Daily Rewards! Transmigrating into a novel as a side-character!

Elen led me outside the campus since our classes had ended for the day. We still had assignments to complete, improving based on feedback from our previous lessons, but those could wait for now.

After about ten minutes of walking from the campus grounds, we stood outside the shop Elen had mentioned earlier.

The establishment was quite large and contained an impressive variety of materials and supplies spread across multiple sections.

"You like it, don't you?" she said with a grin on her face.

I nodded my head. The place was indeed to my liking, the shop had a diverse inventory of items that would be useful for my upcoming plans.

"I stumbled upon this gem during my research. It has all kinds of materials we need for both alchemy and blacksmithing. I figured that before my lessons start, I should invest in some basic materials to get myself going, so I'm not completely clueless when the classes begin."

"You're right. I was thinking along the same lines." I said whilst checking the different shelves.

Elen's expression brightened at my agreement.

While I concurred with her reasoning, my motivation was different. It wasn't because I would be clueless. Rather, I wanted to test my recently acquired skill. The system had granted me Tier 1 blacksmith knowledge, so I should be able to create Mortal-grade items without issue, at least according to the information in my head.

Elen and I explored the store. She had clearly done her research on appropriate materials for beginner alchemical experiments, and my inherited knowledge guided me toward suitable blacksmithing supplies.

Within ten minutes, we had selected and purchased our respective items. However, I noticed Elen's expression grow conflicted when she paid for her materials. She hesitated over the final amount and seemed to count her coins carefully, which made me question whether her family's financial situation was as stable as other noble households.

The Brightwater family was positioned at the lower end of the aristocratic hierarchy, and perhaps their resources were limited. Her careful budgeting suggested someone who couldn't afford to make purchasing mistakes.

"Got everything you need?" I asked casually, not wanting to draw attention to what I'd observed.

"Yes, this should be perfect for getting started," she replied, though her smile seemed slightly strained.

I nodded in turn, not wanting to intrude. We weren't close enough for me to inquire about her family situation, so I decided not to dwell on the matter and focus on my own concerns for now.

As I made my way back toward the academy, I spotted two figures I recognized from my family estate. They were among our most powerful guards, both at Transcendent rank. A slight frown formed on my brow as I walked toward them.

I excused myself from Elen. "I need to handle something. Take care."

"See you later," she replied with a wave before casting the two guards a quick glance then entering the academy.

The guards spotted my approach and walked toward me respectfully.

"Young Master," they greeted in unison with formal bows.

"Why are you here? Did something happen back at the estate?" I asked immediately, concerned about potential emergencies that might've happened at the estate.

They shook their heads. "Nothing happened at the estate, Young Master. We were instructed by Lord Marcus to provide protection for you. As for the specific reason, you can speak to the lord himself and he shall inform you."

I contemplated their words for a moment before responding. "Alright. I'm assuming you have accommodations arranged? You can't enter the academy grounds."

"Yes, Young Master. We have secured lodging in the city."

One of the guards then retrieved a storage ring and extended it toward me. "The lord has instructed us to deliver this to you."

I accepted the ring, feeling its weight in my palm. "What's inside?"

"We were not informed of the contents, Young Master. Lord Marcus said you would understand once you examined it."

"How long are you planning to remain here?"

"Until further orders from the lord, Young Master. We are to maintain discrete surveillance and intervene only if you face genuine threats."

"Discrete surveillance," I repeated thoughtfully. "So you will be following me everywhere?"

"Correct. We will monitor from appropriate distances and positions. As for the academy, we won't enter. The academy's own security makes our presence largely precautionary."

I nodded, though I wondered what had prompted my father to suddenly assign Transcendent-rank protection. "Very well. I'll contact my father tonight to discuss this arrangement."

"As you wish, Young Master."

I made my way to my dorm, though I had other matters on my mind. The sudden appearance of these guards was disturbing, even if they claimed nothing had happened. I entered my room and closed the door behind me before taking out my communication crystal to contact my father.

My father didn't respond to my initial request, most likely busy with estate business. So I decided to try reaching my mother instead.

Thankfully, she answered immediately.

"Adrian, sweetheart! How lovely to hear from you," her cheerful voice came through the crystal, instantly lifting my mood. "How are your classes going? Are you eating properly? Making friends?"

I couldn't help but smile at her barrage of motherly concerns. "I'm doing well, Mother. Classes are challenging but manageable, and yes, I'm eating regularly."

"Oh, I'm so glad to hear that! Awe...I can't believe my baby boy is finally growing up, I'm going to cry!"

My mother started weeping out of nowhere, and I panicked slightly. "Mother, why are you crying? Everything is fine!"

"I-I know honey, but just thinking about your chubby cheeks when you were young..."

Her personality was sure something, and to be honest this is what me made me truly feel like she was my mother. Whilst, she wasn't exactly the mother who had given birth to me, her motherly love radiated that warmness that made her feel like one.

We continued chatting for a while. As I comforted her, she updated me on gossip, asked about my classmates, and fussed over whether I was getting enough sleep.

"Actually, I was hoping to speak with Father, I couldn't get a hold of him, Is he available?"

"He's in a meeting with some regional administrators right now, but it should finish within the next few minutes. You know how these political discussions drag on."

After a few extra minutes of pleasant conversation, I ended the call with promises to visit soon.

True to her prediction, my father's communication crystal activated moments later, requesting a connection.

Time to find out why Transcendent-rank guards had suddenly appeared to watch over me.