Because of the team situation, Paul had insisted in separating them into three rooms. The beds a noble usually used were big anyway, so three people could easily fit into one bed.
Paul and Zion took one room while the other three boys took the other one. The three ladies also got into one room.
Anna was simply staring at Stella and Rose who had been getting restless.
"What are you two thinking?" Anna was still oblivious. In her past life, no one dared to disrespect her due to her strength and status. Besides, she often stayed in the inn instead of a mansion like this when traveling, so she didn't know what they were mulling over.
Stella sighed and explained it, "Well, do you know why most people dislike nobles, especially the second generations?"
"I'm sorry, I don't know." Anna shook her head.
"Well, those who are in power usually have greed, enough greed to get something more. And they love to do it with someone in power as well…"
"Do it with someone in power…" Anna mumbled it for a moment before realizing what she was talking about. "Ah!"
"Well, there are people who like it too, and they sometimes can marry the nobles or become their mistresses, living a life of riches. However, not everyone likes that. We're lucky that we're in the Zero Squad and our words matter to the captain, so they can't do much to us, but if it's the people from lower status… Yeah, you can imagine.
"And sometimes nobles are even worse to the point they dare to drug us. No one will remember what happens, and the army doesn't extend that much protection. That's why if possible, we usually stay away from the government.
"But the second generation is worse. They don't even know what their actions can cause to their family along with the politic behind them. They think they're at the top of the world and can do everything they want. When that happens, usually the main house will be handling that matter, but you can't undo what has happened…" Stella explained with a grim expression.
Rose couldn't help but add, "More importantly, Paul and Ben had to wait for a while to talk to the lord, who was supposed to be standing by in his office to do some work. And that guy released a smell that looked like he had been playing with alcohol and women. I'm sure you know what I mean…"
"Ah!" Anna widened her eyes in shock. This was the first time she had encountered this problem.
At the same time, Stella and Rose's words actually pierced her heart. She had changed now, but before meeting Noel, she was like that too. She killed and did horrible things to innocent people just like the second generation nobles. And the reason why she hadn't gotten into trouble must be because of her father, the marquis. Everyone was either silenced with death or money.
"…" Anna closed her eyes for a moment and sighed. "I see. So, that's how it is."
"Well, we've encountered this situation a few times in the past, so we'll handle this problem." Stella assured Anna that everything could be settled peacefully. "If I'm not wrong, he'll most likely to appear before—"
Before she finished her words, someone knocked on their door.
*Knock!*
*Knock!*
"…" No one could say anything because Stella predicted it right.
Stella and Rose glanced at each other as if asking who would go.
In the end, Stella decided to confront this guy. She opened the door gracefully and found the lord waiting outside.
"My lord." Stella politely bowed her head as a sign of respect to a noble. She made sure to block the view to the entire room. "Is there anything you need from us?"
As expected, the lord took a glance to the inside, but because almost all of it was blocked by Stella's body, he couldn't see anyone. He smiled and said, "I wonder if you like the room. If you feel it's too cramped, I can prepare another room for you."
"I'm thankful for your concern, but that won't be necessary. The bed is spacious enough for all of us."
"Is that so? If you need anything, don't hesitate to tell me."
"Yes." Stella nodded.
"And…" He paused for a moment and hesitated at the last second. He changed his words, "And I'll be preparing your lunch and dinner for today. I hope that all of you can join me. I want to hear your deeds because I admire the Demon Banner Army."
Stella nodded. "Certainly. We're thankful for your reception."
"If that's the case, I won't disturb you any longer." He politely nodded and walked away.
Stella's expression became cold while looking at his back. She could already predict what was going to happen.
As soon as she closed the door, she nodded to Rose and Anna. "Yeah. As expected… I'm sure you've heard the conversation, right?"
Anna nodded. "Well, I'm more troubled than ever, considering my face is known and Noel's family doesn't have a good relationship with this family. So…"
"Don't worry about Noel. Paul will make sure that no one from our squad is looked down. As for you, we'll just give you some details about what you should do and what you shouldn't do.
"Besides, looking at how he invited us for lunch and dinner showed how he wanted to ask the favor… According to our experiences, he is most likely planning to use us to boost his own reputation. You can say he has messed this fort up and use our efforts to make up for it or even boost his own prestige.
"And this is why the second generation is so clueless. To enter the Zero Squad, one needs the drive to learn, including politics, economy, and manners… So, yeah. The moment he tries to take advantage of us, the commander has all the excuses to pressure them. All we need to do right now is to protect ourselves and solve the problems."
Anna nodded in agreement and said, "I understand. I'll learn as much as possible from you. This is my first time looking at the noble life from another's perspective…"
