Chương 25: Planning For The Future

As Marcella and I began walking through the castle's lavish gardens, the air felt lighter, the colors around us more vibrant—a welcome pause from the tensions that had been fraying my nerves. I was still cautious, conscious of how these strange gifts and titles seemed to affect the world around me, but in Marcella's company, I felt the edges of my concerns soften slightly.

"We both have secrets, it seems," I said, offering a rueful smile as we took a seat on a stone bench beneath a blooming trellis. "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't curious about your class."

Marcella turned towards me, her demeanor both amused and wistful. "I suppose it's only fair," she replied, reaching out a hand. I watched in fascination as ethereal tendrils of light emanated from her palm to form her status screen—a semi-transparent display of blue light with delicate, flowing script.

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| Name: Marcella of Havenby| HP: 480/480 | MP: 550/550 |

| Class: Noble Diplomat | Level: 32 | Exp: 620/9900 |

| Title: The People's Grace (+5 Cha, +10 Wis) |

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| Strength: 70 |

| Dexterity: 60 |

| Constitution: 50 |

| Intelligence: 85 |

| Wisdom: 75 |

| Charisma: 160 |

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| Class Abilities: |

| Elegant Rhetoric: Persuade or dissuade others using refined language. |

| Aura of Serenity: Calm tensions in a room or negotiation. |

| Insightful Counselor: Provide guidance that often leads to robust solutions. |

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| Skills: |

| Diplomacy (Intermediate): Level 25 | +1 Wis, +2 Cha per level |

| Court Etiquette (Intermediate): Level 20 | +1 Int, +1 Cha per level |

| Cultural Knowledge (Beginner): Level 15 | +1 Int, +1 Wis per level |

| Historical Awareness (Beginner): Level 10 | +1 Wis per level |

| Language Mastery (Novice): Level 8 | +1 Int per level |

| Dance of the Court (Novice): Level 7 | +1 Dex, +1 Cha per level |

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My eyebrows rose at the sight of her Charisma—higher than mine, even with my enhancements. It suddenly made sense that she could resist whatever allure I might inadvertently project.

"That's... impressive," I admitted, glancing from the screen to her face. "Your talents are clearly suited for leadership and mediation. No wonder you've been so unfazed by... whatever it is I've been dealing with."

Marcella laughed, a sound that was both charming and genuine. "Well, part of it is my class, and part of it is just being used to dealing with all sorts of characters in court. Your titles don't affect me the way they might affect others."

Encouraged by her openness, I raised my own hand, allowing my status to form into view—a similar display of light, though mine had the colors of amber and emerald. Then the color drained from her face.

"How are you only level 9?"

Instead of answering her, I guided her to a place that was off to the side, and more private.

"I don't grow the same way everyone else does. I g... I g-g... Strange. Every time I try to tell you, something tangles my tongue..." I mused, and Marcella visibly relaxed.

"At least that is a good sign. From what I know, only the deities covet class abilities. If you had been able to say it, I might have become worried. There are beings on this plane that are just as old as the deities. Most of them are not bad, but none can be said to be good, and they like to push their own goals on mortals they bless."

The depth of Marcella's knowledge surprised me. It was a reminder of her role beyond being a princess—she was well-versed in the workings and histories that shaped our world. It made sense then that she would see through the veneer of titles and track my character's true growth.

"Then perhaps it's better left unsaid," I conceded, pondering the implications of her words. "All you need to know is that I've taken an unconventional path, one that defies the standard metrics of leveling. It's tied to my crafting skills, and it seems the gods have seen fit to intertwine our fates with my journey."

Marcella nodded, a glimmer of intrigue flitting across her intelligent eyes. "That makes you even more of an anomaly than I realized. Oh! I am sorry! I didn't mean it like that!" She suddenly blustered, realizing how her words might sound.

I laughed, waving off her concern. "I take no offense. Anomaly, enigma, call it what you will—I've decided to own it." I briefly touched the tips of my fingers, watching the status screen dissipate into the air. "What's important now is that we use our combined strengths to navigate the challenges ahead. With your diplomatic finesse and my unparalleled craftsmanship, we can forge a strong future for this kingdom."

"And speaking of challenges," I said, seriousness wrapping around my words like a cloak, "Something is coming. A creature named Shigora told me that was war."

Marcella's face sobered at the mention of Shigora and the impending war. "Shigora? Do you mean the ancient Spider Goddess? Do you know what she is?! She is one of these old beings I was just talking about! She is known for her cryptic prophecies and manipulation of events from behind her web of shadows. If she's warned you of war, then it's likely something significant is on the horizon." Marcella's voice held a weight that underscored the gravity of the situation. "We need to be prepared, both defensively and strategically."

I nodded solemnly. The thought of war in a world already brimming with unknown dangers was a daunting one. "Your diplomatic skills will be invaluable," I continued, "We'll need to strengthen alliances, gather information, and possibly seek support from neighboring kingdoms."

Marcella glanced at the gardens, a pensive look etched across her features. "I'll begin opening dialogues with our allies and scouts," she said. "We need a clear picture of what's happening beyond our borders—and we need it soon."

Standing up from the bench, I felt the burden of responsibility settle around my shoulders once again. There was much to do and little time to do it in. "Let's bring together a council," I suggested. "Traditional leaders, military heads, and those with... special skills, like you and me."

"Good idea, and don't forget Kuka," Marcella added. "Her insight into magic and the ancient history of Velum could prove invaluable."

Together, we began to walk back toward the castle, plotting and planning with every step. I realized that while I felt confident in my crafting and the protective measures I could construct, I had much to learn about leadership and war. Fortunately, I had Marcella to guide me in those arenas—I just hoped I could learn fast enough.

As I entered the castle, I knew that alongside reinforcing the kingdom's defenses, I also needed to accelerate my own growth. War would test me in ways I hadn't anticipated when I first reincarnated into this world. I would rise to that test and emerge victoriously—my resolve was as firm as the steel I would forge for the coming conflict.

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