I sigh and work up my nerve.

I gotta do this… because politics.

I walk up to Saith, who’s practicing with his spear in the training room.

“Salutations,” I greet

Saith replies with a “Salutations” of his own and continues to practice.

“It wouldn’t be bad if you joined the church faction, you know. You’re mom and dad were part of the faction too. If you met Calavia, or listened to one of her speeches, I’m sure you’d join readily.” he tells me

“I have no interest in the succession war at the moment. I’d like to at least grow up a little first.” I reply “I’m more interested in improving my own personal strength and keeping the territory from falling apart.”

Saith’s a little quiet for a few moments. “If I helped you with your personal strength and waited until you’re introduced to the noble world, will that be enough to get you to at least pick someone?”

Nobles are introduced into the noble world at the age of 5. It’s a long time from now… and it could save me a lot of trouble over the next few years… it’s really just procrastination though, isn’t it? Not having problems due to being dragged into a faction is good though…

It would be worth it if I can get Rosalie into that deal too. Plus, it’s not like he’s necessarily saying I have to pick the church faction. I’ll just have to pick someone, right?

In that case, I can try to make a similar deal with each of them. I’m aware that at the very least Rosalie’s and Saith’s training would be rather useful.

Saith’s an expert with swords of any kind and is highly competent with most of the more common weapons.

Rosalie’s a powerful Fire, Wind, and Electric mage. Even if we don’t share any elements, her knowledge would still be highly useful and applicable.

I’m not sure about Theresa or Bert, but Rosalie or Saith’s help alone could possibly make it worth it…

“I’ll seriously think about it,” I tell him

He nods. “Be sure to give me an answer relatively soon.”

I turn around and leave.

A passing servant bows to me.

“Can you bring Bedo to my room?” I ask

She nods her head “As you wish, little master,”

I head back to my room and wait.

I need to discuss with him whether or not Theresa and Bert would even be worth getting training from.

It’s not long before he knocks on my door. “Enter,” I tell him

“Salutations, Master Akashi. What is it that you wish of me?” he asks

“I trust that you’ve done some research on our guests?” I ask

“Of course, little master. Our information networks aren’t the best, but I’ve been able to gather a little bit of info.” Bedo replies

“Good. Now, tell me- is there anything that Bert or Theresa are particularly competent at or anything I need to know about them?” I ask

Bedo thinks for a few moments.

“For Theresa, there’s nothing she’s particularly competent at, however, something that should be known about her is that her skill is the same one that your father has, and the same as one of yours. Earthen Spear.” Bedo tells me

She’d probably be able to teach me how to use it better than any of the servants of this household then.

“As for Bert, there’s also nothing he’s particularly competent at. There’s not really anything special about him in general, actually.” Bedo continues

Ah. right then.

“Bedo, please begin to dig up dirt on Bert, or try to make him make a mistake that’s enough to kick him out of here.” I order

“With pleasure Master Akashi,” Bedo replies

Hmm? It’s different from normal. Normally it’s ‘little master’... I think.

Bedo stands up and turns around.

Alright. Tomorrow I’ll deal with offering Rosalie a deal. I’ll try to make a deal with Theresa tomorrow as well.

I don’t do anything particularly productive for the rest of the day.

I open my eyes.

Alright. I need to go offer Rosalie and Theresa the deal. For about 3 and a half years of my peace, I’ll do this.

I’ll think about what to do after those three years when that’s upon me.

Before that I’ll try to make it not a big problem for when I have to actually choose a faction.

I sigh.

The maid who normally wakes me up walks into my room.

“Please check on the situation in the dining room.” I tell her

“Ahh, yes little master.” She replies in a bit of a fluster before heading out

I wait.

It’s not long before she comes back.

“Salutations little master. The situation in the dining room is that breakfast is eggs with a side of bacon. Currently Rosalie is eating.” she tells me

That’s a fairly good situation for me. One of the objectives for today alone.

“Right, bring me to the dining room then.” I order her

“As you wish little master,” she replies, turning around to lead me

I follow her.

After a little bit, I enter the room.

“Salutations,” I greet

“Salutations,” she returns

“I have a deal for you,” I tell her after telling a maid to get me a small portion of both eggs and bacon.

“What is it that you propose?” She asks

“Can you teach me magic if I choose someone to be my caretaker before I’m finished with my introduction to the rest of the noble world in three and a half years?” I ask

Rosalie thinks for a bit. “That would be acceptable,” She replies “We can start tomorrow.”

Good.

I quickly finish up my small portion of food and leave the room.

Right, now to talk to Theresa. After that I’ll talk to Saith again.

Now, I wonder where I would find Theresa?

I head to the training room where I found Saith yesterday.

Today I find him there again.

He’s quite diligent with his weapons training.

“I’d like to accept your deal from yesterday,” I tell him

“Excellent.” He replies “Let’s start now then. You’ll need to train up your body adequately first. Start with running around the training room’s edges twice for today.”

Wait what?

Already…?

I obediently do as he says, trying not to trip while I run around.

I’m very tired by the end of it. I may have high statistics but that doesn’t mean I don’t suffer from the same problem as all other babies. I’m still very weak. I’m just less weak.

“Right, you can go now. Come back here tomorrow midday.” he tells me

I nod my head before getting a maid to carry me back to my room. It’s embarrassing but I really don’t want to walk right now and it’s not so bad because I’m still a baby.

I rest for a bit while I get a maid to figure out where Theresa is.

It’s not long before I know where she is.

She’s sitting in her room eating the specialties of this territory. Candies and pastries.

Maybe I don’t need her…

Yea. I don’t need her to help with my training.

It’s the fact that I really don’t want to talk with her, or Bert for that matter. I didn’t actually want to talk to Rosalie or Saith either actually… I still have my social anxiety sometimes.

However, someone just sitting there doing nothing actually isn’t necessary. It’s an excuse that’s reasonable.

I tell a maid to tell Bedo to begin digging up dirt and to begin trying to find a reason to kick Theresa out.

I’m aware it’s not efficient in terms of the deal, but I’ll give in to my social anxiety and not do it this time.

I’m not a real introvert, but I still have some of their problems.