"I, I, Theo...."
Aisha stood in front of me, trembling.
I looked down at her indifferently.
...It's clear what Aisha will say next.
She'll likely apologize for carelessly upsetting me.
Aisha kept her head down and wet her lips.
"I, I.... I have something to say—"
"It's okay. See you at training tomorrow, Aisha. Let's go, Rin."
I pat Aisha's shoulder and passed her, holding Irene's hand.
I could feel her gaze at the back of my head.
Aisha is probably looking at me with a puzzled expression.
To be honest, I wasn't too upset.
Aisha's actions can't really be considered stalking.
She is 16 years old, 17 years old if counted in Korean age.
This feels like a cute prank of a high school freshman.
Plus, I've gained Irene's trust, even if for a short time, so things worked out fine.
As for Jang Woohee, Aisha brought her along, so in the end, Aisha was actually a big help.
'But I've gotten used to being stalked.'
That's all because of Siena.
Before I realized it, I'd grown used to Siena's constant stalking.
But this will end soon.
As long as I get the divine beast, the predator of spirits sleeping in the Fosspatil Pass near Chalon, the location for the 8th week's practical evaluation next Monday, it's all over.
'There are matters I need to address before that.'
I need to deal with the remaining 'Turning White' rats in the academy.
I need to check how far they have progressed.
Rok is very good at handling things.
He should have made some progress by now.
Today is Saturday, a weekend. He'll be in his room rather than the professor's office.
"....."
I gave Jang Woohee, who was eyeing me strangely, a small smile and exited the restaurant with Irene.
I planned to part ways with Irene in front of the Knight Department.
"Well... Theo. You know, we're about to part ways and..."
Irene blushed, looking down and nervously twirling her long, white fingers.
'Why is she acting like that?'
Today wrapped up well, I'm unsure what else she could want.
"Hmm, so? Speak up, Rin. I can't hear you well."
"Well, you know... when lovers part... they usually hug...."
"....."
...Was that it?
I discreetly looked around.
The front of the Knight Department was packed this Saturday evening.
Naturally, we drew a lot of attention, as both Irene and I were rather noticeable.
'A hug, damn it...'
Of course, Theo and Irene are engaged, so their relationship is like lovers...
I hugged her only to exploit Jang Woohee's weakness.
It wasn't because I loved her.
I didn't know if I'd survive what happens three years from now.
No, I might die before that.
Irene is only 16 with a bright future ahead of her.
How would she live the rest of her life if her lover suddenly died or disappeared for some reason?
While a mutually beneficial partnership would be ideal, I'm not keen on this almost-romantic relationship.
We're still not that close.
What happened today was an accident.
Sure, if I grant Irene's wish and hug her, it might deepen her trust in me.
But I don't want to be someone who earns her favor like that.
I don't dislike Irene... but I can't grant her request at this moment.
"...There are too many people looking, Rin."
I quietly voiced my refusal, patting Irene's shoulder gently.
"Oh, right! Actually, I just brought it up because I heard other couples... do that. I didn't mean that you need to... hug me!"
Irene quickly waved her hands, forcing a smile.
"See you later then. Thanks for today, Rin."
"Yes, yes... Take care, Theo."
"Alright, Rin. You take care too."
I turned and made my way straight to Rok's room.
I quickly took a carriage and arrived at the Hero Academy.
I was headed for the teacher's dorm, specifically Rok's room.
When I knocked, I heard him call out, "Come in."
Without wasting time, I opened the door and stepped inside.
Squeak...
There was another person in the room besides Rok.
A woman in her twenties, someone I'd seen before in the professor's office.
'Natasha.'
Certainly a familiar face.
In the original game, she's a heroic figure and an instructor at Elinia Academy's Hero Department.
She also works as Rok's right-hand woman.
It seems she's playing the same role for him now.
Rok hid the report he'd been reading on his desk and looked up at me.
"Welcome, Theo. What can I do for you?"
"I didn't come for any special reason, I just wanted to see how things have been gone since our last talk."
"Ha, first, have a seat. This could take a bit. Can I get you a drink?"
He gestured to a sofa nearby.
I sat down and spoke seriously.
"Anything but a mint chocolate latte will do."
Rok made a face.
"...Theo, do you think I'm the type to serve such things? I remember you visiting Professor Mari's office. That must have been a horrible experience."
"Then I'll have the same tea as the senior professor, please."
"Got it."
Shortly after, Rok, who had prepared jasmine tea, sat on the sofa across from me and started to talk.
Our conversation drew to a close as the last drop of jasmine tea was drunk.
I rose from my seat.
"Well then, I'll take my leave, Senior Professor. Thanks for your help."
"Why, all I'm doing is validating the intel you provided. But Theo, be careful. I know you can handle things, but we're off to Fosspatil Pass next Monday. Be well-prepared. We don't know what might happen"
"Understood."
I gave a slight nod.
Rok looked at me with a satisfied expression, and Natasha had been giving me a look since earlier.
...The reason is obvious.
Natasha works as if she were an extension of Rok's body.
She's well aware of Rok's rigid and stern personality.
This must be the first time she's seen him so cordial to a mere academy student.
'Keep up the good work, Natasha.'
Because there will continue to be incidents and accidents at the academy in the future.
Your role is crucial if we want to suppress them before they escalate.
Anyhow, as anticipated, Rok managed the situation brilliantly.
Rok's investigation team has figured out the plans of the 'Turning White' rats within the academy.
They're more than prepared to handle it themselves.
All I have to worry about is collecting hidden pieces and ranking first in the practical evaluations.
I left Rok's room.
Two days later, Monday.
I got up quickly and prepared myself.
From Saturday night to last night, I've been practicing with [Romeo & Juliet], and studying the practical uses of the magic stored in the [Magic Cartridge].
'I could even use the bug exploits from the original game.'
While this world is no different than real life, I can use game elements like the status window.
Likely, the original game's bug exploits would work here as well.
Though I didn't use them in the original game because they were low-power, not using them in this situation would be foolish.
With [Romeo & Juliet] at my side, I stepped out of my room to accept a hefty bag from Amy.
Since the evaluation was about a week long, I had asked Amy to prepare various essential items.
"Well then, take care, young master."
"Yeah, I will."
"Ah, and young master..."
"What is it, Amy?"
"I thought about it a lot last night. You'll be away for a week, it might be best if you had some company. Although I can't be with you all the time, I'll wait... close by, but out of sight."
Amy spoke, offering me a serene gaze.
...Indeed, Amy's presence could prove invaluable in an emergency.
Given her meticulous nature, the chances of her getting spotted by others should be incredibly slim.
"Alright, as I mentioned before, our destination is Fosspatil Pass. Get ready and follow me."
I gestured to Amy with the communication crystal ball in hand.
"I understand, sir. I'll follow right away."
