Chapter 4 - Part 19 (Book 1 - Fantasy World)

"So you are the Lady Knight of Illumin Academic City," Yi shifted his body, placing his elbow on the armrest and resting his head on his hand. His eyes twinkled as though Valessandria had caught his attention in some way.

Feeling a chill run up her back, having gained such a person's attention, Valessandria reminded herself that it was essential to promote the City since more nobles would mean a stronger position against external political influences. Their City always felt on the edge of being swallowed up by the Kindom or Empire, two of the largest forces in the immediate area.

Taking a sip of the tea and gaining some courage, Valessandria nodded, "That is correct."

"I am unfamiliar with such a place," Yi leaned forward, smiling slightly as though sensing her hesitancy.

Coming to terms with the young lord not seeming to leave the subject alone and knowing she'd have needed to promote her City anyways, Valessandria attempted a cheerful smile while straightening her back. "Though we are within the territory of the Kingdom, Illumin is able to retain sovereignty due to the value we offer to all the regional nations."

Yi's eyes widened slightly as he opened his mouth to eat another grape fed by the stunning red-haired maid.

Seeing that the young lord wasn't going to add anything, she continued, "Though there are other similar Academic Cities on the continent, we pride ourselves in how we refuse to discriminate against the financial and political backgrounds of our students. As the head of the Disciplinary Committee, I can assure you of this fact."

The white-haired woman named Queen rolled her eyes. Looking at Valessandria, Queen pointed a finger, "That sounds nice, but I assume you have no way to defend yourself if the Kingdom wants to take over. So, I have no doubt that you cater to those of noble heritage." She snickered at the lunacy as she leaned back into the couch.

"While I may not have phrased it in such a manner, I do agree that Queen has a point," Helania looked at Queen as though chastising the woman before turning to look at Valessandria. "I imagine you provide some service that allows you to shield yourself, stopping your small city from being consumed?"

Hearing both women call her out on the longevity of the City, Valessandria couldn't help but think of the numerous lords and ladies inside the Academy who gave her headaches with their mentality.

"While you are correct, our Academy being one of the best, we offer those who originate from other nations an opportunity to better themselves. Those same students return to their respective homes, benefiting the local government organizations." Valessandria took a sip of the tea to soothe her mind and moisten her throat. "In addition to our academic abilities, the Adventurer's Guild has been a great boon, placing one of their branches inside the City."

"This means that any acts of aggression on the City would also be directed to the Guild," Yi said. His eyes bore straight into Valessandria's soul -- trying to find any falsehoods said.

Valessandria paused in her explanation, seeing that the young lord was contemplating something.

"I admit that the Adventurer's Guild was not something I was familiar with, but as I keep hearing their name, I sense that they contribute far more than I could ever have realized." Yi stroked his chin slowly as he thought out loud.

Queen moved forward, no longer appearing to lounge on the sofa, "My Master, I do not think such an organization could be so powerful that they would be able to hold back nations with military power." She waved a hand at the idea and at Valessandria.

Helania placed a hand on her cheek, "I suspect that the value of the Guild is how they are an organization that provides work to protect the surrounding area and stimulate the local economy. It would be difficult for all countries to move against Illumin, so any that do would risk having the Guild pull out from that nation. Such a decision would likely cause great economic turmoil."

Despite the analysis not being anything extraordinary, Valessandria couldn't help but stare at the three. For a moment, she felt like she was back in Illumin and listening to teachers debating a topic. She couldn't understand how no one knew about such a noble family until now.

In her mind, she could hear the President ordering her to do whatever was necessary to bring the young lord to their Academy and become a student. Then the voice of the Treasurer complaining about how expenses were increasing and their need to bring in more students from wealthy families.

Valessandria had a sinking suspicion that if she came back without the young noble, she would face disciplinary action by the Student Council.

Lifting the tea cup from the saucer, Valessandria wasn't surprised to see it tremble slightly in her grip.

"We also have many businesses of varying sizes which may offer great potential for your family," Valessandria did everything in her power to smile and become a vessel for any diety connected to merchants. She prayed they would answer her call and help her through such an ordeal. "Thanks to our low tax rate, below what any nation offers, businesses are continually streaming into our City to conduct trade. Such an environment allows for students interested in business to gain internship opportunities that would be unimaginable anywhere else."

Valessandria looked at the young lord before slowly checking the mood of the two senior attendants, who seemed to have a significant influence on the young lord.

The silence in the room began to grow as Valessandria fought to keep herself calm. She hoped her face wasn't sweating to such a severe degree, though her body under the armor was beginning to warm.

"After you explain the offer and all the benefits, you need to stay quiet. The first to speak is the one that loses." She heard the Treasurer's voice after a Council meeting at one of the nearby cafes.

"People often let silence bother them, making them say things and offering more benefits -- beyond what already exists. So whenever you do a deal, make sure to know when to shut up." The Treasurer stabbed her finger at her expecting Valessandria to be someone who would make such an error.

While Valessandria waited for the young noble to make a decision, she hated how her face felt as though it was going to be frozen in place and how the muscles holding the smile felt like they were cramping.

"If I were interested in becoming a student at your Academy, what would I need to do in order to get accepted?" Yi looked at Valessandria as though admission into the Academy wasn't something he worried about -- already anticipating his acceptance.