[center][h1][color=f26522]Carnatia de Luson[/color][/h1][/center]
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[Quote]
“I’m not offended, dear.” said Fia. She smiled at the spellsword. “It would take a lot more than that. I guess I’m just not mindful when it comes to the folly of politicians.” Fia shrugged her shoulders. She then shifted her gaze to the masked elf. It was hard to gate his state of mind or emotions due to the mask, but the way he shook his head dismissively was telling. “You know something, don’t you, dear? Something about the house, perhaps? The people in the picture? Is there a reason for not telling us?”
[/quote]

Well, if nothing else, Carnatia was glad she did not burn any bridges. She still thought Fia's earlier remarks simply served to exacerbate the situation, but regardless it was fortunate she did not take it personally. Furthermore, it appeared that both Carnatia and the sorcerer were of one mind regarding the Gray Flame and Engelbert's reaction to the photograph.

Perhaps having been questioned by two people, the Gray Flame decided to shed some light on the matter.

[quote]
"Gray, You can call me Gray Flame. Without the 'sir' if you feel so inclined. That's what my colleagues in the Adventurers' Guild called me." the masked elf said ruefully, glancing at the young noblewoman. "I've been to Nuria several times, so I think that's how I earned the honor to be here.  As for your questions, miss Carnatia, and Madam Fia, It seems the youngsters in that photograph had quite a reputation in Varenheim's special forces. Yeah, I believe I myself had heard about him because it was not every day they casually transferred someone from a different branch to The Sentinel. It is similar to Royal Guards in Westernant, so you know how prestigious the position is." 
[/quote]

Carnatia couldn't help but feel that there was still more to it, but it was pretty clear that the Gray Flame was not intending to say more, and so further inquiry at this juncture would only serve to antagonize him, and possibly Engelbert. She would keep it in mind but for now...she would let the matter be.

Therefore, instead of pushing the matter, Carnatia nodded, [color=f26522]"I see. Well, as long as it does not become an issue in our expedition, I shan't press further. Thank you for indulging me, Sir Gray."[/color]

Having settled the matter—for now at least—Carnatia's attention turned to the armoured man who had helped them by providing some sort of magical flames, as he introduced himself as Rezello Fulsteel-Ashton.

[quote]
Shifting his weight as he took a step forward, Rezello began his own introduction. [color=1a7b30]"I suppose I'll go next. My name is Rezello Fulsteel-Ashton. I was trained as a knight in the city of Scheel, in the northern frontier of Westernant. For those of you know, well, you know, and for those of you who don't... in the interest of time, it's not a story I'll go into now. Suffice to say, as of ten years ago I am no longer in service of the city..."[/color]
[/quote]

Ah, one of the surviving sons of House Ashton, then? Ten years ago, the inhabitants of the city of Scheel mysteriously disappeared. She was but a child in early adolescence back then, but she did remember the panic that swept across Westernant. Many nobles were especially concerned that their fief would meet the same fate as the city of Scheel. There were many speculations back then, that they were whisked away by the mythical fae of legends, or it was a magical experiment gone awry, or even some sort of a divine punishment. He remembered her father had commissioned various great mages and scholars to devise possible countermeasures to avoid the same phenomenon happening in their Duchy. In the end, it was for nought, no one had come up with any concrete theory and no similar phenomenon happened again, after some years, eventually the event was remarked as a mysterious anomaly.

As Rezello demonstrated his magical capabilities, Carnatia's eyes could not help but be drawn to his peculiar mask. the rest of his armour was somewhat typical of what one would expect to be worn by knights of Westernant—Carnatia recognised his armour as the armour of the Sten Corp knights, though Carnatia heard the order disbanded after what happened to Scheel—the mask looked particularly out of place, it was not something she had seen any Westernant knights wear before. And being the daughter of the most prominent knight noble house in Westernant, she had seen many Westernant knights, so it was peculiar that she did not recognise the mask.

