On the carriage back from Labyrinth Bank, a group whispers about us. From their chatter, I gauge their party: four male warriors in their late 20s. All-warrior parties aren't rare; priests and mages are scarce, so balanced teams are uncommon. Elite parties hoard the few priests and mages. The carriage holds three other groups: these four warriors, three women in their early 20s, and six middle-aged men—all mid-to-low-tier warriors, likely labyrinth newbies.
"Hey, kids. New faces. Just started at Bank?" a warrior asks, fishing for info.
Ilmera ignores him, lips tight, glaring—he called me "kid," which she dislikes. No need to make enemies, though.
"Yeah, first time at Bank. Scouted half a day. First floor's fine. We, Break Free, focus on leveling and funds, leveraging our small size."
They all perk up—probably a recruitment pitch. A mage-priest duo, even kids, is tempting. I stress our small-party advantage to deter them. Their skills likely match my golems; no benefit in teaming up.
"Two's risky. Bank's dangerous. More members are safer. Advice from seniors—we've hit the third floor," he brags.
Recruitment, as expected. They're older but stuck on Bank's third floor—level 10–15, given Bank's nine floors require an average party level of 30 for the bottom.
"Thanks, but we're joining the Adventurer Training Academy next month and will find members there."
The women's group chimes in. "You're our juniors? We're Wild Roses, I'm leader Agrissa. Nice to meet you."
Polished, likely wealthy academy grads. Alumni networks are key; can't brush them off.
"OGs? Pleasure. I'm Reinhardt, Break Free's leader. This is Ilmera."
Ilmera, ever refined, bows slightly, reading my intent to stay polite despite her stubborn streak.
"Lovers?" Agrissa asks.
"No, Reinhardt-sama is my master. I belong to him, not an equal," Ilmera says.
Agrissa's eyes chill, cheeks flushing—misunderstanding something wild.
"Ilmera's my priest and maid. Her duty's strict, so no weird assumptions, senior," I clarify.
"Of course not!" Agrissa stammers. "Since we've met, join us at Bank? We're on floor six but can do three to show you the ropes."
"Wait!" the warrior interrupts. "We pitched first! OG or not, don't cut in!"
"How rude! What do third-floor weaklings want with our juniors?" Agrissa snaps.
The warrior shuts up. Wild Roses, hitting floor six, are likely level 20+. They know they'd lose. I deflect to avoid entanglement.
"Thanks, but we want to test our limits alone. We won't overdo it and have the academy for support."
"Fair, but you'll attract attention," Agrissa warns. "Mages and priests are rare, and your golems treat front-liners as disposable. With her healing, many will want you. If trouble hits, say Wild Roses already scouted you. It'll fend off lowlifes, though not higher-level groups."
OG backing could deter academy peers. Their families' influence—likely second or third daughters—matters. I plan to cut ties with House Barei, so I need strength to counter noble power. My second life's hurdles are steep.
We chat with Wild Roses until the carriage reaches the capital. The six older men stay silent, likely intimidated by noble-like me and Agrissa. They tried speaking but couldn't join in—hardened, non-noble types. We part with Wild Roses, who give me their commercial district address for a future visit. I need to learn proper alumni etiquette at the academy.
"Ilmera, how was it? Can we make it as a duo?"
In the noble district, we revert to noble and maid; she trails a step behind.
"Yes, Reinhardt-sama, you'll manage."
Being called by name with "-sama" beats "master."
"Good. Let's move to the new house soon."
Ilmera's warm smile, pure and unlike my past life's scheming women, stirs me. They wanted my seed for their backers; what became of them after my execution? It's irrelevant, but I can't stop wondering.
Post-labyrinth, Father summons me to his study after dinner for a report and plans. His warrior-focused study holds unread noble-requisite books, including magic tomes I'll take. A magical candelabrum lights the table with tea; Ilmera stands by the wall.
"Already explored the labyrinth? Too rushed," Father says.
"Just a test run. With prep and caution, it's fine. Earnings are good, leaving time for the academy."
No need to grind for survival—earnings are high. My rare drop rate needs tweaking; too many high potions from goblins could draw attention. I'll stick to goblin-hunting for now since the guild knows.
"You're taking on a lot. I miss my carefree knight deputy days. Noble life's a burden. You've changed since Yennie's death two years ago, and I didn't notice. Forcing you to inherit was wrong. The Noble Council approved your renunciation instantly, no debate. Even my commander asked why I didn't do it sooner."
He pours wine, filling my glass, then drinks straight from the bottle, stressed by noble life. As a low-tier baron, he's noble society's bottom rung—above only honorary, one-generation titles like quasi-barons.
"Father, I'm not bitter. I feel bad for Ingo. I'll leave tomorrow for the lower town, aiming to make a name as an adventurer. Don't worry."
"Sorry… truly sorry. Take Yennie's gear for Ilmera—everything but her staff. No mage gear for you, but you use swords, right? Take my old one."
He opens another bottle, drinking deeply. New noble life weighs on him. His hour-long rant follows—noble society's pressures, higher titles trumping his deputy role. Exhausted, he slumps asleep. I cover him with a blanket and leave. The council's instant approval must sting; his love for me was dismissed.
"Father, Lady Erna, Ingo… I'm off," I say.
Ilmera bows. "Lord Dirk, Lady Erna, Ingo, thank you for everything."
She's lively, unburdened by leaving House Barei.
"Reinhardt, return if it's too hard," Erna says.
"Brother, come back!" Ingo pleads.
Their warmth is genuine, unaware of noble society's darkness. I distance myself for their sake—a clash looms when Ingo or I turn 15.
"Ingo, House Barei's yours. Become its heir. Lady Erna, thank you. Please care for Father."
Bidding my second family farewell, I head with Ilmera to our new home. Stage one's done, but my free, joyful second life faces more obstacles.