MTLNOVEL Chapter 62
“Hmm, the feeling of being out of place here is overwhelming.”
As I stood against the wall, blending into the background, I observed the scene before me. Beautiful women dressed in elegant gowns and men in sharp tuxedos held glasses in their hands, engaging in lively conversation.
After the preparations for the venue were completed, the party had begun as soon as we entered. Initially, Roberto and Angelica had been by my side, but now they were at the center of a crowd, engaging with others.
It seemed that those two were quite popular, while I was left on my own, quickly abandoned. And so, here I was, waiting in solitude.
“Master, why don’t you try talking to someone?”
Eve, seeing my predicament, reached out to me.
(Did she really think I could do something like that?)
The attendees of this party were mostly noble daughters and sons. While there were a few school-related guests, most of them were accompanied by their parents, engaging in discussions that undoubtedly held future implications.
Connections made at events like these would play a significant role later on, and the parents were visibly eager to use every opportunity to secure beneficial ties for their children.
In such an environment, a person like me, who held no notable power, would only create an awkward atmosphere if I tried to join the conversation.
With that in mind, I decided to pass the time by helping myself to some food while waiting for Roberto or Angelica to return.
“Hmm. What’s this? An herb?”
Floating in the teapot was a beautifully blooming herb.
“Master, this was among the potion-making ingredients you looked at yesterday. If I recall correctly, it’s a rare plant called Papal.”
Since it was served as herbal tea, I hadn’t been sure, but if Eve had identified it, then there was no doubt.
(Could this still be usable? If I plant it in my [Field], would it grow?)
Seeing such a rare herb being casually used as tea felt like a waste.
“Let’s give it a try. Master, please send it to me.”
Following Eve’s instructions, I discreetly made sure no one was watching before transferring the Papal herb. After a short while…
“Master, great news! The Papal herb has taken root!”
That was a relief. I had planned to gather it for potion-making in the future, so this was a fortunate turn of events. Still, the sheer versatility of my [Field] was almost terrifying.
“If you find any other useful plants, please send them over as well.”
As I listened to Eve’s enthusiastic request…
“Erik, it’s been a while.”
A woman dressed in an elegant, pure-white gown, reminiscent of a wedding dress, spoke to me.
“Serene?”
It was none other than Serene, whom I had met at the church just a few days ago. But what was she doing at this party?
“Why are you here?”
This was, after all, an entrance ceremony party, so only students and their families were supposed to be in attendance.
She answered my question with a smile.
“I’m the student council president of this academy.”
So that was the truth. That explained why she had the authority to write a recommendation letter.
“As a student council member, I have early access to student information. When I saw your name among the accepted students, I was delighted.”
She gazed at me with a mischievous smile, leaning in slightly. The surrounding students, noticing Serene’s presence, had their eyes fixed on her beauty, and as a result, envious glares were now directed at me as well.
Unbothered by their attention, Serene continued to face me directly.
“Well then, Erik, let me officially congratulate you on your enrollment. As a fellow student council member and your senior at the academy, I welcome you.”
She spoke with a captivating smile, one that seemed to entrance everyone around her.
“Oh, and thank you for introducing me to the store that deals in cores. The selection was vast, and the service was excellent. Thanks to you, I learned a lot.”
Previously, I had wanted to research the market for cores, and by chance, I had met Serene, whom I asked for help. She appeared to be a kind and beautiful healer at first glance, but given her influence within the church and her ability to write recommendation letters, I had suspected she had significant connections.
Thanks to her, I had even been able to witness an [Arcana Dungeon] core, helping me solidify my future goals.
“Fufu, I appreciate your kind words.”
She responded to my gratitude with a graceful nod.
“But why are you thanking me?”
I couldn’t recall doing anything that warranted her gratitude. Amused by my puzzled expression, she chuckled playfully before explaining.
“That store belongs to my family.”
“Wait, what? That shop is owned by your family?!”
That explained why the staff had looked at me strangely when I handed them the introduction letter. They must have been surprised to receive a direct referral from the owner’s daughter.
As I was still processing this revelation…
“Serene, so this is where you were.”
A voice called out from behind me.
“Father. Did you need something?”
The man speaking to her was her father. In other words, the owner of that shop.
“I was speaking with the headmaster earlier, but it seems he got a bit too enthusiastic in welcoming the new students and ended up straining his back. He asked if you could heal him.”
At that moment, he turned his gaze toward me and assessed me with a scrutinizing look.
“Are you one of this year’s new students?”
Just as I was about to respond, Serene cut in.
“Yes, this is Erik, whom I met during the Blessing Ceremony. He is incredibly talented, which is why I recommended him to the academy, Father.”
“Oh… For you, who has trained at the church since childhood, to recognize his potential… That is impressive.”
Due to Serene’s praise, her father’s gaze grew even sharper as he examined me.
“Well, putting that aside, the headmaster is waiting for you. He is in the usual treatment room.”
“Understood, Father. Erik, we’ll meet again soon.”
With that, she gracefully turned and walked away, the hem of her dress swaying elegantly behind her.