My new life as Amaryllis's "shield" was a masterclass in duality.
By day, I was the "Prodigy Sage," sitting with Jean Alef in the academy's archives. He, convinced I was a blank slate, was passionately lecturing me on B-Rank barrier theory.
"You see, Silvie, the hexagonal weave isn't just for strength; it's for redistribution of kinetic force..."
I would "struggle," then "discover" the principle in a "flash of insight" that left him beaming with pride, all while my S-Rank `[Rapier Arts]` was bored to tears.
By night, I was the "Useless Sidekick," standing at attention in Amaryllis's chambers in the Diamond Dormitory, my face a mask of perfect, subservient obedience.
Tonight, the "Doomed Villainess" was all business.
"Briar," she said, not looking up from a file on her desk. "I have a new target for you."
She slid a piece of parchment across the polished wood. It was a copy of the official student registrar. My eyes scanned the page until I found the name. Felicity Gracewell.
