All in Charisma (A LitRPG/Isekai Adventure)

The next morning, Justin retrieved the Corrins' summoning charm from his enchanted pack. With a resigned sigh, he closed his fist around the silver medallion until it glowed with a soft blue light.

"It's just for one day," he reminded himself.

He didn't have to wait long for a response. Within seconds, the charm pulsed back with an answering radiance.

This meant Myrelle kept it on her person at all times. He wasn't entirely sure how he felt about that level of attention. It was somewhat flattering, but at the same time... overly eager?

The Jester interrupted his thoughts with a particularly convenient enchantment. It made Justin increasingly suspect that its "gifts" were not as random as they appeared.

[Jester's Gamble Activated! Your enchantment for the day is... Vault-Sniffer. What's that smell? Oh, just gold and glory beyond those hills! For today only, your schnoz is particularly attuned to the magical energies of Eyrth, and if you follow it, who knows what treasures you might discover.]

[Jester's Roulette activated! Enjoy your +6 to Coordination today! This should be helpful for the day's activities, as it's important to remain flexible with one's plans.]

That one almost felt like a joke. Today's diversion was definitely testing his flexibility.

As for the Vault-Sniffer enchantment itself, the timing was almost impossibly perfect to be anything but intentional.

After breakfast, he left the store in Ilsa's capable hands for the managerial aspects and then disabled all his order notifications through his Living Ledger interface.

For the first time in a while, it was time to advance their primary mission.

He was about to depart when Lila intercepted him at the door. "Remember what I mentioned yesterday?"

She handed him an elegant golden vial that shimmered.

"What's this?" he asked.

"That's for Lord Corrin. A gold-quality hair restoration tonic."

His eyebrows lifted in surprise. "You've actually perfected it?"

"It's a working prototype, but it should be highly effective. Ardabel tested it on himself, and the results are impressive. Consider it a gift, and if it works as advertised, it'll serve as our proof of concept."

"Intriguing." He frowned thoughtfully. "Any chance of adverse effects?"

"There shouldn't be. Something would have manifested in Ardabel by now if there were problems. Lord Corrin can test it on someone else first if he's concerned about safety."

Justin nodded. "I'm sure he'll appreciate the gesture."

"And there's more," she added, producing three additional potions from her satchel: a lustrous silver one, a deep purple one, and a vibrant yellow elixir. "I know you already carry basic healing potions and antidotes. These are specialized brews I've been working on. None are cheap to produce, but if you discover something today against all odds, they're available."

"What do they do?"

"The silver one is a cooldown refresher. It instantly restores the cooldown of any one of your active skills, but it must be a class skill, not an equipment enchantment."

"So it wouldn't work on..." He had been about to mention the Sapphire Star, but Tammy was within earshot at the front desk. "Understood."

"The purple one is an invisibility elixir," she continued. "It grants fifteen seconds of complete invisibility, derived from my Disappearing Act skill."

"Now that's promising," Justin said approvingly. "And the yellow one?"

"That's an evasion enhancer. It provides a 50% increased dodge chance for three seconds. And before you object to the brief duration—it's trigger-based. You can consume it before a dangerous encounter, and the effect remains dormant for up to an hour. Once you're targeted for attack, it activates automatically for three seconds. Also... you can't just down these one after another. Generally speaking, potions need a minute between imbibing, or the effects will be wasted."

"This is remarkable work, Lila. Yesterday, I had serious doubts about finding any Vaults, but the Jester provided me with something intriguing today..."

He explained the "Vault-sniffer" enchantment, and Lila chuckled. "Well, it sounds like you might be embarking on a real adventure, assuming Myrelle agrees to join you."

"How could she refuse? As for Tennyson and Celine, I don't relish spending more time with them than necessary, but you and Alistair are right. It's time to advance our objective and build connections."

