Locking eyes with her as she squirmed, I responded flatly,
"Since I arrived? It's been about 10 minutes."
"Is, is that so, Young Master...?"
Amy couldn't meet my eyes.
Uncharacteristically for her, she was stammering and her face was flushed, clearly flustered.
Well, I'd be embarrassed too.
When I first saw Little Fist, I was taken aback.
If Amy had seen me cooing,
If Amy saw me cooing ‘aww, our baby~’, at him...
Horrifying.
It would be best to quietly disappear at moments like this.
"Then, I'll be heading inside now."
"Oh, understood, Young Master. But, what about our Little Fist? I mean, shouldn't you take this puppy with... Aaah!"
Suddenly, Amy let out a girlish scream.
Little Fist, who had somehow made his way outside, was rubbing against her legs.
...Truly a rascal.
They say pets resemble their owners.
Did Theo ever behave like this?
Well, he did inherit the good looks.
Anyway, I don’t need to be with Little Fist tonight.
A good night's sleep should be enough to recover from today’s fatigue.
Best to let him enjoy himself.
Divine beasts grow faster when they're happy, after all.
And it seems Amy quite likes him.
"No, it's fine. You can take care of him tonight, Amy. I want some time alone."
With that, I turned away from Amy.
"But, Young Master! Ah, aaah!"
Ignoring Amy's cute screams, I returned to my room.
I undressed immediately, took a shower, did my skincare routine, and laid down on my bed.
While I wasn't physically tired, I felt mentally drained.
As soon as I closed my eyes, sleepiness washed over me.
I've filled [Magic Cartridge] with mana, so I can begin teaching Noctar and the other orc friends tomorrow with Aisha.
Using it on others will be a new experience; I’m looking forward to it.
---
---
The next day, inside the Hero Department classroom.
I cast an enhanced [Focus] spell on Noctar and my fellow orc classmates in turn.
"Whoa, Theo! After you placed your hand on my shoulder, I suddenly feel this surge of confidence, like I can do anything. What did you do? Did you use some kind of magic?"
"Right? All of a sudden, I feel like I can solve any problem that comes my way!"
The orcs exclaimed in astonishment, their reactions reminiscent of middle school girls meeting a celebrity for the first time.
They've probably never felt this way before.
I understand. I felt the same way once.
I smiled softly at them.
"This is a special method I've prepared just for you guys. Let's cut the chatter for now and open our books. Let's aim to finish almost everything today."
"Of course! We'll conquer these textbooks!"
"Alright! We trust you, the true hero, Theo!"
The orcs energetically opened their textbooks, brimming with enthusiasm.
Aisha sent me a curious glance, as if asking, 'How did you do that?'
I calmly met her gaze and then began to teach the lesson.
---
---
The enhanced [Focus] spell boasted quite an effect.
No, it was phenomenal.
Yesterday, the orcs struggled with just two questions all day, but in half a day today, they managed to tackle three.
At this pace, they should have all the written questions down pat by tomorrow afternoon.
Additionally, the [Observer's Eye] was a tremendous help.
[Observer's Eye] is not merely for copying an opponent's techniques.
That's just one of its uses.
By continually observing Noctar and the orc friends, I realized this.
I could see where they faltered on questions, or where their confidence lay.
For instance, Tarkan, despite being an orc, was incredibly adept at understanding the relationship between heroes and their aides.
Perhaps it was because he served as a sub-leader in the group while Noctar was the leader.
He even had the courage to ask questions to clarify his knowledge.
Asking such questions indicates a certain level of understanding.
I relayed my understanding of the individual tendencies of the orc friends to Aisha.
She then tailored her teachings based on this information.
Naturally, this synergy allowed for an effective customized education.
"Ah! So this is how you solve it! Hmm, right. Indeed, it seems best to enlist locals when in places like valleys to minimize mission duration."
Amused by the explanation, the orc friends burst out laughing, showing their rows of teeth.
Seeing them like that, a hopeful thought crossed my mind.
If things keep up like this, they might... just avoid finishing last.
Noctar and the orcs seemed to share the sentiment, looking quite pleased.
"Whew, I really feel like studying is going well today. While sweating it out in the training ground is good, studying feels just as rewarding. If only every day were like today."
