Party...yay.

5. Nadia 

“Um, Master Thelowar, I think this is a bad idea.” I fumbled with my fingers as an awful premonition arose within me. 

I should’ve left when I had the chance. It’s not like this shi’ is mandatory.

Let me recap what happened a few minutes ago…

After skipping with glee to the study, a dark premonition came over me. How did I come to this realization? Well, I came to find a very irritating itch on my ass. (No, it’s not because I don’t wash my ass, ‘cus I very much DO). While I stood there, staring at the wall, I peeked around the corner real quick before I rubbed that area. Hallelujah, of all things to happen. It had to be this. I rolled my eyes, continuing my course.

My grandmother used to scratch her ass whenever something bad was about to happen, too. Well, at least it’s not my coochie. * cough * * cough * My mother. * cough * * cough * But if I keep this shit up, I’m gonna get labelled even dirtier things than I already am.

I stopped as I reached the door, wondering whether the risk would bring me any benefit. In the case I get forced to do anything, I’ll just blast his shi’ and leave. Or am I being too naïve? I swat the worry away before striding into the massive room. It can’t be that bad, Nadia. I pinched the skin between my thumb and my index finger, calming my nerves.

My only distraction is the constantly changing study room that my Master decorates daily. The aesthetic of the study room changed from my last visit, from a rather historic theme to more astrological and geographic vibes. I’m in awe of the clumsy yet accurate representation. Well done, Master Thelowar.

In his map, he oddly grouped together paintings of ports and hiding places. Some disguised as trees, bushes, and some as haphazard-shaped domes. It made me recall his answer to my question about the extent of his knowledge.

“Why must you learn all of this?”

I took in the dense piles of documents. I sifted through the information and found the subject rather unnecessary. Magical beings weren’t as important as they were before, instead, they remained a myth more than anything. I sat there trying to understand why he needed that information so badly.

Seated across from me, Master Thelowar busied himself in writing a revised manuscript about some magical being stuff for the Prince. He pondered my question as the scratching on the paper ceased to a stall. I returned to copying the pages from the textbook in front of me, unwilling to press him for answers.

“Knowledge is a privilege, Nadia.” His voice was soft but firm. He revealed something in that phrase, but I’m not sure what exactly.

There was more. I perceived there was- so I didn’t answer and waited for him to reveal his thoughts. In turn, he sighed. Upon letting go of the pen, he took off his glasses to rub the lining of dirt with a handkerchief.

“My knowledge is power, and it is a weakness at the same time. If I know nothing, people will take advantage of me, and if I know too much… people will still take advantage of me.”

The point seemed to wash over my head. He chuckled under his breath, amused at my puzzled expression.

“I need to know how to deal with knowing so much. I have to make use of my abilities and use it against people who know I know too much. It’s a strength, Nadia. Mastering what people want most is a strength.”

He looked away from me, a peculiar smile resting on his face. What he said seemed to incite a decision in me I thought I abandoned long ago.

I smiled at the memory. Perhaps that discussion is the reason for my demise today.

Moving along the tapestry, I fingered the embroidery while tracing the outlines of his secret hideouts. In some of these underground locations, he carried discussions about illegal-I mean legal- transportation of his oils. 

To my right, I caught the musky scent of old novels. Quite attracted to the familiarity it brought, I skimmed my fingertips over their spines, unaware of the dust bunnies that followed. I sneezed, recoiling my hand. Rubbing my nose, I looked overhead at the slightly skewed hung-up portrait. I noticed the three people I hated the most and cursed at them before shifting my gaze upwards. Master Thelowar hung planets and stars he had made of fabrics. They were called some weird-ass scientific name that I don't care to remember. Through overarching windows, he carefully positioned a telescope to offer the most spectacular view of the sky. 

As if a decade has passed, I finally reached his mahogany desk scattered with objects, devices, and ink. But no Master Thelowar. When am I ever going to find this man? My knocks echoed unevenly throughout the room, searching for an ear to hear them. The man in question popped out of the thicket of books with widened eyes. His energy is something else when he’s in his study room. I inwardly fawn at his quirky attitude. He strides to his settee set, covered in his work.

“Come, sit.” Master Thelowar motions at me to take the seat opposite him. “I was waiting for you,” he said.

He puts a glass of orange juice in front of me as he sorts through a few documents on the couch opposite mine. I look at the unorganized pictures of noblemen looking up at me from the table. I can’t put names to their faces, but I definitely recognize them. How could I not? I recalled my days back at the palace and nearly snort. I make sure Master Thelowar didn’t hear me as I occupy myself with the glass of juice he brought me.

Silence passes before he begins.

“Nadia, I am aware you know that there will be a social gathering this Friday.”

