All in Charisma (A LitRPG/Isekai Adventure)

When Justin returned to the shop, it was shortly past noon. He found everyone except Lila and Ardabel setting up the front showroom.

Alistair was also there, and their eyes met.

"Welcome back. How did things go?"

"Can we talk in my office for a minute?"

Alistair's eyebrows arched. "Certainly."

The others gave them strange looks as they walked to Justin's office. Surprisingly, Justin hadn't really used this space yet, but it was well-equipped for his needs. He found the enchanted ledger book already there and waiting. Hopefully, Ilsa was keeping up with it.

"So, what's this about?" Alistair asked. "Did something go wrong?"

"Not exactly," Justin said. "I received an interesting proposition that I wanted to run by you. I think I already know the answer, but I promised I would ask."

"Well, what is it?" Alistair inquired.

"Lady Myrelle invited me to the Spring Masquerade."

Alistair gave a rare small smile. "Really? That's great news! When is it?"

"That's the thing," Justin said. "It's tonight at the Royal Palace of Belmora. I initially declined because of the business opening tomorrow, but she really wants me to go, and honestly, I would like to go. However, I told her I needed to run the decision by my team first."

"I see," Alistair said. "So you want my opinion on whether it's a good idea."

"Not just if it's a good idea, but also if it's a safe one," Justin clarified. "We already know Lady Myrelle has met Valdrik before. I'm concerned he might be there since the Spring Masquerade is a major event for the Belmoran nobility. My main question is, what are the odds that Valdrik will attend an event like this? Myrelle herself ran into him before at a similar event last winter."

Alistair considered this. "To be frank, I'm not quite sure. Certainly, nobles from beyond Belmora will attend, but it's quite possible Valdrik could receive an invitation. Whether he would accept it and travel all the way from Silverton—which is about 200 miles away—is another question entirely. I don't think it's very likely, but there may be some risk."

"So the answer is no," Justin concluded.

"I would say it's up to your judgment," Alistair said. "A masquerade means you wear a mask. In theory, even if the worst were to happen, Valdrik wouldn't know it was you. And this is a rare opportunity that might not come again. It seems Lady Myrelle has taken a liking to you."

Justin smiled. "Yes, I'm not quite sure why, but that seems to be the case. It might show our hand too early."

Alistair nodded. "Yes, there is a chance that word could get back to Valdrik. But consider it this way: from Lady Corrin's perspective, you and Valdrik are essentially of the same ilk—upstarts. Valdrik started from nothing, or next to it. He is a lesser noble who has climbed the ranks. In contrast, the Corrin family represents old nobility, with roots stretching back centuries and close ties to the royal family. They may not wield as much power as they once did, but their name and pedigree are impeccable. In the Belmoran court, especially in high social circles, blood counts for more than merit. If Valdrik were to be present or if word got back to him, how do you think he might react to you appearing in the company of one of the Corrins?"

Justin considered this. "It would make me much harder to attack."

Alistair nodded. "Exactly. You can't just be killed anymore, Justin. You would be showing up as the consort of the daughter of Lord Corrin, the head of the Corrin family. Does that provide enough clarity for you?"

When framed this way, the situation became starkly clear.

"So the answer is yes," Justin said.

Alistair looked at him seriously, his blue eyes piercing. "Justin, if you don't go to that masquerade, I will personally stuff you into a potato sack, carry you to the Corrin estate, and leave you on the doorstep with a rose clenched between your teeth."

Justin's eyes widened, but he chuckled. "I have to say, this isn't the answer I expected from you, Alistair."

The Paladin clapped him on the shoulder. "All I can say is to be careful. The affections of a beautiful woman are rare, especially someone of the Corrins' caliber. This could change everything—not just for the business, not just for our mission, but for you, Justin."

Justin felt a bit sick, realizing how close he had come to possibly bungling everything. "Looks like I'm going to the masquerade tonight."

"I can make sure you're ready," Alistair said. "I may not be of the Belmoran nobility, but I am the son of a minor lord from Drakendale. I can help you prepare and teach you some of the decorum you'll need. I understand you have the Chameleon Charm boon. You'll need to use that to blend in. But that's the least of your worries. You must arrive with a thoughtful gift. Nothing too extravagant, but something appropriate for her status."

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

"So... flowers, I guess?"

"Yes, you can bring flowers," Alistair replied, "but they can't be something common."

Justin smiled, recalling some of the blooms he had gathered on Solanis. It was unlikely that she or anyone else would recognize them, and if they did, he could bluff his way out. Hopefully, his pack's magic had preserved them well enough.

"I'm sure we can come up with something."

"Just talk to Lila first," Alistair suggested. "I'm sure she'll want to hear the news too. And as for business, there's still quite a bit of work left to do here. I don't think anyone would object if we took another day to properly prepare for success."

"Yes, I'll definitely speak to her. Thank you, Alistair."

"No problem."

