Magic is unique in that it imposes order on reality. Spells, levels, and skills have requirements to form, and once formed, follow set paths. Sometimes the paths can vary, but the spell forms will always be at a set level. This has caused considerable speculation about the involvement of system analysis in users. This question is easiest to see with attributes and is often posed as ‘does the system cause the stats behavior’, or ‘does the system only report the stats behavior’.

  Another example might be quests given to travelers. Does completing a quest cause the system to imbue the user with the stat value, or is there something inherent in the quest that the system is reading? For those born on Earth, the question seems strange. How can gathering fruit, a trivial quest sometimes received, cause a significant increase in muscle mass? It does not make sense that such an action would “train” your body more than a workout session at the gym.

  At first glance, it only makes logical sense that travelers have access to a special aspect of the system that modifies their bodies, but I would challenge you to question that. What if there is something inherent in us, something deep inside that interfaces with magic to cause rapid fulfillment of our potential? This is not an uncommon phenomenon in our own reality. People lifting weights for the first time show monumental increases in strength at first. We have seen in cases where the growth of quests is not limited, that the traveler does not survive for long, but the case is never internally driven. It is always a threat, quest failure, failed traveling, or an overwhelming foe. So, I would say, to answer the question of what regulates the incredible potential of travelers, what assigns the quests?

  >New entry in restricted reading in the traveler’s guild

  >Determining threat level

  >…

  >Recommend immediate destruction

  I can’t wipe the grin off my face as I dismiss the affinity increase notifications. Since coming to this world, I have increased my skills, physical and magical capacity, but increasing my affinity has been a slow slog.

  I remember the night when Lady Heartbran came to see me. I was soaking in the darkness, and I knew I could mold reality to my will.

  The rest of the world thinks affinity can’t be increased. My ability to increase my affinity is one of my strongest secret weapons. I only wish I knew how and why my affinity decided to grow. Maybe it’s because of all the spells I cast that touched on those affinities. I will need to think more about it later.

  For now, I sit down, catching my breath. The Ashmores and their knight slowly walk to the center, where their prizes lie. I watch them pick up the trinkets from the ground: a set of pants, arm bracers, and earrings. I itch to see the descriptions of the artifacts, but suppress my curiosity.

  I had hoped to awe them with my fight, and I want to maintain the cool, mysterious persona.

  I feel out to get their thoughts, but most of what I feel from their emotions is convoluted. I hope by making a good impression, I might be able to make a connection with them. As they pick up their new artifacts, the cave shakes. Stone stairs form in the far wall, and light shines through. We wordlessly begin our march back to the entrance.

  Halfway back to the dungeon entrance, we stop for a break. It’s late in the day, and in our ardor to progress, we skipped lunch.

  Sitting among the ponds and under the shade of a tree, the Ashmores bring out a small feast. When my stomach grumbles, they take pity on me. Frank hands me an apple-like red fruit with yellow spots, and bread that is flat and not quite stale but not quite soft either. I stand apart as I munch to give them some space and privacy, but Frank turns to me with other plans.

  “Good job today taking down the boss,” Frank says.

  “Thanks, it is what I’m here to do, but it was fun. Far smoother than my first run.” I say before I stuff my face with the bread.

  “Yes, you mentioned how difficult it is to take on the challenges alone,” Frank says. He pauses for a moment, and I can feel him considering a question before tentatively broaching the subject.

  “It is always better to have others to tackle challenges together. Jason, you have shown your strength in the dungeon today, but even with all you have, being a lord, alone, will be far more difficult. Have you thought of expanding your house?” He says, and I can feel him trying to dance around the subject.

  “I have a few plans in the works, but speak your mind.”

  “I- I would like you to consider marrying my cousin.” I cough as I choke on the bite of my fruit.

  Once I stop coughing, I turn to him. “It’s a bit soon. I have not thought that far ahead.”

  He nods, “You may want to start thinking about it. We all have our challenges; it's better to face them with someone at your back than alone.”

  I nod, not sure what to say. “I will keep it in mind.”

  We resume our trek, and a few times I receive looks from Alicia Ashmore and Knight Johnson, but otherwise the rest of the walk back passes in silence.

  We leave the maze to find two carriages outside. I raise an eyebrow, and Alica clarifies, “We have two carriages, one to take you back and the other to take us back. We thought it would take longer. If we had known how swift the trip would be, we likely would have just gotten one. Still, Frank, you and Knight Johnson can escort our rewards back to the estate. I will make sure Lord Kelley makes it home safely.”

  I felt my spine straighten as I thought about my conversation with Frank earlier. I enter the carriage to find the sack of gold waiting for me on the seat. I slide in and sit, wondering how the next few minutes might shape the rest of my life. I’m not sure if I’m ready for love, but I also know not all marriages start with love.

  I have heard stories before about arranged marriages. In some stories, I heard how the couple grew to love each other with time, though I also heard many other stories where the couples did not find love. Could I go through with it? Could I enter into a marriage with a stranger? I’m broken from my contemplation as she clears her throat to speak.

