Chapter 4: Talent
Rosanna stomped furiously on her way back home. Only by distracting herself with thoughts of what to make for dinner did she manage to quell the unbridled anger in her chest.
It had barely been a couple of months since Cliff returned to his duty on the northern plains, and they were already cutting resources from Rain, spouting nonsense about her daughter being untalented. As if she were going to believe that. Cliff had told her many times that their daughter had greater talent in mana than him, and he was already on his way to reaching Level 100 in his Knight Class.
Although her familiarity with House Blackstone was minimal despite being married for a decade, she was certain there were half a dozen individuals with subpar talent receiving more hours in the Mana Chamber than her daughter.
It was all her fault, wasn’t it? They were punishing Rain because Cliff had married a commoner, going against everyone’s will.
Power moves everything in the world, and especially so in the high society of Seynhold. Her commoner status would not have mattered much if she had matched her husband in strength. But Rosanna was nothing more than a Level 24 Cook, with no personal strength to speak of. It was only through incessant pleading with her father-in-law that she could secure any opportunity for her daughter.
The abyss curse him! If only the blasted man were half as affable as his son. Half the time she went to meet him, she was not even allowed entry; the other half was spent dealing with her husband’s half-siblings or cousins. It had practically become her daily task to head to the main house and request an audience.
If things were this bad with Rain, Rosanna feared what they would do to Ember, who was born as talentless as her.
On days like these, she could not help but remember her hometown, her life as the cook at Qutel’s Restaurant. Although life was much safer in Seynhold, it had been far simpler back there. At least she would not have to endure those disdainful glances. And if the contempt were not enough, there were the cruel words that sometimes made her regret marrying Cliff.
She never truly felt that way when she was with him, however. Cliff was as honourable as they came, and a more loving husband than she probably deserved. It was his extensive family that caused her much of the worry.