"Agreed. I feel so knowledgeable in just two days. Being a hero isn't just a title. I thought an Aide's role was merely help overpower through numbers, but there is more to it than that."
They chatted amongst themselves before stretching out extensively.
Apart from a brief break for lunch, they had spent the whole half-day studying while seated.
Sitting in one place for too long can be counterproductive.
It's time to refresh our minds.
"Let's take a 30-minute break."
Noctar grinned, his large fangs gleaming.
"Alright, Theo. Ugh, I feel all stiff. I don't think I've ever studied this hard. Thanks for today, Theo, Aisha. I'm heading to the training ground to loosen up. Anyone joining?"
Of course, all the orc friends agreed.
Noctar looked at Aisha and me and asked,
"Theo, Aisha, want to join us?"
"No, I'm good."
I declined firmly.
Being together during studies and training...
Giving them some time alone might be better.
There's a chance they might have private matters to discuss among themselves.
Right now, I should focus on my role as a mentor.
Aisha glanced at me hesitantly before replying,
"I'm fine too."
"Alright then."
Noctar said, taking off his glasses and placing them in his pocket.
"I'll warm up at the training ground for a bit. Come on, my brothers."
Following Noctar's lead, the other orc students stood up and trailed behind him.
'Maybe I should take a break too. I hope Little Fist isn't getting into trouble. Maybe I should check in with Amy.'
"I'm going to step out for a bit, Aisha."
"Okay. Take care, Theo..."
Aisha responded, her energy drained, sprawled out on the table.
Considering the circumstances, it must've been exhausting for her, being sandwiched between those towering orcs.
With that thought, I stepped out of the classroom in search of a quieter spot.
In the game, some wealthy students secretly communicate with each other using communication crystals, but using them out in the open wouldn't be wise.
'That spot looks good.'
I thought as I spotted a bench under a large tree near the main entrance.
But as I headed there, a familiar voice called out,
"Theo!"
Near the entrance stood a woman with purple hair flowing down to her waist.
It was Irene.
'Hmm? What brings Irene to the Hero Department? Especially on a Saturday.'
I approached her.
"It's been a while, Irene. What brings you here?"
She sighed in relief.
"I'm glad I found you here, Theo. I checked your dorm, but you weren't there."
"Hmm, the midterms are next week, aren't they? I'm sure you're doing well, but how's your studying going?"
"That's why I'm here, actually. I have a favor to ask,"
Irene said, looking up at me intently.
Hmm, a favor from Irene?
In the game, Irene was someone who rarely shared her innermost thoughts.
There were even instances when she kept it in until she became sick.
Matching her gaze, I asked,
"What kind of favor?"
"You're aware that the Knight Department, unlike the Hero Department, has practical evaluations during midterms, right?"
"Yes, I know. All departments, except the Hero Department, have practical exams during midterms."
"Right."
She nodded,
"In the upcoming practical evaluation, we need to team up with a student from another department. It's a 2v2 tournament style evaluation, to determine the rankings. It's on Thursday... and the Hero Department exams end on Tuesday, right?"
As she spoke, Irene clenched her fists tightly, her eyes locked onto mine.
The meaning behind her words was clear.
She wanted me to be her partner in the upcoming 2v2 tournament.
Hmm, but do I really need to join her?
Of course, it would be nice to participate.
If we're lucky enough to reach the upper ranks, it would boost my reputation and help leave an impression on the students from the other departments.
However, can we reach the upper ranks?
Not necessarily.
My combat abilities are limited.
Up to now, I've managed to beat strong opponents like Ralph and Julia by strategizing against their weaknesses.
But in a tournament setting, it's difficult to come up with tailored strategies in time, and there's also the matter of my physical endurance.
Furthermore, Irene is the top freshman of the Knight Department.
Many outstanding students, even from the Hero Department, would want to team up with her.
Unnecessarily teaming up with her might produce results worse than not participating at all.
Lost in these thoughts for a moment, suddenly:
[Sudden Quest: Win the 2v2 tournament in the Knight Department next Thursday.] Reward: 5 shop gold coins.
A quest window popped up in front of me.
...Five shop gold coins, huh.
