Welcomed as Nobility in Silverbrook
The cold dawn air filled the ice cave as I woke from a light sleep. Even in flower form, having something like a biological clock was pretty amazing. Faint sunlight reflected off the ice walls began to illuminate the cave interior, and only the soft breathing of Liandel and Levy—still lost in deep slumber—broke the silence.
"One more step closer to Master today!" I immediately cast polymorph, shifting into my human form. Black-red smoke briefly swirled around me before fading, revealing my girl shape.
Levy rubbed her eyes and sat up with a start. "Nngh... Ah, Ricoris, you're already awake!"
Liandel stirred beside her and looked my way. "Ricoris, that transformation... it's still astonishing every time."
"Heehee! This is nothing. Master's polymorph is way cooler!"
After a quick breakfast, we hit the road again. The Ace quartet found their spots: Miel on my hair, Cecilia on my shoulder, Lote orbiting me as usual. Glessia trailed lazily behind.
"How much farther to the end of Set Hanryeong?"
"If we keep heading this way, we should arrive in a few hours," Liandel replied.
Before he finished, Miel suddenly fluttered wildly atop my hair, like she was saying, Hurry up!
"Yeah, let's pick up the pace! Gotta see Master ASAP!"
Michael had assured me Master was safe, but that didn't stop me from aching to see her face again. My steps quickened on their own.
Time passed, and finally, the end of Set Hanryeong came into view. The endless white snow and icy chasms tapered off, giving way to a shimmering blue ahead.
"There it is—the edge of Set Hanryeong," Liandel said, pointing.
My heart raced; I couldn't help but break into a run. "Wooow! Finally!"
Emerging from Set Hanryeong, the sight before me stole my breath. Endless green meadows rippled like waves in the wind. The sky was clear and blue, with distant clouds floating soft as cotton candy.
"Whoa... it's so beautiful..."
Dazzling sunlight bathed the vast plains in a gentle glow. Flowers danced in the breeze, and the rustle of grass being caressed by the wind filled the air. Instinctively, I reached out and brushed a flower petal. Moist dew vanished from my fingertips, soaking softly into my skin.
"If we head straight that way, we'll reach the village of Silverbrook in Jenes Kingdom. It's a key trading hub in the kingdom's north," Liandel said, pointing toward the horizon.
"How long on foot?"
"About three hours."
"Ugh, more walking..."
I grumbled a bit, but strolling through this gorgeous meadow wasn't half bad. As a flower, I was in heaven amid all these lush grasses and blooms.
We pressed on. The feel of grass brushing my dress hem was delightful. Cecilia and Miel seemed even more thrilled by the new surroundings. Cecilia's flame wings sparkled brighter under the sun, while Miel darted about, landing briefly on wildflowers here and there.
"A walk like this with Master would be perfect..."
Just imagining it made my heart pound. How perfectly Master's silver hair would contrast against this green! Holding hands, chatting idly as we strolled...
Glessia buzzed with uncharacteristic energy, weaving gracefully through the flowers despite her massive size—it was cuter than expected. Lote, as ever, calmly orbited me.
Is Lote bored? Or just not into scenery like this?
Lost in thought, I suddenly spotted a small wall on the horizon. The sun was dipping westward, casting golden light over it in a mystical haze.
"That's Silverbrook," Liandel said, pointing.
"Oh, we're here at last!"
The walled village sharpened into view. Guards stood at the gate. Miel, Cecilia, and Glessia flew ahead, while Lote stuck close.
"H-Hey! What the heck is that?!" one guard shouted.
They drew spears and swords in an instant, eyes locked on Glessia. "That's... a hornet? No hornet's that huge!" a young one yelped, voice shaking.
"Stay calm. It's definitely a monster," said an older guard.
"Captain! What do we do? I've never seen a monster like—"
"Everyone, brace! If it attacks—"
"Hey, kids, don't jump to conclusions!" I yelled, rushing forward.
The guards tensed further as I approached. "Don't worry—they're my pets. Harmless."
"P-Pets?" the young one echoed, eyes wide.
"We're not here to threaten the village," Liandel added, stepping up. "We're just travelers."
The captain eyed us suspiciously. "Sorry, but we can't let dangerous... creatures inside. Even if tamed..."
"They're good kids, really. They listen to me. Watch!" I beckoned, and Cecilia glided gracefully to my finger. Miel flitted cutely from my hair.
