"It's not surprising," She said, a coy smile spreading across her lips, "That even in my ignorance I am able to weave such abstract concepts together. And under a much better time limit than that goddess' own research, no? Fufufufu~"

"Sure," It was true that Herta did take a while in figuring out what Bad Luck was all about, but when she did put her mind to it she passed with flying colors. "But Herta's research into cursed skills, for example, was brilliant."

"But I doubt it would compare to my own research, no?" She fluttered her eyelashes as her smile became slightly brittle.

"Yeah, your work is extremely impressive, especially given the fact you're not a Savant." You said, making Ruby beam. "But as foolish as the goddess might seem, she's intelligent in her own right. It just so happens that she's good in dealing with skills."

Ruby Rose tended to treat things she didn't understand like puzzles that needed pieces to complete instead of actual scientific research with a clear method.

"I see." Ruby grit her teeth, but then gave a small sigh of defeat. "I suppose she has some degree of intellect, as uncouth as she is."

"She is the Goddess of Artifice, and likely the most powerful Savant in the entire world. I'm willing to give her some credit for all the work she did for me and say that she's earned her spot as my crown jewel."

"It's not surprising that you hold her in such high regard, Master. Considering that she was the only one that thought about suggesting to celebrate..." The rest of her words are too soft to hear.

"Would you mind repeating that, madame?"

"Ah, it's nothing. Not that us humble slaves wishing to honor you for all that you've done would escape your notice, my gallant Master. But I will say this: That goddess cares about you more than you might expect, Master."

"I see." You already had a good idea of how devoted Herta was to you, if her behavior meant anything.

"That's not to say, however," Ruby's tone had a more determined air, as her eyes gained a glint of ambition. Never did she stop speaking in that beautiful voice of hers. "That I shall quietly stand down to those wenches and accept my lot as second or fourth wife. No." She shook her head. "If you are willing, my gallant Master, I shall one day ascend to the honor of being the first wife — finally putting me in my rightful place as your right-hand woman. You and I shall then work together at all times, side by side, every day and night. I will not disappoint you, my gallant Master~"

That declaration surprised you. While it was no secret that Ruby was always aiming for the spot of first wife, she'd rarely say it to your face. Yet more uncommon than this was her bluntness. Usually she'd enact some overly complicated scheme to weaken Herta's position in the hierarchy, then followed by subtle attempts to win your affections. These plots would almost always go wrong and backfire, leaving her like a recurring villain from a Saturday morning cartoon.