Training had ended. I was back in the instructor's office, organizing the students' data.
The room was simple, just a desk, a chair, and a small table for visitors. Even this much showed that my position came with decent treatment.
The documents contained information on every single student: what weapons they used, their habits, their movements, and every little detail I had noticed.
Still, I couldn't help but think… Why the hell are 29 out of 30 students girls?
The only male was Roy Dragor, the son of the hero and a main character of the story.
He was around 170 cm tall, slender but well-trained, with a gentle face and a caring personality. From what I saw today, his movements were by far the best in the class.
His swordsmanship was clean and "untouched" — pure knight-style technique, exactly as it was described in the game.
If the story goes as planned, he'll probably end up building a harem…
Well, my job as an instructor is simple: make sure none of my students die.
This may be a game world, but I'm Raide now. There's no rule saying I can't get involved in the main story.
Some might call it enjoying myself… and they wouldn't be entirely wrong.
Knock, knock.
A soft, polite knock sounded at the door.
"Come in."
"Excuse me."
Erika Deus entered with an elegant, seductive smile and gave a light bow. As she did, her ample chest naturally swayed — whether it was inevitable or intentional, I wasn't sure.
I gestured toward the chair across the table. "Have a seat. It's nothing fancy, but make yourself comfortable."
She sat down gracefully.
Sixteen years old and already this seductive… scary.
As expected from a character who tempts Roy heavily in the early stages of the game.
Once she was seated, I asked directly:
"So, what did you want to talk about?"
"From now until I graduate… could you give me special treatment?"
"…You really come straight to the point, don't you?"
I couldn't help but smile wryly at how boldly she said it while still smiling sweetly.
Erika continued without losing her smile:
"Of course, I won't ask for it for free."
"I'm listening."
"My family owns an inn and tavern called 『Suzuya』, inherited from my father. You wouldn't want it to go under, would you?"
"That's true."
"I can provide you with ingredients and seasonings at a much lower price."
"…Hmm."
"You're having trouble with the Dwarf Chamber of Commerce, aren't you?"
That was exactly right.
What Raide had wanted to protect — even refusing a noble title as a war reward — was this very inn and tavern, 『Suzuya』, which his father had run.
Right now, my stepmother was managing it, but recently the idiot son of the Dwarf Chamber of Commerce's president had been bothering her.
The Dwarf Chamber of Commerce dominated the royal capital. If you wanted quality ingredients or seasonings, you had no choice but to go through them. You could try bypassing them, but the shop would later face pressure from the guild anyway.
Currently, 『Suzuya』 was still buying from them, but the prices had been steadily rising — and only for our place.
At one point, my stepmother had even considered offering herself to that idiot to solve the problem. I had to stop her with some rather harsh measures.
"I am having some difficulties," I admitted.
"I thought so. Also, I hear your tavern has been getting rather… 'noisy' lately. The Deus family could lend you our influence to help with that, you know?"
"…'Noisy'? So you investigated?"
For the first time, a hint of caution appeared on Erika's face.
It was noisy… but I see. She hadn't come as a regular customer. Even if she sent subordinates to check, their investigation was pretty sloppy.
So that's why…
This carelessness might be what leads to her family's downfall later.
Seeing her grow wary, I smiled wryly and spoke first:
"The 'noise' isn't something I need help with, but I'd appreciate your help with the supplies. However, what exactly do you mean by 'special treatment until graduation'?"
"…Well, I was hoping you could be lenient with my grades, tests, and various evaluations."
"You're not even calling it 'favorable treatment' anymore, huh?"
Erika's smile faded. She looked at me suspiciously.
When she crossed her arms, her chest jiggled noticeably.
Hey, aren't you here to negotiate? Is it really okay to keep changing your expression like that?
Her sloppiness made me smile bitterly again.
"I'm not asking you to turn my zero points into a hundred. I'm aware that what I'm doing is dirty, but I do have my own principles."
"Special treatment, huh… Honestly, I don't think you need it, Erika. But if that's your condition, then the deal's off. Instead, how about I teach you some skills?"
"…Are you mocking me? Skills are innate. Only a select few can learn new ones later in life, according to the kingdom's—"
I watched her with an amused smile as she spoke with a stern expression.
She suddenly stopped mid-sentence, stared hard at my face, and said:
"…You already knew that, didn't you?"
"Let's continue this conversation at the tavern instead. I'd rather not do it here at the academy. Also, you should retrain the subordinates you sent to spy. Information is life, right?"
"…Yes, that's true."
"And bring your close aides with you. Leave the carriage outside."
"Understood."
Erika stood up with a slightly dissatisfied look, gave a polite bow, and left the room.
I sighed and returned to my desk to finish organizing the remaining documents.
I now had a reason to head back early.
More importantly… I also wanted to borrow Erika's power.
When she said she wanted special treatment until graduation, from my perspective, I was the one actually getting the better end of the deal.
She really is a kind woman.
As expected from the eldest daughter of a count's family.