"Well. Actually. About that." I begin with a contrite grin. "There is one more thing I would like to ask." At which Hellevik drops his head into his hands. Clearly tired of me. But as the dutiful man that he is, he motions for me to go on with a sigh.
"As I said. I don't remember anything before the crash. But I do have this." I finally reach into my pocket and pull out the recommendation letter. "I know this is an invitation letter for one of the schools in Eidralore. However. I can't read it."
Well. That was a lie. I can read it. I have read it, in fact. But I was still not sure if my interpretation of the letters was correct. And this was a simple way to confirm this. So I walk over to Hellevik's desk and hand him the letter. "Could you read it for me and tell me what it says?"
And after shooting me a questioning glance, he takes it. "So, not only do you not remember anything from your past? But you also can't read?" He asks rhetorically. I answer with a nod anyway. Causing another sigh to escape his lips. "Huuuuuu. Well. Alright. I'll read the letter for you, but I don't think you'll get into any magical schools without being able to read."
Of course, I was well aware of that. But I could fake it. If what's written in the letter is the same when he reads it, I'll at least know I have a semi-decent grasp on the written language. And talking is obviously no problem either. So I could probably worm my way through.
Though that does make me wonder about something. `Is it because I played the game with English voices on?` Another question added to the pile of ever-growing mysteries. A question I would have to entertain later as Hellevik clears his throat and begins to read the letter.
"To the Esteemed Daniel, Scion of the House of Blackwell, it is with the highest regard and unwavering confidence in your potential that the Oridalis Academy extends this formal invitation to join our forthcoming academic year." He began with an air of ceremony.
And continued reading the letter for a while. But the rest of it wasn't really important. It was just, as one would expect from an elite magical school mostly visited by nobles, them talking about how good they are. Patting themselves on the back.
Not that I listened to anything else Hellevik was saying. I already got the important bits of information. The ones that really mattered. And as it turns out, I was mostly right in my translation of the text in the letter.
This, however, did not make me happy. As it means that I was indeed a noble. Son of House Blackwell, according to the letter.
And while I didn't know what that was like. I mean, being a noble. I knew I wouldn't make a good one.
I'm not going to pretend to be someone I'm not. To anyone. That's just not my style. So if I indeed have a family, then the discussion I just had with everyone will eventually repeat itself. And I was not too keen on that.
At the same time, I was kind of curious. I was curious to know if I really had a family. Just because I'm from a noble house doesn't mean everyone in it is alive, after all. And stories like this usually have the parents be dead or distant.
So I interrupt Hellevik by raising my hand. "Sorry. But do any of you know the house Blackwell? Are they famous or anything?" Straight up asking what I was curious about. No matter how dumb that might make me appear.
"I…." He begins. Clearly wanting to shoot back with an answer. But no such luck. "I actually don't know. How about you, Garrun?" Hellevik asks while leaning to the side. Making eye contact with Garrun.
Who apparently is the resident expert on noble houses. "No. Never heard of them. They must be a family from outside Eidralûn." Garrun replies matter-of-factly. "Based on what he said, I assume they are from the Ís smíðaðir (Is smi-dar). But they can't be famous since I know all the high-ranked houses on Draumond."
`The Ís smíðaðir (Is smi-dar), hmm?` I hum contemplatively. `Yeah. That makes sense considering I came from the south.` The Ís smíðaðir is just like Eidralûn. One of the three big kingdoms on Draumond. They control most of the east and parts of the south of Draumond. So it would be reasonable to assume I'm from there.
My thoughts are interrupted by Hellevik speaking. "Well. If he is from the Ís smíðaðir, (Is smi-dar) then the archives of the city would have his family name and everything we know about them recorded." Of course, even if my family wasn't part of Eidralûn's noble houses. They would still be recorded. They are a noble house, after all.
So it seems that if I want to know about my family, I'll have to go to those archives. "And how would one get to those archives? Who do I have to ask for this kind of information?" Luckily, the answer to my question was rather simple.
