The Ogre Strength Fairy and the Eldest 'Son'
Chapter 196 - When Schemers Dine, Their Words Are Blades & Their Smiles Are Shields

Chapter 196: Chapter 196 - When Schemers Dine, Their Words Are Blades & Their Smiles Are Shields

Yatrel watched the exchange between her husband and their guest with hidden tension. The kind that fooled no one with at least an Enchanter level of spiritual sense. The Frozen Duskblade had finally engaged properly with Ondua about his experiences during the last Descent.

Even offering insights about adaptation in combat.

"The Voidling’s group movements can defy preconceptions. Your encounter demonstrates why flexibility in technique becomes crucial."

Her husband’s eyes lit with enthusiasm as they discussed the details. It was the kind of conversation he had clearly hoped for when bringing her to their camp. Fluid choices in battle was the entire reason he had chosen to wield a whip blade!

Just as a mint eyed woman started to ’relax’, the swordswoman’s attention shifted again.

"Your daughter must have received excellent combat training. The Goltbred name now carries certain expectations."

The protective mother’s fingers tightened on the table’s edge. The focus was back on their daughter... but this woman had also included their family *name*? Elua’s ’giggle’ drew all eyes to her before the reddish-blonde could open her mouth again.

"I’m sure there are plenty of rumors. I don’t consider myself to be someone that enjoys fighting. It’s why I sought out a Guild that could interest me."

Yatrel caught the glimmer in her daughter’s eyes - so like her own - and felt her tension ease slightly.

"As for expectations... father, I hope this isn’t becoming a habit? Bringing such famous warriors to dinner without even warning mother?"

Her openly teasing tone made Ondua flush and cough. Even Corde seemed taken aback by the sudden shift in conversation, dropping the piece of bread in her fingers. Was this what was lying underneath the poise?

"I mean, I do understand. Lady Iralev’s reputation is quite impressive! But... perhaps next time you could arrange it properly?"

"A-ah. Properly?"

"Dad... you must give your wife time to prepare for such distinguished company. If Qat brought someone along without warning, how do you think I would feel?"

He shuddered before saying a silent prayer for *that* Qatrand. While he was pretty sure that his daughter was only similar to Yatrel in a sense of fidelity... that did not preclude there being some sort of trigger for ’worse’ behavior. He could easily see unfamiliar women being that!

"You’re right. She works quite hard to maintain our family’s reputation for hospitality. I’m sorry, dear."

The Dame Goltbred hardened her smile but softened her displeasure. Trust her clever girl to find a way to both lighten the mood and *hopefully* remind their guest of proper social graces.

"You can apologize more later. I knew that this might be an inevitability when we came to the grounds. That is why I made sure to bring the large table."

"Yes, we shouldn’t complain. After all, it gives everyone at the table a chance to hear about combat from someone who has actually fought so successfully that she became famous for it."

The way Elua directed attention back to Corde’s expertise while seeming to simply make family conversation... the swordswoman found herself reassessing her earlier suspicions about the girl’s social abilities.

’This individual is terrifying.’

"Oh! How could I forget?"

The heiress clapped her hands together with a look of contrition.

"Speaking of famous fighters, mother has quite an impressive record under her belt. Perhaps you find dueling other cultivators is quite different from facing Voidlings?"

Elua’s ’innocent’ curiosity worked for most - but after witnessing how the conversation was led... there was no doubt that something sharper lay underneath it. It was obvious to her parents and also to all their guests. Even if there was not a ripple of negative feelings.

Yatrel wondered where she was going with this...

"Have you had many experiences with both? I’ve read stories about your battles with the Voidlings. Zyris has also told me more about the Frozen Duskblade... but surely someone of your skill must have faced other challenges?"

The famed swordswoman found herself caught between a duelist’s measuring gaze and the daughter’s seemingly eager questions. The girl’s phrasing made refusing to answer almost as revealing as any response. Not to mention there were stories that would reveal any lies.

"I have dueled... but most of my combat experience involves the Descent."

"Really? How fascinating! Mother once mentioned that dealing with thinking opponents requires different approaches - we would all love to hear Lady Iralev’s perspective on the comparison."

The way she wove together genuine looks of admiration for the past of both women while extracting specific information made it hard to believe that the brunette was not a fan of combat. The woman with reddish-blonde hair sat her spoon down and spoke her thoughts first.

"Enemies with the ability to plan ahead on their own can be quite challenging either way. For single opponents, learning their patterns and anticipating their choice is still key to success."

Yatrel’s voice carried a particular edge as she reminisced. Several servants shifted slightly further from the table, uncomfortably familiar with these sorts of stories. Corde visibly nodded her agreement during multiple parts.

’She sounds like a fine fighter. It’s a shame she won’t wield a blade.’

"I’ve heard you were quite *thorough* in dealing with such challenges, mother. Some of them overcome so quickly that you had no need to learn their patterns. Especially when it comes to father’s... admirers."

The Frozen Duskblade’s spoon paused halfway to her mouth. The way the girl emphasized ’thorough’ carried dark implications... and the way she didn’t bat an eye or falter was somehow surprising.

She realized that some part of her was taking in the outward innocence and internalizing it. The heiress was really very skilled. Her mother seemed adept at leveraging her personality as well.

"Yes. Those situations required decisive action."

"Honey... can we not-"

"I suppose that Voidlings are just as straightforward in their intentions, in a way. Though they want to attack every living thing... not steal someone’s husband."

Meyran coughed into his drink while Nohre and Fusand exchanged wide-eyed looks. Suddenly they had to question things - was that what was going on, here?!