Rex walks towards Helena as the target for him to manipulate, but he needs to be careful because Helena is more experienced here because of how old she is.
He calls out, "Lady Helena," with respect and a small bow.
"I wanted to say thank you for bringing your family here."
"This was something the town really needed."
Rex could see that Helena was brilliant when she looked at him. This was a woman who had spent years dealing with noble courts and political intrigue.
It would be harder to control her than her youngest daughter, and of course that made her more intriguing for Rick to conquer.
"You're welcome, dear," Helena said with a practiced warmth. "Even though my son deserves the credit because he thought of this."
"You still back him up. That says a lot about who you are."
Helena's eyebrow went up a little, and she looked like she was having fun. "Compliments from an inn worker? What a surprise."
Rex smiled and didn't back down. "Just being honest with someone who values smart people."
"You obviously know magic, you act like a noble person, and you're willing to spend a week in a small town helping poor people."
"That's not common at all from my own perspective."
"My... how observant you are," Helena said as she looked at him more closely. "Rex, what do you really want out of life?"
The question was direct, like a challenge. And Rex knows it was a test.
"Honestly?" Rex looked her straight in the eye. "I don't know yet."
"Most of my life has been about just getting by, but being around people like your family and seeing what you can do when you have a goal and skills makes me think that maybe I could do more."
"What a great ambition," Helena said after a moment of thought. "That's good."
"It's better than quitting, but you need to know that ambition without direction can be dangerous."
Rex said, "Then maybe I need someone to help me find my way." He maintained a tone that was both light and serious.
Helena smiled, and her eyes lit up with happiness. "Maybe you do."
"Rex, we'll see how you do this week."
"Show me that you're willing to work for what you want, and we'll talk about it."
"Thank you so much, Lady Helena." Rex bowed.
"Ah." Helena held Rex's head so that she could stop him from bowing down. "No need to do that for me, dear."
"Okay..." Rex nodded.
She walked away, and Rex smiled a little. Helena was clearly interested because she thought he had potential, or at least the illusion of potential that he had carefully built.
That was enough for now.
...
Everyone came back to the inn for lunch, which was a group event. Mara and Garrett made a simple but filling meal, and the mood was positive as heroes and townspeople mixed.
Rex's next target is Diana, and without wasting any time, he sat next to Diana, who was eating quickly and looking over what looked like tactical notes.
"Are you planning the afternoon session?" Rex asked casually.
Diana looked at him. "Yeah, archery and swordsmanship use different muscle groups."
"I need to make sure people don't go too far and hurt themselves."
"Smart and caring," said Rex. "You look like you have everything together."
"I have to because it's my responsibility, and with great power—" Diana said in a matter-of-fact tone.
Rex cut her off fast. "Comes huge responsibility?"
Diana was surprised to hear that. "Oh wow... you're correct. Just a bit, though."
"It's supposed to be a great responsibility."
"Fuck!" Rex cursed in his mind.
"Oh yeah, I forgot. Hahaha."
Diana shook her head and said, "Someone also needs to take care of the logistics, but Elliot is the face of our operations."
Rex said, "The unglamorous but important work. Does that bother you?"
Diana's eyes got sharper. "Why would it?"
Rex quickly said, "It wouldn't bother me, but some people want to be recognized for what they do."
"You do all this work to plan and get ready, but Elliot gets all the credit. That would make some people upset."
Diana was quiet for a moment, and it was hard to tell what she was thinking. "Elliot is a good leader because he gives people hope, and that's valuable for us all."
"Absolutely," Rex agreed. "But so is what you do. I'm just saying, don't undervalue your own contributions."
Diana said, "I don't," but there was something in her voice, like a defensive attitude, that made it seem like Rex had hit a nerve.
"Good," Rex said, and then he moved on to something else. "So, archery this afternoon? I've always wanted to know."
Diana relaxed slightly. "It's harder than it looks because it takes time and accuracy."
Rex said with a smile that made him look bad, "I'm trying to develop two things."
They talked about work for a few more minutes, going over techniques and ways to train. Rex made sure to act like he was really interested by asking smart questions that showed he was really paying attention and thinking.
Diana had a different view of him by the time lunch was over. Not just as another student, but as someone who understood how important her work was and valued what she did.
Another link has been made.
...
The archery session in the afternoon took place in a different area, with targets set up at different distances. Diana was a strict but effective teacher.
She corrected postures and grips with the skill of someone who had done it hundreds of times.
Rex was surprised to find out that he was naturally good at archery. At first, his shots went wide, but once he got the hang of it, he started hitting the targets more often.
Diana stopped by his position and said, "Oh wow. That's actually good progress."
"You have some steady hands right there."
"Thanks," Rex said. "Though I think I'm getting more lucky than skilled."
Diana said, "Luck is just some skill you haven't realized yet."
"Keep practicing and you'll notice some patterns soon enough."
People began to get worn out after another hour of training. Diana asked for a break, and at the same time, Rex and Evelyn were both near the water station.
This was the one he had been looking forward to and dreading. Elliot's girlfriend. She was attractive, intelligent, and evidently infatuated with the hero.
She was also the most difficult individual to interact with, as she consistently remained closely attached to Elliot.
Evelyn said, "You're doing well," as she filled her canteen. "Elliot said you learned how to use the sword quickly."
"I'm still trying to be better," Rex said humbly. "But compared to you and Elliot, I'm not very good, of course."
Evelyn said, "Everyone has to start somewhere." Her voice was sweet, but her eyes were alert.
"What made you want to learn how to fight?"
"Mostly survival," Rex said honestly. "The attack by the bandits showed how weak we all are."
"I don't want to be powerless if it happens again."
Evelyn said, "Practical... it seems like most people here care more about being heroes than about protecting themselves."
"What's the difference?"
"Heroes seek fame, while those who survive desire to live." She scrutinized him intently. "Which one are you, Rex?"
Rex thought while frowning, hearing it. "I can see it..."
"This bullshit is a question that was meant to trick me..."
"She would mark me as untrustworthy if I got it wrong."
Rex takes a deep breath. "Right now?"
"Of course, duh."
"Well... uh... I'm a survivor trying to determine if there's something worth being heroic for."
"I've always prioritized my own needs, and maybe it's time for me to learn how to care about others as well."
Evelyn's face relaxed a little. "That's the truth, and you know... I value honesty."
Then Rex said, "I'll be honest about something else," taking a chance. "You're the smartest person in your group."
"You notice things that others often overlook... that must be exhausting at times."
Evelyn raised her eyebrows. "Why do you think like that?"
"Because you're watching me right now to see if I'm real or if I'm trying to trick you, and... you do that with everyone as well."
"I've seen you watch people all day, and it feels like you're always on guard."
Evelyn didn't say anything for a while. Then a tiny smile appeared on her face.
"You see more than you let on."
"Like I said, I'm trying to pay more attention to the things that matter."
"And what does Rex care about?" Evelyn asked.
He said, "I'm still trying to figure that out, but I think it's probably important to understand other people."
"You can't help someone if you don't know what they really need."
"Good advice," Evelyn said.
Rex could tell that she wasn't completely convinced, but at least he had earned some respect from her.
"Keep up the hard work. Elliot believes you have what it takes."
Rex nodded. "Thanks... I promise I won't let him down."