Meeting him once wasn't bad anough, we then began to run into this strange Hero every time we left town. Each and every time we went to hunt down a Dark Lord, or just to complete a basic quest, I had to kill him at least once.
Finally, time had passed enough for me to head off to the Academy. Rix gave me a quick back story, posing as a student with little background, but enough power to have impressed him. Thus he granted me a recommendation. Knowing about my magic capabilities, he even handed me a basic magic tome that I could use to pretend to be a mage.
I can't bring along Yumi or Nera, but Myria is invisible while the other three are hidden inside me. I'm not truly alone, and my girls can take care of themselves.
So here I am, dressed up as a young lady, climbing into a nobles carriage.
"So you're clear on what you're supposed to do?"
"Of course. Get close to the princess, then protect her from anything that could cause her harm. Anything I can't do?"
"Don't kill any of the nobles... that could easily destroy both of our standings. And I hope I don't have to say it..."
"What if she comes on to me? I'm not exactly bad looking."
Rix sighed as he massaged the bridge of his nose.
"She is... she is the fourth princess. I believe she is given the right to choose who she wishes to wed, but do not overstay your welcome or push hard. Besides, she's apparently an ice queen. Have fun."
With a face full of worry and mischief, he closed the carriage door.
---
The carriage headed out, so now I have two weeks until I reach the Academy. I have a long ride ahead of me, but hey, going off to new towns. May as well get some sleep...