Gathering, for now

Today we were out on the town. Helina as my personal assistant. Mother had approved of my more noble like behavior. Hmm. Was I changing? When I first loss Master I cried. Then I wanted to just find someone else to serve. But no one allowed that. I guess, perhaps I was changing. Well, more like I had finally realized that I can’t be honest. That seems to be the one noble part I had regained. I guess Mother should be pleased.

Hmm. I paused. Adventures guild. “Let us stop here for a moment.”

“Yes, my Lady,” Helina said. Normally such tasks was beneath me, but I had my reasons. There was one thing. One truly amazing thing that I would not be able to get anywhere else. Jaka flowers. They were more like a weed and poisonous when wet. Utter trash that only a few people knew how to process.

I should be thankful to Sister Rosemary. I had learned much about potion making from her, and that would be something. Not on my original list, but not an item I would refuse. Plus it was more a gamble. They were rare and tended to not grow in dedicated areas. Fickle things those beautiful flowers. So today I simply submitted a request and asked them to be delivered for a reward.

The main desire today was to buy chemistry supplies. The geas oil was useful but I wouldn’t be able to rely on a trick like that for nobles. And if I am to make good use of the milk and pills. I needed something to complete the trifecta. Lena had proved useful to show that the proof of concept did in fact exist. Hmmm.

Though, buying something that has a mind control effect directly was worrisome, hence me getting alchemy tools. It would take time for them to all be delivered. So it would have to wait a bit for now. I even found a beautiful coat and a magic item that may be of some use. But it took all day. By the time we got home, Helina had a few bags, one with my coat and magic item, and even some of the non glass chemistry stuff. Mother took note of them.

“Not thinking of working again are you?” she asked a hand on her shoulder. A noble doing anything besides paperwork insulted her. Such an old coot.

“More a hobby, I want to try a few things, but trust in me Mother. If I find success then I will simply teach Helina to do it,” I said with a smile to try and disarm her. “I am finally beginning to adjust, but idol hands are hard to control. You will permit me this much of an indulgence won’t you? Or would you rather permit me to chance to clean your room? I wouldn’t mind that being-”

“No no, these bobbles are at least not cleaning. Or they better not be,” she paused and looked to Helina. “If Celeste is using these to clean, I expect you to tell me.”

“Yes, Mistress Ashford.”

Mother smiled and made her way to her bedroom. What a bitch. How did I ever love such a woman? Ugh, well, whatever. “Helina, it would be useful if you could set this stuff up in my study. It should be emptied out already.”

“Of course, my Lady,” she said.

Before she could walk away I grabbed her close. “I’m sorry to ask so much of you sister. I will make it up to you later.”

She blushed but otherwise left. Hmm. Mother did go to bed a bit earlier than normal. Samantha was being a bit rowdy but clearly in her own room, and Catherine was reading. Hmm. What of Lydia. Oh, she is in the office. A golden chance.

“Good evening Lydia,” I said with a curtsy.

“Elder sister,” she said with a nod. “What brings you here? Any issue with the study you asked for?”

I shook my head. “Not at all. You know you shouldn’t be calling me elder. It undermines your authority as head of the house.”

She gave a weary smile. “I know, I know, but I suppose, I am just happy you have returned.”

I closed the door. “Let me be frank. Do you even want to be head of the house?”

She looked down. “Not originally, but,” she rubbed her belly. “My husband is fighting hard, and I want to give him a good child and a good home. Plus I kind of like the paperwork.”

I smiled. “Then, you must detach Mother from this hold on the house. As it is, you are a mere puppet.”

“I know, I know, but how? I don’t have allies, or the type of personality to gain many?” she said.

“The proposed marriage to Osgood should be for your allies, but I have little doubt it is mother who stands to gain.”

“Yes yes,” Lydia said. “If only it had been me that went off to Estelle those years ago. Had I been captured instead, then this would be not an issue. You would have dethroned Mother long ago.”

“Most likely,” I said. I mean it was certainly a statement that made sense. But I wonder. Mother was devious and clever. Did she have some ultimate plan for me never realized because I was captured first? The arrogance of my oldself had long vanished.

“Is that mainly what you wanted to ask me?” Lydia said looking my way.

I smiled. “Not even close. I love you dear sister, and the current state of things offends me.”

“If only we had a man for you to marry to bring into this side. Then I would gladly give you the title of head.”

I shook my head. “Oh no, dear sister. You misunderstand. I don’t want to lead. I want to help you cast of this yoke.”

“The Celeste I remember, nor the Celeste I have discovered is not one I would consider selfless,” Lydia said. “So, what are you seeking.”

“I have changed to some degree,” I said being truthful. It was Master’s memory that made me realize I wanted to help her. “But your weariness is correct. I seek only the chance to find my own happiness. Even if it be in the servant quarters.”

“So, it was an act then, all the avoidance?” she asked.

“Perhaps that much is unfair, these few days have been, interesting. The point is. Sister. If you trust me, I seek only to help you, and for you to not place the yoke I free you from upon me. Is it a deal to which you find that unfavorable?” I asked. I looked down. “If so, then why did you cover for me the last time I was in this office?”

Lydia tapped her fingers. “What do you have in mind?”