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Naturally, the second son of a noble family wasn’t going to take a slight like that sitting down. He was almost compelled to speak up. If it was anything like in her world, the first born was likely entitled to many things because he had a head start. Esther found this to be the case in normal families too, and second born often felt like they had something to prove. But wit was a battlefield where Esther was in her element.

Esther allowed his first quip about being a necromancer’s familiar pass by. A much better opportunity to counter attack would reveal itself in time. And the time came when Vetreus saw fit to bestow her a title. [color=74c3a2]"Jester? Of your brother’s court? I suppose I can be his consoler if you need a break."[/color] 

She was half serious too. A court jester might have been the lowest rank in the royal court, but they were still part of the court. There were numerous jesters from her world that became powerful and influential figures. That, and they were often immune to punishment for mocking nobility. Some even did become trusted consolers of nobles and even kings. If Vetreus had meant to humiliate Esther, it had backfired spectacularly. Regardless of intentions, she was having a lot of fun. Even if the creepy aura had her feeling a little nervous.

But there would be more time for them to mess with each other later. The Proctor answered her questions and even seemed a little impressed. Esther had assumed she would try to be secretive about why the runes were there, as needing to be discreet with their mission seemed like an important detail to mention. But she was just thankful to be of any assistance at all. After all, she was sharing a table with someone who had a PHD in magic, the construct of a powerful necromancer, and a noble. What even was Esther doing at this table? Faking it ‘till she made it, she reminded herself. There were a lot of powerful connections to be made here, and any one of them could help forward her learning. The old smith was wise to recommend she come to the Duchy.

Oh, and there was a cute little dragon that liked her music. She decided to refrain from speaking to her(?) at this moment. Too many other things going on. 

She returned Severin’s polite comment with a polite nod, but couldn’t help but feel he was being insincere. His remarks to both of the other individuals at the table seemed to make them uneasy, and then there was his oppressive aura. Part of her wanted to ask if he could turn it off, but she refrained from doing so. Sometimes, faking it meant enduring uncomfortable challenges. 

But Vetreus was an artisan? Interesting.

It was a shame Liu had decided to remain so quiet. She had hoped he would have at least given her a nod or some form of affirmation. But it was almost like he hadn’t even heard her. Oh well. She’d have plenty of chances to get his attention later.

With all the scrying orbs distributed but her own, she stood up and stopped her playing. Esther wasn’t short, but she did have to reach pretty far to poke the black orb. Severin had (rather rudely) pulled the box closer to himself without bothering to put it back in the middle of the table where everyone could get to it. It seemed like everything that man did was a subtle power play. She tapped the black orb with her finger and it sprung to life.

[color=74c3a2]"Oh!"[/color]

Esther stood up, and the orb hovered in place. She was ready to go.

[color=74c3a2]"Pertinent questions…"[/color] Esther thought. [color=74c3a2]"If the West Empire has shown interest in the region, then is there a chance we may encounter them or a direct member of the church?"[/color]

She had decided not to honor Vetreus's joke about Liu with a response, even if it was a good pun.