Sylvia's shout attracted attention.
Numerous eyes that contained various emotions, such as shock, rage, awe, and interest, were immediately fixed on me and her.
But to me, who had Composure (A), it wasn't even a tickle, so I just shrugged it off, and approached Sylvia without saying a word.
Sylvia greeted me immediately upon my arrival.
"Good... morning, Adrian."
"A pleasant morning to you too. You weren't well rested, were you? You don't look good."
"Yes... that..."
"Is there a problem? You can tell me, I will do my best to help." I said proudly, and Sylvia felt relieved at my assurance.
After a moment of hesitation and biting her lip, she finally opened her mouth.
"Actually..."
With that, Sylvia started to explain what happened while I was gone and how she was bullied even more these days.
It wasn't easy for her, and in the end, she was even forced to take my advice and report the bullying to Roman.
However, even after reporting it, Roman only superficially scolded the girls, who said they did no such thing.
Angered by Sylvia's complaint, the delinquent girls beat her more violently that day and even followed her home.
Fortunately for Sylvia, they eventually left and didn't do much.
'It seems like they were trying to intimidate her, but I must thank them, they made my future task easier, hehehe.'
On the outside, I had a concerned face, but there was a deep, hidden mockery in my heart.
A sinister plan was brewing in my head.
Even so, what was Sylvia thinking when she thoughtlessly assumed that by reporting, everything would be fine?
'I can only say that she was naive!'
But that made her an easy target.
The other players continued to remain silent about all of this and turned a blind eye to the constant bullying.
As a result, Sylvia's confidence fell in a matter of days, and with no one to turn to for assistance, she at last turned to me, the only person who helped her.
'Did the heroine's arrogance in you crumble when no one came to save you?'
I thought so, and I looked at her with pitiful eyes.
Naturally, Sylvia didn't say these things.
She said she only called to see how I was doing and to find out why I hadn't shown up to class, and that the other girls were driving her crazy.
Although she was making an effort to come off as strong, I could see her underlying fragility.
It was because of this that, in contrast to the first time I saw her, she was now donned out in a tattered and wrinkled blue mage robe, and her hair was a mess.
Even her voice sounded like she was crying and stuttering.
But since she didn't make herself clear, I pretended to be oblivious.
"My bodyguard told me about your call just today, so I didn't know since I was in closed door training. But don't worry, I am here, and those girls wouldn't bother you anymore."
While assuring her, I patted Sylvia on her shoulder's back, and she felt relieved, not showing any signs of repulsiveness from my touch.
'She's starting to act much better than before.' I grinned inwardly.
There was an urge to lick my lips in anticipation, but I held it in and asked gently.
"Did you have breakfast? If not, would you like to go to a restaurant with me after leaving here?"
"...No problem."
Sylvia nodded her head, and we continued to chat.
Roman arrived shortly after, gave me a surprised look, and sent me a secret voice transmission right away.
"Wait after the end of class."
To which I nodded, and the class started.
However, my focus wasn't on the class, but on Sylvia.
The Archmage, and The Witch of Calamity in the novel.
An existence that was openly said to be the number one person in the field of Magic and was Revered among mage type players.
The first player to become the Elder of the Magic Tower.
That Sylvia, was now placing last on tests and was considered the poorest mage type player.
All because of me.
The other players didn't know since they mistook Sylvia for having barely managed to pass the entrance test.
But I know the truth about her strength.
Even Sylvia herself knew that she was an Archmage and that her potential was the highest.
But right now, her heart was in a quagmire of helplessness because of the continued bullying.
And that was enough to follow my words.
But it wasn't going to stay forever.
That was why I wanted to break her.
So I could reassemble her to suit me.
Let her be harassed more.
It was directed so that no one could help her.
Let her heart be pushed to the limit.
'That she is forced to doubt herself, and dwell on her own helplessness.'
To wait for someone to save her, yet find herself all alone.
'All so that Sylvia couldn't be herself without me.'
An extremely ruthless glint flashed past my eyes.
Time passed, and soon the class was over.
Everyone left, and I went to Roman.
But Sylvia, who left earlier when I was talking with Roman and giving excuses for my absence, waited until I came out.
There were many frustrated, angry, and hateful glances that I felt, but none chose to harass Sylvia in my presence.
We came out of the New York City branch, and I didn't call Charlotte this time.
There were two reasons:
First because I knew that Charlotte must be busy with my task, and second because I had a meal planned with Sylvia.
Though, how good was this food was going to be for Sylvia? I think even a certain goddess wouldn't know.
"That one has some good food, let's go there."
"Okay... I also think it's good."
Just as I had expected, Sylvia nodded meekly and agreed to my words.
Since the goal was set, I moved my foot with a long stride, and Sylvia followed me one step away, struggling to keep up.
Special measures were not ideal to taming her.
This much was enough.
We chose the same menu for meals, and she sat in the seat next to me as if relieved by my protection.
Even during the whole meal, she clung to me and did not fall off.
To her actions, on the outside, I acted nonchalantly, but my eyes were a little squinted when I looked at her and an interesting question appeared in my heart.
'Will you listen to me and put your life and the lives of those you love at risk for me?'
There was no need to ask her, because I knew the answer already.
'Never.'
That was why it wasn't enough.
'The work on her is almost finished, but...'
Sylvia still needed finishing.
That was why I had to show it to her.
'If you do what I say, anything is possible.'
If one time wasn't enough, I would show it over and over again.
That for Sylvia's happiness and everything about her.
'She has to follow what I'm saying, only then will it be possible to get those things.'
Otherwise, without me, she was nothing.
That she was just an unfortunate existence with no purpose or meaning in life.
She had to make up her mind that she was on her own without me, alone in this world, and that everything about her was and would be for me.
"That's why it's hard, but..."
But didn't they say that the world does not betray those who make an effort?
I had already made the effort, and not long later, I finally got to see its result when Sylvia's phone suddenly rang on the table, startling her.
Dring! Dring!
Sylvia regained her calm and soon picked up the phone.
However, the moment she put it on her ear and heard what the caller said.
Her expression changed from calm to shock, and I could see the color drain from her face, as she suddenly stood up and shouted,
"WHAT?!"
However, even that was momentary.
Because at the very next second, her phone slipped from her hand, and her body slumped down on the seat.
Sylvia's body shook, and I quickly and gently held her hand.
"Sylvia, what happened? Are you okay?"
But Sylvia's trembling didn't stop, only her head turned towards me, and there it was that I saw.
A horrified look, a pale, lifeless face, and eyes in stupor and despair that seemed to have seen a ghost.
Looking at her like that, my heart was filled with joy.
'Wonderful!'
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[A/N: Shout out to "_Sire_" for the Castle. A sincere and heartfelt thank you for your kindness and support.
Shout out to "Blazuku" for the Pizza, and "TWISTEK" for the Cola.]
I don't know what to say, my happiness knows no bounds at the moment, and I feel like I'm on cloud 9.
Thanks a lot, you guys are the best.