Erica - When a Friend is Obsessed With Me

Chapter 48

She was informed that she needed to be inducted by the end of the conclave at the Imperial Palace.

"In two months, you'll have to take a unit placement test to determine your affiliation."

"Unit placement test?"

Erica frowned at the term, recalling a challenging test she had faced years ago.

"Is it difficult? Will it be more annoying than the S-class mercenary promotion test?"

"Completely different. I've praised you so much that if you don't get assigned to the First Army, it would be a bit embarrassing."

"Oh, why did you do that?"

"Are you not confident?"

"Huh?"

Erica shot him a look that seemed to ask, "What are you thinking?"

"Master, you'll hear the tale of a girl who appeared like a comet and conquered Tenearha with a single sword."

"I'm worried that if something goes wrong, I won't be able to handle it."

"Do you think I always make mistakes?"

"..."

"What's with the silence?"

Erica raised an eyebrow.

"You know I'm good at everything. I'll get used to it, so don't worry."

Given the situation, she thought she should excel in her knighthood.

Her plan was to stay quiet, avoid trouble, participate diligently in training, and be friendly with her comrades.

She resolved to be loyal to the imperial family as the Emperor's Sword.

"So..."

At least until the Master's curse was completely gone.

"Get well soon, Master."

"Yes."

"When you're better, you must come see me first, no matter how much you dislike the isle."

"Got it."

Pechenik smiled and closed his eyes tightly, then opened them again.

Listening to Erica's words made him long to see something alive.

"...I'd love to see you in your Templar uniform."

He had once thought he would never care about such clothing, finding it distasteful.

Now, he was surprised at how well that uniform would suit her.

"I'll come see you, my daughter."

"...?"

Erica stared at Pechenik, wondering if she'd heard him correctly.

But the words were too clear.

Her jaw tightened, and her lips pressed into a thin line.

She buried her face in the bed, her cheeks burning with heat.

"...Yes."

She hesitated, then buried her head deeper into the bedding and whimpered.

"Father."

It was the first time she had ever used that word. Her ears burned.

The sound of her muffled whimpering was clearly audible despite being partly hidden by the duvet.

Pechenik smiled.

"Do what you want. Whatever it is, I'll be cheering you on."

"...Okay."