Logan couldn't shake the young princess's words from his mind, and turmoil began to build within him. He didn't think they were supposed to be in this world, but on the other hand, he was curious about what type of magic power he had. He didn't seem to have any physical superpower since he couldn't crush a small rock he had picked up during a short walk in the garden.
He realized he was also not a mage, as he couldn't summon any kind of magical phenomenon. Within the class, four or five others had already spoken up about having some sort of talent. Even Logan, who was not close to them in the carriage, could hear his classmates' excitement as they showed off their new skills. One of the guys demonstrated his martial arts prowess as if it were second nature, leaping between carriages and performing acrobatic movements with ease.
Another classmate demonstrated his ability to levitate and control the wind. Although he couldn't sustain it for long, resulting in a small dust storm due to his lack of control, his talent for magic was evident.
"Heroes, I understand your eagerness to discover your powers, but it is dangerous to experiment without proper knowledge. Tonight, we will have a banquet where Miss Ermeya, the Oracle of the Temple of the Seven Spirits, will reveal each hero's power. Please wait until then, as there may be someone with a dangerous ability that should be understood before using."
The princess who had gathered everyone exiting their carriages, addressed the crowd using a device that amplified her voice. After turning off the tool, she looked towards Ms. Claire and smiled.
"Oh, and you will finally get answers to your questions during the banquet, Ms. Claire."
The teacher, who had been angry, nodded with a deep sigh and turned to her class. Meanwhile, the princess prepared to address everyone once again.
"Now, each hero will be given a room to rest, as the banquet will take place this afternoon—approximately when the second sun hits the horizon and the first sun has set, about six hours from now. During this time, you will be assigned a personal butler or maid of your choosing, who will assist you with whatever you need. Although they won't be able to answer many questions, they will guide you and assist with anything you require."
The princess cleared her throat before continuing, glancing around to see if anyone had any questions. Seeing that the students showed no signs of having any, she proceeded.
"To finish this up and let you all have a well-deserved rest, I would like to mention that during tonight's banquet, after everyone's skills are assessed, you will be greeted by royals and delegates from other countries who may wish to support your growth. Please note that the church has requested all nations to allow our Kingdom of Elris to assist you until you decide whether you are ready..."
After concluding her speech, Princess Vianell bowed to the class and gestured for a butler to guide them.
It seemed the morning's events had impacted the students, as everyone was quiet while following the butler, who had two knights beside him and two other knights trailing the group from behind. The teacher led the group as usual, and Logan, in his customary spot at the end of the line, decided to go with the flow.
They were led to a separate part of the castle, clearly meant for guests. It wasn't connected to the main castle but resembled a luxurious hotel, possibly a guest area for representatives from other kingdoms. This gave the building a feeling of privacy that the students welcomed. Before them were marble stairs leading up to two large doors, where various maids and butlers stood in wait.
As the students entered the building, they were greeted by an elegant reception area with two staircases leading to the second floor. Beyond that, the building separated into two distinct areas: a dining room where chefs stood by, ready to serve, and a spacious resting area furnished with numerous sofas, seats, and tables, warmed by a large chimney. In this area, a few servants could be seen, including two young musicians who stood beside a piano and a lute. As with everything in this castle, artwork adorned the walls, in the form of paintings, statues, and murals.
"Welcome, my name is Sir Alric, and I will be the head butler responsible for your care. This will be your residence, heroes, one of the finest parts of the castle where we welcome royals and important tycoons visiting our kingdom. You will be able to partake in the best meals and listen to the finest music we can offer. There is a third floor where you can engage in various activities, such as reading, writing, or any form of art. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask."
The butler, a man nearing his fifties, maintained a lean build and had iron-gray hair neatly combed back into a simple ponytail. He was clad in a finely tailored red suit with silver embroidery. His sharply shaven face and icy blue eyes gave him an aura of unwavering focus, as if his gaze could cut through any distraction that interrupted his work.
As he snapped his fingers, every maid and butler entered, some of which were very familiar faces to a few students. Once everyone was assembled, each student was given a key and assigned someone who would escort them to their room.