"Those potions should provide excellent insurance. If you locate a Vault, I doubt it'll pose serious danger so close to Belmora. The army and various guilds generally keep things clear near big cities. Still, it's wise to be prepared."

"Any chance these will become part of our regular product line soon?"

"You're my test subject," she said with a grin. "If you field-test them, you'll provide perfect material for marketing copy in our customer newsletter."

"Newsletter? Marketing copy?"

"Indeed. Now that Rinna has completed her project, she has taken the initiative to create weekly newsletters for our clients. It's a great way to maintain contact while showcasing our expanding product line."

"Clever idea," Justin said. "It seems things are well-managed here. I'm sure you have plenty to accomplish today."

"Good luck, Justin. If you discover a Vault, avoid anything above Level 10. I know you'll manage fine, but one of those pampered nobles might completely panic."

"Don't worry. At the very least, I'll return knowing more than we do now."

She nodded approvingly. "Now off with you."

Justin would have preferred to leave Atlas behind to assist with the store, but he needed the speed. A full day of activities lay ahead, and he needed to conserve every hour.

With Atlas maintaining a steady pace between a gallop and trot, he arrived at the Corrin estate in under an hour. James admitted him through the main gate, and Marienne escorted him through the front door. He waited briefly in the grand atrium before Myrelle approached, dressed much more practically than in her elegant masquerade gown: fitted leather breeches, a reinforced cotton tunic in forest green, sturdy riding boots, and a traveling cloak fastened with a silver brooch bearing the Corrin family crest.

It looked as if she was already dressed for an adventure.

"Justin! I thought I'd hear from you much sooner."

He removed his top hat and offered a respectful bow. "Lady Myrelle, it's good to see you again. The grand opening of Summon & Supply has kept me exceptionally busy."

She arched a curious eyebrow. "Oh? How have things been progressing?"

"Great, actually," he said, relaxing his formal manner slightly. "Much better than our most optimistic projections. Speaking of which..." He produced the golden elixir. "A gift for your father."

"Oh, how thoughtful," she said, taking it. "What is this exactly?"

"It's the hair restoration tonic he asked about during my last visit. Lila—that's my business partner—managed to perfect the formula. It's been tested, and the results are quite impressive."

Her eyes widened in surprise and delight. "Justin, I think Father was actually joking about that request! But you really created it? How is that even possible?"

Justin offered a mysterious shrug. "Even I don't fully understand her methods. Her potions are popular, particularly among adventurers. But that's not my reason for visiting today."

She waited expectantly, clearly intrigued.

"I was hoping to spend more time with you," he began carefully. "I thought it might be fun if you, I, and perhaps Lord Tennyson and Lady Celine formed an adventuring party for the day. It could be fun."

Her expression brightened immediately. "Oh, that's a wonderful idea! I would absolutely love to join you, and Lord Tennyson and Lady Celine would make excellent companions. I'm not sure if they're available on such short notice, but since it's the weekend, perhaps arrangements can be made."

"You never know until you ask. It doesn't matter who our party members are. I'm just looking to gather a group of four. If you know anyone else who might be suitable, I'm open to suggestions."

"We'll start with them," Myrelle said enthusiastically. "I can't wait!"

"Is your... father comfortable with this plan?"

She waved dismissively. "Oh, he couldn't stop me if he wanted to. Isn't that right, Marienne?"

Marienne offered a diplomatic smile, though Justin sensed some underlying tension in her expression that gave him pause.

Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

"Rest assured, Marienne, I am Level 21 and quite experienced in these matters," Justin said. "I just want to get to know other young nobles in our social circle, and we'll return well before nightfall."

"It is not my place to dictate the lady's activities," Marienne said carefully. "Myrelle is an adult and capable of making her own decisions. That said, I will be informing Lord Corrin of these plans."

"And delivering this hair tonic," Myrelle added, handing the golden vial to the stewardess. "He'll be delighted. I know he's quite busy with estate matters today."

"You're leaving immediately, my lady?" Marienne asked, barely concealing her concern.

