Helena had pulled the same trick in the past. However, back then, Sylas was still inexperienced, so the teachers didn't come all at once as they did now.
When one subject ended, the next teacher would come, and when that subject was over, another teacher would follow. In terms of schedule, it was more relaxed compared to now, but the overall class time was much longer.
Moreover, all the lessons were taught in a Spartan manner, so he would be exhausted by the time the lessons ended.
' It took me a full year to learn everything.'
Helena's intention to make Sylas suffer was successful. However, not everything went smoothly according to her plans.
If he were still an immature child, it might have worked, but Sylas had already tasted the harshness of life once. Plus, he had gone through the hellish college entrance exams and repeated them in his past life.
No matter how hard the lessons were, when he thought of those times, he could manage to endure.
'In the end, I finished most of the lessons with high praise.'
When you think about it, they had both scored points against each other. Helena had tormented Sylas, while Sylas had gotten back at her by earning high evaluations.
Nevertheless, the effort he put into learning paid off. Later, when he roamed around as a mercenary knight, there were many occasions when he could put his knowledge to use.
"Well, I used it more to bond with people who were interested in those fields rather than applying it directly."
Anyone feels good when someone shows interest in their field. For Sylas, knowledge was more of a survival skill.
As a result, he didn't just end up memorizing facts but gained plenty of practical experience too. He could even serve as a decent teacher if he wanted.
But now, this whole home education thing is ridiculous.
It had reached the point where it was harder to pretend not to know things. Even Matthias, who Helena brought in as her trump card, was no exception.
Before his regression, Matthias had published a book compiling his theological theories before he passed away. The content was quite radical, but it was a bestseller among extremists.
Sylas had read the book thoroughly, thinking he could use it later if he ever faced issues with the radical faction. Naturally, he could see through what Matthias was planning.
"Why does this tea taste so sweet? Did they add honey?"
Maybe it was because he was thinking about Helena, who was probably on the verge of losing her mind by now. For some reason, the tea tasted strangely sweet. Just as Sylas drank the last sip and leaned back in his chair, a servant entered the room.
"Master Sylas."
"What is it?"
"The madam has collapsed."
"What? My aunt?"
Sylas jumped up in surprise. He expected her to be furious, but he didn't think she would actually collapse! He barely held back the laughter that was threatening to burst out of him because of how delighted he was.
"Ahem! She was healthy, so why did she suddenly collapse?"
"Well, I'm not sure… A priest is examining her right now."
"Is that so?"
Sylas pretended to look grave as he lowered his gaze. Then, as if he had made a great decision, he spoke loudly.
"I can't stand worrying. I must go see how my aunt is doing."
"What? You're going yourself, sir?"
"Of course. She may not be my birth mother, but she has cared for me so attentively."
As a son, it was only right to visit and check on her health. Sylas could hardly contain himself; he was determined to fulfill his duty as a son.
"Lead me to where my aunt is! I am too anxious to delay even a moment!"
"Yes, yes, sir!"
At his firm command, the servant quickly led the way. Following the servant, Sylas quietly recalled an old saying:
'The ultimate form of filial piety is teatime.'
***
After examining Helena's body, the elderly priestess said,
"It seems like you're dealing with a case of bottled-up frustration."
Helena nearly shouted, 'I already know that!' She felt like she was on the verge of exploding from frustration.
"There is no specific medicine for that. You need to keep your mind at ease and rest."
"I... understand."
Helena managed to reply, not because she lacked strength, but because her body felt so stiff it was difficult to move. According to the priestess, this stiffness was also a symptom of psychosomatic anger.
"I will prescribe you some herbs with calming effects. They won't offer much relief, but they should help suppress your anger when it flares up."
In this world, priests did not possess miraculous healing powers. While they had holy energy, it was only lethal to demons or the undead.
If anything, alchemists' potions were closer to the concept of healing. However, those potions only worked on poisons or external wounds, not on curing illnesses.
Some priests, who also acted as doctors, used their knowledge of medicine and pharmacology to treat people. Naturally, they couldn't cure illnesses instantly.
"Once again, you must suppress your anger. If you fail to control your emotions, your condition will worsen."
Helena gave a slight nod as the priestess, emphasizing her warning, left the room. As soon as she departed, another person entered.
"Great-Aunt!"
"...!"
At the sound of Sylas's voice, Helena, who was lying down, trembled. Of all times, he had to come now!
"Y-Young Master, the madam is currently..."
"I heard she was very ill. I couldn't not come as her stepson. Seeing her face pale, it must be serious."
"That's correct. So, if you could..."
"Oh! How could this happen! She was so healthy just a few days ago!"
The maid tried to politely send him away, but Sylas kept interrupting, insisting on sitting in a chair.
Now that he had seated himself, there was no way to ask him to leave. Sylas gazed at Helena with eyes that glistened with emotion.