"The butterfly's fine... but that giant hornet..." The captain still eyed Glessia warily.
"Glessia! Say hi."
Glessia drifted over, hovering before the guards. She folded her wings lightly, dipping her body like a bow.
"Whoa, it actually listens..." the young guard muttered in awe.
"Sorry, but... miss, if I may ask..." one ventured cautiously, gaze flicking from my face to my dress and back.
"Are you... from a noble house?"
"Huh?" I tilted my head.
"Why do you say that?"
"W-Well... your refined air and demeanor... that dress... and your hair and eyes..." He stammered, flustered. Another guard chimed in.
Heehee. Total noble vibes, huh?
"Nah, I'm not nobility—I'm an S-rank adventurer!" I grinned, flashing my badge.
Their eyes bulged at the blue metal etched with glowing crystal and my name.
"S... S-rank?!"
"Gods! In 15 years on guard duty, I've never met an S-rank in person!" The captain straightened sharply.
"Incredible! Then... those monsters..."
"Yup, my pets. Don't worry—they won't hurt anyone without my say-so."
"Open the gate! We can't keep an S-rank waiting!"
The young guard flung it wide. They checked Liandel and Levy too, then ushered us in.
"Welcome to Silverbrook, Ricoris. If you need anything, the gate guard's at your service," the captain said sincerely.
Inside, the village dwarfed Sia Kalt's—paved stone roads, bustling shops, crowds everywhere. A grand fountain dominated the center, surrounded by finely dressed folk.
"Whoa, this place is huge!"
Sia Kalt was tiny and quiet; Silverbrook buzzed with life.
"Liandel, what's next?"
"If you're heading to the next village, rent a carriage. Silverbrook's a transport hub—plenty of options, plus inns galore."
"Carriage?! No more walking?!" My voice pitched up in excitement. After all that trekking, this was heaven.
"Why not sightsee a bit? Carriages usually leave mornings, so resting here tonight makes sense," Levy suggested.
Hmm... extra coin for a rush departure?
Desmeer was far, and I yearned for Master, but Levy's bright face swayed me. A little exploring couldn't hurt.
"Yeah, let's poke around!"
We wandered slowly. Shops, food stalls with mouthwatering aromas... but eyes followed me everywhere. They'd flinch on eye contact.
"Why's everyone acting weird?" I whispered.
"Probably Glessia. A hornet that size would scare anyone," Liandel murmured.
Hmm... leave her somewhere?
Spotting the Adventurer's Guild—a massive three-story building, far bigger than Sia Kalt's—I perked up.
"Guild ahead. Drop Glessia there?"
Levy and Liandel nodded.
"I'll go in alone."
A cute, fragile girl like me in a crowded guild? Bound to draw jeers—then I'd crush 'em isekai-style! Couldn't miss that cliché!
"You sure, Ricoris?" Levy fretted.
"Totally! Heehee!"
I pictured it: enter, mockers laugh, flash badge, jaws drop. Thrilling!
"Wait here!"
I flung open the guild door. Adventurers turned as one, eyes widening.
Who's first to pick a fight?
No one approached. Whispers rippled instead.
"That girl's nobility?"
"Obviously. Skin like that? Never seen sun—noble only."
"Not from our kingdom."
"Empire? Their nobles are stunning."
"Yeah, gorgeous. All grown up, she'll be a knockout."
"What's a noble doing here?"
"Quest? Family commission? Bet it's some insane danger."
Curiosity mixed with gripes. Huh? No jeers? Isekai guilds always have that one bully who gets wrecked!
They just eyed me warily from the start. Boring—they think I'm noble!
Flattering, but not the script I wanted. I stomped to the counter.
The receptionist bowed tensely. "Greetings, esteemed guest. How may I assist?"
Courteous, but nervous. I slid my S-rank badge over wordlessly.
Her eyes popped. "S... S-rank adventurer?!"
Her tremor drew stares. "N-Not noble, but S-rank...?"
"Gods, real S-rank badge!"
"How at that age...?"
"Didn't know we had an S-rank that young!"
The guild buzzed. Heehee! Yes—this reaction! All amazed by me! Spill I'm Michael's apostle? Nah, too chaotic.
"Hey, quiet down! Don't disrespect an S-rank!" boomed a thick voice from behind the counter.
