A Spark of Rivalry

It took fifteen minutes to reach Ryntum Mansion. Both of them can see Edward waiting at the front door.

'He looks pretty serious today. It is because there is a guest today?'.

He quickly steps forward and gives a bow to both of them.

"Welcome back, Young master", He greets them. Edward shifts his gaze to Theodora and smiles, "Welcome to Bideford Town, miss Theodora. I hope you will enjoy your stay here."

"Thank you, sir Edward", Theodora replied.

"Just call me Edward, Young miss"

"Then, I will do so".

Edward informs them, "Both of you please go straight to the great hall. The lord is waiting".

Riz and Theodora entered the mansion and headed to the great hall on the second floor as they are told to. Richard is waiting for their arrival.

Riz already sent one of Theodora's servants to inform Richard ahead of time. Although he didn't care much about noble etiquette, it doesn't mean that he can be rude.

He can't simply barge in and bring his fiancee to the house without informing the owner of the mansion. He still needs to show respect to his father, the marquess.

There, Richard is sitting on his throne with a happy expression. Beside him is Josephine, she is there fulfilling her role as the lady of the house. Usually, this is Maria's job but she's dead now so the duty obviously falls on her shoulder.

Perhaps her woman's instinct bests her, she begins to examine Theodora from top to bottom before nodding with approval. Even though Riz was not her son, she still feels it is her duty to ensure Riz married a decent woman.

Richard was glad that Theodora arrived safely in Bideford. He was expecting her arrival these days. Sensing Richard's gaze, Theodora quickly began to bow before Richard and greet him with her utmost respect. The man before her is a marquess, a rank above his father.

"Lady Theodora Tetherswest greets Lord Marquess. Thank you for accepting me as your guess".

"Welcome to my mansion, Theodora". Richard began to speak softly. "Stand up, there is no need to be so uptight. You must be tired after such a long journey. I hope you will find your stay here enjoyable".

She replied, "Thank you, Lord Richard".

"Since it is already noon, I am sure you are starving right now. Let's have lunch together". Richard said.

All of them move to the dining room to have lunch together. Theodora sits next to Riz at the dining table.

While waiting for the food to be served, Riz decided to engage in small talk with Theodora.

"How is Count Tetherswest doing, Theodora?"

"He is doing fine. He has a letter for you, I will give it later".

"Okay. How about the trebuchets? Is there any problem that arises?"

"The trebuchets that you gave to him were very helpful in defending the territory. Our own craftsmen or should I call them engineers are able to build it on their own now".

"Good, I will cry if it wasn't helpful".

Theodora just chuckles when she hears the reply and ignores it as a mere joke.

Riz however was actually serious when he said that. Spreading military technology is not a joke at all. He sacrifices his advantages simply because he gets more than he gives. A full package of a fiancee and two towns.

Eventually, the food was served. Today's lunch is a meat sandwich coupled with a plate of salad. It a simple, delicious and very filling.

Riz doesn't like too much food on the table. If you aren't satisfied, just ask the servant to cook another serving for you. Once, he saw the leftover food being thrown away by the servant. The food still can be eaten and hasn't been touched by anyone yet. He was so mad that ordered Charlotte to take the food and give it to the people in town.

He could not tolerate such wasteful behaviour. It reminds him of his struggle during his degree study. He often lived by tightening his belt just to save his monthly expenses. He can't even dream of eating three or four times a day, let alone eating fancy and expensive cuisine. He could only watch his friends eating it through their social media.

After their delightful lunch, Riz called Charlotte who just returns from inspecting the workshop.

Riz ordered her, "Charlotte, take Theodora to her room".

"Sure. Follow me miss Theodora". Charlotte narrows her eyes when she sees Theodora.

Her action didn't escape from Theodora's sight as if Charlotte never attempted to hide it at all.

Theodora took initiative to start the conversation by greeting Charlotte, "Nice to meet you. My name is Theodora Tetherswest, Riz's fiancee".

"Nice to meet you too. My name is Charlotte, Young master's personal maid. I am responsible for attending to his every need".

"I see. So, you're just his maid". Theodora purposely dropped the word 'personal'.

Personal maids and ordinary maids are completely different. First, their pay is several times higher. Second, a personal maid has to tend to every single one of their lord's needs but their chance of getting married to the lord is high. They will have the same status as a wife from a noble family but their children didn't have the right to inherit the title.

Nonetheless, it still depends on who their lord is. If they get a bad lord to serve, they become their toy and are treated inhumanely. If they get a good lord, then they're lucky.

A high-risk, high-return job. Just like on Earth, nothing is free in this world.

In Charlotte's case, she is in the second scenario. Theodora is quite sure Charlotte is going to end up being the second wife. What irked Theodora is not her commoner status but the advantage she holds.

Charlotte has spent most of her time with Riz since they were a child. Charlotte's knowledge of Riz exceeded her.

Something that she can't compete with.

Theodora can be said to be a quite competitive girl. She didn't like to be in a disadvantageous position at all. She is inwardly determined, 'I guess I have to spend more time with Riz from now on'.

Their eyes met. They smiled and shook each other's hands.

Riz on the sideline knows that's not a friendly handshake. He tried to ease the situation, "I hope you guys can get along with each other".

"Of course, we are. Right, miss Charlotte?"

"You are absolutely right, Lady Theodora. By the way, you can just call me Charlotte".

"Alright. Charlotte, hurry up and show Theodora her room". Riz left them alone after he said that.

He didn't want to be involved in this kind of muddle situation. He better hole up in his room, drafting a plan for his future innovation.

Theodora's room was on the fourth floor, on the same level as the other family members.

As Riz is about to leave, Theodora called him back. "Oh Riz, wait a moment". Theodora took something from her pocket and hand it to Riz. "Here"

Riz took it from her hand. It is the letter from Count Tetherswest to him.

He returns to his room and opened the letter. In the letter, Count Tetherswest tell him everything about the king's request. Riz actually didn't care so much about the trebuchets. He already has something better.

....

Next day.

Riz seems to be doing his daily exercise routine in the early morning which is running a few laps around the mansion. He can't afford to have low stamina in this inconvenient world.

Joining him is Charlotte who is running beside him. As Riz's bodyguard, she needs to make sure he is safe. Though that is probably just a reason for her to spend some quality time with her lord.

Nevertheless, the blissful situation didn't last long for Charlotte as the third person suddenly joined them.

Charlotte clicked her tongue when she saw Theodora running toward them.

"Good morning, Riz....and you too, Charlotte. You can at least try to hide your displeasure".

"Good morning, Lady Theodora. I am so sorry but lying is not my forte".

Theodora's eyes twitched.

Riz greets her, "Good morning, Theodora. Do you exercise too?",

Theodora replied, "Of course. How do you think I maintain my body shape if I don't exercise? Don't put me in the same group as those fragile noble ladies".

"I see. Did you sleep well last night?".

"Yes, I slept like a log last night. A long journey is really exhausting. Why don't you build a harbour in the future? It is much more convenient that way".

"Don't worry. I will build it in the future but now I have a lot of things to do. Want to follow me walking around the town after this?".

"Absolutely".