Several days later, Vel trudged back to the lodging from his class, his uniform sticking uncomfortably to his back. While their chaos element research continued to stagnate, Lyvenna had compensated by drilling them relentlessly in combat fundamentals.
Two hours of physical conditioning under the afternoon sun had left him drenched. The harsh sunlight beat down mercilessly. Sweat trickled down his temples, and he wiped it away with his sleeve.
"This heat is unbearable," he muttered to himself, longing for the cool shade of his quarters.
He briefly considered using ice magic to cool himself down, but mana fatigue would hardly be an improvement over heat exhaustion. Not to mention the temperature shock from sudden cooling—catching a cold was the last thing he needed.
As he approached the lodging, thoughts of a refreshing bath filled his mind. Hileya would probably have prepared one for him already, anticipating his return. The thought of her efficiency brought a small smile to his face, which quickly turned to excitement as an idea sparked.
"A cold smoothie would be perfect right now," he said, recalling a comfort from his old life as Giri. Frozen fruit blended with ice had been his go-to refreshment during coding marathons in summer.
Vel quickened his pace. With magic, it would be simple enough. Of course he couldn't "Conjure Smoothie" out of thin air, but a little freezing here and crushing there would do the job.
Instead of heading to his quarters as usual, Vel made a detour, walking directly to the servant kitchen at the back of the lodging.
The stone walls of the lower level provided blessed relief from the heat, though warmth from the kitchen grew stronger as Vel approached. Among the expected sounds of busy staff preparing evening meals, Hileya's voice caught his attention.
"—certainly, sir," she was saying, her tone carrying a formality he rarely heard when she spoke to him.
"Then we're agreed," replied a male voice Vel didn't recognize.
Vel slowed his pace, not wanting to interrupt what sounded like a private conversation. He paused just beside the doorway, out of sight.
"Of course," Hileya responded.
"Indeed. Your position here provides unique advantages."
There was a brief silence, followed by the rustle of paper.
"I should return to my duties," Hileya said. "Someone might need me."
"Until next time, then."
Vel quickly stepped back and pretended to be walking toward the kitchen as a slender man in modest traveling clothes emerged. The stranger nodded politely before continuing down the hallway, his footsteps fading at an even pace.
Taking a breath, Vel entered the kitchen with what he hoped was a casual demeanor. Hileya stood near the center table, carefully folding a piece of parchment. Her eyes widened slightly when she spotted him.
"Young Master! The kitchens are an unusual place to find you," Surprise colored her voice as she hastily tucked the paper into her apron pocket.
"Sorry if I interrupted," Vel said. "I didn't mean to intrude on your conversation."
Hileya maintained her polite expression, though her hand smoothed her apron unnecessarily.
YOU ARE READING
GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation
FantasyWhen renowned game developer Giri meets his untimely end, he awakens as twelve-year-old Vel in the magical realm of Aeonalus-his own creation. Five hundred years have passed since he crafted the world, and Vel finds himself in the village of Oakhave...
