Changes in Heart and Body

It had been over a year since I’d woken up as Weiss.

That practical test felt like it happened a lifetime ago. While my days were still consumed by endless training, my status had evolved into something completely unrecognizable from where I’d started.

Name: Weiss Fancent Race: Human, Male Age: 15 Occupation: Noble Trainee Level: 4 → 15 HP: 300 → 3000 MP: 1200 → 6000 Unique Skills: Challenge Play Lv2, Heal Light Lv2 Skills: Presence Detection Lv.3, Concealment Lv.3, Mana Manipulation Lv4, Courage Lv3 Titles: Master of Boneless Ham, Butler Charmer, Hard Worker

I mean, seriously, what the hell happened in the interim?

If I recalled correctly, the average level for a student entering the Academy was three—maybe five at the absolute most.

Is this really okay? Did I overdo it? No, no, they say the greater serves for the lesser, so having more power shouldn't be a problem. I’m sure it’s fine. Probably.

"Weiss-sama, regarding the donations from the other day—I have delivered the full amount to the orphanage without any delay."

"Thank you, Zebis. Also, regarding the business side of things... I’d like to show my face at the next meeting. Can you set that up for me?"

"Of course, my lord."

Two major things had changed over the last year. First, our butler, Zebis, had completely opened his heart to me. Unlike Lilith, he’d continued to eye me with suspicion for quite a while, but I felt like I’d finally earned his trust.

I just hope this means he won’t end up betraying House Fanscent in the future, but I guess only time will tell.

And the second thing—

"Is your magic training proceeding smoothly?"

"Yeah, I’m sticking with it thanks to your recommendation, Zebis. Though, trying to master all four elements—Fire, Water, Wind, and Earth—simultaneously is a bit demonic, don’t you think?"

"That is only because your talent is truly beyond any known standard, Weiss-sama. Most mages are lucky to manifest one; even Teacher Milk Abitus only commands two."

The time had finally come: my magic training had begun.

To my absolute shock, it turned out I could use all four primary elements. When she found out, Teacher Milk had practically doubled over laughing with her mouth wide open. However, the magic training I’d been so excited for turned out to be way more exhausting than I’d ever imagined.

It was a mental drain—or more accurately, it chewed through my willpower. It was likely the effect of consuming MP, but it left me feeling as lethargic as if I were suffering from a massive flu. If I pushed too hard, I’d get "mana sickness." If I practiced for too long, the headaches became unbearable and the nausea was even worse.

I was also keeping a little secret: through a weird stroke of luck, I’d realized I could use Light and Dark magic, too. I’d thought about telling Teacher Milk, but I figured I might as well save it to surprise her later.

I’d been practicing those attributes in secret in the middle of the night, but Lilith was often lurking in the shadows watching me. I appreciate the support, girl, really, but standing in the same spot for four hours just to watch me practice? I feel terrible. I wish she’d just go back to her room and get some sleep...

Lilith Scarlet POV

It had already been over a year since the day Weiss-sama changed.

Even from my perspective, his talent was nothing short of monstrous. He was likely trying to keep it a secret, but in addition to the four major elements, he was also honing his skills in Light and Dark magic. His aptitude was so terrifying that I was tempted to say he was no longer human.

Teacher Milk had surely noticed it long ago as well. Weiss-sama kept saying he had to work hard to get into the Academy, but at this rate, I didn't think he’d just be the top student—he might actually rewrite history.

Even in the dead of night, he single-mindedly repeated his basic drills. I loved watching his tireless efforts from the shadows, though he’d likely caught onto me. Every so often, he would cast a nervous glance in my direction.

Come to think of it, back during his practical test, there were some noisy thugs at a tavern, so Teacher Milk and I "ground them down." I had intended to stop hurting people, but I simply couldn't forgive men who raised their hands against a woman. It turned out they were quite notorious criminals; Teacher Milk immediately pulled some strings to spin the incident and boost Weiss-sama’s reputation.

It was a blessing in disguise, and little by little, Weiss-sama’s infamy was fading.

Watching how hard-working and devoted Weiss-sama had become made my heart feel as if it were being squeezed. Was this the emotion people called "love"?

Next year, he would finally enter the Academy. I’d heard that students were allowed to bring an attendant with them upon admission.

...How wonderful that would be. I want to go with him.

Maybe I should try asking?