Advisor

Sai took in a few breaths to calm himself. He looked at the awkward instructor in front of him and asked:

"Is being a Blessed the only way of getting physically strong?"

"Hmm… I think so. Never heard of a treasure that could give the same effects of the blessing…"

"Is it the same for elemental power?" Sai thought that was how this world's magic was called.

"I'm not sure… I heard of an artefact called 'The Wanderer's Troupe' that could increase your control over elemental energy, but I've yet to know if it's real. I don't know if it works for the Visionless, either." Luke answered after some thought.

"The Wanderer's Troupe?!" Sai was surprised. Being one of the two most common artefacts of the game, he recognised the name as soon as he heard it.

"Y–yeah. I also heard about a book being used to help new Vision users improve their control of elemental energy in the Magic Division."

"A book? A catalyst?!"

"Catalyst, you say? I…"

"Wait. Did you say Magic Division? What Magic Division?"

"Hm? The 8th Company of the Knights of Favonius, the Magic Division, under the lead of the powerful mage Nymph."

"So they had one, after all… But Nymph? Is that like a fairy?"

"Fairy? No, no. That's her name, Nymph."

"Oh… and they have possession of a book that can improve magic control?"

"That's what I've heard, yes. Hold on, why am I telling you all this?" He widened his eyes when he realized he could be in trouble.

"It doesn't matter, I can't do anything with that knowledge anyway. And speaking of Magic Division, is Lisa not in it?"

"Miss Lisa? Good question… I think she is not considered part of the company. Her only title is Librarian as far as I know…" He tried remembering more, to no avail. Luke then continued: "She will certainly know about this subject more than me, why don't you go talk to her? I think she has a lot of free time anyways…"

"Of course, I know that. But she is… fearsome…" Although he said that, his next stop would certainly be the library.

"Yeah, I get you." Luke shivered from some unpleasant memories.

"By the way, do you know Noelle?" Sai recalled the maid.

"Noelle? What about her?" Luke's face instantly got dark.

"You know about her being…" His voice trailed off.

"Missing? Yes."

"Then… have there been any news?"

"No." He momentarily paused and looked down. He then turned his sad face to Sai. "How do you know Noelle, Sai?"

"Oh, she… is kind of a friend of mine. Do you teach her too?"

"I used to. She is now part of the first squad, which is personally taught by the Chief."

"Hmm…"

They both remained in silence for some time. Finally, Sai decided it was time to leave.

"Instructor Luke, thank you for everything so far. I will return here when I get stronger. If you need anything, just let me know how I can help. Thank you, once again."

"Oh yeah, sure. No problem."

On their way out, Sai felt like he had forgotten something important, but just shrugged it off. Luke absent-mindedly led Sai out of the building and then stood at the entrance for some time. Suddenly:

"Oh, shit! I have a class to teach!" He rushed to the camp once again.

…

Sai made his way back to one of the the main streets of the upper district with no problem, but hunger hit him once again. He pondered about what to do next.

Sai made his way to the headquarters of the knights while he thought, and he didn't see anyone he knew nearby. He tried entering it, but the guards stopped him.

"State your business."

With just a look, Sai knew he was no match for them. They were certainly Blessed, having been through the tough regime of knightly training, and now were veteran knights moulded by uncountable battles.

"I'm here to see Li— Lady Lisa." He gulped and forced a smile on his face. He wouldn't bear be stopped at the very entrance.

The two guards eyed each other and asked:

"Do you have a permission letter?"

"Permission letter? I don't, but—"

"Then I'm afraid you cannot enter, sir."

"Wait. I'm a friend of Master Jean, and Lisa knows me. I'm sure if you tell her I am here she will let me through."

"Your name and title?" The other guard questioned. Sai saw a slimmer of hope and answered:

"I'm Sai. I'm… Je— Acting Grand Master Jean's Advisor. Tell her that."

"Very well. I will make sure to let her know that Mr. Sai passed by. But for now, please, you cannot enter."

'I've been had. He has no intention of telling her anything.' Sai noticed by the small uninterested expression on the guard's face. 'What do I do now?'

Sai crossed his arms and stood straighter than ever. He raised his chin and looked down on the guards with the most arrogant face he could make. With a very loud voice, Sai threatened:

"I am a guest of Master Jean, and I have been tasked with helping to find out the whereabouts of trainee knight Noelle, who has been missing since yesterday. I didn't expect that after spending the night in the illustrious Wangshu Inn and thoroughly investigating this matter, two mere guards would dare to stop me from entering the office. Are you aware of the consequences your actions might bring? I shall immediately notify Sir Kaeya about this matter."

The two guards frowned and looked at each other. Unknowingly to him, the reason why they even thought twice was the mention of the investigation, and most importantly, of Kaeya. They feared getting involved with that sadist captain.

Finally, one of them broke the silence. "Wait here." He then proceeded to enter the building with a fast pace. They were worried someone who knew him would show up, so they decided to inquire further.

While he maintained an austere demeanour, inside Sai was laughing at his success. He just hoped he would be allowed in.