Chat-Error/slightly-more-clean-ln · Datasets at Hugging Face

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After a long moment of silence, Arnold cracked a merry laugh. The proposal remained; all her conditions were met.
(2) chapter number given is likely out of range: 0
Chapter: 7
Chapter 2
Chapter 2
***
YOU KNOW, it was only after I went into commerce that I truly had a dream for the future, Rishe had once confided in a friend. Up until then, I existed only as the crown princes fiance or my fathers daughter. My every act was to become more worthy of that status. But now, for the first time, I actually have a goal of my own.
Oh, yeah? her friend said. He was the ruler of the desert kingdom, and his smile was awfully charming. Whats that?
Rishe smiled back. I want to travel to every single country in the world. I want to see everything in every town, peruse their markets, and meet the eyes of every person who lives there!
By now, that felt like such a distant dream.
***
Rishe awoke with a start, eyes snapping open as she sensed a disturbance in the air.
She unsheathed her sword halfway, primed for danger.
Inside the coach, her old enemy sat across from her, one hand outstretched. What do you think youre doing? she demanded.
When theyd boarded the coach, Rishe had warned him not to lay a single finger on her throughout the trip to his kingdom. Ordering the prince not to touch his consort was absurd, but Arnold readily agreed. He had, after all, promised to follow her every direction.
And yet, here he was, already breaking his promise.
Arnold appeared unperturbed by her glare. Dont look at me like that. I was merely trying to recover what you took from me.
Confused, Rishe looked at the sword in her hand. It had a black lacquered scabbard with a simple golden decoration. Engraved on the hilt was the Galkhein crest.
Oh! Rishe thrust the sword back at Arnold. My apologies.
Arnold chuckled. You caught me off guard. You were nodding off, and then you suddenly snatched up my sword. You looked quite content snuggling up with it.
Arnold propped the sword beside him. Rishe pressed a hand to her chest to quell her racing heart. The sword that gutted me in my previous life is now my bedmate. What a world. Her recent stint as a knight had left her ill at ease without a blade at hand. She just couldnt believe it was Arnolds shed reached for.
I didnt mean to disturb you, but I doubted sleeping with a weapon would be comfortable. Im impressed you sensed my intent before I even touched you. Arnold rested one elbow against the window frame, watching her with shameless fascination. One only develops instincts like that from combat training. And you were also a member of the court? How in the world did you find the time?
Rishe shrugged. She couldnt just say, I pretended to be a man in a previous life, thats how.
I assume theres more to you than your devotion to the sword. You seem to like flowers.
She followed Arnolds gaze to where shed bundled a small bouquet in a handkerchief. This was their fifth day on the road to Galkhein. Every day, without fail, shed picked flowers whenever they stopped to water the horses. The ones from today were still fresh, but the ones shed begun drying five days ago were just about ready.
I didnt pick these because theyre pretty. Rishe brought the blooms to her face, spirits rising at their sweet scent. Spring wildflowers had a soft and gentle smell. Rishe looked out the window at the forest spreading toward Galkhein, thinking of the rare native flowers going into bloom. She wished she could pick those as well, but that would cause too much delay. She gazed on wistfully.
After watching her in silence for some time, Arnold said, By the way, I sent one of my men ahead on a fast horse to deliver your order to the company you requested. Theyll be invited to Galkhein to discuss the wedding ceremony.
Thank you, Rishe said. Im glad you kept your word.
The Aria Trading Company, Arnold mused. Ive heard of them. Theyre up-and-comers, arent they? Have you done business with them before?
No, but I heard from a friend that they hold a very high standard of quality.
Rishe was pleasantly surprised at how easily Arnold had acceded to her request. Typically, a royal household had their own personal dealer. Getting them to do business with someone else could be difficult.
I want to establish a connection with Aria as soon as possible, Rishe thought. It was, of course, the company that had taken her in during her first life.
