Work Text:
Eileen toils for yet another day, this day a little more exhausting than the other days. Another day, another plumbing issue or yet another structural engineering issue to be resolved. When does all this end? In her daze, she ends up wandering slightly out of town, perhaps subconsciously not wanting to deal with other people and their requests.
She looks up from the snow laden path to see the owner of arguably the most beautiful face of the North, Raina Rubellite.
Oh, Eileen. It's been a while, how's work treating you?
Perhaps Raina didn't mean it, but for Eileen, it was the equivalent of walking on the back from the park or the mall, and encountering your work boss or CEO.
Immediately, Eileen tensed up. Why shouldn't she? After all the person holding her heart hostage is in front of her, quite literally.
I-It's going quite fine. I- I- I just actually fixed a house today!
Oh, glad that you are settling in fine. I actually have something to give you. Would you follow me back to the manor?
O-Oh, yes, certainly!
As the duo quietly headed to the castle, saying that they settled into a comfortable silence during their walk... would be an absolute lie. Eileen was almost shaking and rattling her poor brain to interpret if she was being punished or rewarded. If she was being punished, why? If she was being rewarded, why?
Meanwhile, the ever-dense Raina, just recalled the conversation with Rostin earlier that week about Eileen. The both of them discussed what is to be done with Eileen, who both caused them a lot of trouble, yet to whom they also owe a life debt. While Eileen is paid a salary, it's barely a laborer's wage, because of her crimes.
Eileen is also only surviving because of the benevolence of the town's citizens. They don't know that Eileen was the one who scammed both Raina and Rostin. Only that they were scammed, therefore, Eileen was basically revered as the one who allowed Raina to express her will and unleash her powers to save the town from their food shortage.
The duo arrive at the front door, with Raina greeting one of the staff at the front door. Eileen couldn't be bothered memorizing faces and names as it was a skill long forgotten. Only natural after it was subjected to replacement from her engineering knowledge and atrophy from her lifestyle choices of swindling and thievery.
After a while of uncomfortable time, with looks given by the staff, who looked like they disapproved her very existence, the both of them arrived in front of what seemed to be the... treasury?
Eileen. I think that it was wrong of you to run away with all the money, both the treasure store and the loan that day. I hope you remember what day I am talking about.
The sheer obviousness of the statement froze Eileen to non-response. ...
That being said, it is also hard to hate someone who is genuinely trying to change and has actively helped so many people. I don't think you realize how much your knowledge has given us a fighting chance to survive just one more year. For that, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you.
Raina, after declaring that, takes a sincere bow.
Eileen, not knowing what to say to such a sincere expression of gratitude, remains frozen for one more turn. ...
Eileen, of course has been thanked countless times by the citizens. Many times during passing and many greetings included them. However, they were different. It was usually repaid by the citizens by the various meals given to her. The citizens, due to not knowing the value of her expertise, treat it as an equal exchange.
Eileen has also been thanked countless times, sometimes just as sincerely, when she offered to fix or make things for her clients in the past, but those times were usually clouded by liar's delight, having successfully convinced the other party that she is actually going to solve their problems.
However, this time, just felt... different. Perhaps it was because there was a journey to arrive here. Maybe it was because she felt she redeemed herself. Perhaps it was because the person who thanked her was an ethereal beauty in the dangerous yet, alluring way... *ahem*
For the first time in a long time, even while not having to school her expression to avoid leakage of ulterior motives, a smile appears.
It's been my pleasure, My Lady.
That's why I've chosen to remove the curse from your heart.
Pardon?
You are free to leave the town, Eileen. I know the North is very harsh for those who don't want to live here, especially those who dream of enjoying their life in the South.
Eileen definitely did not anticipate this when she woke up this morning. And hence remains frozen for a turn. ...
However, let me offer you a reason to stay as well. I've noticed your penchant for jewelry. So I've decided on an appropriate lure for you! For the foreseeable future, should you remain here, I will give you access to borrow any of these jewels here.
, says Raina as she reveals the storeroom of jewels that Raina previously stole from (and has since returned the contents of).
A-Are you sure, My Lady?
