Building a Harem in a Noble House

Chapter 103: So, How About That Tour?

It felt good to get closure with our Meredith. Perhaps if I hadn’t been transported to Fairy World a few weeks ago, I’d be reeling right now. Since I had, though, I didn’t spend much time on the statistical improbability of what’d just happened. Isobel would’ve if I’d been allowed to talk to her about it, but I wasn’t. So, I merely appreciated the moment for what it was and followed everyone back into the dining room.

I pulled out a chair for Meredith, who took my seat beside Isobel with Lyra and me sitting across from them.

Isobel didn’t waste a second. "Alright, Meredith, let’s get the details sorted. The Paladin Exams–when’s the next cycle? Any specifics on the Qualifying Exam that you’ve heard from the Order? Dates, locations, entry requirements? Unfortunately, all I know is that they’re happening. Dates haven’t been shared publicly."

Lyra, lounging with her boots up on the table edge again, shot Isobel a look that could curdle milk. "Whoa, hold up, Isobel! Pump the brakes! The girl’s barely through the door, and you’re hitting her with the interrogation? She just signed on. She’s owed a tour of the place first, at least!"

Isobel glanced up, her purple eyes cool but not unkind, adjusting her bun with one hand. "Fair point, Lyra, but time’s not on our side. The Exams aren’t a casual festival; they’re a crunch. Lloyd can handle the tour once we’re done here. All I’m asking for is some information so I can plan our time accordingly. Then I’ll leave Lloyd to play show-and-tell." She turned back to Meredith, voice softening just a touch. "Sorry if it feels rushed. I’m just not one for unpreparedness."

Meredith nodded. "No apologies needed. I appreciate the directness. "The Exam proper is a tournament, as it often is. As you could imagine, it’s only open to those who pass the Qualifying Exam, which itself is a Dungeon Quest–the details of which have not been shared with us. Anyone can enter, I believe. Adventurers and unregistered Paladins who have sworn Oaths elsewhere may enter without need of a Noble House’s name. Recruits such as myself, though, are not afforded such a luxury."

Isobel’s eyebrows shot up at that. "Anyone, hmm? That’s... surprising. This... this opens doors I didn’t even know were cracked." She paused, resting her chin between her thumb and forefinger. I laughed softly. I could practically see the gears turning in her mind as she considered some strategy or another. "Speaking of which. Meredith? Do you think you’re strong enough for this? The Qualifiers, the Exam–should you make it that far–, life as a Paladin. All of it."

She met Isobel’s gaze steadily. "I believe I am, Isobel. If we’re scaling as the Adventurer’s Guild does, then I rank at around a 3-Star in terms of strength and skill. I’ve completed my share of Quests and Dungeon Raids, both alone and with teams. I have faith in my ability to compete against the best these Exams will draw out."

3-Star. Not bad at all for someone going it without a House backing her. But the other Meredith’s words tugged at my mind. What would she want me to say to this? I turned to Lyra, who’d been eyeing me with a muted worry. Like she’d been thinking of something but didn’t have the heart to say it.

So I did. For her sake, and for our old friend’s sake.

"That isn’t bad, Meredith," I started. "But you aren’t strong enough to be overconfident. The experienced Adventurers will be 4-Star, and I wouldn’t be surprised if some 5-Star unlicensed vagabond showed up to get their certification at the Exams."

"What do you suggest?" Meredith asked, unshaken by my rather harsh comment.

"Training," Lyra answered in my place. "Nonstop. Until you’re strong enough to meet our standards."

Isobel nodded approvingly at us while Meredith’s eyes lit with a determined fire. "Absolutely. I expected no less from you all. I look forward to earning my spot in this House."

And with that, the room seemed to exhale, tension melting into something warmer. And then Lyra, who’d been holding onto her professional mask like it was glued on, cracked wide open. She vaulted across the long table in one fluid leap, scattering a few loose sheets and nearly toppling a tankard, landing right in front of Meredith with arms wide once again.

"Welcome to the team! We’re gonna have so much fun!" She pulled Meredith into a bear hug, squeezing tight despite the armor’s unyielding plates, her voice muffled against the shoulder guard. Her voice threatened to crack again, but she managed to hold it this time.

Well, she could’ve cracked again. I wouldn’t have known, considering her ability to travel through time with or without me, but I chose to assume she kept it together.

Meredith stiffened at first, her arms hovering awkwardly like she wasn’t sure where to put them, but then she patted Lyra’s back tentatively, a soft laugh escaping. "You... certainly are... physically affectionate. But... you are also warm. I like that."

Isobel chuckled, a light, melodic sound that cut through the moment, reaching over to pat Meredith’s shoulder a few times. "Don’t mind her theatrics. It’s how she processes strong emotion. I’m looking forward to seeing what you bring to the table, Meredith. Truly." Her eyes held that strategic gleam, but softer now, like she’d already slotted Meredith into some grand plan.

I leaned back, crossing my arms with a smirk. "Tour’s still on the docket, though. Can’t have our new Paladin wandering blind."

Isobel nodded, straightening her robe. "Agreed. And Lyra, you’ve still got some chores to finish. I’d appreciate it if you finished them before you rest."

Lyra pulled back from the hug. "Come on, today’s a special day. Can’t we take a day off?"

Isobel leaned in close, whispering something low in Lyra’s ear, words I couldn’t catch over the lantern’s soft hiss. Whatever it was, Lyra’s face shifted in a blink–grin fading to a determined nod, eyes sharpening. "You know what? You’re right. Chores it is. Armory won’t check itself." She hopped off the table, rubbing her hands together like a fly on the wall.

I blinked, confusion hitting me like a splash of cold water. What the hell was that about? Any other day, I’d have inquired. Now, with Meredith awkwardly waiting for me, I couldn’t afford to. They’d have this one, I supposed.

"So, how about that tour?"