The company had been established just two years prior to picking her up by its owner, a man named Tully. They were still in their growth stage, but in just a few years, they would be the grandest trading company in all the world. Theyd proven a great boon in her life as an apothecary as well, helping to distribute her newest medicines. Shed struggled to win their trust initially, but she pledged to work much harder this time around.
This marriage isnt going to happenI need an escape plan for when it all falls apart. I must bring to bear all my knowledge and influence as a crown princess.
Rishe didnt know Arnolds plans, but she had no intention of sitting around and waiting for him to use her as he pleased. Shed spend her time as his consort wisely. Everything must serve her ultimate goal: to live longer than five years, and live well.
Her fierce determination must have shown on her face because Arnold gave her a little bemused smile. Yes?
God! Rishe grimaced at that flawlessly handsome countenance. Such beauty, possessed by such powerful destruction. The fact that hed been the man to kill her did nothing to lessen her fascination. In fact, it almost made it worse. The study of contrasts.
Sorry, I just
She was interrupted by the horses loud whinnies.
Stop! Hey, stop the coach!
Shouts drifted back from conveyance ahead of theirs, which contained the luggage and attendants. The squadron of knights tailing the column of coaches sped off toward the front.
Who do you think yougraaargh!
That didnt sound good. Rishe moved to climb out, but Arnold was faster. He drew his sword.
Hey!
Arnold locked the door from the outside. Stay hidden.
Why is he putting himself in danger? Thats what knights are for! The fact that Rishe had been about to do the same thing didnt occur to her. Its probably bandits. He told me to stay hidden in here, but Im not so sure about that.
Arnold had left her locked in from the outside, hoping to keep her safe, but Rishe didnt like her odds. There were five coaches, but this one was certainly the grandest. It locked on the inside as well, but that wouldnt stop someone with enough determination. If she did as she was told, shed just be waiting patiently for a bandit to break a window and drag her out.
Keeping one eye on the coachmen fleeing into the forest, Rishe began a methodical search for something to help her. Righther hairpin!
This sure brings me back. She unfastened it, twisting it into the gap in the door. Back when I was a maid, my lady would lock herself in her chambers all the time to avoid her studies. I had to break her out just like this.
The lock on the coach was simple, and it came open easily. Once she was free, she scanned her surroundings. She didnt see anyone who looked immediately hostile, but there was noise up ahead. Cautiously, she headed toward it.
Before long, she found Arnold.
Wow.
Roughly ten menthe bandits, she presumedlay crumpled on the ground. In their midst stood Arnold, in the process of tripping another man into the dirt. He scowled, blade at the mans throat. Is that it, then?
Gwugh!
Arnold kicked the bandit in the stomach, eyes blazing with cruelty. Thats all the thrill you offer me after I went to the trouble of drawing my sword? Barely worth it. Im bored already.
He wasnt angry; on the contrary, he stared his enemies down with chilly disappointment, as if this had all been a letdown. Even Arnolds own knights seemed terrified of their master when he was in a mood. Arnold smoothly flicked the blood off his sword, wiping the blade on the bandits shirt before sheathing it. The rest of the men on the ground seemed to be unconscious.
Wait, he didnt kill anyone? Why not? Is it because we havent reached Galkhein?
She supposed even Arnold knew better than to go around killing the citizens of other countries. Or perhaps he had yet to become the ruthless monster she knew him as.
Arnold seemed to sense her gaze, turning around with a start. Genuine emotion bloomed on his face, worlds away from the blank mask he wore to face down the bandits. How did you get out of the coach?
Rishe shrugged. If I tell you, youll be able to prevent me from doing it again.
Arnold snickered. You continue to amaze me.
How can you go from ice-cold to suddenly looking like a normal nineteen-year-old? Its disconcerting.
Rishe fought down her disquiet as a man alighted from a coach and shouted, Your Highness! Not again! He was Oliver, one of the princes attendants. He had silver hair and was roughly as tall as Arnold.
What do you think all these knights are for, decoration? Why do you insist on endangering yourself?
Rishe had only met Oliver briefly a few days ago, but he didnt appear to be intimidated by Arnold at all. And, wellhes not wrong.
