Chapter Eleven: The Girl from Brambleford

Previously: La Vicomtesse Sanglante

 

"Godwin, send my regrets to Miss Adela Stoneleigh," Mireille instructed after dinner. "My cousin and I are bound for Valemont on family business. My journey to Wintervale will have to be delayed."

 

"Warm wine before bed?" Edith offered. When both Godwin and Mireille shot her a look, she hastily added, "For you, my lady, not me."

Chapter Ten: La Vicomtesse Sanglante

Previously: The Dream

 

"I'm afraid it's all true, my lady," Godwin said, after Thibault explained the situation in Auremer. "The Duke of Orvienne has invoked his right to seize property in service of war, effectively cutting off all trade with Valeronne."

 

"What right?" Mireille barked. "And why hasn't the King of Valeronne intervened in this unlawful war?"

 

"Perhaps because he's half a kingdom in debt to the Duke," the seneschal sagely replied. They were in his study, with a large map of the continent displayed before them.

 

Mireille was beyond appalled. "Was my father the only noble in all of Asterra who knew how to manage money?" she bellowed.

 

"It would appear so, ma cousine," Thibault said, shrugging. "Thankfully, you moved the bulk of the family wealth out of Orvienne months ago."

 

Mireille's hand flew to her pause bracelet. "Computer, I already know I can't stop the war. But let's say the war begins, and within a few days the Duke's own men turn on him, and kill him in his sleep or something. What then?"

Chapter Nine: The Dream

Previously: Sabotage

"Where is Edith?"

It was the morning of Matilda's wedding. All of Mireille's maids were up before dawn, except the one she paid the most.

 

Her maids exchanged looks before one answered, wincing, "Sleeping, madam."

 

Mireille stared at her. "Sleeping?"

 

They exchanged looks again before another answered, "She and Miss Rowena were up late, my lady."

 

"Doing what?" the Viscountess demanded.

 

"Well, Miss Rowena was rehearsing her role as a bridesmaid, but Edith was...drinking," a third maid hesitantly replied.

 

Mireille sighed. Edith was always drinking lately, and she'd ignored it because it hadn't been a problem thus far. And now, the one character literally programmed to be her guide in this game wasn't even showing up for work.

Chapter Eight: Sabotage

Previously: Sword and Shield

 

Ravensbridge stood on both banks of the River Raven, joined by the old stone bridge from which the town took its name. Mireille du Maurier almost regretted not having explored the town earlier, but then remembered that up until now, she had no guards.

 

Not that the town was unsafe; it was clearly designed to be a sanctuary where the player could rest and resupply. Among the numerous shops, there was an armory, an apothec
ary, and a large inn called the Raven's Crossing.

 

The theme of sanitized rusticity continued throughout the town. Mireille had never seen such perfectly cobbled roads or clean shops in a medieval RPG. The air was filled with the smell of ale, savory pies, and roasted meat. And in the distance, she could see the rolling green hills bathed in the summer sun.

 

"What a charming town," she gasped without thinking. Next to her, Sir Adrian smiled.

Chapter Seven: Sword and Shield

Previously: My Ladies

 

"My lady, you have a guest."

 

Mireille du Maurier was sitting at her vanity, playing with her jewels. It was a new hobby she'd developed over the past couple of days. In the early hours, before the sun was fully awake, she liked to sit at her vanity by the window. In the mirror, she watched her jewels glitter in the pale morning light.

 

Each one had a story. The amethyst necklace was a gift from her mother for her sixteenth birthday. The pearls were passed down from her ancestresses; according to legend they first belonged to one Comtesse du Laurenne. There wasn't much canon lore about her, except that she lived during the Golden Age of Everen, the continent where The Barony of Westervale was set.

 

They never set these games during the golden ages, Mireille snorted. Imagine the parties.

Chapter Six: My Ladies

Previously: The Thornmeres

 

In between sessions, the gamer continued to study The Barony of Westervale. She even patched her comms to the simulation chamber computer, allowing her to continue their conversations.

 

There wasn't much canon information on Matilda Foxmere, Alys Hawkridge, or Adela Stoneleigh. Gamers didn't interact with them much, unless they were playing as Sir Adrian and courting Adela. The ladies' fates were largely randomized. If Westervale's fortunes were restored, then they often got married off outside the barony and were never seen again.

 

Besides that, the information about them was basic. All three were born and raised in Ravensbridge. Matilda's mother was a second or third cousin of the Baron's. Her favorite meat was wild boar, her favorite color was light blue, and her favorite activity was baking. She yearned to marry a lord.

