Taste of Magic: Ambassador's Voice

Melina didn't know how to feel about all this. One moment, she was in the Town Hall, telling Alistair about her meeting with Auden Speziale. The next thing she knew, she was being swept away to the bathroom by about half a dozen maids who proceeded to undress and scrub her down from head to toe.

"Is this really necessary?" Melina muttered, hiding her body in the bathwater. She wasn't used to such attention while bathing. She would much rather do this on her own.

Her familiars, on the other hand, were completely enjoying the attention. Sienna was having her scales thoroughly scrubbed while Mango had her fur brushed.

"Of course, Miss!" One of the maids, the head maid, chastised. "You may not be used to this kind of treatment, but if you're to marry Young Lord Alistair, then you must learn the ways of the nobility. You're lucky that the meeting is with such an easy-going noble as Count Speziale. Anyone else would surely poke at your shortcomings at every chance they got."

The maid then went on a lengthy rant about proper conduct and appearance, half of which went right over Melina's head. There was no way she could remember all that so quickly.

After Melina had been washed from head to toe, the maids brought an extravagant turquoise dress alongside expensive-looking jewelry that seemed to be struggling to hold all the heavy jewels embedded in it.

"I can't wear that!" Melina exclaimed, frantically searching around the room for her beloved blue dress.

"You must! Young Lord Alistair chose this for you personally," the head maid said firmly.

"He did?"

"Yes. He said he'd be ever so delighted to see you wear it."

Melina had a feeling it might be a trick on the head maid's part, just to get her to comply. But if Alistair really had chosen the dress for her, it would be rude to reject it. So she reluctantly allowed the maids to dress and prepare her hair in a fashion that they deemed fit.

Being pampered and dressed like this felt odd. While as an Archmage, she did have a few servants, their job was helping Melina with paperwork. Getting washed and dressed by other people felt so wrong. Like she was exposed for everyone to see.

By the time the maids were done with their routine, Melina's mind lasted an eternity; it was already time to meet with Count Speziale. She would have much rather spent that time kneading dough in the bakery.

"You're ready! How lovely! I'm going to inform Young Lord Alistair," the head maid gushed and ran off while the other maids looked admiringly at their work.

Melina couldn't help but feel awkward in the way-too-fancy dress, make-up, and jewelry that felt way too heavy around her neck. Sienna and Mango, however, didn't share her thoughts and looked proud, as if to announce to the world, "Look, our tamer is so pretty."

Soon, Alistair came into the room, and he gasped the moment he saw her.

"It's too much, isn't it?" Melina muttered, feeling awkward.

"No! You look absolutely stunning," Alistair said, walking up to her and planting a kiss on her hand. The maids let out a squeal of delight and ran off while muttering excitedly.

"But was this really necessary?" Melina prodded.

"I'm afraid so. I wish I could tell you to relax and just do what you want, wear what you want, but I'm afraid it's not so simple anymore," he muttered, running his finger over her engagement ring. "Father will only allow us to marry once he believes you're able to hold your own in a noble society. I don't think there's anyone more amazing than you, and in my opinion, you could wear a potato sack and still look good."

"Now you're overestimating me," Melina shook her head.

"No, I mean it. This dress and jewels look wonderful on you, but it's not like you're lesser without them," he said, kissing her fingertips again.

"It just feels weird to be treated like this…" she muttered.

"I know, I know. I promise it gets easier," he said, then added with a sly grin. "Also, I did want to show Count Speziale how beautiful you are and that I'll spare no jewels for you."

"This is too many jewels," Melina pointed at her necklace, earrings, bracelets, and hairpiece, all of which were covered with expensive gems.

"No such thing as too many jewels on my lovely Melina," Alistair said with a grin, then offered an elbow for her to take. "Let's go?"

"Let's go," she nodded, and grabbed onto his elbow. Only then did she notice that his suit matched her dress. He must have done that purpose. But thinking about it, she didn't really mind. In fact, it felt nice that they were a match.

