The Ogre Strength Fairy and the Eldest 'Son'
Chapter 239 - Enjoying Drinks Over Conversation Actually Takes A While, Though Not Longer Than It Takes To Scheme

Chapter 239: Chapter 239 - Enjoying Drinks Over Conversation Actually Takes A While, Though Not Longer Than It Takes To Scheme

The former liaison felt herself falling into Elua’s rhythm and shifted back on her cushion. Part of her, underneath her composure, wanted to scream! She couldn’t shake the feeling that she was being made to dance on strings, even when pursuing what seemed like her own ideas.

"Of course, any arrangements would need proper approval through official channels. However, we do indeed have plans after the Voidling threat is dealt with that should provide stable work."

While she was speaking to the teenage boy, she also made sure to look over and nod at Aleck. The fighter’s spirit had growing ’interest’ despite his earlier hesitation. For the first time, the method of contracting that the beautiful woman had suggested seemed less daunting to him than full Guild membership.

’Attractive people really sell things better, don’t they?’

Deep inside, he wondered if anyone else had ever noted this phenomena.

"I have done some contract work before. Small stuff, helping local merchants with security during travel. As long as you make sure to go into each one with a clear idea of what you are getting into, they usually work out."

The cultivator looked over and advised his ’junior’.

"The branch could certainly use reliable security personnel as well."

Klaytei’s cool-toned observation drew a hidden smirk from her charge. The illusion of Elua still pressed against her shoulder toyed absently with the woman’s sleeve, looking all the world like an affectionate friend.

’Or perhaps I’m treating her like one would a cousin or maybe an aunt? In a manner of speaking, she has taken care of me all these years like an attentive relative. If you forget about it being a paid job.’

In any case, the schemer was doing her best to draw the attention of her ’fan’.

"Oh yes, especially with how quickly we’ll be expanding! I’m sure Dima wouldn’t want just anyone guarding or working around such valuable research, so if she makes an offer... you know she means it~"

The branch manager’s brow scrunched at how the heiress managed to make even agreement with her sound calculating. Her gaze caught on how comfortable the teenager seemed using her servant as a cushion. She couldn’t decide whether Klaytei had brought up personnel because her master told her to beforehand or if it was her actual thought as a secretary at the office.

Without a clear idea, Dima simply began speaking about the basics of such a job and the young man at the table found himself paying extra attention - as deciding not to take an opportunity was different from not recognizing one in the first place. While they chatted back and forth, Elua squat next to her disciples and watched the Projection that flickered from the boy’s palm.

This time he attempted to recreate the curve of Aleck’s chain mid-swing and how it deflected off of Qat’s large sword.

"Your control in public is improving."

Nohre’s sudden quiet praise made his face grow brown. His companion had been watching his practice with the technique closely ever since they both started learning from the heiress. Only their master herself saying something like that would make him feel better - and only marginally.

His spirit filled with bashful ’pride’ at her words, though his mind never stopped recreating the movements he had watched. The imaging technique he was attempting to use was already hard, but being able to practice in front of others without becoming too self-conscious was progress of its own.

Dark braids swayed as the girl leaned even closer to whisper.

"Do you want to go watch the exhibition matches so you can get some more ideas?"

Her companion’s sandy hair fell forward as he nodded. His answer was equally quiet and just as thoughtful.

"The spots near the medical station usually have a good view. Maybe you can talk to some of them that aren’t busy and ask questions?"

The girl fought to contain her smile over the fact that he had noticed her interest.

"We should probably ask to be excused first..."

Before they could figure out how to politely interrupt the ongoing conversation about security work, their master’s voice rang out with ’oddly’ perfect timing.

"Oh my, I almost forgot. I’m not saying anyone has to leave, but if any of you were interested in watching the next matches... you should probably start heading over to the dueling field."

The small teen sat up straight as she talked, ending the display of her excessive intimacy with her servant. Her ’sweet’ smile and tones served to show her as a gracious hostess as she gestured toward the camp entrance.

"I wouldn’t want to keep anyone from their other interests. Especially since so many of you took time from your busy schedules to join me."

One siglist pressed her lips together in a small frown, recognizing another calculated move. Still, she found herself considering returning to work. There were still preparations needed for the afternoon... when she would meet with more people and have even more discussions of tentative plans.

