A slender but well-muscled woman in her early to mid-twenties with a brown bob cut approached.
Of course, I recognized her.
Her name was 'Natasha'.
In the game and even in this world, I had seen her.
She was a current hero and an instructor in the Elinia Academy's Hero Department, acting as Rok's right hand.
'By this time, she should be the youngest instructor in the Hero Department.'
I looked at Natasha, who was walking confidently towards me.
[Name: Natasha Romanova]
Gender: Female
Age: 21
Race: Human
Affiliation: Elinia Academy's Hero Department
Strength: 11
Stamina: 11
Mana: 11
Tenacity: 10
Traits:
Spear Master (Passive Effect)
Weapon Expert (Passive Effect)
Martial Arts Expert (Passive Effect)
Mana Control (Passive Effect)
Stealth Mastery (Passive Effect)
Light Movement (Passive Effect)
Traits like [Stealth Mastery] and [Light Movement], which Amy also possesses, are blessings for infiltrators like assassins.
'Impressive. No wonder she's the youngest instructor. She must have been a top student at the Academy, possessing even master-level traits.'
Even with the many prodigies in the current first year, Natasha would undoubtedly have been at the top.
"Student Theo~ Have you been waiting long? I feel bad for making you wait."
Mari approached, checking her wristwatch and smiling.
We were 5 minutes ahead of our scheduled meeting.
It wasn't Mari who was late; I had arrived earlier because of a prior task.
"I haven't waited long. Nice to see you, Professor Mari."
"I'm so happy to see you. Although just two days ago at the tournament, you didn't even give me an interview... Anyway, today's the day. Oh, let me introduce you."
Mari gestured towards Natasha, who stood beside her, eyeing me with a peculiar gaze.
"I initially wanted to bring an assistant, but they fell ill. This is Natasha, who will be assisting me today and tomorrow. She's also an instructor in the Hero Department. The youngest, in fact."
"Pleasure to meet you, student Theo..."
I extended my hand,
"Pleased to meet you, Instructor Natasha. I believe we've met before. I'm Theo Lyn Waldeurk, a first-year student at Elinia Academy's Hero Department, attending this academic seminar with Professor Mari."
She hesitated briefly before taking my hand,
"...Natasha."
Quite a reserved person.
"This is my secretary, Amy. She'll also accompany us today and tomorrow."
I gestured to Amy,
"Introduce yourself, Amy. This is Professor Mari from the Hero Department and Instructor Natasha,"
"Hello. I am Amy Watson, personal secretary to Theo. Pleased to meet you."
Amy too greeted both ladies with a formal nod.
Mari smiled and commented,
"You don't need to bow your head. And to have a personal secretary in your first year... quite efficient, aren't you?"
"I aim to be."
"I knew I saw something special in you. Let's see, time... Our carriage will be arriving soon."
A few minutes later, the carriage arrived with a gentle creak.
"Please make yourselves comfortable. My name is Henry. Please, board."
It's a private carriage. Even accompanied by a knight.
A middle-aged driver who looked to be in his 40s, wearing a warm smile, respectfully bowed to us.
Mari chuckled awkwardly.
"Um, I did request a carriage, but I didn't expect such a fancy one. This is my first time in something like this."
Mari and Natasha climbed onto the carriage with a touch of awkwardness.
"Nice to meet you, Henry."
I boarded the carriage with a familiar ease.
Mari looked at me with curious eyes.
"You seem used to this. I guess being from the Waldeurk family does make a difference?"
"It's not always the case."
Saying that, I took the seat facing Mari.
"We will now depart for our destination: the Hero Association branch in the capital of the Rodemian Kingdom, Arman. Please sit back and relax."
After Amy boarded, the private carriage set off.
The interior was notably spacious.
I've been in Rok's private carriage before and it was just as impressive.
It seems Theo inside me is pleased too, as I felt a surge of contentment.
About 5 minutes after the carriage started—
"..."
"..."
Silence enveloped the spacious cabin.
Not just Amy and I, but even Natasha wasn't much of a talker.
Except for Mari, none of us were the type to start a conversation.
Of course, I had no intention of starting one.
Because of Natasha.
She is still active as Rok's Aide.
Since she might not have shared information about 'Turning White' members infiltrating the academy with Mari, it's best to remain quiet.
So ten more minutes passed in silence.
"Ahem,"
Mari cleared her throat, speaking up.
"This really is a splendid carriage. There’s hardly any jolting, and it’s quite comfortable. Theo, have you ever been to the capital of Rodemian before?"
"...I can't quite recall."
Theo responded simply.
'I don’t know.'
He was unaware of his life before possession.
Amy shot a brief, surprised glance at Theo, then quickly looked away.
Mari chuckled and said,
"Ha, well, it's going to be quite the journey. You know, even at this pace, it's a day's round trip to the Kingdom of Rodemian. We’re likely to arrive well into the afternoon. Perhaps even past four."
"The seminar begins in the evening, so our timing will be tight."
"Indeed. I considered going the day before, but there are some faces I’d rather not see early. Still, with this carriage, it’s feasible to make the trip in one day. Sigh... I hope it all goes well."
"You’ll do just fine."
Theo reassured her with a steady gaze.
"Well, it's a bit embarrassing, but... I've practiced my presentation over a hundred times. But I heard yesterday... there are rumors that the 'Demon Hunter' might attend. That’s kept me on edge. As a professor, I shouldn’t show nervousness in front of my students... but the information seems quite reliable."
"You mean Duke Chalon, the 'Demon Hunter'?"
"Yes, Duke Maximin de Chalon. He firmly held the second rank among heroes until he retired... Ugh, the idea of such a legendary figure attending does make me anxious."
Mari frowned slightly.
From her perspective, as a hero in her prime, Maximin was a legend.
And for a reason.
After all, Maximin was known for his feat of defeating two mid-level demons during his active years.
Theo's thoughts, however, were different.
'Maximin... Piel's father. This could be a bigger opportunity than I thought. I need to make a solid impression on him.'
It'll make borrowing 'that thing' in the future much easier.
'I'll need to confirm if he's really attending.'
Having sorted out his thoughts, Theo spoke.
"I believe in you, Professor Mari. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I'll take a short nap."
With that, Theo closed his eyes.
There was still a considerable amount of time before their arrival, and he didn't want to waste a minute.
'Given Mari's nature, she'll chat away if she feels the need.'
So, with eyes closed, he began to mentally practice.
The scene in his mind was the final match with Neike.
It was a means to refine and further develop his sword skills after the tournament.
4:30 in the afternoon.
We arrived at Arman, the capital of the Kingdom of Rodemian, where today's academic seminar was scheduled.
The Kingdom of Rodemian is renowned across the continent as a highly developed nation.
It's also famous for producing many heroes who have made their mark on the continent.
True to its reputation, the Hero Association branch in the Kingdom of Rodemian boasts a building second in grandeur only to the royal palace.
"I will wait here in the parking area. If you need anything, please let me know. Have a good time."
Said the driver, Henry, as he opened the carriage door.
"Understood, Henry. Oh, Theo, after the seminar, I'll probably be at our lodgings. If you happen to go out tonight, just let the driver know."
"Got it."
Guided by a waiting Association staff member, we reached our private rooms.
Amy's room and mine were adjacent, much like our dorm rooms at the Academy.
"I hope you have a comfortable stay. The seminar starts at 7 pm, so please ensure you're not late, Mr. Theo Lyn Waldeurk."
"I will be sure to do so."
Once the Association staff member left, I turned to Amy, who was still standing beside her door.
"Amy, there's something I need you to do."
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