Mango and Sienna trotted after Melina and Alistair, holding their heads high as they passed by the servants and the officials who worked in the Town Hall. Melina was amazed at how quickly Duke Sinclair had managed to change the place, as it had been empty during most of her stay in Sunglow.

Soon they entered a large dining hall where servants were preparing the table for dinner.

"Count Speziale has arrived," a butler announced.

"Good. Lead him here," Alistair said, then turned to Melina. "I'll teach you how to properly greet someone you've been expecting for dinner. Don't worry too much if you make a mistake. Count Speziale will serve as practice for you, nothing more."

He was smiling, but Melina suspected that he didn't think very highly of the Count. Regardless, she listened to his words carefully and was determined to do things right, so as not to embarrass Alistair.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Lord Sinclair, Melina," the Count greeted them, reaching out his hand to take Melina's.

She wasn't sure whether she was supposed to give him her hand or not and looked to Alistair for guidance. He shook his head and instead grabbed Count's hand, giving it a hearty squeeze.

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"A pleasure to meet you, too, Count Speziale. What has brought you here so suddenly? We weren't expecting your visit at all," Alistair said with a forced smile.

Somehow, Auden managed to get his hand free from Alistair's tight clasp. "What a pity. It appears you're forcing Melina to go through all these tedious noble manners. I much preferred seeing her free in her own element."

"She is my fiancée now. Proper etiquette has to be upheld in front of strangers," Alistair emphasized the word stranger, the corner of his lip twitching in annoyance. These two wouldn't start fighting, would they?

"We're not really strangers. We're business partners, aren't we, Melina?" Count said with a brilliant smile. Melina could see Alistair's fist clench. It was best if she dispelled the tension before it got too bad.

"How about we go to the dinner table and discuss the matter that has brought you all the way to Sunglow?" Melina suggested.

Both men nodded in agreement, and they all sat. Melina and Alistair sat next to each other on one side, while Count Speziale sat on the other. They made some small talk about his journey here and Melina's day in the bakery, before the servants brought the meal, and they were ready to tackle the problem at hand.

"Melina, let me ask—has the number of customers increased since the whole incident with the Church?" Auden asked.

"You already know about it?" Melina asked. It hasn't been that long since it happened, and Tuvia was on the other side of the country.

"The whole country knows about it. When Duke Sinclair brought Bishop Heiliger before His Majesty, accusing her of treason, the whole noble society got turned upside down. I got to applaud your guts, Melina, for catching the rat that's been poisoning the food in Alemahria. But don't think it'll go down without a fight. The Church is already pushing for Heiliger's release," Auden explained with an uncharacteristically serious expression.

"We have plenty of evidence to support that she was trying to start a war with the Monster Realm," Alistair countered.

"You know that in matters like these, evidence is just one piece of the bigger puzzle. If you truly want to put the Church in its place and change this country for the better, you need to push harder and find allies to support you. Because right now, the general public is torn. Who to believe? Duke Sinclair, who some might interpret as trying to acquire more power by getting rid of the Church. Or the Church, a supposedly neutral organization tasked with overseeing the matters relating to the System and protecting the citizens from monster invasions. You tell me which looks more convincing on paper?"

Melina frowned. From the perspective of somebody who didn't know either Duke Sinclair or Church as closely as Melina did, it was obvious who looked better. The Church. In the eyes of common people and even nobles, they were those who kept monsters in check. Any evidence presented by Duke Sinclair might be perceived as nothing more than fabrication.

"There's no need to make such a sour face. It just so happens that the strongest player in all this is right here," Auden said with an amused smile and pointed at Melina.

"Me? How am I the strongest player? I'm merely a baker," she shook her head.

Auden and Alistair both looked at her skeptically.

"Well, alright, I'm not just a baker, but I'm hardly the one who can influence the populace's view on the Church. Nobody even knows me," Melina said.

"Nobody knows you yet!" Auden pointed out. "But you've already attracted the attention of many nobles. Everyone is wondering who this baker is with the System in Sunglow, making magical pastries and taming dragons and other beasts like they're dogs."

