What Cara now knew was that Skills didn’t appear every level, which made sense, but there were certain points where a Skill was guaranteed. Apparently, at Level 10, you got an even better Skill than normal.

The wagon jolted, and Cara bumped her back against the side of the wagon. She rubbed at the sore spot, which had been hit repeatedly the last hour.

She was riding in the back of a wagon loaded up with wheat, ready for milling. Violetta sat next to her, anxiously checking the cello as she carried it across their laps. She didn’t have a case; the cello had stayed in the village except when it needed repairs.

Idelt himself was driving the wagon. It was a huge honor, being asked to play in town, let alone at the keep. Cara hadn’t realized how important it was until she’d refused outright to play for one of the aristocracy. Violetta had spent the rest of the day bullying and cajoling Cara, not even allowing her proper rest until Cara agreed—reluctantly—to give him a chance.

“If I do well, I can earn money. Lord Lantal is generous, and so is Lady Risel. Maybe I’ll attract attention—

this is my chance, Cara!”

The [Actress] understood wanting your big break. And Violetta had saved Cara from undead rabbits and been unstintingly generous. For her, Cara had put aside her hatred of institutionalized classism and put on a good face.

And she was still learning.

“What’s a good class to you, Violetta? I mean, uh—not that I’m not familiar with classes. I just…don’t know Noelictus’ special classes.”

That stumped the [Cellist].

“Well…there are tons. I want to be a [Renowned Cellist], for instance. I’d get more powerful Skills—like making my cello loud, or even automatically repairing itself. Father wants to be a [Puremetal Smith]. He wanted to study with the Dwarves.”

“Dwarves?”

There was a quiet harrumph from the front of the wagon. Idelt turned his head.

“Violetta. Don’t be so talkative.”

His ears were red. Violetta giggled, and Cara smiled.

“I’ve never met a Dwarf. Er—”

She realized that might be a mistake, but Violetta nodded.

“They’re not in Izril anymore, right? I’ve never seen one either; they mostly keep to big cities, but father says they’re the best [Smiths] in the world. Have you not seen Dwarves in your travels?”

“No, but it’s, uh, chance. You know? You don’t see everyone in a big city. D-Drakes now, all the time.”

Cara kept a straight face as Violetta and Idelt glanced at her. The [Cellist] hesitated.

“What are they like? The…the Dragon-people? I mean, I know they’re descended from Dragons, but are they really as greedy as people say? And violent?”

The [Singer] sat back contemplatively, as if chewing over the question.