GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Vol 2 - Chapter 22.2 - Class Constructor

"Of course," Vel replied, not entirely sure what she intended.

Hileya stepped closer, her fingers reaching for his collar. With practiced movements, she straightened the fabric and adjusted how it sat against his neck. Her hands moved to his shoulders next, tugging the short mantle into perfect alignment.

"The Academy expects precise presentation," she explained, smoothing down the front of his jacket. "Servants at noble houses are taught how proper attire should be worn."

Her face was only inches from his now as she concentrated on her task. Vel felt heat rising to his cheeks. The light scent of soap and lavender reached him—clean and pleasant. The proximity of a young woman fixing his clothes created an unexpected intimacy he hadn't anticipated. Something about the scene felt strangely domestic—like what he imagined married couples might experience.

"Your tie needs adjustment," Hileya said, her fingers working at his neck.

"This emblem..." she said, her fingers pausing at the cloud patch on his shoulder. "This marks your classification?"

"Yes," Vel managed, his voice slightly tight. "Unstable attunement."

Hileya stepped back to examine her work. "Lady Halen mentioned Academy classifications, but I didn't realize they would be so... visible."

"The Academy wants everyone to know who belongs where," Vel said, removing the jacket.

"Will it cause trouble for you?" Hileya asked, her voice soft with concern.

"Perhaps. But sometimes being underestimated is an advantage."

A knowing smile spread across her face. "I understand that feeling well. As a servant, especially a half-elf one, people rarely think twice about my presence. They speak freely around me, share secrets they wouldn't dare voice in front of equals."

Vel watched her graceful movements as she collected the tea things. He remembered how naturally she'd taken to Celia's dagger techniques—steady hands, precise movements, unexpectedly light footwork.

An image formed in his mind again: Hileya slipping through shadows, hearing whispers meant to remain secret, her dagger concealed beneath those modest servant clothes. If she continued training, built on her natural aptitude...

"You know," Vel said thoughtfully, "you have remarkable potential as more than just a maid."

Hileya paused, her hand hovering over the teapot. "What do you mean?"

"The way you moved during training yesterday. Your balance, your precision—" Vel gestured with his hands, trying to capture what he'd observed. "In game terms—I mean, in theoretical terms—you'd make an excellent infiltrator."

Her eyes widened slightly. "An infiltrator?"

"Someone who can blend in anywhere, gather information without being noticed," Vel clarified quickly. "Who can defend herself if necessary, but whose greatest strength is that no one sees her as a threat."

A curious expression crossed Hileya's face—something between surprise and satisfaction.

"Is that how you see me?" she asked, her voice neither offended nor pleased, simply curious.

Vel considered his words carefully. "I see someone with potential that others have overlooked. Someone who could be more than what others expect, if she wanted to be."