"Of course!" Myrelle said excitedly. "I just need to select better gear and weapons." She looked at Justin, equal parts apologetic and enthusiastic. "This shouldn't take long."

As Myrelle hurried upstairs, an uncomfortable silence settled over the atrium. Marienne remained motionless for a moment, then stepped closer to Justin, her expression carefully neutral.

"Mr. Talemaker," she began quietly, "may I speak plainly?"

"Of course."

"Lady Myrelle is... spirited. She sees adventure and excitement where others see complications." Marienne's voice carried the weight of years spent managing a noble household. "However, she is also quite sheltered from certain realities of the world."

Justin sensed the direction of the conversation. "I assure you, Marienne, my intentions are completely honorable."

"I'm sure they are," she replied, though her tone suggested doubt. "But intentions and outcomes often differ, especially in matters of the heart." She paused, studying his face. "You seem like a decent man, Mr. Talemaker, which is why I'm speaking to you directly instead of simply forbidding this excursion."

"I appreciate your candor."

"Do you?" Marienne replied. "Then let me be more direct. Lady Myrelle is the daughter of an earl. You are..." She gestured vaguely at his attire. "Your exact station remains unclear, if I'm being completely blunt. Regardless of your charm or abilities, any romantic involvement would bring grief to everyone involved."

Justin kept his expression composed, though his Insightful Gaze picked up more. "And you speak from experience?"

A shadow crossed Marienne's features. "I've seen what happens when people of different stations let their hearts overrule their judgment. The woman always pays the higher price, Mr. Talemaker. Always." Her voice had a bitter edge. "Even when the man's intentions are pure, society ensures such arrangements end poorly."

"I understand your concerns," Justin replied carefully. "But surely friendships can exist across social boundaries without causing a scandal?"

"Friendships, yes. But I've observed Lady Myrelle around you, Mr. Talemaker. There is nothing merely friendly in her manner." Marienne's eyes met his directly. "She is very selective about her partners, and no one ever seems to suit her. This has caused her father and mother much chagrin. Please understand, I'm not asking you to avoid her entirely; I'm asking you to be mindful of the consequences of encouraging feelings that can lead nowhere good."

Before Justin could respond, the sound of boots on marble announced Myrelle's return from upstairs.

As she trotted down the stairs, she wore equipment Justin had never seen before: supple leather armor reinforced with steel studs, a utility belt equipped with various enchanted pouches and tools, protective gauntlets, and, most notably, she wielded his Sunsting Cane and an enchanted white sunhat.

"I thought this cane would be particularly fitting for today's adventure," she said, giving it a flourish. "If we leave now, we can reach Tennyson's estate within a quarter hour."

"Sounds perfect. Are you ready?"

They walked toward the estate's circular driveway, where Justin had left Atlas waiting patiently. Instead of mounting with him, Myrelle raised her right hand, and one of her rings emitted a brilliant flash of light.

A magnificent unicorn materialized, its silver coat gleaming and a spiraling rainbow horn atop its head. The creature pranced gracefully, whickering with obvious intelligence and affection.

"Amazing," Justin said.

She smiled at his reaction. "This is Comet. He was a gift for my thirteenth birthday." She gently touched the unicorn's muzzle. "We've been through countless adventures together, haven't we, my friend?"

The unicorn nuzzled her palm, and Justin found himself wondering why she had chosen to ride with him on Atlas during their previous encounter if she had such a magnificent mount. Perhaps it was expected that the man would "provide" transportation, if only as a formality.

Together, they set off, and Justin thought they couldn't have looked like a more unlikely pair—a "provincial Entrepreneur" on his metallic construct beside a noble lady astride her rainbow-horned unicorn.

"So," Justin said, "this just occurred to me: when you use a ring to summon a mount, where does it go when dismissed? Are they stuck somewhere, or is it something more humane?"