Justin went to the workshop, where he found Lila and Ardabel hard at work. He hated to interrupt them, but he needed Lila's opinion as a partner in their business.

"Lila, could we talk for a moment? It won't take long."

She paused in her work, her eyes narrowing in curiosity. "Yes, sure. What's going on?"

"Let's go to the office."

"Am I in trouble or something?" she asked with a nervous laugh.

"No, nothing like that. I just need to run something by you. A business decision."

She set her tools down and followed him to his office.

"So, what's going on?" she asked.

Justin explained the situation and what Alistair had suggested. Lila listened intently.

"Well, I agree with Alistair. You should definitely go."

"You too, huh?"

"Yes," she said. "It's a good opportunity for the business, and perhaps personally for you."

Justin cleared his throat awkwardly. "I want to put something to rest. When I first arrived in this world, there seemed to be... well, a will they, won't they dynamic between us, if I can be bold enough to say that."

Lila chuckled. "Justin, we're way beyond that now, at least in my estimation."

Justin nodded with relief. "Yes, I think so too. It seems we work better as friends than whatever it was we were before."

"I completely agree," Lila said. "To be honest, it hadn't really been bothering me—it just shifted in that direction naturally, and that's perfectly fine. I count you as my friend, Justin, and I want what's best for you. I don't know if this Lady Myrelle thing will go anywhere, but I trust your judgment. I know you're going to make mistakes, as everyone does, but I have no hold over you because I have no romantic feelings."

Examining her face, Justin could see that was completely true. Whatever feelings had once existed seemed to be gone now.

"All right. I don't want this to feel like I'm asking for your blessing or anything. It's more about a business decision. We had all agreed to open the business tomorrow, and I didn't want to make a decision without clearing it with you first."

"And I appreciate that," Lila said. "It bodes well for the future. I hope it goes well and that you learn a lot. Just be cautious about the possibility that Valdrik might be there. You've decided to operate under your own name, and Lady Myrelle knows it. I don't think that's a mistake; these things need to be based on honesty from the start. While I don't think Valdrik will be there, there's a chance that word could get back to him, and you need to be prepared for that. But what Alistair said about being there with a Corrin will definitely cause him to reevaluate."

"To be honest," Justin said, "I'm feeling a little nervous. I don't have much experience in the romantic sphere."

"Well, I kind of sensed that when we first met. I felt like I was showing you a couple of signs, but you didn't really pick up on them. If you did, it was a bit clumsy."

Justin chuckled. "Don't remind me. I suppose I'll have to tell the team."

"Don't worry about that," Lila replied. "Just give Lady Corrin her answer right now, before she goes off with this Lord Hammond guy."

"Is there really a Lord Hammond, or was she just saying that?"

"There probably is," Lila said. "Even if Lady Myrelle looked like a troll, she'd have suitors; she's a Corrin. And from what you told me, the way she phrased it didn't come off like an ultimatum. It sounded more like she has to respond by a certain time. You do realize how long it takes a lady to prepare for these sorts of events? If this masquerade happens only once a year, and it's at the Royal Palace, it may take her hours to get ready. I think she's being quite generous with you and genuinely wants you to attend."

"Well, I'll give her a response right away."

"I'll handle things here," Lila said, "and inform the team. You and Alistair should go out and get ready."

"We will."

"I understand this will challenge you, but as you mentioned, it will be beneficial for you. If you decline the opportunity, it may not come around again. To be honest, I feel completely out of my depth. A royal masquerade? What if I make a huge faux pas?"

"If I'm going to give you any advice, it's this: don't try to be someone you're not. Your charm lies not in being perfectly polished, but in being genuine. Lady Myrelle has probably met a hundred men who know all the right steps and say all the proper words. You said it yourself, she considers those men boring. What caught her interest is that you're different. So, embrace that difference. Ask her meaningful questions, listen to her answers, and don't spend the whole evening trying to be exactly like everyone else."

"What if they realize I don't belong there?

She paused, then added with a knowing smile. "You're overthinking it. If you find yourself at a loss for words, just remember she jumped across rooftops with you. She wants someone who can keep up with her."

Justin felt some of his nervousness ease. "So, be myself, but maybe with better table manners? What if she delves into my past?"

"Yes, there's that. Just stick to the story for now. Wait until she earns your trust to say anything more."

It was hard to imagine that ever being the case. He would just try to gracefully avoid the subject for now.

"Thanks, Lila. For better or worse, seems like this is happening."

"For better. Good luck."

Justin already had the other silver charm in his pocket. He took it out and examined it for a moment. He hadn't tested whether it would work at the Corrin estate, which was a bit of a misstep, but he had to trust that Rinna's expertise was enough to carry him through.

"Well, here goes nothing," he said.

He closed the charm in his fist for three seconds. It gave a subtle glow, and he could only assume Myrelle was receiving the answer from the other side.

"With one hour to spare," he said.

Half a minute later, the charm shone again.

"I'll take that as a yes."

He headed off to find Alistair. It was time to get ready.