Chapter 184: Salty & Sweet (6)

After teaching Irene and Amy the breathing technique, I stepped out onto the knight department's training ground with Amy.

Irene, infused with enthusiasm, had already begun practicing her swordplay.

-...Ah, I understand. I'll practice diligently till I master it.

-Why's it suddenly so hot? My face is all red. Theo, don't you feel the heat?

-Ah, let's go together? I want to practice my sword a bit more before I go. Now that I've learned this technique, I should make the most of it!

I was pleased with Irene's passion; her growth rate was bound to increase rapidly.

She must be part of our winter break attack on [Ford Company].

Amy, too, despite her lower combat potential compared to Irene's, had an assassin's skill with daggers and tenacity on par with Jang Woohee.

Her perspective could reveal aspects I might overlook.

Turning to Amy,

"Amy, make sure you master the breathing technique."

"...I understand, young master."

Amy nodded and looked at me with a calm gaze.

It seemed like she had something to say.

"Do you have something on your mind?"

"I get why you'd teach Irene; she's your fiancée and Aide. But why me?"

Her eyes were searching for a genuine answer.

The reason I taught her was, of course, to join me in attacking [Ford Company].

Amy's loyalty was ensured by Equilibrium's commands, and strengthening her was a logical step.

Yet, I couldn't disclose the full extent of my plans.

I quickly formulated an appropriate response.

"As I've mentioned, Amy, you're my secretary."

"······."

"Do you need any other reason?"

"······No, thank you for telling me, young master. I may be lacking, but I will train hard."

Amy bowed her head to me.

"Let's head back to the dorm, then. I'm exhausted."

"Yes, young master. The carriage should be here in about five minutes."

"Great. If we hurry, we'll catch it just in time."

I needed to sleep as soon as possible.

Tomorrow, I have to meet up early with Neike, Eshild, and others to teach them the breathing technique.

Although Neike is exceptionally strong, the technique used by Jang Woohee's father, which remains effective even later in the game, might still be an upgrade for what he was currently using.

I had to ensure they were all ready for the [Ford Company] raid at all costs.

I headed towards the carriage stop, moving briskly.

Amy trailed behind Theo, observing his pace.

Despite their speed, his silhouette was the picture of composure, his clothes without a wrinkle.

'Has he always had such a wide back?'

She knew of his rigorous and consistent training regimen, which included various strength-building exercises.

But today, his silhouette appeared broader than ever before.

‘He's growing fast...’

Amy had observed him since his childhood days when her patience with him was often tested to the limit.

She recalled a night he roused her at 2 a.m., pestering her to purchase a drink from the city.

She was well aware of his abilities.

Apart from his prophetic gift, he had been almost worthless until recently.

Now, he was taking actions that suggested a newfound awakening.

It was almost as if he had sold his soul to a demon.

The Chalon family's commemorative ring on his finger was a testament to this change.

Despite Piel's disapproval, he had acquired a ring reserved for the Chalon family's most honored guests.

His skills with the sword were also impressive.

While not flawless, his moves were deliberate, each slash and thrust confident.

'I wouldn't mind if he had made a pact with a demon.'

To her, saving Hyoyeon was the priority, and nothing else held significance.

The thought of her friend brought a fresh pang to her heart.

"I will definitely save you, Hyoyeon. It will be hard, but hold on just a little longer."

Lying back down, Woohee resolved to support him fully now that her trust was placed in him.

She planned to revisit the breathing technique with him tomorrow.

His physical condition was of utmost importance.

Yet sleep eluded her.

Her mind replayed teaching him that technique, his keen eyes following her dagger demonstration, the serious nod of his head as she pointed out flaws in his swordplay.

In those moments, he looked quite cute, a huge contrast to the formidable prophet she was accustomed to.

"Ah..."

Sleep was essential.

But the harder she tried to quiet her thoughts, the more persistent they became.

It wasn't until 5 a.m. that Woohee finally drifted off.

The third day of the Elinia Academy Festival began.

"La la la, la la la~"

Humming a carefree melody, a woman in her mid-20s, wearing a dress and with black hair, strolled near the Magic Department.

She was Roy, Maitri's underling, not currently masquerading as 'Fozya' the reporter, but as 'Yoru' the government official.

"The magic competition starts at 1 PM, right?"

He glanced at his wristwatch.

It read 11:50 AM.

There was ample time.

"So, what's for lunch today~?"

Surveying his options, a food cart offering lobster caught his attention.

"It's a bit expensive, but..."

Today, it felt justified.

That was thanks to Theo, whose proximity to his surveillance targets — Piel, Siena, and Aisha — had made his reporting to Maitri far more efficient.

"Yeah, this is a treat for myself. Let's eat!"

With that, Roy made his way to the food cart.

“!?”

And then, Theo abruptly came into view.

By his side were the surveillance targets, Neike, Eshild, and Aisha.

‘Why are they here...’

It seems like he has to postpone his plans of leisurely enjoying lobster.

Roy readjusted his disguised face and moved closer to them.