She feared the menace would return to Arnolds expression, but he just looked annoyed. I could tell they were prepared to kill. Id prefer to take the burden on myself than risk multiple injuries so far afield. And we already have casualties.
He was right. Several injured knights leaned listlessly among the trees. Arnold issued orders to those still able-bodied. First squad, see to the wounded. Second squad, arrest these men.
Yes, sir!
Oliver appeared unsatisfied. Your Highness, that is a weak justification. Im overjoyed youre well, but you must consider Lady Rishe. Perhaps next time we run into a team of murderous brigands, you could allow your consort to remain in the coach.
I told her to remain in the coach!
Rishe quickly averted her gaze, turning her attention to the wounded knights. They didnt appear badly injured, yet they all seemed exhausted.
Excuse me, can I take a look? Rishe approached the knight acting as a medic. He looked round, startled by her presence.
Nonsense, my lady. Dont trouble yourself, you must have had quite a scare.
This was not unreasonable, but the wariness in his eyes made it clear he wanted her nowhere near his comrade. He isnt just being polite. He truly is on guard.
Beside them, an injured knight groaned as another helped him up. Whats wrong with you? the second knight asked the first.
I-I feelnumb.
What? Damn. The knight grabbed up one of the fallen bandits swords, going pale as he inspected the blade. Your Highness, look at this. Poison.
Arnold clicked his tongue. Locate every laceration and bind them close to the heart. Suck the poison from the wounds.
He mostly got that right, at least. In the meantime, Rishe located the nearest bound bandit and pulled his dagger out of its sheath. Its wet coating gleamed in the sunlight, just as the knight had said.
They applied the poison liberallywhatever it is must be cheap and easily bought in bulk.
She wafted the smell toward her, bracing for something rancid, but detected nothing. Then she brought it closer to her nose.
It smells sweet, like an overripe apple. Shea grass andbluecap mushrooms. All the knights appear to have the same symptoms, so I wont have to check every blade.
Rishe stood back up and headed for the coach.
Oliver took a step after her. Your Highness, Lady Rishe is
Leave her. She may do as she pleases.
Shes well trained, Oliver mused. But a battlefield is no place for a young lady. She probably wasnt prepared for such a dreadful spectacle.
Rishe ignored the murmurs and focused on her work. There they are. Ill take these, these, and
The poison must be a sleeping drug, she overheard Arnold saying. Hunters use such drugs to weaken larger prey. I doubt this dose is lethal.
But it certainly is annoying, replied Oliver. Were still two days out from Galkhein. Lugging a company of sleeping men in armor wont be pleasant.
Well have to stop somewhere nearby. A hunters settlement. Perhaps they will have an antidote
Excuse me. Rishe, whod returned from the carriage, raised a hand. I have an antidote.
What?
The entire company stared at her in awe.
***
As it turned out, Arnolds guess was right.
This sweet-smelling substance was a hunters drug, made from ingredients that were only toxic in their raw form. Heat rendered them harmless. Rishe had encountered this poison several times before, curing a customer afflicted with it during her life as an apothecary.
A lethal dose for a grown man would fill a wine glass. They likely got less than a hundredth of that, Rishe explained to Arnold, not looking up from her work. Still, the numbness can block their airways with the roots of their tongues. Its best to lay them on their sides.
Yes, I understand the theory and the solution. Arnold gazed down at Rishes hands. The part Im struggling with is why youre the one telling me this.
Well, I know how to make the antidote, Rishe said patiently as she muddled the herbs together in the white soup bowl shed borrowed for her flowers. She crushed them with the back of a spoon before adding another dried flower, crushing that as well, and combining them to form a paste. This process would be easier with a pestle, but she wasnt about to complain. This poison is commonits cheap and easy to make, which often means the antidote is simple as well.
The antidote was synthesized, in fact, when hunters witnessed a deer showing no symptoms after eating a certain mushroom. They tested those along with other common herbs the deer ate. Rishe mentally thanked them for their scientific rigor as she added a bit of water, straining it all through a cloth.

