Celdric...
Luke instantly recognized it the man who only appeared for two chapters in the game.
Celdric!
A surge of hope hit him the moment he heard that name. Celdric Heizer, the famous alchemist who managed to stop Luke's undead puppets.
In the game, when Mikhail fought the undead in the cold forest, he was ambushed due to the low visibility. Outnumbered, wounded, and moments away from becoming a puppet himself. Mikhail was cornered already certain it his end.
That was when Celdric made his first appearance.
Through a transmutation circle, Celdric cast a freezing spell that stopped the undead in their tracks.
It only lasted ten seconds, but it was enough to save Mikhail's life.
God, he was so cool in that scene.
With his vast knowledge, Celdric even knew how to cure newly‑turned undead puppets. He set up a camp for the refugees, and after Mikhail was treated, he learned the truth behind the kingdom's curse from Celdric and the source of the puppets.
Sitting near the warm glow of a campfire, Celdric revealed everything he knew once he realized who Mikhail was. With all the clues eventually led Mikhail to Auretemia.
And now…
One of the most important key characters had come to him.
This felt like being spoon fed blessings by the universe. More importantly, Celdric was one of the characters he liked more than the MC. And now he would become his tutor, they'd see each other every day.
With him by my side, I'll survive!
HUZZZAHHH!
I WILL SURVIVE
I, I, I WILL SURVIVE
Luke's heart practically skipped a beat. He almost felt like dancing and showering Celdric with flower petals.
But that thought quickly scrapped. That is one that would probably traumatize the poor man so he quickly shook it off.
And it would definitely scare both men in the room.
Eyeing both Celdric and Eric.
Clearing his throat, Luke looked down at Celdric who had smaller frame, "Your value will be judged by me, i hope you are gonna satisfy my standards."
Since Eric was still present, Luke couldn't act too friendly. That would raise suspicion. He sat down and dismissed Eric with a qave of his hand. Eric bowed and quietly left, the door closing with a soft click.
The atmosphere shifted the moment Eric was gone.
Celdric, tense and nervous, sat stiffly. He was just a professor from a small country who had recently gotten a position in the capital. When he first heard he would be a personal tutor, he felt overjoyed someone actually trusted him.
But all that hope had flown away like a startled dove on the busy street.
Now he looked like a lamb waiting for slaughter.
Celdric had heard all the past 12 tutor the prince had, where they crying blood or face red out of frustration.
Meanwhile for Luke, who desperately needed Celdric for the future, couldn't let this man slip through his fingers. He needed to portray himself as a good student and convince Celdric.
According to the journal in the game, Celdric had only arrived in the catpital arouns a month ago.
Meaning Luke had the perfect opportunity to reshape Celdric's impression of him.
He couldn't waste this.
Luke finally opened his mouth.
"Mr. Celdric, you may please start the session."
Celdric flinched at the sudden request. "Ah yes, of course."
He took out a book and flipped through the pages, the rustling sound echoing loudly in the silent room.
"Let's start with this, the history of magic."
The tension was awkward. Celdric was too nervous, and if this continued, he might leave thinking he wasn't worthy.
This man was nothing like his game counterpart.
In the game, Celdric had deep dark circles, pale sickly skin, sunken cheeks, and messy hair that hid most of his face.
But the man in front of him now was neat, composed, even gentle.
The contrast made Luke wonder what happened in the original timeline to break Celdric down so badly?
But curiosity could wait.
Right now, Luke needed to warm this man up.
If not, he could already imagine himself becoming the final boss and getting stabbed like the original.
Gulp
The thought made his palms sweat.
He refused to let that happen.
Time to use the modern method sugarcoating.
Operation "I Love My Tutor" begins.
Luke smiled supportively. "Mr. Celdric."
"Yes?" Celdric's shoulders stiffened at being addressed.
"I know my title as prince can be intimidating to you, but please don't let it burden you," Luke said calmly. "I'm here as your student, so treat me like you treated your past students."
Celdric shifted from tense to utterly confused.
"Huh? Alright... sure, my prince."
"Please no need for formality. Just call me Luke, Mr. Celdric. I insist." Luke smiled.
Celdric froze. His eyes widened as though his brain had short‑circuited. Luke recognized that reaction coming from the countryside, Celdric was always looked down on despite his knowledge. Before becoming famous in the original timeline, he had no students. Even noble households treated him like a servant.
And now a prince was being friendly with him?
Telling him to use his name without honorifics?
Celdric hesitate that the prince probably had hidden motives. But he couldn't tell what is it.
Luke well aware his sudden friendliness will arise suspicion, he gonna need load his ammo.
Luke continue his speech, "I'm well aware of the rumour that had been go through the capital as hard i could say...that rumour is real."
"But... " Luke voice hot lower, "I had reflect on my own action and i had realized. I was Immature and im ashamed of it."
Not really since it's not even my doing, but i should wipe og Luke mess now.
This add my 101 list why i hate Luke, and now it reach 102.
"So that's why, please dont give up on me professor. Please give me a chance to prove my sincerity."
!!!!!
FATALITY!
This is the final hit for Celdric, no one even saw him as professor or even called that title. No one ever acknowledge his title yet this young man,a prince who's reputation ugly as a bald rabbit treat him properly.
His suspicion earlier almost disappeared, it seems like Luke is really reflected on what he did.
After recovering, Celdric cleared his throat.
"If… that's what you want, then… Luke i will do my best as your tutor."
The way he said the name was painfully awkward.
Luke smiled softly. "Alright. I'm in your guidance now."
And you're in my hands now too, professor. I'm not planning to let you go that easily.
Luke also intended to keep his promise to the queen not to make this tutor quit. i just hit
Three birds with one stone.
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Meanwhile, completely unaware of his new fate, Celdric felt relieved. The prince is actually try to change himself.
Yet the danger is sitting in front of him, sitting in perfectly straight posture with a perfect smile.