Thump

Thump

Our carriage bumped along in silence, only our team inside.

Well, today is Tuesday.

It's strange to have people around after 8 PM on a weekday.

This isn't Korea, after all.

I was worn out after using Overload for just over 10 seconds.

I rubbed my tired eyes, struggling against sleep as I scribbled down the essential information for Rok.

Just enough information that it wouldn't be a problem even if he knew.

Speaking of which, we had a lecture tomorrow, but we pushed ourselves quite hard.

However, apart from obtaining the pair of daggers named 'Romeo and Juliet,' there was another major harvest.

Melon had revealed everything.

Her underlings were behind the 'Artifact Exploration' practical evaluation, with her right-hand man playing a crucial role in setting it up.

I kept writing down information.

Once Rok saw this, he would deal with the rest of Melon's group.

"The most crucial thing, as expected, is..."

The most critical thing was to negotiate changing the evaluation location, to somewhere closer to the divine beast hidden piece.

It was a long trip even with the carriage, taking one night and two days.

It wouldn't be easy, but it was necessary.

"Hoo."

I sighed with relief as I finished writing the report for bald man.

The tension in my body began to dissipate.

I was exhausted.

'Of course, in the past, I would have collapsed by now.'

With my stamina stat increased by 1, I managed to endure until now.

But I knew I would likely suffer from muscle pain tomorrow.

A potion of stamina recovery would have been nice.

'I need to get that divine beast soon'

A divine beast not only hunted spirits but also helped recover stamina.

Once I had about 10 stamina and a divine beast partner, I should be able to shake off this level of exhaustion with a good night's sleep.

"."

Anyway, I was feeling extremely sleepy.

Just... let me close my eyes for a bit.

"Hehe. Theo, you're so adorable."

Siena gently caressed Theo's shiny hair.

Unbeknownst to her, he had dozed off, his head resting on her shoulder.

Sssshh, ssshh

The sound of his steady breath filled her ears.

With a wide smile on her face, Siena carefully lifted Theo's head and placed it on her lap.

Ah, the knee pillowa crucial part of being true lovers!

"Hehehe~"

She felt like she had become 'Liri', the heroine and invaluable aid in 'The Rosdos Chronicles', who guided the protagonist 'Rosdos' to become the greatest hero on the continent.

"Theo is not very good at expressing himself~"

Siena playfully pinched Theo's white cheek.

Despite his occasional small rebellions, she felt satisfied knowing that he relied on her when he was tired.

He, who rarely shows vulnerability, is now asleep with his head on her lap.

He had entrusted his defenseless body to her.

Just like 'Rosdos', it was evident that Theo depended on her and trusted her.

"Miss Siena, please give him some space."

"I don't want to. And what do you mean by 'give him space'? Theo lay down by himself, didn't he?"

"The young master simply leaned on your shoulder, Miss Siena, and you're the one who forced him there, right?"

"Ah~ No. He might not have said it, but I think Theo secretly wanted this. Look, he's sleeping so peacefully. You wouldn't call this being forced, right?"

"I've been with the young master for many years, and I can tell you, he doesn't look comfortable. I've been there when he's been unwell, I would know."

Amy reached toward Theo, but Siena swatted her hand away.

"No, I told you it's not like that~? And it doesn't matter how long you've known him. I can tell. Look at his face. He's definitely having a pleasant dream."

"Do you truly believe that?"

"Hehe, of course. Shall we ask Theo when he wakes up?"

"Alright. But I'll take care of him for now. It's my duty as his servant."

Amy reached for Theo again.

Again, Siena swatted Amy's hand away.

"No, I told you it's fine~ Why are you so clueless? You're usually so perceptive, why don't you get it this time? ...Ah."

As Siena and Amy bickered, Theo woke up.

I felt a soft touch on my head.

It felt like my usual pillow.

How strange.

Regardless, it was time to wake up.

I opened my eyes slowly.

But

'Uh... I can't see the ceiling.'

Instead of the ceiling, my view was filled with two mounds.

Two massive mounds blocked my vision.

"."

A chill ran down my spine, like a dagger thrust into my chest.

Sleepiness was instantly replaced with alertness.

Thankfully, my reflexes are quick.

I immediately enhanced [Twisted Noble's Dignity] using the [Amplification Orb].

"Theo, did you sleep well?"

Siena's face came into view.

So the soft pillow had been Siena's thighs.

"Oh."

I was taken by surprise.

My instincts had been right.

Long live [Twisted Noble's Dignity].

"My apologies, Siena." I murmured, sitting up and looking around the carriage.

Siena and Amy were staring at me, their gazes polar opposites.

Siena's eyes sparkled with laughter, while Amy's were icy and detached.

"Hehe, I could do this every day," Siena teased.

"Did you sleep well, young master?" Amy asked, her tone emotionless.

I felt an urge to escape.

The others were watching too.

Jang Woohee had a surprised expression, and Noctar wore a wicked grin while gritting his teeth.

"If you have something to say, just say it."

"No, I was just surprised."

Noctar chuckled.

"You are a true warrior, Theo. Like me, you attract the ladies. It seems true warriors are similar. Theo, you truly are my good friend."

Noctar laughed and gave me a thumbs up.

"."

Damn it.

Dealing with Jang Woohee is one thing, but Noctar...

That orc bastard surely takes pleasure in provoking me.

Stepping off the carriage, I headed straight for Professor Rok's quarters.

Despite the late hour, I knew the workaholic, bald, old bachelor would still be busy.

"Hmm."

I glanced at my team members who were following me.

"You can all head back now. I need to speak with the professor alone. Everyone, you've done well today. You must be tired, so get some rest."

"Okay, got it. It was fun for the first time in a while."

"Hehe, same here. See you tomorrow, Theo? Today was fun."

Noctar and Siena nodded, heading off.

Amy and Jang Woohee, however, didn't budge.

"Amy, you should go. This could take some time."

"No, young master. It's my duty to stay. I'll wait," she stated firmly.

I thanked her and asked her to buy a stamina recovery potion from the alchemy shop.

She left, leaving Jang Woohee and me alone.

"You should go too, Jang Woohee."

"What do you see?" she asked, her gaze intent on me.

I knew what she was after.

"You're looking for a childhood friend, right?"

"Yes," she replied, her normally blank expression showing a myriad of emotions, mostly longing and sadness.

"I can't be sure yet. It might be because it's too deep and intense. I'll tell you when I find something."

I assured her, reaching out a hand.

"I look forward to working with you," I said.

"Likewise, Theo," Jang Woohee responded, her small hand overlapping with mine.

"You must be tired, so go on ahead. I'll speak with the professor."

After our conversation, Jang Woohee strolled back to the Hero Department dormitory, her pace slower than usual.

'Now I can find Hyoyeon.'

Her only friend who had mysteriously disappeared.

A glimmer of hope ignited within her, the hope of finally locating Woo Hyoyeon.

She had found a true prophet, not some questionable figure, but someone authentic.

However, a question gnawed at her.

'Why do the others follow Theo so devotedly?'

It doesn't seem like he's revealed his identity to them.

'He's kinder than I initially thought.'

And he radiated a unique charisma that drew people in.

Lost in thought, Jang Woohee gently stroked 'Moonflower,' the artifact he had returned to her.