"Well. I told you that you are cleared to go into the city as far as I'm concerned. But the guards at the gate will want to speak with you regardless of what I say. And they have copies of the records of all noble families to identify people easily. So once you go to the Southern Gate, you'll know." Hellevik explains helpfully.
"Thanks." I bow my head slightly before I turn towards the door. But of course not before expressing my gratitude once more. "Thank you, Commander. And all of you. I promise that I'll make it up to you somehow one day. Even if it is just by sending in some money." My new offer was shot down again. But this time, I just raise my hands and ignore the protests from Myra and the others.
They have done a lot for me. So the least I can do is make sure they receive some money. "At least let me have that one. I'm a noble. So I'm sure I have some money on the side somewhere. I promise it won't be a huge sum. A month's pay. That's it."
Finally finding some middle ground with these stubborn people. Everyone reluctantly agreed with my offer. Except Myra, of course. "I don't need your money. But if you really insist, then at least let me help you until you are actually safely in the city."
But at least her counteroffer is also reasonable this time. "Permission to leave until Daniel is safely in the city, Captain?" She turns to look at Oswald. Her eyes were full of determination. Obviously, going to go even if he says no.
However. Oswald was not so easily outdone. If she was going to do whatever she wanted anyway. He was going to at least tease her about it. "Sure. Permission granted. And take the rest of the day off. You two can go on a date in the city if you want." He replies with a wink.
Both me and Myra roll our eyes at his comment. Though she seems to flush a little under everyone's gaze. Which I don't. Because there was just no way for me to see anyone like this. Even someone as genuinely attractive as Myra.
`In the first place, to form such a connection, there needs to be understanding. And I get the feeling no one will ever truly get me in this world.` So I've already promised myself I won't engage in romance in this world.
It has always been a secondary pursuit anyway. Even on Earth, I've only ever been in one serious relationship. Which fell apart over a lack of proper connection. Not that I cared overly much. I've never been a romantic, lovey-dovey guy. I only ever really connected with my parents and siblings at a level that I would call love.
So as much as I owe Myra. And as pretty as I find her. There was no way for me to seriously see her like that. So I dismiss the teasing with a casual wave. "Thanks. I hope I get to see you all again. And thanks, Myra. For helping me out even more."
Waving goodbye to Garru, Selric, Oswald, and Hellevik before me and Myra walk out the door. The goodbye was kind of unceremonious, considering they were the first people I met in this world. `But then again, that is how it is with guys, I guess.`
"Don't mind them. They just like teasing others." Myra comments as we walk down the stairs. Out of the side entrance of the building and towards the City Gate. "Yeah. I get it. I'm not bothered by it." I respond casually.
Myra is looking at me a bit skeptically. Not because of this. Rather, it's about what I said before. "Is what you said really true?" Though I could tell by the way she asked that she won't believe me even if I repeat myself. But I'm not mad. I completely understand where she comes from, after all.
"Yeah. I think so." So I choose to lie. Without lying. Just sprinkling in a little doubt into my answer. After all, to be perfectly honest, it was a possibility. Of course, it was far-fetched and wouldn't really make a difference. But the Boltzmann brain thought experiment exists. So everything was always up for debate.
My answer was enough to placate the doubt in Myra's. Or at least assuage her worries. "Alright. But when you talk to the guard, you shouldn't mention that. Just say you lost your memories after the crash and came here because of the letter."
I nod along with her words as we walk over the stone bridge connecting the actual city with the surrounding lands. Again. I completely get where she comes from. But if asked any questions, I will still be honest.
There is, however, something more important to think about. Though I suppose it will have to wait until I'm in the city anyway. So I don't say anything more until we reach the front of the gate.
Standing directly in front of it really puts things into perspective. My calculations are off by a meter or two. It was probably more likely twelve meters tall, and the walls are at least 10 meters thick. It was dwarfing. Making me feel minuscule.