Raina could wear how ever jewelry she wanted without any pushback. It was honestly, a dream for her. Ever since she was young, she has always wanted to be adorn in jewelry.
Where I come from, some don't like accessories, even if they should wear it because it benefits their status, like me. And there are others, who want it even more but don't get the chance to wear it, because of their status. I believe you belong to the latter, Eileen.
Eileen was paying little attention, and practically had her pupils shape into money symbols. Raina unintentionally hypnotized Eileen with the treasury room. Raina must have focused too much on status effects. Eileen receives the status effect 'Frozen' for one more turn. "..."
So, what do you think about my offer, Eileen? Is this enough of an incentive to stay here? Of course, you are also gaining a raise. I was shocked after looking at your wage. Sorry for not rectifying it earlier.
I accept... the offer
, says a still dazed Eileen.
Eileen found herself on her bed. Today, she was wearing heavy jewelry, both rare and beautiful, crafted only by the best smiths of the past. She still could not believe the events of today. It was as if Lady Luck, no, Lady Effort was shining on her.
Was is it really this easy to get what she wanted if only she was only more earnest? There was no need to feel guilty nor remorseful. Her victim just handed her what she wanted. She could just stay here. Sure, she would have to put up a little with the cold, but with Raina's powers and due to her work, she spent a lot of time in artificially heated places. So it wasn't actually that bad.
...
...
...
...
But old habits also die hard.
Raina, what did you honestly think would happen?
Please stay calm, Your Grace. It was within my plans anyway.
What do you mean?
I planned on giving her the jewelry anyway, because she was woefully underpaid for her time here. It's both a repayment as well as severance pay for her job. Also this way, at least I got to send her a message when she left.
Raina...
Yes, Your Grace?
I don't believe I have heard this term 'severance pay'? What does it mean?
The thrill of the steal was once again upon Eileen. Her efforts during the development efforts, did give her a constant above normal mood due to satisfaction.
But, by God, nothing beat the sheer high of stealing!
First order of business is of course, to get these to an appraiser. Of course, ones that won't know that these come from Raina. A lot of them like to settle in small quaint towns, so I also won't be too easy to spot this time.
You see, Eileen had actually learnt from the last time she was caught. It's because she didn't lay down for a while and was too eager to spend her newly earned money, which is why she got caught. Regardless to say, she won't be making that mistake again.
Eileen arrived in the so mentioned small and quaint town in the middle of nowhere. She knew this one had a retired jewelry appraiser. She also prepared a proper cover story, and her clothing looked too clean to be accused of stealing. It wouldn't be too far fetched to think that she would be mistaken for a small or fallen noble in these boonies, that's for sure.
As she walked through the town, she took a whiff of the air, only to immediately cough. The North may have been a frozen hellhole, but at least her sense of smell wasn't ruined by the livestock. Ugh...
Thankfully, she would only have to put up with this for maybe a day. Then, she could be on her way, to a nicer town to settle in for a while before going to the South. Actually, maybe she should change her destination, since Raina caught onto her fondness for the Southern climate.
Yes? I don't believe I've seen your face around here?
, an old man answers.
Of course, I'm Raina. I've come to get a piece of jewelry appraised and maybe sell it, if you're interested.
Eileen's mouth curves upwards, due to the liar's delight, a feeling she is more used to.
Eileen knew that this specific one is highly regarded in the field for his honesty. Eileen loves honest people, because as honest people themselves, they never expect it when they inevitably get tricked by her.
I haven't heard that name either. Would you mind coming in tomorrow? I've got to get my tools out, and it will take a day or two, since no one has come here in quite a while.
Eileen reluctantly agreed, not wanting to spend a second longer in this place and walked out. The smell of cattle once again assaulted her nose. Just once more day, just one more day, was her mantra.
The first inn Eileen walked into, she was about to talk to the receptionist. That's when she realized the shoddy construction of the place, and backed out, not wanting to risk her life.
Excuse me, customer? Please tell me what I did wrong.
She looked around to see someone... just like a citizen she saw in the North. The resemblance was uncanny.
