Re:Crafting in Another World
Chapter 101: He is everywhere

Chapter 101: He is everywhere

Christina stood frozen, clutching the thin fabric of her nightdress, its near-transparent silk betraying more than she’d like. She knew she was standing in front of a man with such a shameless appearance with her nipples protruding from the soft dress.

Her cheeks burned as she scrambled to cover herself, shooting a glare at Shennong, who leaned casually against the wall, his eyes glinting with amusement.

"Don’t worry, Christina," Shennong said, waving a hand dismissively. "I’m not looking at you that way. You’re practically my daughter, you know."

Christina’s face twisted into a grimace. "Ugh, don’t call me that! And aren’t you, like, younger than me?"

Shennong’s lips curled into a mischievous smile. "Indeed. Isn’t it fascinating? A father younger than his daughter. Quite the twist, don’t you think?"

She sighed, rubbing her temples. "Whatever. Why are you even here, Shennong? How did you come here? Ugh! I have loads of questions."

He straightened, his tone growing serious. "I came to help you, of course. And, well, I wanted to see Sturgeon Capital for myself. Oh, and there’s something else—Juno Marciel is in Percival Barony. I can’t exactly show my face there right now. Let’s just say had had been... poking his nose where it doesn’t belong. The mansion, the dungeon, you know how it is."

Christina’s eyes narrowed. "Lord Juno? You mean the most respected knight in all of Sturgeon? The one who sealed the evil spirit Ebonfang in his sword and slayed countless monsters that threatened humanity?"

Shennong clicked his tongue, clearly unimpressed that Christina was appreciating that guy more than him, but he knew Juno was one of his primary target but not for now. "Forget that guy. Anyway, Cassandra told me to give you this." He reached into his cloak and pulled out a small glass bottle filled with golden honey, its contents shimmering in the dim light. "She said you like this stuff."

Christina’s eyes lit up, and she snatched the bottle with a speed that betrayed her excitement. "I don’t like it, I just... don’t dislike it," she mumbled, though her glowing expression said otherwise.

Shennong chuckled. "Sure, sure. So, how’d you end up in this fancy mansion, anyway? And to the question how the hell did I get here? Well, same as always—dug a path, hopped on a MariteCart. Easy. But you? This place is locked down tighter than a treasury. I had to be careful."

She sighed, her shoulders slumping. "It’s... complicated. Look, you need to get out of here before—"

A sharp knock on the door cut her off. "Christina?" a soft, melodic voice called. Christina’s heart leapt into her throat.

She immedailty recognized the voice to be, Princess Maria’s voice.

"Hide!" she hissed, shoving Shennong toward the closet. He rolled his eyes but complied, lazily slipping inside and pulling the door shut just as the princess entered.

Maria’s dark hair gleamed under the night light, her piercing emerald eyes scanning the room. "I couldn’t sleep," she said, her voice tinged with concern. "I felt... someone loitering nearby. Are you alright?"

Christina forced a smile, her heart pounding. "I’m fine, really, your highness. Probably just a wild animal or something."

Maria’s gaze lingered on the closet for a moment, her expression unreadable. "It felt more... vicious than that. If anything happens, come to me, okay?" She paused, then added, "I’m just down the hall."

"Thanks, Maria," Christina said, her voice a touch too high. The princess gave the closet one last glance before leaving, the door clicking shut behind her.

Shennong emerged, brushing off his cloak. "She knew I was there," he said matter-of-factly. "Probably has some skill that lets her sense people’s presence. Sharp girl."

Christina groaned. "You need to leave. Now."

He nodded, already moving toward the window. "I’ll wait for you at the dorm. Oh, and don’t worry about those assassins. I caught the two who escaped. No one’s touching you while I’m around." With a wink, he leapt out the window, vanishing into the night.

Christina sank onto her bed, muttering, "What an insane man."

The next morning, a royal carriage rolled to a stop in front of the academy, its Harlow crest gleaming under the sun. Whispers rippled through the gathered students as Christina stepped out with Princess Maria, her simple knight’s uniform a stark contrast to the opulence of the carriage. The daughters and sons of counts and dukes shot her venomous glares, their displeasure palpable.

Princess Maria smiled warmly. "I’m meeting the principal—she requested my presence. You should head back to your dorm, Christina. You’re always talking about wanting to go there." She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a playful whisper. "I’m looking forward to our next sleepover."

Christina managed a nervous laugh. "Y-Yeah, me too."