But I couldn't marvel at it for long. As one of the ten guards guarding the gate strolls up to us with a casual salute. "Hey. What can I do for you?" His reaction was rather relaxed. Which is definitely thanks to Myra being an Outrider.
And while everyone in the Outriders had their own gear on, as far as I could see. They all proudly wear a badge on their chest to represent the organization they belong to. The Twin Mountains.
Two sharp, triangular side-by-side mountains, one slightly taller than the other, with a small star or snowflake nestled between. Representing the northern mountains, they patrol the capital where they are stationed.
An insignia quite distinct from the guard's own. Which was the Northern Star Shield. A circular shield emblazoned with a radiant northern star in the center, rays stretching out like frozen spikes. Symbolizing guidance and protection under the harsh northern sky.
"Hey. Yeah. So you remember that airship incident from two months ago? This kid is a survivor of that crash. He lost his memories. And we found him near death outside the city. But he has an invitation letter and is wearing the clothes of an initiate. So he needs to get into the city." Myra's words do make me perk up. Even though I was busy looking at the flag hanging over the gate. Which could either represent Eidralore itself, or maybe it was the kingdom's flag. But either way. This was more important.
`So people did know about it. Good to know.` Of course, people have heard of something like that happening. It was obvious. But until just now, it had totally slipped my mind how special that was.
The guard's eyes shot up. "Seriously? I heard that happened some two hundred kilometers away. Who the hell did he make it here by himself?" Good questions. All around.
Questions I'm quick to answer. "Perseverance. Determination. Intelligence. And a healthy dose of luck." I reply with a serious nod. Holding the questioning look of the guard steadily. My straightforward and honest nature is once again working in my favor here.
The guard was quick to nod back and wave for us to follow him. "Well. If what you say is true, then your survival is a miracle. I can tell your journey took a lot out of you. So let's go to the guardhouse to check things over." Though I realize quickly that his swift agreement is only so he can hand us off quickly to the people actually responsible for this kind of thing.
Not that I blame him. The guards probably don't get paid enough to deal with the bullshit they usually have to deal with. Though it looks like a cushy job, just loitering around the gate with the homies. Leaning on spears and leering after women.
Which is surely one of the many reasons why female guards and outriders wear concealing clothes. `Though that could also just be because it's cold out here.` I shake my head as I clear my head.
Because we just entered the city. A sprawling plaza lay before us. Not that I had much time to admire the city at the moment. The guard quickly walked over to a building on our left, in the shadow of the gate, the guardhouse.
Ushering us in and giving a brief report of what Myra told him. Before walking back to his post. Leaving us alone with the person responsible for the Southern Gate. A surprisingly young man. With a lean, athletic build and sandy blonde hair.
His armor was polished immaculately. The Guard Insignia was proudly displayed on his chestplate. "Captain Keldric. Outrider Myra of Squad Six." Myra greets the man with a crisp salute. Before going right into the story. Telling her version of things while I stand next to her, looking good.
Or something like that. The conversation I have with Captain Keldric is going about the same as with Hellevik. "Is that true?" "Yes." "Do you really not remember anything before the crash?" "Yes." "Can you hand me the letter so I can read it?" "Of course."
Things only really get interesting again once he finishes reading the letter and goes to retrieve the copies of the writing Commander Hellevik talked about. A big, leather-bound book. A family register of all noble houses on Draumond and even some from abroad.
And it's then that I finally learn some things about myself. Or rather, this boy and his family. "It says here that the Blackwells are a Baron house from the Ís smíðaðir (Is smi-dir). A Husband and Wife. One Son that was indeed scheduled to arrive here two months ago via airship." Keldric looks up at me. Before noting something down on a paper, he pulled from his desk.
"Now, I suppose I can mark you down as having arrived. Though we've already written you off as dead for a while now." He smiles apologetically at that. Even though it's not his fault. It's no one's fault. Other than maybe my own. If that.