The journey to the Capital continued in an uneventful fashion. We stopped in the small town to make sure the traitorous puppy napper was successfully brought in, but we didn’t stay long after. The horses, of course, needed rest times and James couldn’t drive for hours on end alone.

I ended up learning a good deal about coaching a carriage from the farm boy. He seemed reluctant to teach me, at first, but he changed his tune when I threatened to flick him again. I wouldn’t actually have done it, but maybe it’s better if he doesn’t know that.

The princess was amenable and easy to travel with. She didn’t bring up any difficult topics of discussion again. I was thankful that she seemed to have some tact. Though she did ask me about my skills. I’m glad I didn’t give her the actual number. Having to explain 7 to her was grueling enough in its own right. Besides, it’s not like I completely understand all of my skills either. It’s far too dangerous to experiment with them anywhere near James or Lily. I’ve been informed that the Academy has dedicated training grounds where I’ll be able to practice to my heart’s content. I can hold off on playin… -Practicing- until we arrive.

All things considered, it wasn’t a bad way to spend a few weeks. I’ve learned quite a few things about James and Lily, too. I think James has a crush on the princess, though. I’ll have to watch him and make sure he doesn’t do anything to get himself in her bad graces. I have seen bits and pieces of Lily’s darker side in passing conversation, and -if I’m being completely honest- that girl scares me a bit. I think she’s desperately trying to appeal to my kinder nature, but she slips up every now and again.

Throughout the trip I kept expecting a group of bandits to pop out of the woods, or another horde of magical beasts to come running by, but neither happened. It was just a normal ride through the countryside with a couple of… Friends? Do they consider me a friend, I wonder?

[Solution: Data not found.]

Yeah, I didn’t expect you to know the answer to that one either. Still, I’m almost glad I decided to go to the Academy now. If possible I think, once I get a handle on my powers, I might drag James and Lily to power level somewhere. I think going on a leveling journey with them might be fun.

James’s injuries seem to be healing rather quick. His constitution stat is in the 30s, so by normal human standards he’d essentially be a superhero. Lily also considers herself to be quite high level, too. She always tries to find chances to brag about it. Apparently level 18 is considered genius levels in this world. Does that make James a super genius then?! I don’t think I want to live in a world where James is considered the epitome of humanity. I do think it’s odd neither James or Lily have asked me about my level. Now that I think about it, James has never bragged about his either.

“Lily, I’ve noticed that you often talk about your level. To be honest, I’ve never heard any other human brag about their level before. Is it not a common practice among humans?” I asked, doing my best to keep a straight face.

“Oh. Oh!” She seemed to come to a realization. “I’m sorry, Calliope, I sometimes forget that you’re not human… Because your appearance is… Well, you know what I mean. Anyways, most humans never make it past level 10 so bragging about your level has sort of become a thing only in military society.”

“Oh. But James doesn’t talk about his level, and his father is a knight.”

“I don’t know why James doesn’t brag about it. I secretly touched his hand while he was sleeping the other night in order to analyze him. He’s actually even more outstanding than I am. Honestly, he has the prospects to become the next Knight Captain in my opinion… But he must have his own reasons for not talking about it. When we get to the Academy you’ll see how common bragging about levels really is.”

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

I see. I wonder why James doesn’t brag about his level. Maybe he doesn’t think his is all that high considering he’s less than half his father’s. Should I ask him about it?

[Solution: Data not found.]

Yeah. He’s respected me enough to not pry into my situation. The least I can do is give him the same courtesy.

“That reminds me, Calliope. You never did tell me what level you were.”

Oh shit. I shouldn’t have brought it up. Crap, what do I say?

[Solution: In order to register for the Academy your level and number of unique skills will be publicly assessed by a Reading Stone anyways. This guide recommends telling the truth.]

That… That’s some exposition you should have told me the minute I decided I would go to the Academy.

[Solution: The user has reaffirmed time and time again that they aren’t trying to hide their strength.]

I’m… But… I don’t even know what to think. I was kind of hoping I wouldn’t have to ever show my real level to anyone. What will they think when they find out?

[Solution: Data not found.]

And I’ve already lied to Lily about having only seven skills. Won’t she come to hate me if she finds out I lied to her?

[Solution: Data not found.]

Is there any way to suppress or hide my level?

[Solution: No.]

Crap.

“Lily, I’ve heard that your level gets revealed when you’re getting admitted to the school. If possible I want to keep mine a secret until then.”

Lily looked at me and tilted her head to the side a bit. I could see confusion and questions lurking behind her expression. Despite her obvious curiosity, she didn’t press me on the matter.

“Okay. That’s fine. If you want to hide your strength I could order a secret test to be done for you as well,” replied Lily.

This girl. This beautiful wonderful girl. My face split into a bright smile.

“That would make me very happy, Lily.”

“The only condition is I get to be there when it happens to see the results.”

I almost choked on my own words. For some reason the girl looked like she was laughing to herself as she read my expression.

“Is- Is it really necessary?” I asked.

“Yes. You’re clearly hiding something, and I’m terribly curious about it. The longer I hang around with you the more I come to like you, Calliope. I don’t think friends should keep secrets between them.”

Ah. So she did consider me her friend? I think I’ve just made my first real friend since coming to this world. Well, I don’t know if James considers me a friend. For now, Lily is my first. I know, somewhere deep in my mind, that she’s probably planning to use me. Everything she’s said is probably a ploy to get me to lower my guard around her, but another part of me wants to trust in her. There’s no real harm in giving her a chance, is there? I mean, it’s not like she can actually tie me to her country in any way. No one here is strong enough to do that. If I find out she’s plotting behind my back I can just leave.

“Okay. You can see the results. But I refuse to tell you before then.”

When I replied, Lily’s face bloomed into the most genuine smile I’ve ever seen her wear.

After two more days on the road, the Royal Capital could finally be seen on the horizon.