  “Lord Kelley, you have more than deliver on your side of the agreement. Had we known how involved the final boss may be, I promise you we would have offered you better terms. Though we have fulfilled the letter of the contract, I think House Ashmore could offer another deal that might be mutually beneficial for both of our houses. Do you understand what I mean?” She speaks in an eloquent tone that only a noble of the land has practiced.

  I nod, “You want us to marry.”

  She nods, and I could feel through the empathy as her brain stutters while processing the words. Whatever she was thinking, it was not a marriage contract. Her face goes crimson red, and instead of words, squeaking sounds come from her mouth. She takes a moment to compose herself. She coughs, turns away. Still blushing as she asks, “Wh-why did you say marriage?”

  I tell her about my talk with Frank in the garden. It’s funny to see her face transition from the crimson of embarrassment to the deep red of anger at her cousin.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

  “Wait until I get my hands on him.” She mumbles under her breath.

  “Right, where was I? I think a knight contract may be useful. We could have one of our knights aid your house.”

  Even as she tries to compose herself, she can’t look me in the eyes. It’s cute and refreshing to see her this way. I can’t keep the grin off my face, and I can feel it irks her every time her eyes flit to me.

  “Having a knight does sound helpful, but why are you offering? The Heartbrans are to provide me with three.” I ask, curious.

  “Knights are the defensive force of the house, but they also serve a few roles you may find useful in the near future. Aside from having a bodyguard, we could have a knight train you in swordsmanship to help with your skills, and we could also offer a mage aid on a temporary basis.”

  Training in swordsmanship sounds like it would be useful. I’m not sure that is what I want to focus on right now, but I’m not going to turn down help. However, I’m confused about the mage aid. It sounds official.

  “What is a mage aid?” I ask.

  “Mage aids are those who are well versed in the tactics and training of magi. Most houses keep a mage’s aid to train their children, but their other services should not be ignored. I can feel paranoia creeping up my spine. My first thought is, why would the house offer me so many resources? Maybe they want to know the range of my abilities? Despite my worries, I’m not going to turn away help.

  “I can see the advantage of the knight and mage aid. What will it cost me?”

  “Out of goodwill, we will pay for the first month. After that, you will need to add them to your payroll. We will discuss the cost and use of our sub-branches' mage aid after the month is over.” She states.

  “Why are you offering me a knight and a mage aid free for a month. I heard you say we should form bonds between our houses, but I want to make sure I understand what I am getting into.”

  She sighs, “I will be direct, Lord Kelley. Today, you showed your potential. We want to build bonds now so you will help our house in the future. The most powerful healer on the estate, a guaranteed win against the new boss, and the legitimacy of a lordship are just the tip of the spear. I think if we support you now, you can grow into a strong ally, and a strong relationship will benefit us both.”

  I nod. “I accept.”

  I’m skeptical it will be quite as straightforward as she says, but I can’t let my fear isolate me.

  The next hour, we hash out a few details for the contract. She will send over a knight tomorrow, and the mage aid in half a week. She mentions they may want me to do more dungeon runs once she discusses the new dungeon floor with her family.

  “It will be at least a few days before our house ventures into the dungeon again. If we do, we will send any new requests when the mage aid travels to your estate.”

  Once we arrive back at my house, I exit the carriage, and Alyssa hurries out of the household to greet me. “Welcome back, my lord. Did House Ashmore cancel the dungeon run?”

  I look down at her, eyeing her to try to peer inside and read her treacherous thoughts. “No, we finished.”

  “Even the new boss?” She says, surprised and breaking from her normally professional tone. I consider for a moment informing her that we failed to finish the new boss, to feed false information. I doubt it will be long before the truth is revealed, but it will show her as an unreliable source.

  I decide against it. I need her to show the spymaster trying to manipulate me that she is a source of vital information before I feed her the poisoned information at the critical moment. I have a moment of insight. Despite feeling betrayed, I know almost nothing about Alyssa. I need to correct that.

  “Yes, but more importantly, I have made a deal with House Ashmore; they will be sending over a knight to aid me while the Heartbrans get their act together.”

  “M’lord, are you sure that is wise? It will show favoritism for the Ashmores.”

  “I do have favoritism for them. When the other houses offer me something I can use instead of manifesting debts, I will show them favoritism as well.” I look down at her, hoping those words will be passed along.

  “Speaking of what news is there from the Sandridge estate?”

  “Lord?” She asks, confused.

  “I just left to go on a run with their greatest rival and succeeded where they failed. I expect to hear a similar request to aid them. I would think their house would want similar contracts.” Another line, I hope to see come to fruition. I’m a bit nervous about the idea of going into a dangerous dungeon with antagonistic nobles, but experience and gold will pave the foundations for my future power.

  “No word yet.” She says.

  “What of Merchant Evergreen?”

