"Host, I hope you don't mind."
Luca paused shopping for a few clothes as D-29 apologized.
"I took the liberty of connecting with your terminal and Star Mall account after regaining some of my functions."
"Huh? Why?"
The little system sounded regretful: "I was hoping to increase our vigilance against cyber attacks. Given the popularity of the store, I figured this was necessary."
"Star Mall offers great privacy, but it is better to be safe than sorry. Like just now."
"What happened?" Luca rose from reclining against his bed, alarmed by D-29's words.
"Someone has been trying to pry your location from the shop's backend."
Thankfully, the Hosts' original identity seemed important enough to warrant extra layers of protection.
And with my unlocked functions, it was possible to block the probe to an extent.
D-29 considered ways to increase security and was just thankful that it was now better equipped to handle such situations.
On the other end of this chase was Eden. The woman had been squinting at the screen for some time now, refusing to move even when asked a question.
"Shhh!"
But that was because Eden had been relentlessly chasing leads, only to be cut off cleanly every time.
By now, she was honestly tempted to stage an operation at Star Mall's server's location to get the information she needed.
But if anything, her only solace was getting clues for the process of elimination.
Only a few people in the Empire could shield themselves like this. And she was wondering which family hired which master to be able to hide like this.
Meanwhile, the supposed tech master was out there watching his charge pack his newly purchased clothes.
"Host, are you packing already?"
"Yeah, I wonder what time the double would come today? Classes start tomorrow, and the Academy would only be open to visitors until today."
With this in mind, Luca packed his few belongings and decided to wear a change of clothes underneath. After all, he had to leave the uniform, especially his badge, with his replacement.
And then he waited.
But Luca wasn't the only one waiting for 'Lord Luca.' Over at the Duchy of Kyros was Butler Gary, who had been expecting the young master anytime soon. In fact, he was expecting him to arrive yesterday.
However, there was a disturbance in the space jump points, which could have delayed their ship.
But after about 10 hours, two people and one system started questioning the delay and radio silence.
Butler Gary, who had more access as the Duke's confidant, issued a search for the Young Lord and his party. With the sudden illness of the Duke, the Duchy's staff had no time to look into the matters of the Young Lord carefully. When they saw that the Academy had an admission confirmation for their Lord, they were able to breathe easier.
No one bothered to check again.
And everyone thought they were following the plan and the schedule.
Then, the space storm that jammed the jump points happened, blocking the communication line going out of Kyros.
But more than the space storm was D-29's masterful creations that blocked even the tracking of the Duke's people.
Butler Gary's next move was to contact the school to subtly ask about the Young Lord and his class schedule.
The military did not like these types of calls, but Butler Gary had a good reputation among the people of the military as someone who was always gracious with his assistance.
His call was taken, and he was instead thrown an unexpected treat.
Of course, his greeting shouldn't alarm the staff. They couldn't exactly announce that they could not reach their own Lord.
So, his question was more about the school calendar and other fees the Lord might need.
"Would it be possible to have a copy of the school calendar? So that we can avoid disturbing the Lord and the school when classes are ongoing."
"Butler Gary, let me get you the schedule for the Mecha Combat Division. The classes actually start tomorrow." The staff chirped happily, a huge contrast to what the Butler expected.
Mecha Combat Division?
Seriously?
Did the double pass the Assessment test?
The plan was to coast at the Infantry or Logistics Division because the others were basically impossible. All they needed was to have the Lord graduate from the Academy without much fuss.
So, how did the Young Lord end up in the Mecha Combat Division?
"Ma'am, you said Mecha Combat Division? Did I hear that right?"
"Ah, yes! In fact, the Young Lord managed to finish 4th place in the Assessment Exam even after being hospitalized! Speaking of which, the adjusted school fees will be sent over to you shortly."
Butler Gary had to sit down as his three worldviews were broken the moment the staff elaborated.
4th place? Hospitalized? Combat Division?! When our Lord Luca couldn't even talk, much less walk?!
The double they hired was good at acting and wasn't the stupidest or weakest in a bunch, but he wasn't even Royal Military Academy material.
"We are very proud of his achievements. And thank you to the Academy for taking care of our Young Lord." Butler Gary managed to be polite and graceful even when he was internally dying from stress.
Who the hell was pretending to be their Young Lord?
"By any chance, Ma'am, is it possible to get footage of the assessment? Just so we could show it to the Duke. I believe he would love to see such a thing."
The assessment wasn't exactly secret. It was changed yearly, and sometimes, when questioned, the school released videos of the test.
Let me see this hoodlum who has the gall to pretend to be our Young Lord!
Butler Gary's heart was on fire, but he managed to control his emotions when the hesitant staff acquiesced.
"Well, then I'll send some clips with the statement of account. Congratulations to the
Duchy for having a top student."
He almost spat out blood but still responded jovially. Then, he waited after the call ended. As someone with access to the funds of the Duchy, Butler Gary could've immediately paid off the tuition, but his plan was to make the impostor suffer.
This way, the Academy would also be able to hold the offending student.
So, when the files he requested came, he ignored the statements and went for the videos hurriedly.
Butler Gary flipped his shit—for the lack of a better term.
Oh God.
He watched with rapt attention as the boy they had been carefully hiding in the mansion trembled through the obstacles.
Butler Gary was suddenly taken back many years ago when the young child was still very active and youthful.
His eyes were exactly the same. It carried the same life and luster that he had not seen in many years.
Butler Gary felt the corners of his eyes sting. And his vision blurred.
A building.
No… No. Maybe a Lab?
Or what about a battleship?!
They must buy, buy, buy! And donate!
That was their Young Lord, walking and using his Spiritual Powers.
Butler Gary thought that paying the tuition fees wouldn't be enough. He did, in fact, pay them for it and more.
He was sure the Duke wouldn't mind. He might even find this lacking.
Drat! The Duke!
He must know about this!
So, somewhere out there, a Butler for one of the most influential families of the Empire was scrambling to announce the joyous news.
While on the other end of Planet Nova was a young man whose life was being turned upside down.