After a long moment of silence, Arnold cracked a merry laugh. The proposal remained; all her conditions were met.

(2) chapter number given is likely out of range: 0

Chapter: 7

Chapter 2

***

YOU KNOW, it was only after I went into commerce that I truly had a dream for the future, Rishe had once confided in a friend. Up until then, I existed only as the crown princes fiance or my fathers daughter. My every act was to become more worthy of that status. But now, for the first time, I actually have a goal of my own.

Oh, yeah? her friend said. He was the ruler of the desert kingdom, and his smile was awfully charming. Whats that?

Rishe smiled back. I want to travel to every single country in the world. I want to see everything in every town, peruse their markets, and meet the eyes of every person who lives there!

By now, that felt like such a distant dream.

***

Rishe awoke with a start, eyes snapping open as she sensed a disturbance in the air.

She unsheathed her sword halfway, primed for danger.

Inside the coach, her old enemy sat across from her, one hand outstretched. What do you think youre doing? she demanded.

When theyd boarded the coach, Rishe had warned him not to lay a single finger on her throughout the trip to his kingdom. Ordering the prince not to touch his consort was absurd, but Arnold readily agreed. He had, after all, promised to follow her every direction.

And yet, here he was, already breaking his promise.

Arnold appeared unperturbed by her glare. Dont look at me like that. I was merely trying to recover what you took from me.

Confused, Rishe looked at the sword in her hand. It had a black lacquered scabbard with a simple golden decoration. Engraved on the hilt was the Galkhein crest.

Oh! Rishe thrust the sword back at Arnold. My apologies.

Arnold chuckled. You caught me off guard. You were nodding off, and then you suddenly snatched up my sword. You looked quite content snuggling up with it.

Arnold propped the sword beside him. Rishe pressed a hand to her chest to quell her racing heart. The sword that gutted me in my previous life is now my bedmate. What a world. Her recent stint as a knight had left her ill at ease without a blade at hand. She just couldnt believe it was Arnolds shed reached for.

I didnt mean to disturb you, but I doubted sleeping with a weapon would be comfortable. Im impressed you sensed my intent before I even touched you. Arnold rested one elbow against the window frame, watching her with shameless fascination. One only develops instincts like that from combat training. And you were also a member of the court? How in the world did you find the time?

Rishe shrugged. She couldnt just say, I pretended to be a man in a previous life, thats how.

I assume theres more to you than your devotion to the sword. You seem to like flowers.

She followed Arnolds gaze to where shed bundled a small bouquet in a handkerchief. This was their fifth day on the road to Galkhein. Every day, without fail, shed picked flowers whenever they stopped to water the horses. The ones from today were still fresh, but the ones shed begun drying five days ago were just about ready.

I didnt pick these because theyre pretty. Rishe brought the blooms to her face, spirits rising at their sweet scent. Spring wildflowers had a soft and gentle smell. Rishe looked out the window at the forest spreading toward Galkhein, thinking of the rare native flowers going into bloom. She wished she could pick those as well, but that would cause too much delay. She gazed on wistfully.

After watching her in silence for some time, Arnold said, By the way, I sent one of my men ahead on a fast horse to deliver your order to the company you requested. Theyll be invited to Galkhein to discuss the wedding ceremony.

Thank you, Rishe said. Im glad you kept your word.

The Aria Trading Company, Arnold mused. Ive heard of them. Theyre up-and-comers, arent they? Have you done business with them before?

No, but I heard from a friend that they hold a very high standard of quality.

Rishe was pleasantly surprised at how easily Arnold had acceded to her request. Typically, a royal household had their own personal dealer. Getting them to do business with someone else could be difficult.

I want to establish a connection with Aria as soon as possible, Rishe thought. It was, of course, the company that had taken her in during her first life.

The company had been established just two years prior to picking her up by its owner, a man named Tully. They were still in their growth stage, but in just a few years, they would be the grandest trading company in all the world. Theyd proven a great boon in her life as an apothecary as well, helping to distribute her newest medicines. Shed struggled to win their trust initially, but she pledged to work much harder this time around.

