The ripples from the attack on the auction caused a stir in the Magic City, but the turmoil eventually subsided.
The Cain Trading Company demonstrated remarkable cleanup capabilities and a firm stance. Not only did they quickly repair the damaged facilities, but within 1 week, they also tracked down peripheral leads on some of the attackers. They delivered a detailed report along with a gesture of sincerity in the form of compensation to the Imperial Royalty and several high-ranking nobles.
The report hinted that the attack was related to the notorious Eye of Truth but made no mention of any connection to the Chaos Cult or internal moles.
On the royal side, Her Highness Princess Lilian seemed to have reached a tacit understanding with the company and did not investigate further. Instead, she publicly praised the company’s efficiency in handling the crisis and their responsibility in protecting distinguished guests.
As for what exactly happened inside the private box that night, no one outside a very small number of people involved knew.
As the incident settled, Camilla’s life returned to its superficial calm.
She remained the same ordinary student who daydreamed during summoning theory, tinkered with strange pharmaceutical formulas in the alchemy workshop, and dozed off in the corners of the library.
Except now, she had a shadow that was almost inseparable from her.
Ludmila’s presence was low. She always carried her greatsword and followed silently a few steps behind Camilla. Her deep purple hair and coal-black eyes gave her a somewhat gloomy appearance.
But she was extremely efficient.
Whether it was a noble youth trying to strike up a conversation by “accidentally” bumping into Camilla, a jealous colleague trying to sabotage her experimental materials, or even an opportunist who heard rumors of Camilla’s deep background and wanted to curry favor — they would all be escorted away before getting within 3 meters of her. Ludmila used her scabbard, a cold glare, or simply grabbed them by the back of the collar and tossed them out.
Her reason was always the same: “Stay away from her.”
After a few such occurrences, rumors about the “vicious purple-haired guardian standing next to Ophelia’s younger sister” began to circulate quietly. The flies surrounding Camilla diminished noticeably.
This left Camilla very satisfied; her happiness in being a lazy slacker increased significantly.
In return — or perhaps as a form of subconscious domestication — Camilla began feeding Ludmila.
Honey-roasted pancakes, secret egg tarts, cream puffs, and berry pies…
Ludmila always accepted the various desserts Camilla meticulously prepared in silence. She would then turn around, her back to Camilla, and finish them in small bites. Her eating movements reminded one of a little squirrel in the forest.
Just like in the original work, Ludmila had no resistance to sweets. Consequently, Camilla began keeping various snacks in her satchel, aiming to win her over by capturing her stomach.
“Here, it’s a new item from the cafeteria today. Caramel pudding.”
“*Puji!*”
Rimuru indicated that it wanted some too.
“…Thanks.”
“Try this. It’s a portable energy bar I tried to improve. Chocolate hazelnut flavor. It should taste better than the military rations the Academy used to hand out.”
“…Mm.”
“I saw this while passing the dessert shop and thought you’d like it.”
“…Too sweet.”
“Then give it back.”
“No.”
“*Puji puji!*”
Rimuru expressed that it wanted some as well.
Ludmila remained silent, acting as a dutiful bodyguard. However, Camilla could feel those coal-black eyes lingering on her for longer periods. Occasionally, when she turned back, she would catch the other girl quickly averting her gaze.
Rimuru also seemed to have accepted this new companion. In its eyes, its master had simply subdued a new Summoned Beast. Thus, it would occasionally hop onto Ludmila’s shoulder, only to be carefully poked by her finger before being clumsily placed back onto Camilla’s shoulder.
Camilla chuckled inwardly. ‘This feels exactly like feeding and taming a highly wary large feline.’ The process was filled with a sense of achievement.
The peaceful days passed one by one until a sunny afternoon.
Camilla had just finished a tedious class on the history of magic theory. She was pulling Ludmila along to hide under the shade of a lush, ancient tree in the Academy courtyard to share a box of freshly baked maple syrup pancakes.
