Maiden's Voice

Thankfully for Samantha, Vero didn't mind the name.

"You know each other?" he asked, his attention still on the glass tank, someone was already playing tag, with permission this time.

"We attended the academy together in the first year if I am not mistaken." Mathias had lost the serious demeanor he possessed in the previous altercation.

"I'm surprised you remember my Lord!" she bowed respectfully.

"Please, Miss Samantha, I would appreciate it if you treated me casually." he smiled

She nodded doubtfully, internally her mind was spinning.

They had indeed shared a few classes in their first year of the academy, but their interactions were minimal and their standing was vastly different.

She was not high-born, and although talented she was no genius, she just got lucky unlocking great synergy with her spirit.

Lord Mathias was, in a realm of his own when it came to talent. There was a reason he was the interim Lord at the age of 24. He even held a high-regard title.

"I'm curious, how did you two come to meet? I barely had time with my little brother, yet he's already attracting girls" Mathias asked, she felt a cold sweat.

On one hand, two powerful nobles might develop a grudge, or at least be displeased at her part in the recent events. On the other hand, she was seeing a completely different personality from the aloof Lord Mathias, as he teased his brother.

She wasn't sure which terrified her more.

"She's been in charge of the last few sessions." Vero kept his gaze on the fish.

"Is that so?" Mathias's mood soured, she swore there was a vein popping on his forehead.

"Ah! I finally saw it!" Vero cut the tension.

Turning towards his brother he continued.

"Don't be a bother, she was nicer and faster than the other ones." Vero scolded his brother.

To her surprise, Mathias's annoyance immediately faded.

"Alright, if you say so," a gentle smile spread across his face as he gazed at his brother. "Let's go to the front, I want to see you try."

The brothers started to advance leaving a dumbfounded Samantha behind.

Her worst fears didn't come to pass.

Due to Vero's situation, the empire had exerted a lot of its influence on the Maroon Islands, Lord Mathias's and Vero's family territory.

Now presented with an imperial agent meddling in their private life was an opportunity to answer to the pressure, she would imagine how she would be imprisoned and made an example of.

But Lord Mathias was mildly annoyed for a moment and quickly let it go. At least on the surface, she wasn't sure if that reassured her or made her more nervous.

He even seemed gentle in his smile upon Vero's words.

Fortunately, a chance to leave appeared. Both brothers were already moving forwards as she tried to slip back and drown in the dwindling crowd.

"Ah, Vero you're being rude. Invite our guest." Mathias scolded, just before Samanth's figure disappeared.

She cursed internally.

 "Right, you people and your weird customs. Miss Crie... wait no... Miss Samantha, would you care to join us?" Vero asked scratching the back of his neck.

***

His brother kept making him do these weird rituals. Like opening doors for Ladies and pulling their hair... or wait... was it pulling their chairs? He only got to do the door one.

'Annoying' 

He much preferred the Underrift where you bought everything, with either food, equipment, or protection.

Samantha seemed unaccustomed to these rituals as well, at least she acted awkwardly in Vero's eyes.

She bowed and moved forward with them.

On the way, Mathias added a few details.

"The maiden is here not only every festival but also every high tide. She scours the shore for spirits and beasts to make deals with them."

Samantha seemed stunned. She probably had no idea the old lady was a Shaper, someone capable of dealing with spirits.

Vero wasn't sure how rare that skill was in the empire, in the rift most could do it. One's chances of achieving it grew with their strength, and there were no weaklings in the Underrift.

Besides Vero already determined the old lady was strong. Strong enough that she fooled him until just a few moments ago. Stronger than his current self.

"Because you are considered outsiders, so let me introduce you." he continued. "She usually lets people play once if they ask nicely, by introducing you myself you'll be sure to play. But don't get your hopes up, in most cases, she ends up giving trinkets and pearl candy."

Vero wanted to try the candy.

Upon reaching the front of the stall the trio came to a stop as another group of two couples took their turn. 

One of the members bowed to the lady and presented the rest of the group.

"Maiden I bring friends from the continent. They are my comrades and fellow students of the academy." his three friends looked at him confused, unlike them he was a local, but they had not seen the people before doing this bit.

The maiden smiled, this time a gentle smile.

He then turned to his friends and nodded. One of the girls advanced and bowed towards the Maiden who answered with a nod, and the girl played.

One by one the trio bowed and played, each trying their best, the boy struggling more than the girls. In the end, the boy got a pearl candy and the girls got matching conch necklaces.

They were all happy and started to leave but something happened that left all the locals present slightly surprised.

The Maiden spoke.

"Little Leo." her voice grated and low, but still everyone heard her. "I got something you should take."