After sorting through the many records that Leopold provided, Ruena found that Alodan was in a far better place financially than she had expected. It seemed that for all her greed and deception, Velcorna had properly run things in the absence of the Alodan head and heir. Financial state aside, it seemed the knights of the Alodan house were in a rather disappointing state. She would have to retrain them all, and hire more than just this bare bones skeleton crew.

  In order to do that she would need connections. Sure there was Lady Trelys, but she wanted to keep her involvement to just etiquette. Ruena also wanted a second opinion from another influential individual. When she mentioned this, Leopold gave her a few suggestions of who would make the best connections.

  There was Densooth, who had a bit of a bad reputation but he still carried the power of the Queen’s advisor. Leopold did not recommend him very highly, but he was the easiest connection to make. On the other side of that scale was the Royal Sorceress, Crystal. She was a close friend of the Queen and the only one other than the advisor that had seen her since she secluded herself. Crystal was at odds with Velcorna, though.

  That sounded perfect to Ruena, but Crystal was far harder to meet. She lived far away from the capital and rarely attended social gatherings when she came for work. Ruena couldn’t help but imagine the convenience of travelling by magic she had experienced through Soral’s portals. Perhaps Crystal was using a similar method.

  Those would be the most powerful connections to make, however, Leopold left her with a full list of nobles and their factions just in case. He had noted which factions were enemies with Velcorna, but that didn’t necessarily mean they were enemies of Ruena’s. It was a lot to think about. First things first, Ruena met with Lady Trelys. She at least wanted to know the basics of etiquette so she didn't make any major mistakes when meeting someone new.

  "The basics would take more than a day to teach, but I could tell you about the core which etiquette and proper behavior is based on," Lady Trelys told her, "In its essence, etiquette is made of two things. Empathy and situational awareness. The first aside, how much do you know about the City of Altea?"

  The City of Altea was where the Queen resided and the single capital of the many kingdoms on the Altean side of Althaedor. Ruena knew those kinds of basics. "I don't know any of the cultural rules or expectations," she admitted, "Only the basic history that everyone knows."

  "That is fine for now. We will work on the specific rules of Altean etiquette when we have more time," Lady Trelys explained, "What we need to focus on now is manners, the general courtesy towards others. This is what all etiquette is built on. As long as you are mindful you shouldn't make any major mistakes."

  That sounded simpler than Ruena had expected. "Thank you for agreeing to teach me despite what happened in the past."

  Lady Trelys waved her off. "I won't blame an adult for the mistakes of a child. Besides, your mother had specifically requested I be harsh on you that day. I had questioned her judgement, but these classes are how an old woman like me makes a living."

  The rest of her grudge against Lady Trelys faded away. Of course it was Velcorna again. Ruena pushed back her anger and tried her best to focus on what little Lady Trelys did have time to teach her. It was an exhausting but necessary step before she went around trying to make connections with the higher Nobility of Altea.

  Ruena wanted to at least try to meet Crystal before settling for the others on the list, but she didn't have the first clue on how to do so. She did have an idea that might help, though. A new branch of Soral's Disguise Clothing Shoppe had opened in the City of Altea. Each location employed a sorcerer skilled with enchantments. Someone like that might know more about the Royal Sorceress.

  A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  With this plan in mind, Ruena ventured out to the city. Even leaving the mansion as the heir was an unexpected hassle. She had to wait for a carriage, choose guards, and even dress appropriately. Luckily, her uniform as the commander of the Alodan Warriors was deemed appropriate for simple outings. She would have to ask Soral to send more dresses that didn't constrict her movement for meeting nobles and other important people.

  The Disguise Clothing Shoppe was flooded with customers from the common crowd to nobles in disguise. It didn't cater to noble visitors like a boutique, and this had surprisingly not dampened the popularity. If anything, the fact that it was harder for nobles to acquire only made it more valuable to them. Seeing as the Warrior uniforms were designed and provided by The Disguise Clothing Shoppe, Ruena fit right into the crowd and was able to slip right in.

  The inside of the building was also busy, but it was far more orderly and peaceful than the bustle of the outside. Each patron, regardless of origin, had their own space to browse and try on the various wares. Ruena approached a free employee once she made it deep enough inside.

  “Excuse me, but is the residing sorcerer here free?” she asked.

  The woman seemed shocked to be called out, and even more shocked once she met Ruena’s gaze. “Golden eyes… Black hair. Are you perhaps Ruena Alodan, the partner of our company head?”

  “Soral? I am,” Ruena replied. It seemed that Soral had told them about her already. She hoped he had, and this was exactly why she had chosen to come here rather than anywhere else.

  “I will go get him,” the woman promised and darted off between the racks and displays.

  “Ruena Alodan?” another woman asked. She must have been pursuing a nearby display and overheard the conversation, “Why would you be looking for a sorcerer? Or is it secret?” This woman had a rather distinctive appearance, if only because her features resembled those of Altean royalty. However, her blonde hair was a few shades too dark, and her green eyes had a ring of grayish blue on the outer edge.

  “It’s not really a secret,” Ruena told her, “I was just hoping to ask them something only a sorcerer would know.”

  “Only a sorcerer, hmm? Well, I am a sorceress,” she offered, “I might be able to answer your question. I must admit my curiosity has been piqued.”

  Ruena considered for a moment before deciding to humor the woman. Everyone would likely find out sooner or later anyway. “I am hoping to meet Crystal, the Royal Sorceress,” she explained, “In order to do that I need to know where to find her and what she is like.”

  “Crystal? Why would you want to meet her?” the woman asked, “Don’t you know she is at odds with your mother?”

  “Sounds perfect to me,” Ruena replied, “I am also at odds with that woman. That is exactly why I need to meet the Royal Sorceress. I can’t afford to take any more help from Densooth than I already have.”

  “That man does like his deals,” the woman mused, “In that case, I accept your meeting. I am Crystal, the Royal Sorceress of Altea. It is a pleasure to meet Alodan’s heir at last.”

  Ruena froze in shock, unable to think of a proper reply. This all seemed far too convenient of a coincidence, even if Soral’s shop was wildly popular. No, she couldn’t mess this up now. She could confirm with someone else later that this woman truly was who she claimed to be. For now, she needed to play along.

  “The pleasure is all mine,” Ruena replied a bit awkwardly, digging deep for all of the endless pleasantries she had exchanged the evening of the ball, “I had no idea I would meet you in such a place.”

  “This is actually my first time here,” the woman admitted, “I dropped by when I saw the Alodan carriage. I wanted to see what you were like. Madam Alodan is a fierce woman who has been doing her best to endanger a dear friend of mine and I wanted to see with my own eyes whether or not you are a threat.”

  “I have no interest in the throne of Altea,” Ruena told her clearly, “And if what I know of the Alodan family history is correct she has no right to it.”

  Crystal smiled beautifully. “In that case, I am sure we will get along wonderfully.”

  The sorcerer came running out about then and confirmed Crystal’s identity with his stuttered nervous greeting. Ruena thanked him for his help, leaving the poor man utterly confused. Once that was settled she arranged a more formal meeting with Crystal, who had agreed to become her mentor. Finally, things seemed to be falling into place.