Reborn in a Dating Sim: Life as a Mob is hard in an Equestria Girl’s Dating Game!

Reborn in a Dating Sim:

Life as a Mob is hard in an Equestria Girl’s Dating Game!

Chapter Eight

“I say, welcome to proper etiquette, introduction class,” came a prim and proper voice, “I am your professor, Doctor Fancy Pants. In this class we will be discussing the importance of proper etiquette, and how it can be all that stands between one and complete barbarism. I want to show all of you the absolute importance of being proper, and how to hold your esteemed heads up high.”

Copper sat there, listening, and he felt a slight amount of discouragement. Sure, this had been in the game, but he could skip directly to the minigame itself. Which would be to set the table, show off the spread, and then skip to the dialogue tree. There was no skip function here. He was stuck dealing with the lesson as it was happening. What it meant for him was dealing with everything that was simply as it was.

“Okay, I really am not seeing the point of this,” he said, his voice unfortunately carrying, “I mean I suppose we have a reason to do this, but why spend so much time on it?”

“Ah, a doubter is within our midst,” Fancy Pants said, his voice remaining prim and proper, “Well, then come down here and I shall instruct you on proper etiquette.”

He walked toward the stage, and within moments he watched as Fancy Pants moved with practiced grace. No movement was wasted. Everything was done with a sort of practiced flare that only came from someone of true refinement. Additionally, at no time was he being talked down to, but instead Fancy Pants was keeping a kind eye upon him, “When pouring we want to make sure that the tea is still hot, but we don’t want to burn those with delicate senses. So, remember to pour close, but allow a slight breeze to air the tea. Additionally while snacks, such as pastries are welcomed, delicate finger sandwiches are often more acceptable. Never break eye contact, and remain confident.”

He lifted the cup, “Please, try it,” he said, and Copper found himself unable to refuse. The first drink reminded him of Earl Gray tea, and it was done in such a way that he enjoyed it. There was a small twist of lemon, a tiny spoonful of cream, and what tasted like a single cube of sugar. The delicate taste gently swirled around on his tongue, and he allowed himself a chance to breathe in slightly, changing the taste, allowing for all of the full flavor of what was made to fully impact him.

“This is incredible,” he admitted before he saw that Fancy Pants hadn’t merely been waiting on him to finish his tea, but instead the seat was pulled out, his place was set, and there was nothing that seemed to deter from feeling so welcomed. He looked as Fancy Pants himself nodded, “Please take a seat, now why don’t you fill us in a little information. First, how are you finding the Academy? Do you feel welcomed, or is there anything you would like to see changed?”

The question wasn’t completely left field, but it did catch him slightly off guard, “I suppose I feel welcome enough, but I do wonder about the cliques that exist. All of them seem to make it almost impossible for someone to simply exist somewhere outside of the cliques where they normally would fit in. The academy is a melting pot, a place where all that are able to attend can blend in and meet one another. It allows them to grow, to find their footing, and achieve the dream of a better tomorrow,” he said before he shook his head, “But that’s just what’s told to everyone. I see students slowly shifting to those that are similar to themselves. It makes me wonder exactly how much blending can happen.”

“I see,” Fancy Pants replied, “And so naturally you would like to see everyone simply treat one another accordingly, correct?” his question seemed so normalized, “Such as those with higher nobility allowed to mingle with those of a lower station, to learn from their experiences, correct?”

He nodded, “I mean, if a noble, regardless of their station, wants to be an effective leader it means learning how to lead. To discover more about those who exist within their domain, and what they can do to make their lives better. It’s not just merely existing, but rather it’s more along the lines of doing all that can be done in order to see a benefit for all.”

Fancy Pants gave him an understanding smile, “And truly exceptional leaders do exactly what you’re implying. They learn from those who are of a lower station, and they see what can be done to make their lives better. By doing so they effectively breed loyalty, and they breed contentment. It ensures that harvests are plentiful, and it gives time for the nobles to do other matters. Which, when a noble is discussing matters with other nobles, what would be the best possible way to do so?”

Copper thought for a moment, “To do so over a dinner, to express the ideas in a place where comfort and etiquette both meet, and I see the reason now,” he said, rubbing the back of his head, “You are really gifted at this.”

He gave him a slight smile, “I should be,” he admitted as he stood, “I’ve taught etiquette for quite some time, but I must admit that it’s been a while since I’ve had such engaging conversation while demonstrating. I’ve rather enjoyed myself, Mr. Plum, correct?”

He nodded, “That’s right, thank you Professor Fancy Pants,” he said, his voice holding true reverence, “I can see now that I am truly in the presence of a master, and I will dedicate myself to learning your ways.”

He nodded, “Well, show up to my classes, and when you become ready to lead, may it serve you well.”

