Arthur's gaze hardened momentarily before he forced a smile back onto his face. "Well, thanks for the heads-up, Aika. I'll be careful."
Aika gave him a knowing look, her curiosity clearly piqued. "You seem different, Arthur. I can't quite put my finger on it, but there's something about you."
Arthur shrugged, maintaining his casual demeanor. "Maybe it's just the novelty of being the new guy. People tend to notice."
As the bell rang, signaling the end of the break, Aika waved and headed back to her seat. "Good luck, Arthur. You'll need it with this bunch."
The period continued as normal, though Arthur felt an odd sense of time dragging on. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was under the curse of some powerful time spell, making each second crawl by like a snail.
Even Friday's two-hour lecture about etiquette and how to be a normal teenager wasn't this boring, Arthur thought, eyeing the teacher's shiny bald head as he talked on about calculus.
He felt like he was being subjected to some kind of slow torture, each minute stretching out interminably.
Arthur glanced around the classroom and saw Rory, who appeared to be seriously paying attention to the lesson. However, he knew better. The real Rory was likely lost in her own thoughts, probably imagining clearing her scythe or imaging herself for the next battle.
Arthur smirked to himself, amused by the duality of Rory's facade. While she presented the image of a diligent student, he knew she was anything but.
"You know, Friday, she's giving a scholar look. If I didn't know her better, I'd think she was seriously paying attention to the class," Arthur said to Friday, his voice barely above a whisper.
Friday's voice responded in his ear.
[Rory has always been adept at maintaining appearances, sir. It's one of her many talents and she is guardian of Nazarick so she can't put a disgrace appearance. But I must remind you, maintaining your own facade is equally important.]
Arthur chuckled softly. "Trust me, Friday, I'm well aware. It's just amusing to see her so...studious."
[Or you are just being lazy, sir. In the past few centuries, you have become quite carefree, not even minding your own image. That's probably why everyone calls you a faker.] New ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄhapters are published on 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵•𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮•𝓷𝓮𝓽
"Friday, my dear, I know you worry about that, but if I were serious all the time, I wouldn't be able to enjoy my life to the fullest. And with you here, I know I can take my life however I want."
[Please stop buttering me up, sir. I know all these tricks.]
[Do you know what the supernatural world is saying about you?]
Arthur's curiosity piqued. "What are they talking about?"
[They say the only reason you have powerful subordinates is that you used some kind of artifact to enslave them, and that you are actually weak, sir.]
[Given that you were peaceful after the Armageddon, the supernatural side has started to underestimate you. The only reason you still command respect is because of Albedo, Aurora, Antares, and Demiurge.]
Arthur's expression hardened. "Hey, Friday, the Guardians didn't know about rumors that their loyalty is because of some artifacts, right?"
[For now, they don't know about that, but they do know that most of the supernatural side underestimates you, and that's probably why they came to Kuoh Academy to protect you.]
Arthur sighed, feeling a mix of frustration and amusement. "If they found out about the rumors, it would not end well for those spreading them. Albedo and the others would be furious."
[Indeed, sir. They are fiercely loyal to you, and any implication that their devotion is forced would be an insult they would not tolerate.]
Arthur leaned back in his chair, contemplating the situation. The Guardians had always been more than just powerful subordinates to him—they were his family.
The thought of their loyalty being questioned irked him deeply. However, if he retaliate a war will start.
Arthur was one-hundred percent sure that he would win any war that came his way, but the reason he hadn't started anything was simple: he was lazy.
Besides, it wasn't like anyone was insulting him to his face. All the scumbags were just talking behind his back, not daring to confront him directly.
"Friday, let's keep this information between us for now. I don't want the Guardians getting worked up over baseless rumors. We'll address this in our own time."
[Understood, sir. Just be aware that their protectiveness over you may escalate if they sense any real threats.]
Arthur nodded. "I'll handle it. "
There was a brief pause before Friday continued. [Anyway, sir, I need to know which path you will be taking in approaching Rias and her peerage.]
"I was planning on approaching her as a mysterious mage. It has a novel feeling to it, don't you think so, Friday?" Arthur replied, a hint of amusement in his voice.
[Indeed, sir. The element of mystery can be quite effective in capturing attention and establishing intrigue. But here, that wouldn't be possible as Rias and Sona already know you are from Nazarick.]
[The good news is they don't know you are the Ancient One; they just think you're the son of the Ancient One or one of the Guardians,] Friday continued.
"That's good news," Arthur said thoughtfully. "Now I need a new way to approach to them."
[You can tell them that you can see the future and you are a capable seer,] Friday suggested.
[Given that you know the plot and even has future sight it a good way to approach them.]
"A seer, huh? That could work. It explains why I'm here and gives me a reason to interact with them without raising too many suspicions. Plus, it adds an extra layer of mystique."
[Exactly. It aligns with the mysterious mage persona you wanted to adopt while fitting the knowledge they already have about you.]
"Alright. I'll introduce myself as a seer from Nazarick, came to this academy after I elope from Nazarick because of something involves them somehow. This will give me the flexibility to engage with them and offer guidance or warnings as needed."
[It sounds like a well-rounded approach, sir. This way, you can gradually reveal more about your abilities and background, all while maintaining an air of mystery and importance.]
"Oh, Friday, I love you too much."
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