This marriage isnt going to happenI need an escape plan for when it all falls apart. I must bring to bear all my knowledge and influence as a crown princess.

Rishe didnt know Arnolds plans, but she had no intention of sitting around and waiting for him to use her as he pleased. Shed spend her time as his consort wisely. Everything must serve her ultimate goal: to live longer than five years, and live well.

Her fierce determination must have shown on her face because Arnold gave her a little bemused smile. Yes?

God! Rishe grimaced at that flawlessly handsome countenance. Such beauty, possessed by such powerful destruction. The fact that hed been the man to kill her did nothing to lessen her fascination. In fact, it almost made it worse. The study of contrasts.

Sorry, I just

She was interrupted by the horses loud whinnies.

Stop! Hey, stop the coach!

Shouts drifted back from conveyance ahead of theirs, which contained the luggage and attendants. The squadron of knights tailing the column of coaches sped off toward the front.

Who do you think yougraaargh!

That didnt sound good. Rishe moved to climb out, but Arnold was faster. He drew his sword.

Hey!

Arnold locked the door from the outside. Stay hidden.

Why is he putting himself in danger? Thats what knights are for! The fact that Rishe had been about to do the same thing didnt occur to her. Its probably bandits. He told me to stay hidden in here, but Im not so sure about that.

Arnold had left her locked in from the outside, hoping to keep her safe, but Rishe didnt like her odds. There were five coaches, but this one was certainly the grandest. It locked on the inside as well, but that wouldnt stop someone with enough determination. If she did as she was told, shed just be waiting patiently for a bandit to break a window and drag her out.

Keeping one eye on the coachmen fleeing into the forest, Rishe began a methodical search for something to help her. Righther hairpin!

This sure brings me back. She unfastened it, twisting it into the gap in the door. Back when I was a maid, my lady would lock herself in her chambers all the time to avoid her studies. I had to break her out just like this.

The lock on the coach was simple, and it came open easily. Once she was free, she scanned her surroundings. She didnt see anyone who looked immediately hostile, but there was noise up ahead. Cautiously, she headed toward it.

Before long, she found Arnold.

Wow.

Roughly ten menthe bandits, she presumedlay crumpled on the ground. In their midst stood Arnold, in the process of tripping another man into the dirt. He scowled, blade at the mans throat. Is that it, then?

Gwugh!

Arnold kicked the bandit in the stomach, eyes blazing with cruelty. Thats all the thrill you offer me after I went to the trouble of drawing my sword? Barely worth it. Im bored already.

He wasnt angry; on the contrary, he stared his enemies down with chilly disappointment, as if this had all been a letdown. Even Arnolds own knights seemed terrified of their master when he was in a mood. Arnold smoothly flicked the blood off his sword, wiping the blade on the bandits shirt before sheathing it. The rest of the men on the ground seemed to be unconscious.

Wait, he didnt kill anyone? Why not? Is it because we havent reached Galkhein?

She supposed even Arnold knew better than to go around killing the citizens of other countries. Or perhaps he had yet to become the ruthless monster she knew him as.

Arnold seemed to sense her gaze, turning around with a start. Genuine emotion bloomed on his face, worlds away from the blank mask he wore to face down the bandits. How did you get out of the coach?

Rishe shrugged. If I tell you, youll be able to prevent me from doing it again.

Arnold snickered. You continue to amaze me.

How can you go from ice-cold to suddenly looking like a normal nineteen-year-old? Its disconcerting.

Rishe fought down her disquiet as a man alighted from a coach and shouted, Your Highness! Not again! He was Oliver, one of the princes attendants. He had silver hair and was roughly as tall as Arnold.

What do you think all these knights are for, decoration? Why do you insist on endangering yourself?

Rishe had only met Oliver briefly a few days ago, but he didnt appear to be intimidated by Arnold at all. And, wellhes not wrong.