Melina was surprised to hear that so much information had already spread to Alemahria. Sure, she wasn't keeping it a secret for a while now, but it was still baffling to think that noble society knew about her when she wasn't nearly as flashy as when she was an Archmage.

"So you're saying everyone will flock to Sunglow to figure out exactly who Melina is and, more likely than not, grab her talent for themselves," Alistair said with a frown.

"Exactly. She's unaffiliated with the Church, meaning she's a System user who is free up for grabs. I can assure you that many nobles will do anything in their power to get their hold on you, Melina. And I'm afraid they won't be as understanding as I am, contenting myself with being a business partner."

Melina couldn't deny that. As far as nobles went, Auden was an anomaly. He didn't demand things to be done his way, but instead tried to compromise. Sure, his contrast for partnership had been shady, but he hadn't forced it on Melina at any point.

"I'll protect Melina," Alistair said firmly.

"Yes, yes, I'm sure you're eager to show off your wonderful fiancée," Auden said in a somewhat mocking tone. "But I suggest a different approach."

"Different approach?" Melina asked, and she could hear Alistair growl in displeasure. She placed her hand on his under the table, thus calming him.

"Yes. Instead of sitting here and letting the nobles come to you and make their ridiculous demands. I suggest you invite them here yourself," the Count said.

"Invite them myself?" Melina and Alistair asked in unison.

"That's right. Since you're so keen on getting married, you'd have to introduce Melina to high society as your fiancée anyway. Host an engagement party, make an official announcement," Auden said with a smile.

Melina blinked. That was actually a good idea. By hosting an engagement party, Alistair would effectively announce her as being protected by the House Sinclair. That would make any noble think twice before trying to force their will on Melina just because she's a commoner.

Not to mention that during the party, she could display her magical pastries to show off her skills. Showcasing Mango and Sienna as completely safe monsters could also serve to educate the nobles that monsters weren't so fearsome and bad as the Church made them out to be.

"That is a marvelous idea," Alistair said, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

"I knew you'd like it," Auden nodded. "I suggest you set it up to maximize your benefits. Slowly introduce your ideas to the noble society. Warm them up to the changes you have in mind."

"Why are you so supportive of all this?" Alistair asked suspiciously.

"Why? Because Melina can bring about the change I've been craving since childhood. To do away with the Church and its bloody crusade," Auden said, his expression dark and his fists clenched into tight fists.

"Has the Church done something to you personally?" Melina asked.

"Let's just say that I didn't become a Count before I even could awaken to the System because I wanted to," he said bitterly.

Melina wanted to ask for more details, but Alistair squeezed her hand. It appeared that asking anymore would be inappropriate.

"How do you suggest hosting this engagement party?" Alistair asked, switching the topic. "We would probably have to host it in Fenrora. Sunglow doesn't have the necessary facilities for it."

"No, I suggest you host it in Sunglow," the Count said.

"Where exactly? There isn't a venue large enough," Alistair said. "Especially if we want to invite many noble families."

"Do we need many noble families?" Melina asked.

"The more the better," Auden confirmed. "But there's no need to host the party indoors. It's still summer, and lately, outdoor tea parties have been gaining steady popularity. I suggest you take advantage of this trend and host an outdoor engagement party."

Melina blinked. Would that really work? There would certainly be a lot of issues if they could host the party outdoors. After all, outdoor space was one thing Sunglow didn't lack.

"Melina, what do you think?" Alistair asked.

"I think it could work if we planned everything right," Melina said.

"I agree," Alistair nodded.

"Wonderful! But I suggest you involve a knowledgeable noble lady as your ally. I'll help where I can, but there's only so much support I as a man can provide. You need somebody who knows how to lead a party."

"We shall ask Mother. She would surely love to help," Alistair said cheerfully.

But Melina couldn't help but feel nervous. Host an engagement party together with Duchess Sinclair. Could she even handle something like that? She knew nothing about hosting parties for nobles? One wrong move and Duchess Sinclair might decide that her son deserved better.