In short, I've finally been let out of my cell. It took an extra day, though, than what Baskin promised. I've been given a fresh change of clothes and it feels so nice to be out of some drab cultist outfit. It's a simple outfit, but at least it fits. I couldn't help but notice it's something a noble's son would wear. Supposedly it's the only outfit that could fit me. I get that I'm petite and not packing much, but is something this big really the only thing that'd fit? How big are most of the women here? You know what. It doesn't matter. The sooner I get home the faster I can change into something more comfortable.
I'm glad my home isn't that far from here, but not getting a ride home feels horrid. If anyone needs a ride home, it's me, for all the things I went through over the past two days. Isn't it customary for a noblewoman to at least have a carriage? The nerve of this High Court. Not that I'd say that openly since I value my life.
As I've been walking through streets I know fairly well it's become apparent that I look odd and unrecognizable. Some kid looked at me like I was some ghost with how pale I was. It doesn't help that the sun hurts my eyes so much. I'm squinting so much I swear I'm getting wrinkles like some old woman. Overall my walk isn't that eventful it's just some people thinking I look sick and giving me a long stare. I notice some of the food and I can't be bothered to care. The scent doesn't matter to me anymore. I hate that food like this isn't for me anymore. I can eat it, but it won't do anything for me. I can't digest it and it makes me envious.
The good news is I've arrived home, the Deja estate. We may be rich, but it doesn't hurt to get some pocket money from a rich idiot relying on luck. I make some enemies, but I at least fund my schemes with my schemes. Not my family's money as that would make me feel like a horrible person. I mean more horrible than usual. As I walk onto my house's grounds I see some people working outside, mostly some of the commoners we've employed. House Deja is known for being one of the few houses that actually employs commoners and gives them work. It keeps our house on good terms with the locals and negates my meddling for the most part. My reputation is less than stellar, but my family is fine. If I can take the heat away from them I'll be happy, though my mother hates it when I scam someone.
I walk through the doors when I get 'the look' from my wonderful mother, the Countess of House Deja. I can't fault her for wanting the best from me, especially since I'm her only daughter. She's been so busy ever since my father died. He's the reason I even accepted that job from the High Court, but that's a story for a different time. What's important is that my mother is looking at me with both worry and disappointment.
"Blanche. We need to talk."
"Yeah… I'll go to your office after I-"
She cuts me off immediately
"Now."
"Yes, mother…"
***
The air is tense. My mother is sitting across from me and my younger brother is to the side. The curtains are closed likely for my comfort, but the mood is so thick I could cut it with a knife. No seriously-my mother's mana is making it slightly harder to breathe.
"Blanche. You didn't tell me this job of yours was going to put you in danger much less put you in confinement for two days."
"I didn't think it would end up like… this."
"You lost your humanity by chasing ghosts. We have to get blood for you now. Do you even realize how bad that is for this family? Or do you not care about it? Are you really willing to throw yourself under just to keep us happy?"
"I…"
"I what? Blanche."
She sighs. I can't exactly respond with an answer because I don't know what I should say. She's angry, worried, and wants me to speak. I want to speak, but I can't lie to her. I'm frozen and I don't know what I should do or say.
"Blanche. I want what's best for you. I allowed you to follow your path, but I need to rein you in."
Mother looks me in the eyes
"You are staying home. I'm done with your schemes and tricks. Until you learn to value yourself you will stay here. You will be retrained in etiquette, and your studies will be to be the heir of this house."
My younger brother Maxime cuts in on my scolding.
"Mother. You're retracting my right to be heir to… her? What the hell are you thinking?"
"What I'm thinking is to teach her value. Your right to heir was fickle in the first place. I know you two don't get along, but this is my decision."
Maxime has always been inheritance-minded. He's always wanted to inherit the count title. The only reason he isn't is because of my father's wishes for me. Mother is putting her foot down this time. She's asking a lot from me. I'm an unreliable mess, but if I have to try I will. Not that I'll like it. I feel so small right now. Haven't I suffered enough for a few days?
"Blanche. This is your punishment. Now were you listening this time or do I have to repeat myself"
"I heard you…"
"Good. Now do as you need today. Tomorrow I will start scheduling your classes. It also looks like your magic needs some work again. We are putting you to the Deja standard. You will not disrespect your ancestors more than you have."
I was dismissed not long after that. I can't believe she even saw my magic being unstable. I knew my mother was a magic prodigy, but not to that extent. The Deja family has always had something they were extremely good at. Whether they wanted to be or not. I'm the exception. I've never found that one thing I'm skilled at and probably never will.
Maybe tomorrow will be a better day.