That was…sensible. Cara’s rictus remained. Violetta and Idelt glanced at her curiously, but they were too awed by the [Lord]’s presence to interrupt. Lantal hesitated, glancing at Cara.

“Are you a performer of sorts, Miss Cara?”

“You could say that. Sir. But I’m afraid I’m a poor [Actor] and [Singer]. Low-level. I’m sorry if my songs offended you.”

“Far from it. It was a breath of fresh air. I’ve never heard that style or that…music. You know, if you’re a travelling performer, Landsmecht and the other villages would surely pay for a performance. As would the town of Adreissel.”

Cara blinked. She wasn’t expecting that. Violetta and Idelt were eyeing her now, and she hesitated. He even sounded genuine. She looked as the [Lord] gestured down the road.

“My family resides in the town of Adreissel, not more than a few hour’s ride away. We would be flattered by a performance—in fact, we are hosting a royal guest who might be entertained. Can you perform in other ways? Is [Actor] like a [Tumbler]?”

The young woman hesitated, but she still didn’t like the perfunctory nature of the request. Or was it a demand? Her reply slipped out.

“Oh, I couldn’t possibly perform for such august people as royalty, milord. Or even nobility. I’m common stock—”

Cara was just about to say something she was sure Lantal would regret when Violetta stepped on her foot. Hard. Cara’s eyes watered and she bit back a yelp.

“Lord Lantal, I’m sure Miss Cara is honored by the request.”

The [Cellist] bowed. The [Lord] smiled at her.

“I should be honored if you would also perform, Miss Violetta. Your father tells me you are as talented as your mother with the cello. I would, of course, compensate you for your time.”

“I—”

This time Violetta coughed. As Lantal glanced at her, he failed to notice the girl’s other hand stab Cara in the back. Violetta bowed deeper.

“Lord Afiele, I would be honored! So would Miss Cara! Right, Cara?”

“…Sure.”

Cara had seen Violetta in tears over the undead. And she knew Violetta was a caring soul. She had also, however, seen Violetta behead the undead rabbit and bop a Gloomwren on the head when it tried to steal feed from her arms. The [Singer] glowered until Lord Lantal was mounted up.

“If transport is needed…”

“We can send them with the first wagons and harvests, Lord Lantal. By the morrow!”

Beaming, Idelt and the others villagers saw the [Lord] off, still thanking him for killing the undead. Cara was left, fuming. Violetta turned to Cara and her father when the band of riders was gone.

“Did you hear that, father? He wants me to perform at the keep! In front of a [Princess]? That’s who’s at the keep, isn’t it? The Princess of Calanfer?”

“4th Princess. But yes.”