VIP Chapter 113: Worries (1)
“Mhm… Classmate Will, you really do have something on your mind, don’t you?” Teacher Liya’s gaze was like that of a caring teacher at school. She even leaned closer to Will, sitting a bit nearer.
“Teacher Liya, I’m really fine. Didn’t we already talk about it?” Will indeed had “worries,” but… these worries were too difficult to voice.
He lowered his head, looking at the small pieces of beef Liya had cut for him on his plate. They were medium-rare, still showing a hint of blood on the side. Liya’s eyes were still fixed on him, and Will instinctively averted his gaze from hers.
He remembered how she had just explained the dungeon setting using lettuce leaves and a fork. They were people who lived here, originating from a “plot” outside the world, along with his own “accidents” that he couldn’t be sure wouldn’t have an impact. For now, he would ponder and handle these matters himself.
“Really?” Liya was still a bit skeptical.
“Really, really. When have I ever had psychological problems?”
“Alright, it’s mainly because you… didn’t even touch your favorite steak when it arrived. That’s really out of character.” She was as perceptive as ever, and her perceptiveness was accompanied by her own way of showing care.
“I’m just a little tired, Teacher Liya. Please don’t overthink it.”
“Mhm…” Liya chewed on her fork, watching Will, as if observing his expression and thinking something over. She gazed at his smiling face behind his glasses… wondering if he was hiding something from her. After all, that smile… it was a smile of forced strength. Liya always felt her student was serious and mature, too much of an “exemplary student,” planning everything meticulously, like a precisely running machine. His true feelings…
Will seemed unaccustomed to Liya’s gaze. After a brief moment of eye contact, he turned his head away, a little uncomfortable, and looked at the tomato soup that had just been served below the table.
—Had his true self also never been seen before?
When eyes meet, it’s actually an exchange. One transmits their true feelings from their eyes without evasion, and also receives the sincerity in the other’s gaze… But…
Liya looked at his profile, her light blue eyes looking forward from behind her glasses. This time, his gaze had been averted. —Aren’t you the one who is neither frank nor straightforward now?
Unconsciously, Liya bit down harder on her fork.
***
That evening. The four members of “Shining Star,” who had temporarily rented a small house in Nov, were engaged in their respective activities. Liya had returned to her room to rest, and Iaar wanted to familiarize herself with the house, cleaning inside. Treya and Lingmeng were… with Will.
Treya habitually practiced her sword in the evening—because at night, she could feel the “demon’s” power more clearly. In the small yard behind the house, the sound of sword blades slicing through the air echoed. After completing several sword forms to increase her proficiency, Treya sheathed her sword. Normally, she would practice a bit longer, but today she was truly a bit tired. She actually hoped to start the dungeon clearing mission sooner. The reason was simple… She had already turned Eugenie into her “mole.” Eugenie’s biological mother was the current Empress. Therefore, Treya became the third person, after Eugenie and her brother, who understood her father’s physical condition the best. In short, it wasn’t optimistic. His health had deteriorated over the past three years, and in the last year, he hadn’t been seen in public, confined to his sickbed, kept alive only by the fully equipped royal physicians. The time left for her might not be much.
However, it was fine. Treya had great faith in Will… he would walk this path with her.
Looking back, she took a few steps, intending to go back inside. But…
Suddenly, she sensed someone else nearby! She detoured slightly and looked towards the side of the house. Will was pacing back and forth in a small alley beside the house, holding a red-covered book and flipping through it, muttering to himself.
“The best method should be to wait here for a month and see how things develop. There are also very suitable dungeons nearby for newcomers. If Xiu still appears and joins the team…”
“Teacher Will?” Treya approached and quietly greeted him.
“…Speaking of which, I’m also curious what the protagonist would look like if I really met him…”
“Will?”
“…Huh? Treya?” Will was startled. He had expected Treya to train for a while longer. It was precisely because Iaar was in the house, and Will didn’t want Iaar to worry, that he had come out.
“Are you in trouble? I rarely see you looking so anxious. The light here is also very dim. If you need to read… why aren’t you inside?”
“It’s nothing, just a small matter. But Treya… you finished quite early today.”
“Perhaps it’s my first time entering a dungeon, I’m a bit tired.”
“Is that so? The amount of exercise today wasn’t that much.” Will immediately closed his book and walked over, first examining her light armor, then taking her sword to inspect it carefully. “Let me analyze this. Hmm, I didn’t previously consider the issues of weight and heat resistance. Perhaps I can cooperate with Iaar. The sword’s wear and tear is also a bit high… This might make slashing less smooth. You can buy another one on the street tomorrow during your rest time.”
“I think it was just the heat while waiting in the afternoon that wore down my stamina. My physical exertion wasn’t significant.” Treya was drawn into Will’s analysis and followed suit in analyzing the reason. She looked up at Will. Will frowned, appearing somewhat weary. His short brown hair was tousled from his thinking.
“No, no, this precisely proves that the equipment still has problems with heat dissipation. You’ll encounter dungeons themed around fire in the future, and this issue must be resolved. Start with the socks? That seems like a good idea. I’ve also heard of silk stockings made of ice silk…”
Will was always like this; he cared more about her affairs than his own. While still deep in thought, Will was suddenly grasped by Treya’s half-elf hand, which was slightly less human than a human’s.
“?!”
“Will, although I often say not to treat me like a princess, if you need any help, you can tell me anytime.” Treya’s deep blue eyes looked at him, speaking with utmost seriousness.
Will flusteredly pulled his hand away. —Could it be that even she, who was relatively slow to understand emotions, could tell he had something on his mind? —Was he that obvious? —Or did he act too carefree before?
“It-it really is nothing! It’s not to the point of needing to ask you, that would be too scary… Ah… It’s getting l-late. I’ll go back to rest now?”
“…Mm.” Treya looked at her empty hand and agreed. She was a little different from the innocent princess she was three years ago. Over these three years, through her sister, she had contacted many groups, nobles, and forces that had dealings with the royal family. At this moment, she realized… Everyone who approached them had their own “interests” and “desires”—just as Will had taught her. In a “black” world, this was normal. This was a world connected by desire.
But… he seemed like someone without much desire…
Treya realized that even now, she didn’t know why Will… had approached her. —What do you want? —If I knew that, would it be possible… to keep you by my side?
Treya looked at his retreating figure. Unbeknownst to herself, she clenched her now empty hand.