While Atlas didn't possess human-level intelligence, he clearly had guardian instincts akin to those of a smart dog, perhaps even more. It pained Justin to think that Atlas might be trapped in isolation for days on end.

Myrelle considered this thoughtfully as Comet picked his way delicately along the cobbled road. "You know, I asked Master Aliendro about that very thing when I chose Comet. He explained that summoned creatures exist in what he called a 'state of temporal suspension'—they're not experiencing time or consciousness when dismissed. It's not like being trapped in a dark room; it's more like... they simply don't exist until called upon. To them, it's like an eyeblink, but that suspension allows them to rest and recover their magical essence. They actually need this restoration period. If they're forced to remain materialized too long, they must be constantly fed pure aether to sustain themselves."

"I thought they required aether constantly, regardless."

"No. If stored properly in their summoning device, they recover naturally through the interface. Recovery time varies by companion. It can be hours or even weeks for the more powerful ones."

"That's good to know," Justin said.

"Atlas must be new to you if you're just learning this," Myrelle observed.

"He is. He was a reward from a Vault in northern Serenthel. None of this was explained to me, so I've had to learn through trial and error."

"How resourceful of you," she said approvingly, patting her unicorn's neck affectionately. "Though I sometimes wonder if Master Aliendro was entirely correct. Comet always seems eager to see me when I summon him, almost as if he genuinely misses me."

Justin nodded, finding comfort in her words. "Atlas certainly seems to recognize me, though that could simply be his core programming."

"The bond between master and mount is real, regardless of the underlying magical mechanics," Myrelle replied. "I've had Comet for fifteen years, and I can sense his moods almost as clearly as my own. Whether he feels our separation or not, the connection we've built remains strong."

Within a quarter of an hour, they approached another estate—not as grand as the Corrins', but still impressive with its manicured gardens and ornate iron gates. The Tennyson family crest, a silver hawk on a blue field, adorned the entrance pillars.

"This would be simpler if you waited out here," Myrelle suggested. "When an unexpected visitor arrives, it can take considerable time to be announced and cleared by the household staff. And time is of the essence if we want a full day's adventure."

Fifteen minutes later, Lord Tennyson emerged from the manor house. Through his monocle, Justin saw that the young lord was a Level 11 Lancer, carrying an elegant polearm with an axe head and spike. He wore gleaming chainmail that radiated enchantment; all his gear was either gold or silver-tier. The proud nobleman regarded Justin appraisingly before breaking into a practiced smile.

"Well met, Talemaker! I hear you're ready to take me up on my offer of adventure!"

Justin nodded graciously. "Indeed I am, Lord Tennyson."

"Please, call me Tennyson while we're under the open sky. It's far less stuffy than court formalities, wouldn't you agree?"

Like Myrelle, Tennyson activated his summoning ring, materializing a magnificent black destrier that stamped and snorted with barely contained energy. Justin noted with some unease that the warhorse's eyes glowed with an unsettling blue light.

"A formidable mount," Justin said.

With obvious pride, Tennyson urged the mighty horse forward, its iron-shod hooves striking the dirt path, releasing a crackling bolt of lightning that scorched the earth. Atlas chirped in alarm and sidestepped several paces.

"Thunderclap was my gift for reaching adulthood—my twentieth birthday," Tennyson said with satisfaction. "He certainly knows how to make an entrance! Shall we formalize our adventuring party?"

Justin realized he hadn't yet created an official party. He activated the relevant interface, sending invitations to both Myrelle and Tennyson.

[Tennyson has joined the party. Your group benefits from his Tactical Precision, boosting melee weapon accuracy by 10%.]

[Myrelle has joined the party. Her Refined Aura inspires confidence, granting +1 to Charisma.]

When Justin checked his attributes, he noticed he didn't receive the additional Charisma bonus; it seemed the enhancement he already had couldn't stack with her party buff.