The rest of the class passed, but Copper felt himself truly astounded by Fancy Pants. The man had shown him that there was a reason for the etiquette class beyond just doing it to meet a wife. It was being done to help train those that would go on to have leading positions become ready to do so. It was absolutely an important class, and while he wasn’t sure if he even wanted to lead. If he was going to be completely honest what he truly wanted was to do. Mostly, he knew that he was content with a quiet life. To live a life where there wouldn’t be that much demanded of him, and he could exist.

His fortune that he’d amassed thanks to the labyrinth and finding the treasure of One Eye Mash had more or less made it possible for him to live the rest of his life without much of a worry. The issue was that he most likely wouldn’t find someone to call a wife. Well, there was Artemis, but that was something he was still getting used to. The fact that she had gone from what she was originally to declaring that she would be fine to become his lover was jarring. He wasn’t sure how it would work between them, and if it could, what would be the outcome?

If he found a normal wife, someone that would be willing to see the world as he did, then maybe. He pushed the idea out of his head. So far the one girl he’d met that he could call a friend was Primwood, and she was more interested in Artemis than she was him. From what he could see she was someone that would rather stay in her own biological sex than venture out. He wasn’t going to condemn her for that. Her choices were her choices after all. Instead all he could do was look.

The time for the class ended, and honestly he wasn’t sure how he felt about leaving such a splendid class. They all began to walk out, and he saw Artemis walking up close to him. She had joined him in the classroom as well, but since she was supposed to be a servant it meant that she couldn’t be right next to him. Instead she had stood at the side of the class with the other servants. That bothered him more than he wanted to admit.

“Captain,” she said, her voice soft, “I take it that you saw potential in the pageantry, correct?”

He nodded as they walked, “I really did after Doctor Fancy Pants explained it,” he replied as they walked, “It’s a way to help smooth diplomatic tensions and ease them. I can see how important it is for those that are going to lead. It gives them a chance to meet with other leaders, and help ease their minds and allow the true conversation to flow. In truth, it’s a really ingenious way of dealing with those kinds of matters.”

She seemed to take in what he was saying, “So, it means that this is a way to help with more administrative functions of the position. I can see the benefit from that angle, but at the same time it would make more sense to simply decimate one’s enemies, completely annihilate them, and leave no potential enemy behind.”

He stopped for a second, “Okay, sometimes there’s no choice, and war is the only answer. I will absolutely admit that sometimes is the case,” he replied as he looked at her, “But it can’t always be the go to. Yes, I will fully admit that there are more times than not that I would rather kick some dickweed noble’s teeth down their throat. The fact that they can hold their heads up based on the actions of their ancestors rather than their own accomplishments sickens me,” he stated, “But at the same time war is going to hurt those who didn’t have anything to do with it. Those innocent families that are just trying to survive.”

“Through inaction they are committing the same vile act, correct?”

He blinked, it was the same logic he had used before on her, “To a degree yes,” he admitted, “They are guilty through inaction, if they knew about what was happening and did nothing to stop it. If they didn’t attempt to appeal to their local lords for peace, if they didn’t contact those in power and ask them to please not engage, then yes I could see them being guilty.”

He shook his head, “but if they knew nothing, if there was no chance for them to know nothing, if one day they were at peace, and the next day they were at war, can you see how they didn’t have a chance to do anything to stop the war from coming?”

She studied him for a moment, “If war was to happen suddenly, with no warning, and they were caught unaware they had no chance to appeal to those in power to keep the peace,” she stated, “I am cataloging this information, but Captain, not all wars start suddenly. There are times that there is tension between the nations. That they feel a sense of anger and hatred for those that live in a different land simply because they are different. At those times it would be most likely that those who simply live there had every chance to appeal to their local lords. If they did, and the lords did nothing, then the people are not guilty, but the lords are, right?”

He nodded, “Yes, in those cases the lords are guilty of not even attempting to convince their leaders that the war would be wrong. But, a war would still hurt those who did attempt to do something. It would bring destruction to their homes, and it would make their entire lives far less than what they could be. War, war never changes. It doesn’t matter where it is. War is something that is only good for killing. Its only friend is the undertaker. I would rather not have a war, if at all possible, but if there has to be one I plan ensuring that we don’t lose.”

He felt her lean against him, “I would ensure that we would win,” she said, her voice honest, “At no time would they be able to defeat us. I would ensure a complete and total defeat of our enemies, and I would make sure that everything that attempted to stand against you would fail. Nothing, absolutely nothing would stand against you Captain,” she said, her voice relaying her confidence, “So, if we go to war, fear not for those that would rally against us.”

