In a sense, people are most vulnerable when they are in pain.
That is also the reason why it is that important to learn pain management since, in a way, it is directly affecting one's life.
The girl in front of me was a clear example of this. Despite having the support to overcome societal reactions, she was visibly anxious about her videos being shared.
That was because she was in pain, and the recent video of people smashing 'me' was widespread; in her mind, she felt fear from the reactions. Thus she acted submissive.
At that point, there was nothing more I needed to do since the job was finished. Lirienne's future was secured for now, for her to learn more efficiently and become a better tool.
'Now, this should be enough for now.' I thought and decided to leave this place. 'Since, at this point, people might have noticed the sounds.'
Even though my senses are quite sharp, there are seniors who have better stats than me on this academy grounds, and there is the possibility of one of them passing by, and it increases with each passing moment.
'The mana supply of artifact also nearing its end.' As I thought that, I started walking towards my room once again.
/TUCK/
However, the shining bright eyes of Lirienne were saying otherwise. 'What does she want?' I pondered.
Of course, even though I was able to predict her thoughts and feelings to some extent, that didn't mean I was able to read her mind fully.
"What?" I asked, slightly growing tired of it. I was really tired since I worked really hard today.
"Can I see you again?" Was the response as Lirienne looked up into my eyes anxiously.
'Now that I think about it, between all those things, I kind of neglected this girl.'
Looking back over the last five days and reflecting on my actions, it was understandable that she was anxious. 'She must have felt lonely…' Since she was different from me, she was someone that didn't know how to live alone. 'She also mustn't have started conversations with others... That makes sense….' I thought as I contemplated what to answer.
"You can, but you must not visit me for now. I will come to you." I answered as I looked into her bright, shining eyes. "There will be a lot of eyes on me for a while…"
"Eyes?" She asked as she looked like she didn't understand.
"Just keep doing how you are. I will come to visit you." I answered back as I grabbed the sphere from my pocket. "Do you have one of those?" I asked as I looked into her eyes.
"This…. No, I don't have." It made sense that she didn't have it since she probably was not much interested in such things.
"Then, grab this." Giving her another one I had at my disposal, I asked. "Do you know how to use it?" I inquired.
"Like this?" She injected her mana into the sphere, and a holographic screen appeared in front of her eyes. It seemed she grasped the concept quickly.
"Good. Now give it for a second." After that, I grabbed the device and connected it to mine.
"I will contact you with this…" Giving her the device back, I said.
"Then, will we train like before?" Hearing this question, I pondered for a moment. 'I kind of missed training with this girl. Even though I was the one teaching her, in the later part of our past months, she was also able to resist quite a lot.' With that thought, I decided to accept.
"We will. Don't worry; I won't keep you waiting for long." I said as my hand moved to pet this little elf.
"Hum…" It was a small act, but one that held significance for her. The happiness that lit up her eyes at that moment made me realize once again the impact such simple gestures could have.
"Then, I will take my leave."I think you should take a look at
"Hum."
Just like that, the day reached its end, as I went to my own room….
******
While all those things were happening on that dimly lit night, a girl in a dark office was looking from a window into the grounds of the academy.
A sense of purpose and authority filled the air, as the room excluded an aura of efficiency and professionalism, with neatly organized shelves lining the walls, filled with books and files neatly labeled and arranged.
It was evident that this space was designed for someone who received numerous visitors.
There, in such room, a girl was waiting.
A girl with black hair cascaded down her shoulders, contrasting elegantly with her attire, a tailored navy blue suit that emphasized her poise and authority. Her piercing purple eyes reflected a keen intellect and coldness as she looked into the grounds of the academy.
"Ethan, do we have any information about who was the one behind these rumors?" The girl asked as she looked into the grounds.
"No, Your Highness. We have yet to gather any concrete evidence to pinpoint the culprits," responded the young man standing beside her. With sandy blonde hair and a serious expression, he appeared committed and dutiful as he respectfully bowed his head.
"Have you deployed the Shadows as I requested?" she asked, taking a sip from her drink.
"Your request had been rejected by the royal family and the academy. Both King and Headmaster agreed upon not letting you use the royal family's resources for this incident." The young man answered as he bowed his head more. "I am sorry, I am unable to be of any use."
"It is fine, Ethan." The girl waved her hand. "It was within my expectations." As she spoke, her purple eyes were filled with a strange glint. "Whoever this person is, they are proficient in such actions. I assume they also know about you, so you won't be able to move as you want." The girl, the princess, said. "However, they will likely lay low for a while, thanks to paladin. We need not take immediate action."
As she spoke, she turned back as she faced her attendant.
"Thus, for the time being, I want you to observe Callius Augustride, or should I have said Callius?" The girl said as she stood still. "He might be a candidate… I want you to assess him."
"Should I do it myself?" The man asked as he raised his head. "Or should I send someone else?"
"From the rumors and the things I have heard about him, he is not someone that likes to talk with others. Because of that, it will be hard to suddenly send someone to approach him." The girl spoke as she played with the teapot in her hand. "Play for the long run. Make it natural."
"Understood, your Highness." The man responded as he looked like he understood the meaning behind her words.
"You can take your leave."
With those words, the attendant left the room, leaving the young girl alone.
"Callius Augustride…. Who are you behind his body?" In that dark room, those purple eyes shone brightly like a ferocious beast….
---------------------A/N----------------------
My mother is fine, but I need to take her to hospital today as well. So, for now, I can post only two chapters. I hope you liked them...
You can check my discord if you want. You will be able to see the illustrations here and engage in a conversation with me if I am available.
https://discord.gg/ufP7aaZu
