After deciding on the terms, I accepted Azimus' proposal without hesitation. I had nothing to lose.
Of course, after Father left the room, a few orderly discussions began to arise, but those two women were no longer there. Overall, it had just become a sharing of feelings regarding the news they had received.
The brief meeting had lasted two hours, during which several topics had been discussed. Since it was Father's pavilion, the meeting did not continue for long. I had been invited to have tea and chat with my brothers and sisters, but I declined the invitation. I needed rest.
I was focused.
I had to reach the academy on my own. Father had ensured that I had no resources at my disposal, and from what I had been told, I had only one week to get there.
Many scenarios played out in my head. Earning money would be easy for me, so taking a carriage convoy was an option. But the thought made me smile. Why take the easy route when you can make it complicated?
The next morning, I was outside the house, doing my warm-ups.
Later, Azimus joined me, carrying a small bag slung over his shoulder.
"Aldhen KHAN!"
At the sound of his voice, I turned around. In a way, Azimus' rank was similar to my status. Not to say he was low in the hierarchy, but rather that he had a good position. However, it wasn't enough for me to make a fuss over him.
"Azimus!"
He approached confidently. Out of respect, I let him extend his hand first, and then we exchanged a handshake.
"I see I arrived in the middle of your session!"
"Don't worry about it. In any case, now is not the time, given what we have to do today. But habits are hard to break, you know."
"You're certainly right," Azimus affirmed before laughing heartily.
As we spoke, some servants appeared at a reasonable distance and waited patiently. It was their duty. They were ready.
"So, what's the plan?"
"If you don't mind, I'll take a bath first. Make yourself comfortable while you wait, and then we'll run to Alp..."
As I spoke, I walked toward one of the servants, took the towel she had prepared for me, and wiped the sweat from my forehead as I headed toward the house's entrance.
"Oh, alright..."
Azimus spoke like someone who hadn't quite processed what he had just heard. But after a moment of realization, he shouted,
"Huh?!"
But I was already gone. I would have loved to see the expression on his face.
Still in shock, one of the servants approached him and led Azimus—who was still slightly dazed—to a resting area.
While I took my bath, the world kept turning.
In the head housekeeper's office, two servants stood straight in front of a young woman.
This young woman, with blue hair and an ample bosom, had a sharp gaze. Her uniform, which emphasized her figure, left no doubt that she was a MAX-class beauty.
She was the head housekeeper in charge of everything related to Aldhen KHAN.
"In case of failure, I warn you—your punishment will match the gravity of the situation!"
Her voice was calm yet authoritative, leaving no room for dispute.
However, the two servants, their eyes fixed straight ahead, showed no reaction. The housekeeper's words were simply a call to do their best. After all, this was a mission of the highest importance.
"Normally, if the young master intended to start a business to earn money or use his status to take a carriage, we would assume he'd arrive in two days. But since he has expressed his desire to go on foot, we have no choice but to use a gate."
The two servants weren't even surprised by what the housekeeper was saying. Their employer, Aldhen KHAN, was unpredictable and often acted in... let's say, unique ways. But it was their duty to follow him in all his endeavors.
"Isn't Mr. Aldhen supposed to have a week before the academy's activities begin? I understand that arriving on time is important, but why push his body to the limit?"
The housekeeper crossed her arms.
"I asked him about it. Do you know what he told me?"
The two women glanced at each other before turning their attention back to the housekeeper.
She stood up from her desk.
"He told me he finds it fun!"
She stated this with the utmost seriousness, as if it weren't just the whim of a fifteen-year-old.
She looked at the two servants.
"Personally, I have invested a lot in you, and for this mission, substantial funds have been allocated. Make sure his stay at the academy is unforgettable."
"Yes...!"
The two responded in unison. With this message from the housekeeper, their desire to do their best grew even stronger. Their motivation bordered on the bizarre.
"You will use a gate. You have 16 hours to prepare his arrival...!"
"16 hours...?"
One of the servants repeated, not in disbelief, but out of surprise. How could a journey that would take days by carriage be reduced to such a short time on foot? It wasn't impossible, but she hadn't expected it to be shortened this much. Only one possibility sent a shiver down her spine—Aldhen KHAN had evolved once again.
The housekeeper understood what they were thinking and raised an eyebrow.
"In an ideal scenario with no unforeseen circumstances, if it weren't for Mr. Azimus, I believe 12 hours would be enough for him."
She wasn't claiming that Aldhen KHAN was superior to Azimus, just that the latter didn't want to reveal all his cards.
But it was too late. Too many scenarios were already playing out in the minds of the servants.
"Don't forget, you are Aldhen KHAN's temporary sword and shield. Make him proud!"
"Yes!!!!"
This time, they couldn't hide the excitement on their faces.
The housekeeper sighed internally. She still didn't understand where this enthusiasm came from.
Meanwhile, I had finished my bath. I dressed in a comfortable outfit suited for long-distance running.
I had a similar outfit prepared for Azimus.
I'm sure he's regretting his decision right about now.