 

Alys lived up to her surname by being an expert at hawking. Her favorite meat was rabbit, and she favored lavender, both the color and the flower. She didn't care if her future husband was noble; her own father was a commoner and once commanded great wealth.

 

Adela was the daintiest of the three. She favored herbs and vegetables over meat. She enjoyed eating custard and her main talent was embroidery. It seemed her father had been filling her head with tales of her royal ancestors, for she longed to marry a royal.

 

The gamer raised an eyebrow. That might not be such a bad idea. As long as she's around, she's a distraction for Adrian.

Chapter Five: The Thornmeres

Previously: The Morning After

 

"Sir Adrian Thornmere, Madam Leonora de Valcera Thornmere, and Miss Rowena Thornmere."

 

Mireille du Maurier had to remind herself not to bow to those of lower rank. Despite their status, the Thornmeres were a majestic family, draped in shades of blue. Adrian and his mother walked with their backs straight and chins up, but Rowena appeared less confident than her elders. Her dark eyes darted uncertainly about her, and as her brother and mother strode into the Viscountess's sitting room, her footsteps were more hesitant.

 

It was Leonora who spoke first. "Viscontessa," she greeted neutrally, in a thick, rolling accent. Her whole family bowed on cue.

 

Edith stood near Mireille, who was seated. The red-haired maid stared in breathless awe, while Mireille sat mute, her heart pounding in her chest. When Godwin raised an eyebrow, she finally found her voice.

Chapter Four: The Morning After

Previously: Family

 

Matilda Foxmere. Alys Hawkridge. Adela Stoneleigh.

 

Mireille du Maurier gleefully examined her new soon-to-be friends. Matilda was the oldest. She was on the plump side, with wavy blond hair and gray eyes. Alys Hawkridge had light brown skin, hazel eyes, and honey-colored curls. But Adela... Adela was a reflection of Mireille herself, with even darker skin, dark eyes, and long braids tinged with burgundy.

 

They dressed in the Avenish fashion, of course, and their families weren't as rich as she. As such, their clothes were of a lesser quality, but Mireille didn't mind. Along with Rowena Thornmere, she would mold them into whatever she wanted.

Chapter Three: Family

Previously: Lady of Roses

 

Mireille felt a sudden pain in her chest. "Computer... you're driving up my blood pressure, which is exactly what I didn't want."

 

The computer remained unyielding. "This game is designed to last a player decades. As such, there are multiple programmed conflicts over land and title. For players not focused on romance and relaxation, successfully navigating those conflicts is the goal."

 

Mireille blinked. She was fairly certain she'd just been insulted, but decided to let it slide.

 

"I am the wealthiest woman in Westervale. I am probably the wealthiest woman in this world."

 

"Correct."

 

"And yet I cannot simply cross this room right now to speak to a guest of my own choosing—at least, not without consequences."

 

"Correct."

 

"That is fucked, computer."

Chapter Two: Lady of Roses

Previously: Roseward Manor

 

The rose silk felt cool upon her skin. She decided she preferred to wear lighter colors moving forward. After all, as Edith said, it was about to be summer soon.

 

It was evening now; the servants had lit candles and fireplaces throughout the manor. Mireille was excited, then suddenly nervous. As she wandered through her home she asked herself if it was wise to skip ahead. She had never met her guests. She had no idea what to expect.

 

In previous games, she hadn't gotten to host a party, not like this. Medieval RPGs typically centered on adventure. Before now, Mireille usually found herself covered in mud and carrying a crossbow on some repetitive quest in the wilds. Until now, programmers insisted on forcing players to earn their way to the cities, and then still live poorly once they got there. Plenty of gamers complained about this trope, and now it seemed that with Westervale, someone had finally listened.

Chapter One: Roseward Manor

Previously: Mireille

 

"Mireille du Maurier" turned around, taking in her new surroundings. This wasn't medieval England, of course; it was idealized, sanitized even. The rusticity was present, but everything was a little too clean. There were no foul smells, and everything was either perfectly washed, polished, or brand new.

 

Not that Mireille was complaining.

 

"My lady," a newcomer greeted, her accent delightfully archaic, yet somehow still posh. She was red-haired and freckled. She wore a pink dress embroidered with roses. "Godwin wants to see you before you break your fast."

 

Edith, Mireille quickly remembered. "Oh?" she asked. The computer had failed to mention a Godwin.

 

Luckily, Edith was programmed to be a guide. "Your seneschal has some concerns about that party you wanted to host?"

 

Mireille perked up immediately. "Yes? What about my party?"