’Bureaucracy as a fresh manager is surprisingly not that different from being a liaison. I’m just dealing with making connections with people of higher rank than I used to.’

Keeping relationships smooth between whatever outside Guild she had been assigned to work with as an ’access point’ was her primary job before. In that regard, she found herself regretfully thankful for Elua er Goltbred. None of these old men or women frightened her at all, even if she might have been nervous in the past.

They were so *straightforward* compared to the heiress!

Not only that, but there was the amazing thing called ’backing’ that she had now. Before, as a single member of the Coiled Serpent Guild she had a rather small amount of ’clout’. With her improved position and the name of the ’hero of the last Descent’ in this region standing firmly behind her...

"Yes. I think I should get back to work. As lovely as this was."

The meteor hammer wielder drummed his fingers against the borrowed vest as he watched the woman rise smoothly to her feet. The young man found himself nodding along to her sentiment. He had a bit of lingering uncertainty over whether to express more direct interest in the work or not.

"I should take another look at the matches as well. Different perspectives and all that. I mean, it was where I expected to make my name, so there are probably others like me that just didn’t get as lucky."

His modest phrasing drew a flicker of ’amusement’ through the gathering who had all watched his skill. When the orphans rose as well, the servant joined them. She began collecting cups from those preparing to depart. When she reached for Dima’s cup, their eyes locked briefly.

"I can handle any scheduling details for young Fusand at the branch if you decide to inquire further."

Klaytei’s voice carried just enough personal warmth to draw a quick glance from Talva. The Army member’s spirit held a fresh curiosity about the dynamics she was observing. Elua took note of her scrutiny, mentally labeling the woman as very attentive.

’Well, I can see it now too. But to be fair, it’s not like I was around them much after they started working together.’

The reincarnator was absolutely not bitter that any part of her plans had been derailed. The brunette was more than used to adapting to ’survive’ before even thinking about how to *thrive*. As well as discovering that the path she was pushed towards would end up better than the ones she had been thinking of.

"It was wonderful to have you all here. May we all find the afternoon productive."

Elua’s ’sweet’ voice wrapped around them like honey syrup as she remained seated and smiled at them all. Her mint eyes gradually fixed on Talva with barely concealed anticipation as the blonde scooted off her cushion. She had been the only guest to not stand to leave.

’I regret it! I just wanted to talk to her a little longer and now it looks like I was the only one... she must want me to go. I doubt being alone with someone that asked to hug you is something such a smart girl would do.’

"I should probably-"

"Oh, but before you go, I wanted to show you something special. If you don’t mind staying just a few more minutes at least?"

The worrying military woman stopped short in steps and thoughts. Her fingers twisted the fabric of her uniform hem as she turned back. Her spirit held ’excitement’ and ’anxiety’ over being singled out by the heiress. The blonde’s height should make her seem imposing, but somehow, despite her muscles...

’Like a frail flower stem, with petals afraid to bloom.’

The former Demi-God had learned early to judge others less on their physical presence and more on their spiritual one. Though her own Astralism’s existence made it clear that such was not a *foolproof* method of judging someone... it was at least a dozen times more accurate.

"I... wouldn’t want to impose."

"Not at all! Besides, my parents would never forgive me if I didn’t offer to share this with someone who appreciates sigil work as much as you do."

The brunette’s words drew a gaze from the branch manager not yet that far away. Dima found herself wondering what sort of scheme involved keeping the Army member behind. She wasn’t going to bother with why sigils were mentioned - that seemed like an intent to trap her and make her turn back. The woman allowed Klaytei to guide her toward the exit as she kept watch.

"Don’t forget about the afternoon meeting. I’ll walk with you for a bit."

The quiet reminder came as the servant’s fingers brushed her elbow and brought her attention back to her departure. Behind them, Nohre and Fusand exchanged quick bows with their host before falling into step with Aleck. The young man’s spirit suggested he had questions for them about their own experiences with the Goltbred heiress.

Luckily, they had been coached on how to deal with people like that.

As the majority of the group filtered out of the camp, Talva er Ryleon found herself alone with the small cultivator. Her heart raced as ’Elua’ rose to her feet like a doll came to life. The real illusionist waited and watched the approaching pair.

"Now then, before we talk about scholarly things... there’s someone very special I’d like you to meet~"

The youthful girl’s tactical ruse and her ’powerful backup plan’ were the foulest of plays.