"By the Nether, Level 21!" Tennyson exclaimed, apparently reading Justin's displayed information. "And an Entrepreneur class—how absolutely fascinating! I don't think I've ever encountered someone with that class. What was your Advanced Class trial like?"

Here, Justin had to pretend he knew what he was talking about. Advanced Class trial? He could only assume that finding the right core wasn't enough for most people; a trial was apparently some other requirement that complicated advancement beyond simply combining cores.

He'd have to ask Lila or Alistair later. Neither had mentioned it.

"It was... illuminating," Justin said. "And not a story I'd care to repeat."

"Oh, come now," Myrelle said with a teasing smile. "You can't leave us hanging like that! Was it terrifying? Mystical? Did you have to solve impossible riddles or fight some dreadful monster?" She frowned in thought. "Or perhaps starting your business was part of the trial?"

"Myrelle's right," Tennyson added. "Advanced Class trial stories are often legendary. Surely you can share some details?"

Justin felt the weight of their expectant gazes. "Perhaps over dinner sometime. For now, shouldn't we focus on today's adventure?" He guided Atlas down the road toward their next destination. "I take it Lady Celine's estate is this way?"

"The Galarian manor is indeed that way," Tennyson confirmed, though he still looked curious about the unanswered question.

Myrelle rode alongside Justin, clearly not ready to drop the subject. "You're quite mysterious, aren't you? First, you appear from nowhere with your new business, and then you're somehow connected to noble houses." Her tone was playful, but Justin sensed genuine curiosity beneath it. "One might wonder what other secrets you're keeping."

"I prefer to maintain an air of intrigue," Justin replied carefully.

"Well, I find it fascinating," she declared. "Most men I know are open books—predictably dull open books. You, on the other hand, seem to have real stories worth hearing."

Tennyson laughed. "Careful, Talemaker. Lady Myrelle has a knack for getting people to reveal more than they intend. She once convinced Lord Ashford to admit he'd never actually been in a real sword fight, despite all his boasting."

"That's because I ask the right questions," Myrelle said with satisfaction. "And I'm very persistent."

"A warning duly noted," Justin said with a laugh.

The next half hour brought them to the Galarian manor, an elegant estate surrounded by flowering gardens. The ritual of summoning played out similarly. Myrelle disappeared inside to make arrangements while the men waited with their mounts.

When Lady Celine emerged, she was already equipped for adventure: fitted leather armor dyed a practical forest green, a recurved shortbow designed for mounted archery slung across her shoulder, and a quiver filled with arrows that shimmered with golden enchantments. Her mount, summoned from her own ring, was a dappled gray mare with intelligent eyes and sure footing.

Justin's monocle revealed her as a Level 12 Archer.

"Sunbeam and I are ready for whatever adventure you have in mind," she announced, her eyes lingering meaningfully on Tennyson.

Tennyson returned her gaze with obvious warmth. "Always a pleasure, Lady Celine."

Justin read volumes in that brief exchange with his Insightful Gaze; these two had clearly seen each other more recently than their formal words suggested, and their relationship extended well beyond casual acquaintance.

[Celine Galarian has joined the party. Her Marksman's Eye enhances your vision, allowing you see better at distance.]

"Time is wasting," Justin said. While they might outrank him in noble titles, he clearly surpassed them in experience and capability. "I suggest we head east into the Aether Hills. We're well positioned being this far from Belmora's center."

"A sound plan," Tennyson agreed readily. "And I understand you have intelligence regarding a potential Vault?"

Justin offered a deliberately mysterious smile. He tested his Jester-granted ability, taking a subtle sniff of the spring air. There was definitely something to the east. "Perhaps, Tennyson. But we must return before sunset, which limits our time for exploration."

"Then by all means, Mr. Talemaker," Tennyson said with evident excitement. "We await your guidance."

Justin nodded and urged Atlas forward, leading their small party of nobles into what he hoped would be a productive day of adventure... and intelligence gathering.