“Yes, sir,” I replied. The damned itch was so persistent, making me shift ever-so-slightly.

“Well, you also know that I have been making many preparations for this upcoming social gathering for a while now.” He smiles at me, but I struggle to return it.

He continues, “this time especially, we’ll have a lot of important guests. Since I’m considering having Lamia handle my business line, I think it would be best for her to meet more of the senior personnel in the industry.”

Nodding, I agree. Known as a trend-setter in the fashion world, Lamia could be successful in influencing many people. On top of that, special guests will also attend- 

Guests of honour? As in the royal family? I think about this and tilt my head to the side, unsure of what this information means to me.

“As you know, Nadia, I trust you the most with my personal affairs, but I want you to be present during this social gathering.”

Yeah-no. 

“Master, I believe my only duty as a servant is to ensure that the guests are comfortable at this party, so I respectfully decline to attend and soil the reputation of this prestigious family.” I gave him a dazzling smile and clasped my hands together.

I don’t have to think twice about it, bro. There are death flags everywhere.

“I know how you feel about being around aristocracy, but I don’t need you to do much. All you need to do is to gather data on each of my business partners and any presence of powerful mages. You are right to fear the higher-ups, but your presence will go unnoticed. Especially since you are quick on your feet and clever enough to analyze any situation. Better than even I!” He awaited my response, with a rather eager expression.

If the royal guests are so important, then he is likely to divert his attention from the crowd to give them his undivided attention. All the more reason to expect an appearance from the royal family. And if he wants me to sift through this crowd, I’m basically exposing myself more than I would if I just walked into the palace half-naked. I’m not even registered in their system yet. I palmed my face, thinking about my biggest fear. My records from when I was in the palace are probably what they have on me since I haven’t even registered my new identity yet.

Shit, shit, shit. If they find out I’m a fraud, I’m getting hanged at the square.

To make matters worse, the Crown Prince is handling the entire project. He might put me on his radar if I come into contact with him. Particularly if there is an out-of-place servant like me roaming around a ball filled with VIPs. He’ll handle my fate as easily as he handles anyone who crosses him.

Death, Nadia, death. I felt my heart gallop in fear. Panic. I felt the urge to run. Shit, how do I get out of this situation? I open my mouth in refutation, but he cuts me off before the words can even form themselves. The denial hangs precariously on my tongue, waiting to be let loose.

“You don’t have to worry about not fitting in, because my maids and butlers will be there as well. The head maid will prepare a maid’s outfit for you to wear, and you can stand on guard or help nobles with their tasks. It is important to me to keep tabs on any rival companies. You, Nadia, are the only one I can trust with this information. As a reward, I will hike your pay by three times, and you can borrow my Magical Essences journal.”

“Um, Master Thelowar, I think that this is still a bad idea.” I held my fingers tight as a traitorous thought crossed my mind. 

Geez, this dude really knows how to get me to submit to his plans. This change will allow me to cultivate my inner mana, but only at the risk of exposing my identity. Man, I don’t know. My research on the mana and chakra that influence our empire is all in that book, along with the required updated information! I will finally be able to regain what belongs to me if I manage to strengthen my skill set with those spells.

A pained breath escaped me. I can’t let this chance slip if I’m gonna do what I’m gonna do. I need plenty more time. This ain’t enough. 

“Oof, that’s a very good negotiation you got there but-,”

“I will give you ten packs of my powdered orange juice mix.”

GEEZ. Now that’s a deal.

“Deal.”

He held out his hand, and I shook it. It was like he’d won the frickin’ Olympian championship. Well, I’m quick on my feet, so all I need to do is to avoid any imperial family members, and I’m good to go. I couldn’t help but feel tense. But this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I can’t miss it for shit.

“Ayee, that’s my number one ace student!”

His enthusiasm didn’t reach me.

“Yea... and I’m your only student.” 

A moment of silence for the man. He scratched his head, probably thinking why someone like him didn't have students to teach. He stood up facing the sun...or what remained of it. 

“Heh heh, you better run before the sun sets.”

“Kay boss.” I jumped up to leave but cringed as I heard him sing a children's melody off-tune.

“Bye, Nadia!”

“Goodbye, Master Thelowar,” I said. 

I itch my ass as soon as I close the door. But also terrified to the core. Maybe I just bought a one-way ticket to hell.

It was more like suicide than a party; I harrumphed. Despite my throbbing ass, I observe the guard’s expression of horror. Since I stopped caring what insignificant men think, I decided to scratch my behind regardless of their opinion. I still carry on with my day, money piling up in stacks. Ah~ I’ve won, I’ve really won~

But at what expense? I bury the thought in a case I keep for common sense somewhere in my brain. Whatever, I remain winning.