Ludmila took small bites of the pancake, and a bit of syrup accidentally got on the corner of her mouth. Camilla naturally handed her a handkerchief.
But just then, the sound of hurried footsteps approached from a distance.
Five or six students wearing the training uniforms of the Magus Knight Department walked quickly toward them. Their faces were filled with anxiety and a bit of distress, their eyes locked straight onto Ludmila.
Camilla arched an eyebrow. Ludmila acted as if she hadn’t seen them, continuing to focus on devouring the pancake in her hand. She only shifted her body slightly, blocking Camilla from the newcomers.
“Ludmila! We finally found you!” The leading upperclassman panted, his tone urgent.
“The Quarterly Exchange Match between the Warrior Department and our Magus Knight Department at the Academy Arena — you know about it, right?”
Ludmila lifted her eyelids and glanced at him without speaking, which served as a silent acknowledgement.
“That Salina from the Blood Clan is too arrogant!” another student couldn’t help but interject, his face filled with indignation.
“She has already challenged seven of our people in a row! And her methods — she’s not showing any mercy at all! The Boss isn’t here either; they said she was called by the Principal to discuss the compilation of some swordsmanship textbook —”
“We can only rely on you now, Ludmila!” The upperclassman’s eyes shone brightly.
“In the entire Magus Knight Department, aside from Boss Ophelia, you are the strongest. You have to go and suppress that girl’s arrogance! Otherwise, our department’s reputation will be completely dragged through the mud!”
Ludmila finished the last bite of her pancake, carefully wiped the corners of her mouth and her fingers with the handkerchief, and then folded it neatly before handing it back to Camilla.
The entire process was slow and methodical, completely ignoring the few classmates who were so anxious they were practically jumping in place.
Only after finishing did she speak calmly, her voice devoid of any ups or downs.
“I’m not going. I have to stay here.”
“Huh?”
The students from the Magus Knight Department were dumbfounded.
“St-stay here?”
The upperclassman looked at Ludmila, then at Camilla, who was behind her pretending to study ants with her head down. He seemed to understand something, but he became even more anxious.
“This… Ludmila, this is a major matter concerning the honor of the department! Besides, Salina is still on the field talking big, saying the Magus Knight Department is all trash —”
“That has nothing to do with me.”
Ludmila interrupted him, her tone remaining flat.
“My mission is to protect her. As for honor, go earn it yourselves.”
With that, she hugged her sword again, signaling the end of the conversation.
The students looked at each other, scratching their heads in frustration. They didn’t dare use force against this ruthless person who had been personally “polished” by Ophelia.
It was laughable. If they had the ability to use force against her, they wouldn’t have come running for help.
Finally, their gazes shifted in unison toward Camilla, their eyes filled with pleading.
Camilla felt her scalp tingle under their stares and sighed inwardly.
‘Well, it looks like I can’t stay out of this trouble after all.’ Besides… Salina? That Blood Clan Princess? She was actually a bit interested in going to see the commotion.
“Um… Ludmila.”
Camilla tugged at Ludmila’s sleeve.
“How about we go take a look? I’m not doing anything anyway. Let’s just treat it as going to the Arena to catch some sun. And…”
She leaned in a bit closer and lowered her voice, a mischievous smile playing on her face.
“Don’t you want to try out the new things you’ve learned from my sister recently? Use it as a real-world test. Don’t worry, I’ll be in the front row of the stands, very close. I definitely won’t leave your line of sight.”
Ludmila’s coal-black eyes flickered as she looked at Camilla. She remained silent for a few seconds.
“…You really won’t go far?”
“I promise!”
“Then, alright.”
Ludmila compromised.
The Magus Knight students were instantly relieved. They looked at Camilla as if she were a savior, bowing and thanking her repeatedly.
Camilla waved them off, packed up the pancake box, and walked toward the Academy Arena with Ludmila, surrounded by the group acting as their guides.