You could only look at a new set of forests before you start getting bored, if not just outright annoyed by them.
Fortunately, he wasn't taking this journey alone and was accompanied by Camilla. Even though she wasn't the most sociable or talkative person, her presence was better than being completely alone.
As he conversed more with Camilla, he learned additional details about her fabricated identity. Like Lucius, she had also been recommended by a spy within the Empire's nobility. However, unlike the baron who had recommended Lucius, Camilla had been recommended by a viscount.
It once again made Lucius admire the extensive reach of the revolutionary forces throughout the Empire.
Of course, these connections were just a small fraction of the total number of nobles, and if exposed, they would swiftly be eliminated. Still, achieving such connections was an impressive feat considering the overwhelming advantage the human race and the Empire held at the moment.
As Lucius pondered this, he heard a sound from the carriage driver at the front.
"Young Leader, there's a problem."
The driver was an ordinary member of the revolutionary forces, handpicked by Albert for his unwavering loyalty and exceptional carriage driving skills.
"There's currently a broken carriage stopped at the side of the road, and a young lady and her driver seem to be waving to us for help. In addition... she seems to be wearing the same uniform as the Young Leader and Miss Camilla."
Upon hearing this, Lucius frowned slightly. "Let me take a look first before we decide what to do."
At Lucius's words, the carriage continued forward until they were quite close to the broken-down carriage, allowing Lucius to poke his head outside for a better look. The moment Lucius laid eyes on her, he was rendered speechless.
'She's beautiful,' thought Lucius in awe.
Lucius gazed upon what he could only describe as an angelic beauty. Her long blonde hair cascaded past her shoulders, and her curious blue eyes sparkled like sapphires. Her complexion was flawless, with milky white skin devoid of any blemishes. Her cherry-red lips formed a warm smile that could melt the hardest of hearts.
Despite her angelic appearance, her body exuded a devilish allure. Clad in a standard academy uniform, her figure boasted curves and contours in all the right places, igniting a fire within Lucius's heart at just the sight of her.
Yet, despite her enchanting figure, Lucius found it difficult to view her with lust, sensing an aura around her that proclaimed her purity.
Ding! New Heroine detected
Heroine: Alice
Age: 18
Race: Human
Affiliation: Sanctuary
Strength: 5
Agility: 5
Stamina: 8
Mana: 16
Will: 9
Talents & Traits:
Chosen Saintess of Light (Passive effect/dormant)
Master of Mana (Passive effect)
Support Magic Specialist (Passive effect)
Master of Healing Magic (Passive effect)
Kind
Charitable
Naive
Favorability: 0 (Neutral)
Lucius looked towards the beautiful woman, tears nearly welling up in her gorgeous blue eyes. "P..please h..help me!"
Facing the main heroine of the story, Lucius was so shocked he didn't know how to respond for a moment. A conflicted expression crossed his face as he hesitated, eventually sighing.
"Sigh! If you don't mind, you can travel with us. We're also headed to The Sanctuary."
...
Several minutes later, a luxurious carriage could be seen traveling along the road. Inside, an interesting scene unfolded.
"Thank you for helping me back there; if it weren't for both of you, I don't know what I would have done," said Alice gratefully.
"There's no need to dwell on it," replied Lucius. "We're both headed to The Sanctuary, so we'll soon be classmates after all."
Although Lucius maintained a calm and refined appearance outwardly, inwardly he was still taken aback by the blonde-haired beauty.
This was the heroine, and not just any heroine, but the main heroine of the story!
She accompanied the MC for most of the story and was a crucial member of the hero's party, her assistance invaluable.
From what Lucius knew about Alice, she hailed from a small noble household far from the center of the Empire. According to her, her territory resembled more of a small village.
The role this lady would play in the future was pivotal. Aside from her exceptional talents in healing and support magic, she possessed the dormant status as the chosen saintess of light, enough to shake the entire Empire in due time. And now, this heroine was chatting amiably with him inside his carriage.
Originally, this should have been a joyful experience; after all, what could be more delightful than laughing and conversing with two beauties? Unfortunately, the longer the conversation went on, the more concerned Lucius grew.
Originally, Lucius was not supposed to cross paths with Alice at all during his journey to the capital. Even with his journey delayed by several weeks due to his taking over Lucius's body, the one who should have met Alice was still supposed to be the main character. That was how they originally met and bonded.
'Could this be the butterfly effect... but how?'
Lucius couldn't fathom how he had altered events so drastically that a pivotal scene had been completely erased. What truly unsettled Lucius was that this might be the beginning of many changes rendering his future knowledge useless.
Lost in thought, Lucius glanced again at Alice and the status screen floating beside her.
Heroine: Alice
Age: 18
Race: Human
Affiliation: Sanctuary
Strength: 5
Agility: 5
Stamina: 8
Mana: 16
Will: 9
Talents & Traits:
Chosen Saintess of Light (Passive effect/dormant)
Master of Mana (Passive effect)
Support Magic Specialist (Passive effect)
Master of Healing Magic (Passive effect)
Kind
Charitable
Naive
Favorability: 10 (Friendly)