Chapter 13

The interior of the carriage was about as I expected it to be. Two benches facing one another, though these were covered in a cushiony material which felt a lot nicer than most chairs I'd ever sat on. It was perfectly warm, which was odd, but then I noticed the odd floating ball, on the ceiling. It was clearly something magical and was probably the reason for the perfect temperature. Some sort of temperature regulator? Or heater? Whatever it was, it spelled big things for what else we could expect. Magical technologies.

Once we were sat down, the carriage began to move, and Julia smiled at the both of us.

"It is good to be traveling with those who know how to fight," Julia said. "My guards, bless their souls to the tranquil lake, weren't really fighters. They looked tough and were bettered training than any commoner, but against foes like goblins, or any true soldiers, they couldn't do much."

'"Then why hire them?" I asked.

"Well, that's complicated." She sighed. 'But I suppose we have time. You see I'm on my way to the capital for the guild clash. It's been an event I've been looking forward to for a while now. I was originally meant to leave with my family, but I wanted to get there early, so I hired some guards at short notice, a carriage and left without notice."

I stared at her, and wondered if I should comment on the stupidity of her actions. Luckily she seemed to understand my looks.

"I know, I know," she said with a sigh. "It was a foolish thing to do, and no doubt if not for your help, I would have taken by those goblins. I shan't ever repeat such an act again, though my words might not quell the anger my father and mother will express when I next see them."

"I think they'll just be glad your alive," I commented.

"Indeed." She smiled. "And they will surely reward the both of you for your heroic timing. Might I ask if you two are going to participate in the guild clash?'

"We're not sure yet," I replied as I held back my joy at her words. She seemed like she came from a rich background, and we could use a reward. After all, neither Erza nor I had any money.

"Well should you wish to enter, my sister's guild would surely take you in," Julia said.

"Sister guild?" I asked as my curiously and interest peaked.

"Yes, my sister, the prize of our family," Julia said with a hint of annoyance in her tone. "She will be participating with her own guild, backed by my parents, and the rest of our family. Oh, that reminds me, I've not yet formally introduced myself. I'm Julia Melhorn Viscott, second daughter of duke and duchess Viscott."

If she was the daughter of a duke and duchess which were traditionally titles only a step lower from king or queen, then she faintly was a noble, and a high one at that.

"I see you are unfamiliar with my family name," Julia noted. "Which means you're not from Helforn. Are you from Pyrok? No, your accent are not the same as the locals. In fact, I've never heard an accent quite like your, David. You, Erza on the other hand, sound very smiler to my sister, you even walk and hold yourself like her."

"She's a fighter then?" I questioned.

Julia laughed. "Of course, she's the leader of a guild. Usually, the leader of a guild must be very strong. She is an expert with the spear and has innate magic, though her magic allows her to affect her surroundings rather than her body like yours, David."

"I definitely have to see about joining her then," I said. "If we end up deciding to want to participle."

"Excellent." Julia clapped her hands excitedly. "You can stay with me until them. My mother purchased a manor in the city just for us."

"I wouldn't want to impose," I said.

"Nonsense," she replied in an offended tone. "You saved my life. I would not be here if not for the two of you, and I'll not have it said that a daughter of the Viscott family did not repay her debts. You will stay with me and that is final."

Well, that had gone from one to a hundred real quick. Then again, why was I even complaining? This was perfect. We would get to stay in a manor, and probably get to live the high life and when her sister arrived we could talk to her about joining the guild temporality.

"We will graciously accept your offer," I said with an awkward bow, which Julia waved off.

"I'll have none of that, not from my saviors, we shall be equals," Julia said firmly.

I hadn't been sure of her at first, but I was really starting to like this woman. She sounded posh and stuck up, but she clearly had a good level of intelligence and was reasonable, not to mention it seemed like she reality regretted the loss of her guards.

"Now, Erza how did you get your hair to look like that?" Julia began.

For the next two hours, I was treated to an intriguing conversation about hairstyle, makeup, and other beauty products of this world. Apparently, there were a ton of ways to change how you looked, a lot using magic or alchemical potions. I won't lie and say I understood most of what they were talking about, but seeing magic brought up so nonchalantly and as if t was normal, which I guess it was, was nice and made me think of how odd this conversation would sound back on earth.

Erza for her part seemed to enjoy talking with Julia, and they even promised to have a day out together. Erza had looked at me when Julia had asked, and I'd nodded subtly. I wasn't going to stop her if she wanted to have some fun. She may have been created by me, but she was not my slave. She was a loyal friend and ally, and probably more soon enough if that was what she wanted.

Soon, though, our ride came to an end.

Julia smiled excitedly. "Ah, it seems we've arrived."