Rescue Operation

Harald Peterson, the strongest spear user in the academy, has been kidnapped.

Honestly, at this point of time, I am not surprised anymore as the story has deviated too much from the original.

Harald was one of the key characters during the terrorist attack in the novel.

He positioned himself as the vanguard of the squad and charged in without a shred of fear.

Although, the final strike was made by Kevin, the one who dealt significant damage on the terrorists' leader was Harald himself.

So taking him out of the picture would result in one sided dominance of the terrorists and MC & co would fail miserably.

This is indeed a dire situation, but I can see opportunity in it of gaining information.

Yesterday was a failure due to my lack of preparation. But this time, I will definitely win, or so I would like to say, but from where do I even start?

***

There are 2 options in front of me now. 

Either gain the trust of Christiana and help her to find Harald or find him myself.

First option is unavailable right now, because she thinks I am one of the perpetrators. 

So, I have to find him myself then. That's also quite difficult as I can't go around asking others in the city about the whereabouts of a student of the Royal Academy.

Wait, there is some one right here, who might give me some other info if I ask the right questions.

Me and Ms. Cecille both were inside her room. I was taking a sip of the tea she prepared. She might not be familiar with the whole situation but she must have witnessed some incidents related to this matter. So I should try asking her.

"Don't take it to your heart, Chris. She is just a bit distrustful of everyone around her."

"You seem to know a lot about her. Does she frequently visit this place?"

"Yeah, on weekends, she often trains here."

Hmm? There was nothing like this mentioned in the novel.

"By the way I have something to tell you. But before that why haven't you asked me yet about Christiana's injury?" I asked.

"Well, was it you who did that?"

"No, as I said before, when I approached the source of a loud sound, she was already lying on the ground, injured on her shoulder. But I don't think you have any reason to believe me. You must have seen or heard what I did at the academy."

"That's right, I know about that incident. But I just have a hunch that you are not a bad guy. And if you would have injured her, then you wouldn't have stopped her bleeding nor have brought her here for treatment."

"Who knows? Maybe I am just acting to gain your trust for the sake of my goals?"

"HaHaHa, that might be true. However, at the very least, I know that you care for her. Otherwise, you wouldn't have that desperate expression on your face when you came here the previous time."

Care? Did it seem like that? Well, of course I would want her unscathed for the upcoming scenario, because I want to use her.

"Still, aren't you just turning a blind eye on the incident itself? I mean, one of your students was attacked while investigating something."

"About that, I was just waiting for you to speak up. And it seems like you have made up your mind to tell me in detail."

She was being considerate huh?

Afterwards, I told her how Christiana was attacked and told her about the strange appearances around the academy.

***

"That's why I think the disappearance of her brother is related to these chains of events. While its just assumption and speculation on my part, I am going to search for Harald to get to the core of it."

"....."

"It might take a few days. So, about my lessons, would you please wait till then?"

"This situation is indeed abnormal. Teachers and management at the academy dismissed Harald's case as him acting on his own. The students also believe that. So, I doubt there would be any active investigation. But are you sure about this?"

"Yeah, there are some things I must confirm. Anyways, I would start from tomorrow early morning. I should return to my home now and prepare for tomorrow."

"You are leaving already? Ah! Wait for a moment." 

Ms. Cecille went inside one of her rooms and came back with some ingredients. 

"Why don't you just stay here for the night?"

"That would be convenient for me, but are you sure?"

"Yes, there is a room where you can rest for the day and I can prepare dinner too."

"Thank you so much for your kindness."

"Hm! You are welcome!"

***

Huh? Why does this stew taste awful?

"Um, do you usually cook yourself?"

"Yes, why? Is it not to your taste? I think its pretty delicious, you know."

Ehh? Is she serious? Its, how to put it, quite bland and a bit too salty. I should do something about it.

"Ms. Cecille, it might sound rude, but to be honest, I don't think this vegetable stew is good for health."

"Wha-! Is it that bad!? B-But I usually eat this dish everyday."

"Do you not use the academy canteen?"

"No, actually, I am doing some research these days and keep forgetting to have lunch. So, I usually take some potions at the academy. And at night, I make some stew with the vegetables."

Basically, her taste buds have gone numb. Well, I had seen some hard working teachers in my previous life too, who live on energy drinks all day. Naturally, they fell ill at some point.

"Are there any vegetables left?"

"Y-Yeah, but what would you do?"

"I know a little bit of cooking, so tell me where is the kitchen." 

Although, I am not proficient in cooking, during my time at the prep school, I learned a little bit in my preparations for living alone.

The vegetables were similar to the normal ones that I know of, so it went smoothly. After 10-15 minutes, I served the stew in two bowls and gave one to the apothecary lady.

"Hmmm~ Delicious! Why does it taste so different even when I used the same vegetables!"

It turned out pretty good, surprisingly.

So, after a hearty meal, I washed the bowls and cleaned the kitchen.

"You are quite good at house chores, despite being a noble."

"You think so? By the way, what is it that you are holding?"

"First sit down here. You said you are going to search for Harald inside the forest aren't you?"

"Well, that other person who attacked Christiana ran deep into the forest, so yeah. I would start with that."

"Then this pendant would be helpful for you."

She went on to explain how mana beasts attack others based on the mana they are radiating and the pendant is used to suppress mana, although a small amount only. But, considering my meagre mana pool, this pendant is quite effective. Then she described a little bit about how mana works, which was completely new to me as nothing of the sort was mentioned in the novel.

"Let's stop with the theory. I have prepared some healing and mana recovery potions for your journey. Use those as I told you. And if you would depart at early morning, wake me up too. I am not an early bird, you know."

"....Ms. Cecille, its not my place to ask as I received such wonderful treatment from you, but why are being nice to me?"

"That's a difficult question as I don't know the answer myself..... Hmmm. Okay! I will tell you when you return, fine?"

"I understand. Then I will take my leave."

"Yes, have a good rest tonight."

She surely is an odd one.

***

The room she provided me was small, but comfortable with a bed. Sleeping on a proper bed feels like luxury to me.

Basked in the moonlight, I pondered a bit about things to do tomorrow and how I am getting used to this world slowly. Although, this is the reality now, I still have a glimmer of suspicion that I would wake up in my original world tomorrow, realizing it was all a dream.

Then the picture of the apothecary came to my mind. I don't know her motive, but for some reason, I feel strangely familiar with her. Now that I think about it, not having a family must have been quite lonely for her.

Sigh.

No, I shouldn't waver this easily. They are just some characters in a fictional world, while I am a real person. I have to return to my own family by completing tasks. 

Just as I was feeling sleepy, the usually silent system nearly game me a heart attack.

[The life force of one of the main characters, HARALD PETERSON, is gradually decreasing. At this rate, he will eventually die within 48 hours.]

Whaaaat?!

At least let me have a little rest! Dammit!