I was very much like that when I was first invited to functions like this. But that's exactly why it'd be nice to have someone who could show you around."

The outlander awkwardly smiled and nodded.

"It's fine, really. No need to trouble yourselves on my behalf. My colleague is here too, after all. So I won't be lonely or worried."

Lucinia paled as the outlander's word sent the two noble's gazes to land back upon her. Though they maintained their veneer of politeness and manners, she could see it in their eyes. The same disdainful glance that one might make when one steps on something less than pleasant during a walk. Not enough to warrant the effort of wiping it away, but enough that it would still visibly annoy the wearer. How rude.

"Of course." Lord Verun muttered disappointingly.

"Certainly. But I would suggest at least taking the chance to have some fun at the ball. This piece seems to be winding down and the next one I've heard, is quite a good start for beginners." Lady Adelia rambled on without a care.

"I appreciate the offer, but it's fine." Emi reiterated.

This time, the girl cast another furtive glance at Lucinia, searching for whatever hints or advice she might have left to give.

"Maybe so." Lady Adelia mused, "Perhaps if you don't want to actively participate we could teach you about our dances and fashion instead."

"No, no, it's fine really. I can't hope to take advantage of such kindness."

"Haha, don't worry about it. Lady Arnsberg is just hoping to become friends." Lord Verun broke the stalemate with a scratchy grunt.

"Verun!" The noble in question grumbled.

Before Lucinia could interject with a comment of her own at the situation, the lordling stepped between her and Emi with his back turned towards her. Whether it was deliberate or not, it was a rude movement, though not a breach of protocol.

Mildly irritated at the sudden snub, she furrowed her brows and opted to observe the situation just a bit more.

"A wander across the floor might prove interesting at least."

Either unable or unwilling to take the hint, the two socialites continued pestering the poor saintess. The girl trying to politely field their questions though her increasingly desperate looking glances towards Lucinia suggested that she was less than comfortable with everything. Not wanting to let down her new compatriot, Lucinia tried to think of any excuse that would see the Carradorians back off when she groaned internally. There was an idea, but it was far from a good one. Sorry, she apologized in advance.

Letting out a sigh under her breath, she stood up and strutted over towards the saintess. The outlander shooting her a relieved and thankful expression at her assistance. Won't be this happy for long.

Not giving the Carradorians the chance to cut her off, she quickly walked up and gently leaned over with a gloved hand extended towards the outlander. The girl seemed utterly confused until a gradual understanding seemed to dawn upon her as her eyes widened. Lucinia just hoped that her own panic wasn't as obvious to everyone else.

"Apologes, my lord. My lady." She addressed the two Carradorians, "The reason for my dear companion's reluctance stems from a request I had made earlier, you see. For you are correct, Lady Arnsberg, this song is coming to an end and the next one might prove simpler."

"You…" Lord Verun almost growled before catching himself.

"Thus, I must humbly ask that thou shalt forgive me for this." Lucinia directed the statement towards them but also her companion, "But would thou be willing to indulge in a dance with me? I promise it'll be swift."

Emi looked gobsmacked at first, and Lucinia almost feared that the girl would reject her just on impulse alone. I certainly would. But to everyone's surprise, the outlander let out a small giggle and took her hand before giving it a gentle peck. Huh?!

"Of course. My apologies." The girl lowered her head towards the nobles.

Since it was a saintess saying it to them, neither said anything to retort. Just muted grunts of acknowledgement.

Breaking away from the two of them, Emi's cheeky little grin didn't disappear even after they had broken free.

"Lady Emi?" Lucinia queried as the girl came to a sudden stop, "Ah, oh. I suppose we needn't go all the way, I simply saw that they were being overly persistent."

"No, no. It's fine." The girl chuckled, "It's just…"

"Just?"

Emi shuffled her feet and tried to look away, mumbling something under her breath.

"Lady Emi?"

The outlander coughed and cleared her throat before leaning in, "I uhh, I don't know how to dance." She whispered out her secret.

Lucinia did not know how to process the statement. She merely stood there for a moment trying to digest it when she then realized what the girl was suggesting.

"Ah? You… I suppose you don't mind then?" She stammered, caught off guard by her own suggestions and the subsequent agreement.

Emi nodded but looked away.

Taking a page from Sophie and the others, Lucinia summoned her gut and went with what felt natural. She cautiously reached over towards a potential new friend and comrade and grasped onto her hands, their fingers locking together.

"In that case, my lady. If you don't mind…" She almost faltered, "Would you mind if I taught you how to dance as well?"

Emi grinned, "Sounds fun."

Hand in hand, the two stepped towards the ballroom floor and Lucinia was inclined to agree. It was feeling a little more fun now.

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