Well, regardless, Carnatia had no intention of digging deeper simply to satisfy her curiosity and risk committing a faux pass. Therefore, Carnatia averted her eyes before Rezello could hopefully notice and instead replied, [color=f26522]"I did hear what had happened to the city of Scheel yes, though as you did not bring it up yourself, I suppose it's neither here nor there. Regardless, I recognised your armour, it's gladdening to have a knight of the famous Sten Corps with us for this expedition."[/color]

The Eastern man introduced himself next. A shinobi by the name of Watanabe Takumi, whose purpose in joining this expedition was apparently to bring the ash of his adoptive elven mother. It was an unorthodox reason, but one that she somewhat understood. Taking care of one's parents' funeral was only right as a form of filial duty. It was somewhat complicated in Carnatia's case as having been exiled, she was technically no longer part of the de Luson family, and thus, no longer a child of her parents. Still...were something to happen that left one else capable of taking care of their funeral, Carnatia would probably acquiesce to take care of the matter. Despite everything she did owe much to her parents.

Watanabe then continued, explaining what he had meant by spirit.

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[color=8493ca]"A spirit that dwells along with the house dwellers. They are those who protects the home, looking after the entire household spiritually.

I couldn't sense the souls of the previous dwellers here. It seems that they already departed into the afterlife."[/color] he replied to the orange-haired noblewoman with a warm smile.
[/quote]

Carnatia nodded, [color=f26522]"Ah. I see, that was what you meant by a guardian spirit. Yes, I suppose that would be an apt enough translation. My own master did hail from Eastern lands, the same as you. So I have heard of tales and legends of such creatures. The Zashiki-warashi or akashaguma, for instance."[/color]

Carnatia did not put any stock on their existence being real, herself. But from her Master, she did know that many people from the East believed in their existence.

[color=f26522]"Well, in any case, a pleasure to meet you, Sir Takumi...ah, or perhaps Watanabe-san? Oh, and once more, thank you for preparing the bath."[/color] 

Carnatia was not exactly fluent in their language, but through her old master, she did pick up the language. Including the preferred form of address. As so, Carnatia's former noble upbringing kicked in. Addressing someone with how their custom dictated was a common diplomatic tactic, as well as considered to be proper manners.

And with that, the rounds of introduction were over. Evelyn then spoke again, giving her assessment of what was to be done with the items Roxas found, as per the Gray Flame's request.

[quote]
[color=d62524][b]"Perform any necessary maintenance to return them to full functions, if needed, then give them to someone who can make the most use of each artifact; the brooch to-..."[/b][/color] She paused briefly, her eyes looking to the side for a moment before returning to Gray Flame's eye slots, [color=d62524][b]"-...a healer, the lamp to Sir Takumi, and the twin swords to Sir Tillius or you, Sir Gray."[/b][/color]
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[color=f26522]"I quite agree. The brooch in particular would be of tremendous help, halving the mana cost for healing spells. It would help us avoid situations where we have people in need of healing but our healer having no mana left to cast healing spells. If nothing else, I would say that the brooch would be a boon in ensuring the survival of our group in the worst-case scenario,"[/color] Carnatia remarked.

She then let out a sigh as she continued, [color=f26522]"Now then...if you all would allow me, I think I will take advantage of the working plumbing of this house to take a warm bath."[/color]

Although...she turned to Fia, who was propositioning Forbann to take a bath together a few moments ago.

She coughed, her cheeks slightly tinged red, as she blushed, [color=f26522]"Erm...yes, er...Lady Fia, if you have any intention of doing... ahem...licent—er..."[/color]

She stopped from saying 'licentious acts', considering the presence of Evelyn, who was but a child.

[color=f26522]"...certain acts with Sir Forbann, then I believe it's common courtesy to have the rest of us use the facility first...yes? So if you do not mind..."[/color]

Her blush intensified at the rather awkward situation, before she composed herself by taking a deep breath, [color=f26522]"I-In any case, I'm sure you do not mind allowing myself to use the bath first, yes?"[/color]


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