"Come in," I called out, though every instinct screamed that this was a terrible idea.
Elena shuffled in carrying a wooden tray that looked like it had seen better decades, followed by Matilda who wore the expression of someone attending a funeral she'd personally arranged.
The smell hit me first—a combination of overcooked cabbage, something that might have once been meat, and despair. It was the kind of aroma that could be weaponized against enemy nations.
"Your dinner, my lady," Elena announced with all the enthusiasm of someone reading their own death sentence.
She set the tray down on my bedside table with a clatter that suggested the dishes were held together by spite and prayer.
I stared at the gray sludge masquerading as food. It looked like someone had taken actual ingredients, beaten them into submission, then forgotten about them for several days.
SYSTEM ALERT: SUSPICIOUS SUBSTANCE DETECTED
ANALYSIS: NOT TECHNICALLY POISON BUT COULD CAUSE SEVERE DIGESTIVE DISTRESS
CLASSIFICATION: PSYCHOLOGICAL WARFARE DISGUISED AS NUTRITION
"This looks..." I paused, searching for a diplomatic way to say 'absolutely revolting,' "...substantial."
Matilda's lips curved into what might charitably be called a smile if you squinted and had never seen actual human emotion before.
"Oh yes, Cook made it especially for you. It's the same meal we serve to servants who miss their duties. Very... character building."
The malice in her voice was so thick you could probably bottle it and sell it as furniture polish.
I looked between the two maids, then at the food, and made a decision that would either be brilliant or get me murdered.
"How thoughtful. You know what? This looks so delicious that I think you both should share it with me. After all, it would be rude of me to enjoy such wonderful cooking alone."
Elena's face went pale. Matilda's smile faltered like a candle in a hurricane.
"Oh, my lady, we couldn't possibly—" Elena started.
"I insist," I said, my voice carrying just enough authority to make them hesitate. "Elena, please taste it first to make sure it's not too hot. And Matilda, since you mentioned how character-building it is, surely you'd want to experience that growth yourself?"
The two maids exchanged glances that could have powered a small city with their panic.
"But my lady," Matilda stammered, "servants aren't supposed to eat the same food as nobles..."
"Consider it a learning experience," I replied sweetly. "Think of all the character you'll build."
SOCIAL INTERACTION: MANIPULATION SUCCESSFUL
EXP GAINED: 20
SYSTEM POINTS GAINED: 15
ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED: REVENGE IS A DISH BEST SERVED COLD AND DISGUSTING
BONUS SYSTEM POINTS: 25
Elena reluctantly picked up the spoon with the expression of someone about to drink poison. She took a tiny bite, chewed slowly, and her face went through several interesting color changes.
"It's... it's quite flavorful, my lady," she managed, though her voice suggested she was actively fighting her gag reflex.
"Wonderful! Matilda, your turn."
Matilda looked like she'd rather eat her own shoes, but under my expectant gaze, she had no choice. She took an even smaller bite than Elena and immediately started coughing.
"Perhaps... perhaps Cook made it a bit too spicy today," she wheezed.
"Oh dear," I said with mock concern. "Maybe you should both finish the whole bowl to make sure it's safe for me to eat. After all, you wouldn't want me to get sick from poorly prepared food, would you?"
The horror on their faces was absolutely priceless.
They spent the next ten minutes choking down spoonfuls of what could generously be described as edible punishment while I watched with the satisfaction of someone who'd just discovered the perfect non-violent revenge.
By the time they finished, both maids looked like they'd wrestled with death and lost.
"Thank you both for ensuring my safety," I said graciously. "You can inform Cook that I'll be managing my own meals from now on. I wouldn't want to burden the kitchen with such... elaborate preparations."
They practically fled from the room, and I swear I heard retching sounds echoing down the hallway.
ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED: TURNED THE TABLES WITHOUT LIFTING A FINGER
SYSTEM POINTS GAINED: 30
Once they were gone, I finally allowed myself to examine my reflection in the cracked mirror across the room.
