Building a Harem in a Noble House-Chapter 88: House May

A murmur rippled through the hall, but Meredith’s blood ran hot. Sponsor. The word was a chain, binding her dreams to the very system that mocked her. She wanted to step forward, to voice the injustice. Why must the light of the gods be gated by gold and titles? Her lips parted, the protest forming on her tongue...

...but she clamped her mouth shut. No one would listen. Not to her. The aristocrats would smirk, and the instructors would dismiss her as ungrateful. Swallowing the words like bitter gall, she felt anger surge, her fists clenching and vision blurring with frustrated tears she refused to shed. Then, as quickly as it flared, the fire guttered out, leaving defeat in its wake. A hollow ache settled in her chest, heavy as lead.

She turned on her heel and strode from the hall, the heavy doors swinging shut behind her with a resonant thud after grabbing the accursed flier. Outside, the afternoon sun bathed the courtyard in golden light, and there was Colonel Charcoal, waiting faithfully by the statue, his black tail thumping against the cobblestone as he approached. She knelt to scratch behind his ears, drawing comfort from his warm fur and unwavering gaze.

"Thank you for checking on me. I’ll be back home soon. Feel free to go through the fridge if you’re hungry. I...need some time to think," she murmured, her voice proper and measured, even in solitude.

Colonel Charcoal purred as he leaned into her hand, a subtle reminder that he really could play the role of a black cat well if he wanted to. Meredith smiled at the gesture, even as she stood and turned away. "I’ll see you at home."

Unfortunately, her smile wasn’t long for this world. Not when the weight of the announcement still clung to her like damp fog. She needed a sponsor... desperately. Yet what did she bring to the table? Her name, Meredith Weston, carried no weight–a placeholder from the orphanage records. No friends to plead her case, no associations with any House or Order. She hated this, the groveling it implied, the compromise of her ideals. Paladins served the people of Aspia, not the whims of the wealthy. And trust? How could she entrust her Oath to a stranger? What would they demand in return...? Fealty that twisted her path? "Favors" that stained her honor? The questions swirled as she wandered the winding streets of the city, Colonel Charcoal secretly following her from the rooftops–though both of them had a silent understanding that they wouldn’t acknowledge that he did that.

"Options. I need options."

Propositioning Noble Houses directly seemed too risky. There was no way of knowing which one was respectable or not until it was too late! But the Adventurer’s might know, wouldn’t they...? Many Quests at the Adventurers Guild are commissioned by local Noble Houses and aristocrats. Surely someone there would have some experience with local Noble Houses? Would they be able to point her towards a Noble House that aligned with her ideals?

"Not like I have much choice... It seems I must return to the Guild." 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

The Guild was alive with chaos when she arrived: adventurers haggling over maps, bards strumming lutes in the corner, the air thick with ale and roasted boar. It was admittedly homey, the kind of place she could get lost in in another life. No familiar faces, but purpose drove her forward. She approached the notice board first, eyes skimming quests for hints of honorable folk, then turned to a pair of men lounging at a nearby table, their gear scarred from recent battle.

"May as well start with those two..."

"Good day, sirs," Meredith started, her tone formal and clear, befitting a Paladin trainee. "I am Meredith Weston, a recruit of the Order of Paladins. Might I impose upon you for counsel? I seek a sponsor for the upcoming Exams and wonder if you know of Noble Houses willing to vouch for one such as myself."

The two men looked up, one with a roguish grin, the other more reserved. The grinning one, broad-shouldered with a mop of sandy hair, extended a hand. "Levi, at your service. This here’s Vincent."

Vincent nodded, his dark eyes appraising. "Well met. Sit, if you like. Sponsorship, eh? Tricky business these days."

Meredith took a seat. Internally, a pang of anger struck her. The idea of working for a House, any House, chafed against her core. Paladins served the people of Aspia, not just the gilded towers of nobility. It went against her entire philosophy, this bending to lineage over light. But necessity was a harsh mistress.

Levi leaned forward, nursing a tankard. "Noble Houses? Plenty ’round here, but most want something in return–your sword for their schemes, or worse. If you’re after real strength, though, talk turns to House May. New up-and-comers!"

Vincent chimed in, his voice low. "Owned by Lloyd May and Lyra Knight. They’re both 5-Star Adventurers... legends in these parts. First time I ever saw them, they were carrying Berserking Bulette hearts through those doors! They built House May from their earnings, purchased from the remains of House Greaves. They seem like good enough people."

Meredith’s interest piqued, though wariness lingered. 5-Stars were elite, respected. Perhaps their hearts aligned with justice?

"House May... Do they sponsor recruits?"

Levi chuckled, shaking his head. "Wish we could say yes. Meredith, they’ve been rejecting everyone who asks. Not ready to take on recruits yet, or so the word goes. Too busy with their own quests, building their influence."

Vincent nodded solemnly. "But everyone’s waiting on them. The other houses nearby? Stuffy, scheming lots. Unless you’re interested in House Hillington? They’ll take anyone strong because strong Paladins make money. But... you don’t seem like the type to want that."

She absorbed their words, the name House May etching into her thoughts like a rune. It sounded promising, a potential bridge to her dreams. But rejection loomed; another door slammed in her face. Still, she would keep it in mind, a spark amid the gathering storm.