  “He would like to meet you. He said he would like to aid your estate in growing, but would like to discuss how you wish to grow your estate so he may help.” Or know what to price-gouge me on.

  “Good, he can meet me tomorrow at my estate.”

  “Are you sure it is a good idea to host him here?” I’m not sure if it is, but it will make my position clear. He’s coming to me to help me. I’m not going to him again.

  “Make the offer.” I know I am being too stern with Alyssa. I’m still angry at her spying, but I get close so I can learn about her. Part of me says it’s to build a friendship, but a dark part whispers it’s to get leverage.

  This tone of conversation is not conducive to having her open up to me. Then again, she did seem to favor the no-nonsense business tone. Of course, that could be, so she doesn’t get attached to make it easier to put the dagger in my back.

  I enter the house, offload some of my potions and other gear, before heading out back. Alyssa follows along at a respectful distance. I turn back to her, “I am going to meditate before dinner. Do you have any other updates?”

  “The first load of scraping from the chicken pens has been delivered across the fields. Other than that, the staff has been settling in well.”

  I nod. “Good, I will need someone to process the manure. Look for someone to hire. I will teach them what to do. If you need anything else, you know where to find me.”

  I find my place on the ground and sit, practicing controlling undead and scattering them throughout the area to act as undead spy cams. One is eaten by a passing bird, but most find a place to hide and observe.

  I see Alyssa in the house, making hand signs at the cook while Amanda cleans. I ponder the relationship between Alyssa and the cook. I don’t know sign language myself, but I’m surprised to see it is in a fantasy world. I wonder if Alyssa and the cook are related in some way.

  I don’t upgrade any spell forms, but I can feel myself becoming more acquainted with the ability. I do get a few skill level increases, which will help, but I’m hopeful I can continue to upgrade my little army of spies.

  When the sun starts to set, Alyssa calls me, and I go to the table to eat. Alyssa is about to walk away when I stop her.

  “Alyssa, come join me at the table.”

  She bows slightly, “Apologies, my lord, I have already eaten.”

  I wave her over, “That’s fine. I have a few questions for you.”

  She freezes before taking a concerted effort to smile at me. She pulls out the chair and sits. I take another bite of the fish and rice and let silence linger between us for a moment.

  “Tell me about George.”

  “George’s mother is a cook for the Heartbran estate and would aid in cooking banquets. When he is not cooking with his mother, he aids his father, who is a clerk for the Heartbran estate. He comes highly recommended and knows a variety of dishes.”

  I nod along, “Tell me about his voice.”

  “Lord Kelley, I can assure you it will not hinder his performance.” Her loyalty to George is telling, and it redeems her a little in my eyes.

  “I’m not worried it will hinder his job, but how did he lose his ability to speak?”

  “It was an accident. He was kicked in the throat by a young foul. He was healed, but never got his voice back after.” I cringe when thinking about how horrible it would be to be kicked in the throat. I’m surprised he is alive.

  “I see. Does he have any other family?”

  She shrugs, “A few cousins around the estate. His mother lives here for now, but his father transferred in from the city.”

  I nod. “What of Amanda?”

  She sighs, “She has been a maid for all the sub-branches before being reassigned to the Heartbran estate.”

  So, no one wants her. They pawned her off on someone else until she ended up being pawned off on me. Despite her aloof nature, she does a good job cleaning. I can see how easily she could get on the nobles’ nerves, but in the end, I’m not too worried about her.

  Then a thought occurs to me. She is so unaware of her surroundings that she would probably continue to clean in the middle of important meetings. I think of merchant Evergreen trying to have a conversation as the maid feather-dusts him. The thought of the merchant's annoyance makes me smile, though underneath I can’t help but wonder if Amanda’s aloofness is an act.

  “How about yourself?”

  “I have spent years as a clerk, and I can assure you I have the knowledge on noble etiquette and house management to aid you.”

  “Have you ever worked as a steward for a house before?”

  “I have not.” She says, and I see her squirm. “-but I am well versed in the requisite knowledge.”

  I nod. “What of your family?”

  “My mother and father are clerks.”

  “Where do they work?”

  “My mother works at the Heartbran estate library, and my father is an aid to the house steward.”

  “Do you have any siblings?” It’s like pulling teeth, but I know this is important.

  “Yes, my brother is a knight-initiate, and my younger sister is an aide.”

  “For the Heartbran estate?”

  “No, they were recently offered sponsorship from House Sandridge.” This missing piece clicks into place. Now it makes more sense. Her siblings were given sponsorship to pursue their careers, and the price for their dreams is that she must spy on me.

  “You should invite them over; in fact, we should have everyone’s family over once a week or so. Family is important, and staying in touch with family is important.”

  She nods stoically. “Of course, my lord.”

  I hope that will begin changing the way forward. I can feel her unease at the request, but I have high hopes. I ask a few more questions about growing up on the estate. Her answers are short and brisk. I finish my dinner and call it a night. I return to my room and meditate until sleep claims me.