"Renimid whispered to me. You, your servant seems to miss her sister a lot. How about giving her some time off?"
At Isabella's words, I desperately tried to maintain a calm demeanor.
But it wasn't going as well as I'd hoped.
'Has Isabella's [Mind Reading] ability returned?'
The probability is very high.
During our conversation, I hadn't mentioned Amy even once.
It was strictly business talk.
Moreover, very few people currently know about Amy's younger sister.
Other than herself, only a few members of Equilibrium are aware.
'I'm not sure where Isabella saw Amy, but it's certain that she read her thoughts.'
Furthermore, Isabella’s phrase starting with "Renimid whispered to me──" is a recurring line she uses in the game when conveying content she's read through mind reading.
...How far did she read my thoughts?
Did she uncover my plan to equip Alphs with the full set of [Mercy of Renimid] and turn her into the new holy figure of [Order of Light]?
Or my intention to exploit Isabella over time?
Or even the fact that I'm a possessor?
There was no clear answer.
My head was filled with chaotic doubts.
Suppressing my anxiety, I looked into Isabella’s eyes.
"Yeah, why? Anything else?"
She tilted her head, looking at me with wide eyes.
Judging by her demeanor, it seems she hasn't figured out that I'm a possessor.
If this is an act, then she deserves every award in modern cinema.
...Anyway, it seems best to leave this place as soon as possible under the current circumstances.
"No, I should be going now, Isabella."
I quickly exited the student council room.
'Sigh.'
My heart is still unsettled.
In times like this, training is the answer.
After sweating it out, I should be able to regain my composure.
With that thought, I headed back to the training grounds.
I don't know how much time passed as I immersed myself in training.
Looking at my wristwatch, it was already evening.
I felt completely drained, barely having enough energy to walk.
Gurgle—
My stomach growled, reminding me it was time to eat.
Having calmed down, I decided to wrap up the training for the day.
I had dinner at the student cafeteria, just like lunch.
Later, while on my way back to the dorms on the carriage,
I suddenly remembered what Isabella had mentioned about Amy's thoughts.
'She misses her sister a lot...'
Amy's sister, Selena, is being held by Equilibrium.
If Amy suddenly thought of her sister, it's highly likely that Equilibrium assigned her a distasteful mission.
Click, click- the pieces fit together.
...Considering she asked about my schedule on Friday, it must be a mission related to me happening that day.
'If Equilibrium wants something from me...'
It's unlikely they desire my death, as I'm still of use to them.
Then, it's probable they are after my abilities.
Especially my [Magic Nullification], a skill used by Jang Woohee and her father, the leader of Equilibrium.
In the game, Equilibrium has always sought talented individuals regardless of origin, race, age, or gender.
Currently, they are an organization larger than one could imagine.
Which means they are constantly in need of manpower.
According to the game, in the past, their main source of income was assassination, but now they make more money by investing in promising companies and guilds rather than relying on assassinations.
Of course, their roots in blood money haven't disappeared, and about a decade ago, they even waged war with a small kingdom.
But what they've done or their shady aspects don't really concern me.
I might be the one with the dirtiest tricks in this world.
Ever since my possession, I've been wildly active, and I plan to be even more so in the future, so the stench will only grow stronger.
'There's a lot to exploit.'
And it's better for the dirty ones to stick together; it lessens the stench.
...I don't know exactly what they want from me yet.
While I was sorting out these thoughts, the carriage stopped at the Knight Department.
That reminds me, the Knight Department has the café 'Naru's Garden.'
Amy really liked the desserts there.
"..."
After getting off the carriage, I headed to 'Naru's Garden.'
I packed up different types of desserts and then headed back to the dorms.
The next day around lunchtime, inside the first male dormitory of the academy.
Sitting on a chair, Amy glared at a paper on her desk.
'I couldn't say it after all...'
She hadn't been able to tell Theo the truth.
She was determined to speak up... but seeing him nonchalantly handing over desserts, she found herself unable to say a word.
However, the order from the organization is absolute.
She must inform the organization of a meeting place between Theo and the organization's executive by today.
Just then, when her head was pounding with stress,
Buzz-buzz—
The communication crystal rang.
It was a call from Theo.
Amy hurriedly pressed the receive button.
"...Yes, Young Master. This is Amy."
─If you're free on Friday, let's have dinner together.
"...Yes?"
Amy repeated in surprise, an unusual response from her.
She had been pondering Theo's destination on Friday, and the situation just fell into place.
...As if he had read her mind.
Theo continued.
─Just as I said. Let's have dinner together. Amy, book somewhere you'd like to go. After 5 PM would be good.
"Ah, understood. I'll make the reservation and let you know."
─Alright.
With that, the call with Theo ended.
Amy silently looked at the communication crystal for a moment.
"...Right."
Though it's the executive's job to persuade Theo, today, she must confess everything she's been holding back.
From her past as an undercover agent in the Waldeurk household to why she's by his side now, everything.
She wondered how Theo would react after hearing the whole story.
Would he be angry, knowing she had been deceiving him all this time?
Or would he dismiss her, deciding not to be played by her anymore?
"..."
Either way, it's bound to be a bitter future.
But she must tell him.
...It's the right thing to do.
The second day of team lessons in the Hero Department was held in the arena, just like the first day.
The class ended around 6 PM, about an hour and a half later than usual.
Students poured out of the arena, chattering loudly.
"Man, today was tough too. That arena has everything. I never thought we'd suddenly be dropped into a maze."
"But it was better than yesterday, right?"
"Are you kidding? Oliver, that guy... Ah! My side still hurts."
"Hmm, our team still doesn’t quite gel. Let's go to the training ground for about 30 more minutes before dinner. We may not be like Theo’s team, but we should at least aim for the top ranks, right?"
"Let's go!"
"I agree~!"
Theo immediately had dinner with his teammates.
Of course, they ate at the student cafeteria.
During the meal, Seria spoke up.
"Hehe, we were first today, wouldn't it have been better to celebrate somewhere other than the cafeteria?"
Everyone, except Theo, nodded in agreement.
Theo replied nonchalantly.
"That would be too much hassle. We can’t dine out every time. We will keep being first anyway."
"Hmm, that's true."
Irene agreed and quietly ate her spaghetti.
Alice and Alphs felt confused.
Their attitudes implied that being first was a given.
But they couldn't argue with that.
Theo had won every competition he participated in and continuously ranked first in practical evaluations.
The two of them just ate their meal in a mixed state of emotions.
After dinner and individual training with his team, Theo returned to the dormitory.
"You're back, Young Master."
Unexpectedly, Amy was waiting in the hallway.
Theo nodded slightly and waved his hand, indicating she should go to her room to rest.
However, Amy didn't go into her room but approached Theo.
"...I have something important to tell you, Young Master."
Theo looked down at Amy calmly.
Her expression was usual, emotionless, but her lips were tightly shut, as if she had made a firm decision.
Her eyes were slightly trembling.
Theo nodded slowly.
"Let's talk inside."
Creak─
Theo opened his room door and went in.
Amy followed him.