He walked with her leaning against him, and the entire time he could feel the looks from those around him. The thing was, it didn’t bother him. Maybe it should, but it simply didn’t. It didn’t because there was no real reason for it. Sure, his father had warned him, but if other nobles didn’t like it then they could simply kiss his ass. Let them think what they wanted. His purpose for being here was more along the lines off finding a decent way of living the rest of his life on his own terms.

Once he graduated he would be free of Delicate Emerald. He wouldn’t have to worry about her attempting to pawn him off on some wealthy lower noble. Besides, the fortune he had found more than ensured that he would forever be able to sustain himself. Not that he was going to just keep existing off of that. No, he would most likely run his private floating island in a way that would ensure that he made plenty of funds.

And when he wanted, or needed extra, he could either hunt Sky Carp, or he could go raid a labyrinth. The second option certainly had appeal. Since he’d gone labyrinth diving a lot in the game he knew most of them. The one near where he found Artemis had been one of the more challenging ones, and that was because of One Eye Mash. Part of him still wished that he would have actually paid more attention to the lore.

Still it didn’t really matter. He was learning more about the lore now. The next class he had to go to was the political science class. He’d enrolled because he was actually curious about the political climate of the kingdom itself. Again, he cursed himself for specifically not paying more attention to the lore of the game. He stepped into the class, and he noticed that it was a pretty even number of boys and girls. But the boys were mostly higher nobles.

He saw Prince Apollo sitting toward the front of the class. His face staring ahead, and across from him was Diamond Tiara. Beside him was Satin, and she was certainly looking cozy next to him. Again, this was not his problem. He wasn’t a main character, and he had no reason to get in on the main character action. He just wanted a simple life where he was left alone. Sure, originally the thought was find a wife, but that had been before he realized that it wasn’t absolutely necessary.

He could potentially live exactly how he wanted, for as long as he wanted, in a way that he wouldn’t be bothered. The only one that he would want to possibly move in with him would be Gold Bit, Silver Bell, and his brothers. He watched as an older woman walked in. This was someone else that he knew. She moved toward the front of the class. She sat down, and she studied the class around her, “So, just a fair warning this class is for those of you who are actually interested in leading your respective lands. If you’re here because you thought it would be an easy class then bugger off now,” she said, her voice firm, “However, if you want to learn, and learn how to manage in the arena of political debate then I will gladly teach you.”

She stood and walked toward the chalkboard, “My name is Doctor Pincher, Doctor Bit Pincher and I am also the professor over the economics class as well. So, now that the pleasantries are out of the way let’s begin. Today’s lesson is simple enough. I want you to stand, and talk about what knowledge you have regarding a republic and a feudal system.”

She looked at them before her eyes settled on Copper, “Mr. Plum, correct?” she asked, “Please stand, and give me the information on what the difference is between a republic and a feudal system.”

He nodded, “A republic is a collection of states, or nations, that are represented by a senate. This senate usually is voted in by representatives of the various nations or states. Usually to keep things balanced there is a head of the administrative branch that monitors things, and acts as a counter balance. Their purpose is to ensure that the senate doesn’t fully take control. Lastly there’s the judicial branch that drafts, proposes, and implements the laws after they are voted on. Like the administrative branch they are there for counter balance,” he stated, “A feudal system may have some of the same set up, but ultimately the decisions begin and end with the royal family. A house of commons, or a parliament may, or may not, have some sway, but in the end if the ruling family makes the law, then it is law.”

There was a nod, “Very good,” she said as she studied him, “He’s mostly right, which is far more than I expected,” she said before she looked away, “Your highness, please finish explaining the feudal system.”

He watched as Prince Apollo stood, “Additionally the Feudal system has the backing of the church. The religion which ensures the governing right of the queen and king. In this case the church itself determines if the king is suitable to lead or not. While he has the capability to make, and pass laws, if the church feels that he has stepped too far from the original mission of the nation he can, and should, be removed.”

She nodded, “Very good, and very wrong your highness,” she stated as he sat down looking completely lost, “The church itself has very little say on our nation. Nor do they have the power to remove the king. That power rests completely with the Queen. In this case, your mother is the true power, your father is a backup,” she stated, “That is the difference. Mr. Plum, since you have an obvious keen mind and know about political science I believe that may be hope for you.”

He sat down, unsure of how he felt, but listened as the class began. Once again, he was away from Artemis, but he could see her standing, waiting, and he simply went about his business. The class ended, and he walked toward where the dorms were. That night he was going to sleep in his own dorm for the first time. He watched as Prince Apollo kissed Satin deeply. There it was. She was driving the wedge against him. He shook his head, “Not my problem,” he said as he walked, “I don’t know where the protagonist is, but this isn’t my deal,” he said as he stepped past.

“Ow,” came a slight country voice, “That smarts.”

He looked to see the red hair that he knew. The same yellowish skin, and those strange eyes. It was her, the protagonist. It was Applebloom.