She feared the menace would return to Arnolds expression, but he just looked annoyed. I could tell they were prepared to kill. Id prefer to take the burden on myself than risk multiple injuries so far afield. And we already have casualties.

He was right. Several injured knights leaned listlessly among the trees. Arnold issued orders to those still able-bodied. First squad, see to the wounded. Second squad, arrest these men.

Yes, sir!

Oliver appeared unsatisfied. Your Highness, that is a weak justification. Im overjoyed youre well, but you must consider Lady Rishe. Perhaps next time we run into a team of murderous brigands, you could allow your consort to remain in the coach.

I told her to remain in the coach!

Rishe quickly averted her gaze, turning her attention to the wounded knights. They didnt appear badly injured, yet they all seemed exhausted.

Excuse me, can I take a look? Rishe approached the knight acting as a medic. He looked round, startled by her presence.

Nonsense, my lady. Dont trouble yourself, you must have had quite a scare.

This was not unreasonable, but the wariness in his eyes made it clear he wanted her nowhere near his comrade. He isnt just being polite. He truly is on guard.

Beside them, an injured knight groaned as another helped him up. Whats wrong with you? the second knight asked the first.

I-I feelnumb.

What? Damn. The knight grabbed up one of the fallen bandits swords, going pale as he inspected the blade. Your Highness, look at this. Poison.

Arnold clicked his tongue. Locate every laceration and bind them close to the heart. Suck the poison from the wounds.

He mostly got that right, at least. In the meantime, Rishe located the nearest bound bandit and pulled his dagger out of its sheath. Its wet coating gleamed in the sunlight, just as the knight had said.

They applied the poison liberallywhatever it is must be cheap and easily bought in bulk.

She wafted the smell toward her, bracing for something rancid, but detected nothing. Then she brought it closer to her nose.

It smells sweet, like an overripe apple. Shea grass andbluecap mushrooms. All the knights appear to have the same symptoms, so I wont have to check every blade.

Rishe stood back up and headed for the coach.

Oliver took a step after her. Your Highness, Lady Rishe is

Leave her. She may do as she pleases.

Shes well trained, Oliver mused. But a battlefield is no place for a young lady. She probably wasnt prepared for such a dreadful spectacle.

Rishe ignored the murmurs and focused on her work. There they are. Ill take these, these, and

The poison must be a sleeping drug, she overheard Arnold saying. Hunters use such drugs to weaken larger prey. I doubt this dose is lethal.

But it certainly is annoying, replied Oliver. Were still two days out from Galkhein. Lugging a company of sleeping men in armor wont be pleasant.

Well have to stop somewhere nearby. A hunters settlement. Perhaps they will have an antidote

Excuse me. Rishe, whod returned from the carriage, raised a hand. I have an antidote.

What?

The entire company stared at her in awe.

***

As it turned out, Arnolds guess was right.

This sweet-smelling substance was a hunters drug, made from ingredients that were only toxic in their raw form. Heat rendered them harmless. Rishe had encountered this poison several times before, curing a customer afflicted with it during her life as an apothecary.

A lethal dose for a grown man would fill a wine glass. They likely got less than a hundredth of that, Rishe explained to Arnold, not looking up from her work. Still, the numbness can block their airways with the roots of their tongues. Its best to lay them on their sides.

Yes, I understand the theory and the solution. Arnold gazed down at Rishes hands. The part Im struggling with is why youre the one telling me this.

Well, I know how to make the antidote, Rishe said patiently as she muddled the herbs together in the white soup bowl shed borrowed for her flowers. She crushed them with the back of a spoon before adding another dried flower, crushing that as well, and combining them to form a paste. This process would be easier with a pestle, but she wasnt about to complain. This poison is commonits cheap and easy to make, which often means the antidote is simple as well.

The antidote was synthesized, in fact, when hunters witnessed a deer showing no symptoms after eating a certain mushroom. They tested those along with other common herbs the deer ate. Rishe mentally thanked them for their scientific rigor as she added a bit of water, straining it all through a cloth.