As Maria walked away, Christina’s eyes caught a familiar figure in the distance—a man in an academy uniform, watching her with a infuriatingly cute smile. Shennong. Her stomach dropped. How had he gotten a uniform? If he got caught, she’d be in big trouble. Talking to him now would only draw attention, so she forced herself to turn away, her mind racing.

She headed toward her classes, her steps quickening as she navigated the sprawling campus. Geopolitics and geography awaited, but her thoughts were elsewhere.

"Christina!" a cheerful voice called, snapping her out of her thoughts. A girl with wild auburn hair and a mage’s robe bounded toward her, her green eyes sparkling. It was Lema, her best friend from the mage faculty.

"Lema!" Christina broke into a grin, pulling her into a hug. "It’s been forever! How were the excursions?"

Lema laughed, tossing her hair. "Exhausting but amazing. We saw every corner of the capital—ruins, markets, even the mage towers. But enough about me! What’s this about you hanging out with Princess Maria? I’m jealous, you know. She’s gonna steal my best friend!"

Christina chuckled, wrapping an arm around Lema’s shoulders. "No way. You’re stuck with me, Lema. Maria’s just... nice, that’s all."

"Nice, huh?" Lema teased, nudging her. "I heard she’s got half the academy swooning. So, spill! What’s it like being buddies with royalty?"

"It’s... complicated," Christina said, her smile faltering. "She’s kind, but being around her puts a target on my back. You should’ve seen the looks I got getting out of her carriage."

Lema’s expression softened. "Ugh, those high and mighty noble brats. They’re just mad you’re outshining them. You’re a knight, Christina, and a damn good one. I heard how you beat every single one of them."

"Thanks, Lema," Christina said, her heart warming. "So, what’s next for the mage faculty? More trips?"

"Nah, we’re back for a bit. But I hear your knight faculty’s up next for practicals. Got a group yet?"

Christina groaned. "Don’t remind me. No one wants to team up with the ’female baron knight.’ I’ll figure something out... maybe."

Lema squeezed her arm. "You will. And if they give you trouble, I’ll hex their socks to stick to their feet."

They both burst out laughing, but Christina’s mirth faded as she caught a glimpse of a familiar silhouette near the courtyard. Shennong. He was leaning against a tree, still in that stolen uniform, his grin as infuriating as ever. Her forehead throbbed with irritation.

"Hey, Lema, I... need a quickly pick some flowers," Christina said, already stepping away. "Meet you in class?"

Lema raised an eyebrow but nodded. "Sure, don’t take too long!"

Christina hurried toward the courtyard, her fists clenched. Shennong didn’t move as she approached, his smile only widening. "Morning, daughter," he said, his tone dripping with mock affection.

A vein pulsed in her forehead. "What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be at the dorm? Or better yet, leave? I have enough problems without you sneaking around in a stolen uniform!"

"Stolen?" Shennong gasped, feigning offense. "I borrowed this fair and square. And I’m here to keep an eye on you. Sturgeon’s not as safe as you think, Christina."

"I can handle myself," she snapped. "If you get caught, I’m done for. Do you know how much trouble I’d be in?"

He waved a hand. "Relax. I’m stealthier than a shadow. Besides, I told you—I’ve got your back. Those assassins? Handled. Any other threats? I’ll sniff ’em out."

She crossed her arms, glaring. "I don’t need a babysitter. Just go back to wherever you came from."

Shennong’s expression softened, just for a moment. "I know you’re tough, Christina. But you’re in deep here—nobles, knights, princesses. You need someone in your corner."

She opened her mouth to argue, but the bell rang, signaling the start of classes. She groaned. "Fine. But stay out of sight. And stop calling me daughter."

He saluted mockingly. "As you wish, step-daughter."

With a frustrated huff, she turned and stormed toward her classroom, her mind a whirlwind of worry. Shennong was a problem, but he wasn’t wrong—Sturgeon was a viper’s nest, and she was caught in the middle. Between the nobles’ scorn, the knight faculty’s hostility, and Maria’s unexpected friendship, she wasn’t sure how much more she could handle.

As she slipped into her geopolitics class, Lema waved her over, patting the seat beside her. "You okay? You look like you just saw a ghost."

Christina forced a smile. "Just... another crazy day."

Lema leaned closer, whispering, "If it’s about those knight faculty jerks, I’ve got an idea. There’s a mage-knight joint exercise coming up. Maybe we can team up. I have my other friends from baron and merchant families. No one will bully you."

Christina’s eyes widened. "Wait, really? That’d be... amazing."

"See? Told you I’ve got your back," Lema said with a wink. "Now, let’s survive this boring lecture."

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