Chapter 4 - 4

Now that I think about it, I have to say... I'm pretty impressed with my adaptability.

Just a week ago, I was a man. Past tense, obviously.

Looking in the mirror now, there isn't a trace left of the guy I used to be. The only thing that might vaguely resemble my old self is the way I slouch when I stand.

But that's hardly enough for anyone to suspect I was ever a man.

So why am I going on about this now? Well, because I think my mental endurance is about to hit rock bottom.

Think about it: the academy schedule starts at 8 AM and goes straight through to at least 4 PM. That's the minimum. Add meals and other interactions with people, and I have to be consciously aware of every single movement I make for over 10 hours a day.

It's exhausting!

What? You think I'm whining too much for a former assassin?

I don't care. I'm not an assassin anymore! It's too late to start bringing up an assassin's discipline now.

I'll say it again: the greatest, most elite, secretive assassin guild on the continent no longer exists!

So, with that in mind, I've decided to spend the entire first weekend since entering the academy holed up in my single dorm room, recuperating.

No one can change my mind!

Knock knock knock

"Elysia! Let's go out!"

That's Annie calling from outside my room, but I pull the blanket over my head and pretend not to hear.

If I go out, it's obvious that today will be anything but relaxing. Instead, I'll end up even more exhausted.

That voice isn't my new friend Annie—it's the voice of a demon, trying to ruin my peace!

Knock knock

"Elysia, are you in there?"

No, I'm not! Please go ahead and enjoy your day without me!

I stayed silent, hoping she'd give up. After a while, the hallway outside fell quiet.

Alright, now I can finally relax—

"Elysia?"

I shot up.

No, not like that. I don't have the "equipment" for that anymore. I just mean I sat up straight.

My body reacted instinctively the moment I heard that voice.

Ignoring Annie might have been easy, but you don't ignore Cillian.

If, by any chance, she ever found out about my secret, my life would be over. And if I want to find out where the master-servant scroll is, I need to stay close to her.

"Yes, I'm here!"

I answered brightly, opening the door with a cheery smile.

Looking into those familiar blue eyes, I confirmed it was Cillian standing there.

"You were in there the whole time? You didn't answer when I knocked earlier!"

And below her, I saw a pair of red eyes glaring up at me.

Wait, they came together?

"Huh...? Oh, I think I heard something in my sleep... Was it you calling me, Annie?"

I stretched, pretending I'd just woken up, and Annie's pout quickly disappeared.

Okay, safe.

"Anyway, we're going to explore the town. Want to come with us?"

There was no option to refuse.

And so, the three of us left the academy.

* * * *

Griffin Academy is located in a rather unique city within the empire.

The city of Felches is designed to ensure that no nobles hold direct power over the academy or its students, at least in theory.

There is no lord or ruler here. Technically, the city belongs to the imperial family, and a few officials are sent periodically to manage things. Any corruption or mismanagement here would be considered treason against the empire.

That means there's no exploitation by corrupt officials or nobles, and since half the academy's students are nobles, there's plenty of commerce flowing through the city.

With no noble interference and a steady flow of wealth from outside, the city has grown to rival the imperial capital in size.

And I've spent the last few hours being dragged around this massive city by Annie and Cillian.

First, we visited one shop, then another, then back to the first shop, and after hearing some rumor, we went to yet another shop in a far corner of the city...

I've just been following them around aimlessly for hours.

Of course, I haven't bought a single thing.

Why? Because I can't afford to.

The only money I've spent so far was on a cup of coffee at this cafe where we're now sitting. I ordered the cheapest thing on the menu—an Americano. I'd rather save the money, but maintaining good relations with Cillian is worth it... probably?

But still, with my enhanced senses, the bitterness of the coffee is far more intense than when I was a guy. Ugh...

As I winced from the taste, I suddenly felt something press against my lips.

Before I could even react, something sweet pushed past my lips and melted the bitter coffee in my mouth.

When I looked up, I saw Cillian smiling, holding a handful of cookies.

I guess she noticed I didn't order anything to eat and felt bad.

It's a little embarrassing, honestly.

"What's going on with you two? Why am I suddenly feeling like the odd one out?"

Annie pouted as she glanced back and forth between me and Cillian.

But Cillian, still smiling, showed no signs of offering Annie any cookies. She seemed content to keep them for me.

Seeing that Cillian wasn't going to share, Annie stabbed her fork into the cake in front of her and stuffed a bite into my mouth.

As bitter as things like coffee have become, sweet things are the opposite. Every bite feels richer and more intense, almost as if my enhanced senses are a blessing when it comes to food. Sure, it balances out, but right now, I'm not complaining.

While I savored the cake, I noticed Cillian's expression had shifted from her usual sunny smile to one of mild shock.

Her wide eyes darted back and forth, clearly focused on... Annie's fork?

?

Before I could understand what was going on, Cillian reached out, her hand trembling as it slowly moved toward Annie's fork.

Annie, noticing Cillian's expression, smirked mischievously.

And with a swift motion, she scooped up another piece of cake and popped it into Cillian's mouth.

Cillian bit down on the fork with such force that Annie had to struggle to pull it out. The fork came out spotless, not a trace of cream left on it.

To be fair, the cake was delicious enough to warrant that level of dedication.

But judging by the complicated look on Cillian's face, maybe it didn't quite meet the standards of someone from a marquis family. Still, she ate it, as if giving her approval.

* * * *

As the day drew to a close and we prepared to return to the academy, Annie insisted there was one more place she wanted to visit.

She led us to the Temple of Serena, located within the city.

While the academy has a small chapel for its theology students, this temple is the main one.

Temples of Serena are common across the empire, but the one in Felches is special.

"Hello, Priest. May we go inside?"

"Serena welcomes all. Please, go ahead."

After receiving the elderly priest's blessing, we entered the temple's main hall.

Several people were seated in the pews, silently offering their prayers.

But we weren't here to pray.

Our eyes were drawn to the sword hanging behind the statue of Serena.

It was the Holy Sword, said to awaken and choose its master when the true hero appears to defeat the Demon King.

The sword exuded an aura of holiness, and its pristine, white blade seemed sharp enough to cut through anything.

As we stepped closer to the sword, it began to glow.

Just like in the old stories, the sword shimmered with light and trembled, as if preparing to meet its destined wielder.

Both Annie and I, along with Cillian herself, knew why it was reacting.

The sword was responding to Cillian, one of the strongest hero candidates.

"...Not yet... Just wait a little longer," Cillian whispered softly, so quietly that only I could hear her.

It was an expression of her determination to one day claim the Holy Sword.

Thanks to Annie and Cillian, we'd gotten quite the sight today.

Of course, escaping the temple without causing a scene after the commotion we caused was another story altogether.