51. Interlude – Back Home

Aida stared at the strange cacophony of drugs in her hand. Making magical drugs was a lot easier when one has access to a huge magical library and could tread the path they've once walked.

She knew the Count was away, to deal with the hero and his harem. Her dress was ornate, excessively regal. She wished it revealed more skin, but then again, Edmund wasn't here to enjoy anything she flaunted. She missed him already.

The Count had a reception hall, where he sat and received guests, or, pass judgement.

"Milady, the Count left you in charge of the maids. One of them have been found spying on behalf of the other nobles. Please decide on her punishment." The senior maid declared. Aida looked around the reception hall, and sat on the throne.

It felt awkward. She was not meant for the throne. Her position should be at her man's side. An advisor or confidante. She thought for a moment, and then decided to ask for help.

***

Lady Erenia was summoned to the reception room, and it wasn't every day she got the chance to interact with one of Count Edmund's woman. As far as Erenia knew, Aida would normally be having magic studies, conducting her clinic, or researching potions.

"Lady Erenia, pleased you could join us." Aida said as she sat on the throne. She didn't fit the throne. She was never meant to be a ruler.

"Yes, Aida." Erenia said as she walked to her side.

"As you have noble experience, what should be a fitting judgement for a maid that's betrayed the Count? The crime is spying, and the evidence is there." The maid wasn't sophisticated, just written letters. They didn't name any particular noble that she served.

Erenia paused and thought for a moment. "In my estate, we would send them to the torture chambers. Once they spilled it, we'd work them to death. But I have heard of other families who would sell traitors to merchants, who would usually sell them as slaves. After they are properly used, of course."

The thought horrified the spying maid. "No! I don't know who I report to! All I do is work for this organization. They pay me to get information on the Count's activities and location!"

"And why would you do that?" Aida asked.

"The Count's wealthy, and they want to know what deals he makes! That's what they told me."

"You believe them?" Aida wasn't sure whether it was the real reason, but then, she had knowledge others didn't. It wouldn't be hard to get Edmund's demonic agents to spy on them, since the Count did delegate some of them to her.

She looked at the Lady Erenia, and then nodded. Aida turned to face the guards. "Imprison her for now."

The guards bowed and hauled the spy to the dungeon.

***

"Thank you for coming. I am rather new at this task of handling the Count's affairs." Aida said frankly.

Erenia smiled at the young girl who's probably in her twenties. "It is a small matter. The Count trusts you and thus allocated the task to you. Some mistakes is to be expected, and from what I know of the Count, if you mess up, you'll only get punished in the bedroom."

Aida realized the lady's network was fairly good too. "Indeed. I wouldn't call it punishment, though. I'm sure it's the same for you."

Erenia flushed as she realized that Aida knew about her affairs with the Count, as well.

Aida said. "We are both his women, and what I hope to do is to have all of us work together. The Count's harem of women will only grow, and I believe he would not enjoy us clawing at each other."

The Lady Kenarias quickly regained her composure and smirked. "I suppose a man of the Count's talents can't help but collect beauties to line his bedroom."

The healer walked with the lady to a tearoom. "Actually, there is something else I need your help with."

"Oh?"

"How do I get in touch with the Royal Healers?"