The girl staring back at me was a stranger wearing Aria's face. Black hair that should have been lustrous hung limp and lifeless around a face that was all sharp angles and hollow cheeks. Pale skin stretched over bones like parchment, and dark circles under her eyes told the story of years of mistreatment.
But underneath the malnutrition and neglect, I could see the potential. The bone structure was elegant, the features delicate but strong. With proper care and nutrition, Aria could be genuinely beautiful.
Not that beauty would solve my immediate problems.
CURRENT STATUS:
EXP: 60/100
SYSTEM POINTS: 85
LEVEL 2 APPROACHING
"Zara, now that I'm close to level two, what exactly can I buy with these system points?"
LEVEL 2 STORE PREVIEW AVAILABLE
STAT INCREASES: 10 POINTS PER STAT POINT UP TO LEVEL 10
SKILLS: OBSERVATION LEVEL 1 - 50 POINTS
BASIC CULTIVATION MANUAL - 75 POINTS
MARTIAL ARTS: FOUNDATION BREATHING - 100 POINTS
I studied the options carefully. With my current points, I could either boost a few stats slightly or invest in a skill that might give me more long-term advantages.
"The observation skill sounds useful. What exactly does it do?"
OBSERVATION SKILL LEVEL 1:
REVEALS BASIC INFORMATION ABOUT INDIVIDUALS UP TO 20 LEVELS HIGHER THAN USER
SHOWS GENERAL ATTITUDE AND INTENTIONS TOWARD USER
USEFUL FOR AVOIDING ASSASSINATION ATTEMPTS AND IDENTIFYING ALLIES
"Sold. But I'll wait until I level up to make any purchases."
I spent the next hour carefully stretching and doing basic exercises that wouldn't aggravate my healing ribs. Nothing too strenuous—just enough to start rebuilding some muscle tone without arousing suspicion.
As I moved, I thought about my conversation with the Duke. Three months to prepare for the Royal Academy entrance exam with virtually no resources, hostile family members, and stats that would make a tutorial NPC weep with pity.
I needed money, and I needed it fast.
From Aria's memories, I recalled fragments of information about the kingdom's economy and social structure. The Montclair duchy was strategically positioned near several trade routes, and the family maintained political neutrality to avoid the messy entanglements of royal court politics.
But there was something else... a memory of overhearing servants complaining about the smell of commoners, and nobles discussing the crude hygiene habits of the lower classes.
"Zara, what can you tell me about hygiene and soap in this world?"
CULTURAL ANALYSIS: NOBLES TYPICALLY USE SCENTED OILS AND PLAIN WATER FOR BATHING
COMMONERS HAVE LIMITED ACCESS TO CLEANING PRODUCTS
OPPORTUNITY DETECTED: SOAP PRODUCTION COULD BE HIGHLY LUCRATIVE
WARNING: REQUIRES INITIAL CAPITAL AND MARKET ACCESS
A business plan began forming in my mind. If I could create quality soap and find a way to distribute it, I might be able to generate the income I desperately needed.
But first, I needed more information about the local economy, potential partners, and the political landscape I'd be navigating.
From what I could remember of Aria's fragmented education, there were several major powers to consider: the neighboring Arkenis Empire, the various ducal houses, and the complex web of relationships surrounding the saintess and her four... admirers.
A soft knock interrupted my planning.
This time, the footsteps had been different—measured, professional, and somehow familiar in a way that made my heart skip a beat for reasons I couldn't identify.
"Lady Aria? I've brought the healing supplies the Duke requested."
The voice was steady, emotionless, and belonged to someone I should probably remember but didn't.
SYSTEM ALERT: UNKNOWN INDIVIDUAL APPROACHING
EMOTIONAL SIGNATURE: COMPLEX AND UNREADABLE
RECOMMENDATION: PROCEED WITH CAUTION