Eileen, Ma'am. Thank you so much for fixing the lamp! Now we can eat in the light. It has also made the night a lot less scary. Please let me thank you!
N-No need
, the shy Eileen, new to accepting compliments, waves her hand, trying to escape the conversation.
P-Please!
, the girl, barely a teenager, drags her into her house.
My- Is it the engineer that's been making waves around the town?
, exclaims the mother.
Mom! She is the one who fixed our lamp as well. Don't you think she should thank her?
You're right, honey. Please, Ma'am, have a seat. Let us serve you lunch, if you haven't already had it.
Eileen, was about to reject, giving the usual excuse of having eaten already.
We insist.
But I-
However, her stomach had other plans. *growl*
Fufu...
, the mother let out a chuckle. Please remain seated, lunch will be ready in a just a moment. I'm sure you can smell it too.
Partially, the reason why Eileen's stomach rumbled was because of the rich aroma. She hadn't quite experienced the North's cuisine and was intensely curious of the food. She was also ravenously hungry, but that's besides the point.
That was the first story of how she first tasted a North-specific dish. And by the Gods, was it delicious.
(AN: This whole section was professionally fibbed. Don't rely on this as worldly knowledge)
That's right. This means that the receptionist was also a teenager, barely over being called a child.
Eileen sighed. She thought that this was how the heavens must be punishing her for sins... or something.
In my professional opinion as an engineer, this house won't stay upright for one more month.
What?!
, the girl was obviously very surprised.
Whoever built this house, clearly tried to skimp out on materials. Look at this pillar here. Do you see how far any support is? I've seen this much distance from one support to another, meaning that there is a lot of load on this one pillar.
Is-Is that so?
Also, it's hard to notice with the untrained eyes, but do you see this line through the wood.
Yes...
That's called a fault line. It means that the wood is slowly falling apart. I give it about a month before it snaps, and the floor above collapses. It would take me some to model what happens after that, but that is the best case scenario.
B-Best case scenario? What's...
- the girl takes a moment to gulp- the alternative?
That's obviously total collapse, as well as splinters flying everywhere, depending on the quality of wood used. Everyone, and I do mean everyone could end up with multiple wounds which are highly susceptible to infection. I'm not staying here to find out.
W-What?!
Since Eileen did her part of repaying the ghost in her memories, she walked out, not bothering to dignify her with a response.
In a certain shed, transformed to act like a makeshift greenhouse, two woman engage in a conversation.
So how is it going, Veronica? Everything still in order?
Yes, My Lady. The plants are still growing. It's all thanks to...
After a pause, Veronica continues. Is it true, My Lady?
What?
That Eileen left the North.
Yes, since she finished the project, I thought it was only natural to offer her the choice to leave. She said that she couldn't bear the cold and left.
Well, I can't blame her. If this wasn't where my ancestors and friends lived, I also would have fled this place a long ago.
, Veronica comments while caring for her plants.
Unlike a certain exchange earlier, both slip into a comfortable silence as they tend to the plants.
It was the next day. One day. One day of agonizing over inns to find a decent inn with a bed and fussing over bedbugs, that she was in front of the jewelry appraiser.
Please tell me that you were able to get your tools out?
Oh my goodness! Did you not have sleep yesterday night? Your face...
Enough about my face. What about the tools? Were you able to get them out?
Yes, of course. Hand me the jewelry and I shall appraise.
Eileen, of course, gave him everything.
...
These are very valuable indeed, but maybe you should know something.
What is it?
, Eileen comes off more rude than expected, mostly due to the lack of sleep.
There... are hidden messages within these compartments. Normally they are meant for lovers for whom jewels are acceptable gifts but they are not allowed to meet. You know, that sort of situation.
Well... I wouldn't be surprised if the owner partook... in those activites.
Let's see... they seem to addressed to a person named... Eileen
That caused Eileen to immediately straighten her back.
Eileen? Are you sure?
Yes. Would you like me to read the contents of the letter?
After a moment of thought, Eileen answers. I think she should at least hear this person out. Whoever it was.