A burly middle-aged man emerged, guildmaster badge gleaming.
"Ricoris, yes? Silverbrook Guildmaster here. What can I do for you?"
"Yup! Can you watch my pet monster?"
"Pet... monster?" He blinked.
"You lot outside—come in!"
Door opened; Liandel, Levy, and the Ace quartet entered. Glessia's bulk silenced the room. Faces froze.
"Th-That's..."
"What the...?"
"Easy!" Liandel stepped forward. "They obey Ricoris only. No harm."
"Super good kids!" Levy chimed.
"Yeah, don't worry. Just board the big hornet. Be back soon."
Receptionist paled at Glessia. "A... hornet?"
"More like a monster..." an adventurer muttered.
"S-rank can handle it..."
"Pet like that? S-ranks are nuts."
"No way I'd try."
Guildmaster sighed. "No monster pens, but basement storage's free."
"Nah, Glessia's good here. Stay put—back quick." Glessia buzzed to a corner behind the counter, settling lazily. Non-threatening.
"See? Good girl!"
Receptionist glanced anxiously at guildmaster, who nodded slowly.
We left Glessia and headed out with the trio.
"Wanted a fight, but they were all deferential, thinking me noble."
"Your aura screams highborn lady. Sia Kalt rarely sees nobles, so no precedent," Liandel said.
"Right! We totally look like your escorts now," Levy added.
I blinked between them. "Huh. Guess I'm that noble."
"At least less stares from Glessia-phobes!"
Gazes lingered—curious now, not scared. Kids pointed gleefully at Miel, Cecilia, Lote.
"Cool butterfly—six wings!"
"Floating ball!"
"Pretty big sis!"
Heehee!
We strolled the main street, eyeing fancy clothes shops and eateries. Bread and roasting meat scents teased us.
"Hungry? That inn looks nice," Liandel suggested.
I nodded—then a grand carriage rumbled up. Gold-trimmed, red-curtained luxury, pulled by white steeds. Nobles only.
Ooh, what's this?
It halted; door flew open. A young man in fine suit stepped out, freezing at my sight.
"Ah... greetings."
He bowed deeply. Too formal—I flustered.
"Edwin Silverbrook, baron of Silverbrook. From the capital, miss?"
Capital? Royalty now? I nearly giggled.
Greet back.
My body moved on autopilot—elegant twirl, skirt lift, perfect noble curtsy.
"Delighted to meet you, Baron Silverbrook."
My voice? Poised, refined. Levy and Liandel gaped.
Noble Maiden Etiquette trait—nobles only?
Shocked inwardly, I kept cool. "Not from the capital—just sightseeing."
Graceful gesture; baron's face stiffened.
"I see. If not intrusive... your house?"
Frostia house, but...
"Heehee, that's a secret."
Eh!? Aristocratic smile shocked me. Turning into Nis... disaster!
Baron gazed reverently, like facing high nobility or royalty.
"Understood. If convenient, visit my manor? I'd love to host such a guest."
Stranger's home? Sketchy—but noble manor? Tempting.
"Sure, sounds fun!"
Normal this time? Baron beamed, opening the carriage.
"Please, come in. Rest and dine at the manor."
Inside: vast, plush red velvet, gold accents, tea and cookies on a table. Miel buzzed curiously; Cecilia scanned from my shoulder. Lote orbited freely.
Cookie time.
Hand auto-grabbed—thumb and forefinger daintily, pinky out, lifted like a dance flourish.
"Ah!" Even my gasp was ladylike.
"Everything all right?" Baron fretted.
"Just... cookie looks yummy."
This auto-etiquette was weird. Nibble? Tiny cat-bite portion.
One cookie'll take all day...
Levy stared, awestruck—total noble. Baron admired, then eyed them.
"Your guards, miss?"
Liandel recovered smoothly. "Yes. We accompany Ricoris on her journey."
Levy fumbled; Liandel nudged her.
"Y-Yeah! I assist Ricoris too."
Adorable—I laughed. "Fufufu." Graceful even?
They're mage and A-rank... "My servants. Relax around them."
More weird lines. What triggers it? I shut up, gazed out window.
Carriage sped to central district—opulent buildings galore.
Ooh, that it?
A majestic manor loomed: silver roof, white marble columns. Baron's lowest rank? Way fancier than expected!