I felt a bit anxious. I had no idea what was going to happen. I wasn't sure what exactly Flora wanted, but it sure as hell has something to do with me.
After what felt like an eternity, Flora finally broke the awkward silence in the room.
"I truly apologize for taking up your precious time, Lady Rosaline. But I must confess. My curiosity has gotten the better of me. If you don't mind, will you tell me which God or Goddess blessed you?"
She's asking Rosaline, not about me? What is she planning?
I'm curious if Rosaline will honestly tell Flora her patron God. Kratos is a pretty popular God with a large following consisting mostly of warriors. Some of the knights in the Griffin Knight Order are followers of Kratos. But it seemed like none of them knew that Rosaline's patron God is Kratos.
I'm guessing only a select few in the Montampes household know which God blessed Rosaline. This girl must really trust me to tell me this secret that day.
Rosaline answered, cutting off my thoughts.
"I apologize, but my father forbade me from sharing this information with anyone."
Huh, he did? I didn't know that, which means Duke Montampes allowed her to tell me that secret. Or Rosaline just told me without ever consulting her father and just silently allowed this fuck-up since I'm a Blessed One too. Yeah... the latter scenario is more likely to have happened.
"Shame. Oh well, no use dwelling on it."
Flora didn't try to pry further. I am so confused!
"How about a wager!"
Oh no.
"A duel between your butler and Roberto here should be interesting."
Oh fuck.
"If your butler wins, you may have one wish that I must grant as long as it is within my capabilities. And if Roberto wins, your butler shall belong to me."
Goddammit. Refusing this offer of a duel would damage the Montampes household's reputation, branding Rosaline as a coward. She has to accept this.
"Are you implying that a Count's daughter such as you has something to offer that the Montampes duchy cannot obtain? Who do you think you are?"
Rosaline with the comeback!! NICE!! She's making me proud, holy shit.
Flora's butler, Roberto, suddenly exuded bloodlust. It was directed towards Rosaline. It seemed that he was offended by Rosaline's remark. I don't think he's stupid enough to attack the daughter of a Duke out in the open, but just in case I discreetly slid a dagger into my hand, hidden behind the sofa. If he ever tries anything, I'll be ready to strike.
"I-I apologize, Lady Rosaline! I didn't mean to overstep! How about I change the terms? I am a Spirit Mage, so if your butler wins the duel, I'll summon a spirit for you!"
"No, that isn't enough. My butler is a precious companion of mine, and I shall not tolerate any attempt of stealing him."
Flora sighed.
"Very well. I want to see his eyes. I already know that he's a Blessed One. As a mage, I want to know more about Blessed Ones."
I sensed Rosaline's hand twitch. Seems like she didn't expect Flora to know.
Rosaline held her chin. It looks like she's trying to think of an answer. To agree or not to agree?
Flora's new demand if Roberto wins is for me to take off my blindfold. I honestly don't see any harm in it. She already knows that I'm a Blessed One.
Flora is a mage. That would mean that she is also a researcher. Letting her inspect my eyes might not necessarily be a bad thing. For all I know, she might discover a new use for my powers, increasing my combat prowess.
And besides, it might not be a bad idea for Rosaline to befriend a mage. Was the reason why she attacked me last night because she thought a Duke's daughter like Rosaline wouldn't care for a missing servant? It's plausible. Some nobles are real fucking assholes who have no regard for commoner lives, especially those with high court rankings.
Now that Flora knows that Rosaline thinks of me as a friend, she proposed a friendly wager duel where both sides wouldn't lose anything.
This might be a golden opportunity.
I tapped Rosaline's shoulder and she looked back at me. I nodded, and she nodded back.
"I accept. When shall we start?"
"Wonderful! Would right now be troubling? Roberto?"
Flora turned to ask her butler.
"It would be my honor to fight in your name Milady. Commencing the duel now would be no issue."
The three of them then turned to me, waiting for my answer.
"Sure." I only gave a short response.
Flora clapped her hands, expressing her joy.
"Perfect! The duel shall take place in a private training area just outside the Hepburn estate."
We followed Flora into the private area she mentioned. She was considerate enough to at least keep my secret, and for that I'm thankful.
Rebecca joined us as a referee and left the other knights behind to wait. As a 3rd Stage Aura user, she's a great candidate for a referee to stop any mishaps.
As soon as we reached the private training area, I pulled off my blindfold. Everyone involved in this duel knows that I am a Blessed One, so there's not much reason to keep hiding my eyes in this place.
In any case, I'm looking forward to this duel. It'll be a good test run for how my Wind Sense will fair in battle.