...Yes
Eileen,
I know you must be very excited to get these trinkets and necklaces. I would truly say that you deserve them. In my heart of hearts, I'm truly sorry, if this does not coincide with reality, but I sort of saw this coming, Eileen. That being said, it was all accounted for-
That shocked Eileen once more. Raina out here causing frozen even with a distance!
-After all. It's for your efforts so far and for wishing you luck on your further endeavors. I hope this is enough to subside your inclination to steal, at least for some time. However, I am sad, that we couldn't spend more time together...
What..? She didn't expect the tone of the letter to shift this way.
...I really enjoyed our time together, discussing designs, and brainstorming along with Veronica. I am just a little annoyed at myself that I couldn't offer you the place you needed to find your happiness.
I wish you a happy life. I also hope to see you some time in the far future, at least. I think it would be nice to meet, even if decades later, just for old times sake.
Raina Rubellite
Why?
Why?
She wasn't that impressive. She just had some engineering knowledge, that she picked up on the side.
Why?
She wasn't that good. She swindled people left, right and centre.
Why?
She wasn't that charming. Her social skills were that of a doormat. She amounted to what was basically decor. People were happy to have her but didn't really base their happiness off her.
...So.. you addressed this to Eileen?
Huh?
You said your name was Raina, right?
She honestly forgot about that one detail.
Hah
, Eileen chuckled nervously. Yeah, I sorta forgot that I wrote that.
Well, it seems that you should be glad that I uncovered it for ya.
A smile appears.
Huh?
In this line of work, a lot of people don't actually sell the gold that they show up with.
It was then, that Eileen realized that she was actually crying, dissociating with her physical body since what she was feeling, didn't agree with her expression. It made dealing with the appraiser, only the more harder.
She... after all... still... wanted to sell... right?
You ain't a noble, arencha? I noticed since you even bothered coming to a town like ours.
...
And for non-nobles, jewelry, especially ones this well done, have a lot of sentimental value. Whether it be the last thing they have from their parents or some sort of gift from someone they lost. There are a lot of stories out there.
Eileen was still figuring out why her body was failing her. She was genuinely confused as to why she was even shedding tears in the first place. Was it for Raina? Was it for the townfolk? Was it for that girl whose lamp she fixed? Was it for that old man who treated Eileen like an estranged daughter after she fixed his roof? Was it for the cheery and friendly woman who made sure Eileen knew all the rumors of the town whether Eileen wanted to or not?
I don't... wish to sell it... May I have it back?
As Eileen exited the shop, still in a daze, she still held onto her jewels, something unthinkable to the Eileen just a day before, who just arrived to this backwater village.
And in backwater villages, such as these, it was very common to repeatedly meet the small amount of people you knew.
Oh, it's the engineer Ma'am! Thank you for the help once again! I dunno what I would have done if my daughter got done by the house. There really is no one all the way out here who could even tell such a thing.
...It was nothing.Ah.
She realized that the time in the shop just earlier was the first time she didn't want to double down on her lies, and simply wanted an escape. It was always high thrill, high risk with her. Why didn't she try to double down on her lie that she was Raina? Why did she withdraw? Why was she still holding this bag of jewelry still and not it's raw value? She should have swindled.
Money.
Worth.
Win-
Eileen found a wall next to her and banged her head, repeatedly. The thoughts were too painful, too primitive. She hated how Raina made her feel, how much of her protection she stripped. How... vulnerable she felt.
There was a knock on the front of the manor door. Most of the staff were surprised as the people who would normally try to visit the manor normally were inside and there were no expected guests.
Raina herself decided to open the door since she was the closest. However, the sight of the person in front of her shocked her.
Who...
. Raina follows down to see the familiar jewelry Oh. it's you...
. It was Raina's turn to be frozen.
Good day. I hope you didn't mind that I borrowed these bad girls while technically leaving town.
A natural smile once more formed on the face of the speaker. One the speaker hoped would form more as she spent more time with Raina.
Raina noticed the speaker's voice was hoarse, and at the same time, it seemed to drop off sharply. ...
The speaker visibly gulped before continuing, Great.
*rumble* Actually... Could you accommodate one more seat for lunch?
Fin.