GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Vol 2 - Chapter 26.2: Multithreading

Hileya immediately brightened, purpose replacing uncertainty. "Of course, Master Vel. Let's surprise her."

A small, delighted sound escaped Celia's lips as the frozen spoonful touched them—the kind of reaction that reminded Vel of a child discovering sweets for the first time.

"This is amazing!" she exclaimed, digging her spoon back into the bowl for another bite. "Makes you forget the heat with every bite. How did you make this?"

Vel leaned back on the stone bench, enjoying the shade of the trees that sheltered them from the afternoon sun. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves overhead, providing perfect relief from the day's heat.

"Hileya and I experimented in the kitchen," he replied, watching Celia's enjoyment with satisfaction. "It's just fruits, milk, honey, and a bit of ice magic."

"Really?" Celia said around the spoon still in her mouth. "I would have thought this existed already somewhere."

"Probably not common because ice mages rarely walk into kitchens. They have more important work to do," Vel replied.

Hileya sat nearby, her posture more relaxed than usual as she enjoyed her own portion.

"You're back later than usual," Vel observed, noting the shadows had grown longer than when Celia typically returned from class.

Celia nodded, swallowing another spoonful before answering. "Training has been increased. Instructor Caldwen is pushing us harder, especially after the Ternion Tournament announcement."

"Is that why you looked so exhausted?" Vel asked.

"Four hours of continuous drills today," she confirmed, rolling her shoulder. "My arms feel like lead."

"How's the situation with Fairwind—"

Celia turned to Hileya, cutting him off. "Speaking of training, how are your dagger lessons coming along?"

Hileya's lips curved into a small smile. Without warning, her hand moved in a blur. She reached beneath her skirt, drew the concealed dagger from her thigh strap, and with a fluid motion, sent it flying toward a nearby tree. The blade sank firmly into the bark with a solid thunk.

Vel's spoon froze halfway to his mouth. Celia's jaw dropped open.

"When did you—how did you learn to do that?" Vel stammered.

Hileya's cheeks flushed slightly at their reaction. "It happened by accident, actually. I was cooking three days ago when a spider dropped from the ceiling. It startled me so badly that I flung the knife I was holding." She shrugged. "I missed the spider, but it gave me an idea. I've been practicing throwing in my free time."

Vel could totally imagine the scene: Hileya startled by a spider, knife flying from her hand. But something about this revelation sent a small shiver down his spine—not from the cold of his frozen treat, but from the thought of what it meant. Hileya, the quiet, obedient servant, could now throw a dagger with surprising accuracy. It was a bit unsettling if he really thought about it.

Hileya rose gracefully from her seat and walked toward the tree. She wrapped her fingers around the hilt and pulled the blade free with a single smooth motion.

"Though I must admit this puts me at a disadvantage—losing the weapon," she said, examining the blade. "Perhaps I should prepare several daggers?"