Logan was paired with the same maid from before, the gentle-looking girl. She looked a bit disheartened but led him to a room at the end of a long corridor that seemed to be for the boys.
"Master, do you wish for me to stay out here waiting, or do you need me to do something for you while you rest? Also… do you wish to change servant, or will I be worthy enough…?"
Logan couldn't understand why she would wait for him or follow his orders, but in a world with slavery, he guessed she might be a slave. Despite this, he didn't want someone he didn't know around him, having lived solo for so long.
While he struggled to find the right words, the maid's face turned red, and Logan could see she was becoming sad.
"Wait! Uhm, don't take this the wrong way, but I don't… like interacting with other people. It's not like I am refusing your service, but I am not like the others. However, it does seem I will need help, so… can you assist me when I need it, please?"
Looking around he heard a whistle from a guy nearby, it was only after this he could see he was making a scene, so he pulled in the maid and rushed in before closing the door shut.
"Look… I am not the type of person who speaks a lot, and I like my peace. Please don't take this personally." Pacing around to clear his embarrassment, Logan looked around his room. He noticed that the room was actually larger than he had imagined and included a decently sized bed, a two-seat sofa, a closet, a shelf for books that was currently empty, and another door.
"It's fine, master, I think I get it now. If I may, my name is Ruri. I will be happy to attend to your needs. As servants to the heroes, we also have rooms to ourselves so that we don't get in your way."
The young girl, who had calmed herself, cleared a tear from one of her eyes before tucking her light brown hair behind her ear. Her warm hazel eyes reflected a genuine desire to be of service.
It was only after seeing her bright smile that Logan paid attention to her face. The young maid had a heart-shaped face framed by light brown waves of hair, enhancing her fair skin. Her hazel eyes exuded warmth and kindness they combined well with her thin brows that were furrowed slightly as she focused. High cheekbones added elegance, while her small upturned nose and naturally rosy lips created a gentle, approachable appearance.
"Ah yes, well it's nice to meet you. My name is Logan. I guess that I will have to seek your help."
An awkward silence overtook the room as they stared at each other before Ruri decided to use the door inside the room.
"Well then, master, this is my room. I will be here in case you need anything. The rooms have been prepared in advance, so if you need anything, just knock." Ruri said while bowing to take her leave.
"Ah, okay… Sure?" Logan said quietly seeing the girl off.
Not knowing what to do, Logan sat on the bed, pondering how he had fared during the previous situation. He thought for a while before unintentionally succumbing to sleep, aided by the soothing sound of a piano playing in the background and a lady's voice. A few hours later, he was awakened by the maid.
"Ahem, Master, you should get ready for the banquet. This part of the castle has a bathing room for both guys and girls downstairs. You should find the entrance under the male staircase, so it shouldn't be hard to find. I have set your clothes near the door in case you would like to change after your bath."
Ruri bowed before returning to her room, leaving before Logan had a chance to thank her. He barely got his bearings back, feeling as if he was home and his mother had woken him up for school.
Yawning, Logan took the gaudy clothes hanging on a clothes rack, along with a towel, and headed downstairs. He grumbled as he walked, hating the fact he was forced into wearing formal wear, something he would never have chosen.
Taking a quick bath, he was glad that this area at least had a proper tub filled with warm water. He would have stayed longer if not for the fact that he had slept so long. Dressed and ready, he exited the bathing room and went into the lobby, drying what remained of his moist hair. It was then that he bumped into someone who was also rushing. By the sound of the other who had fallen accidentally, a girl's voice could be heard.
"Ouch! Hey, that hurt, you know."
He knew this voice well, and it wasn't something he expected. Sprawled on the floor, Lisa looked up at him in bewilderment.
"Sorry about that…" With a faint voice, he noticed he already had his hand held out to help her up.
"Oh, it's you, Logan. How about you be more careful?" Using Logan's hand for support, Lisa raised herself before noticing a red liquid stuck to one of her fingers.
"Logan, are you alright? You seem to be bleeding."
Both teens looked towards their hands. Logan saw that his blood was acting strangely again, this time it seeming to try to slip into Lisa's finger before evaporating.