Chapter 228
Chapter 228
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 228
Chapter Title: Return from Vacation (2)
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'Hmm... Something really feels off.'
Oliver thought as he passed through the Magic Tower's main gate and arrived at the Elemental School Tower located deeper within the grounds.
It seemed like more and more people were watching him. About one or two out of every ten.
Of course, it might not seem like a huge number, but the Magic Tower was on the scale of a small city.
With that size came a proportional number of people, so even one or two out of ten added up to quite a lot.
In other words, it wasn't something he could just brush off.
"That guy's the red-rank's personal assistant?"
"Yeah."
"That guy's the one who tied with Derek? He doesn't look like much."
"I agree."
"It was just a practice match, so maybe he went easy on him?"
"Who here would hold back just because it's practice?"
"I heard he toyed with Derek."
"Nah, I heard he was barely defending."
"I heard it was an even match."
"Whatever, he tied with a defective mana non-regenerator?"
"Heh heh. Yeah, that must sting."
Oliver thought he might be imagining it, but the black magician's eyes that pierced through emotions and the whispers around him told him otherwise.
Several Magic Tower students were staring at him.
Some out of mere curiosity or interest, others with displeasure or suspicion.
The silver lining was that none of it ran deep—it was all superficial.
Not certain, but a few quiet days and they'd probably forget all about it.
He considered finishing his business and requesting another vacation, but he overheard more whispers and decided against it.
"But why haven't we seen him until now?"
"He didn't even file for leave, just vanished for days."
"Days on end? Even the other young masters don't pull that."
"Who knows. Point is, that hot-tempered Kevin hasn't said a word."
"Isn't he as brutal as his skin color? I've heard the professors trash him plenty."
"Exactly... I heard he's some young master. No idea why a young master would work under a guy like Kevin."
It didn't seem like things would quiet down if he took a few more days off. Rumors might even get weirder.
Young master...? Oliver couldn't help but wonder what had happened while he was away from the tower.
'Maybe challenging a Magic Tower student wasn't the best idea?'
It wasn't anything major. Oliver had voiced concerns right before the match.
Kevin had only said standing out a bit more was probably better, never guaranteeing no issues.
Beyond the match, his frequent unannounced vacations were eye-catching too.
He hadn't even formally requested leave, so it was bound to draw attention.
Of course, he wasn't entirely blameless. Kevin had told him to take the time off without reporting it.
But Oliver shook his head after a moment's thought.
Whatever the case, he'd made the choice himself. He'd received consideration, not caused Kevin any harm.
He had no right to blame anyone.
If he was going to sweat every little thing like this, he never should have joined the Magic Tower in the first place.
Ultimately, the primary responsibility lay with him.
'First things first, I should check with the professor. I don't get what's going on.'
With that in mind, Oliver stepped into the elevator.
"No word, and it's been a while."
Kevin greeted Oliver with impeccable poise, his neatly combed black hair paired with a designer suit that rivaled any other professor's.
...Actually, correction. It wasn't really a greeting.
He looked too busy for pleasantries. Even without the slightly roughened skin, the fresh dark circles under his eyes, or the faintly dimmed life force from fatigue, the stacks of documents and textbooks on his desk said it all.
"Very busy?"
"A bit."
Kevin didn't deny it.
"Taking on three classes means I can't properly schedule research time, so it piles up. Feels about 1.5 times busier."
It wasn't exaggeration—just fact. His emotional state and consistent character confirmed it.
He wasn't one for bluffing or whining.
"And each new class brings more administrative crap."
Ah... Hearing that, Oliver apologized on the spot. After all, he was the one who'd have to shoulder some of that load.
But Kevin's reaction was the opposite.
"Sorry? Forget it. No need to think that way."
It was sincere, not lip service. Kevin explained right after.
"I never had an assistant to begin with. So this is all work I was supposed to handle anyway. Nothing for you to worry about."
Ah... Now it made sense.
As Kevin said, he'd always worked alone. Merlin, Kevin himself, and others in the tower had mentioned it.
As a red-rank, Kevin struggled to find help, but he hadn't bothered seeking any either.
Oliver becoming his assistant was just a sudden decision by Merlin.
So, as Kevin put it, no need to apologize for taking leave. This workload was his to bear regardless.
Yet for some reason, Oliver couldn't let it slide easily. He was Kevin's assistant, after all, and had promised to help.
"Still, I'm sorry. I can take another vacation, but until then, I'll help out again."
Kevin paused his pen mid-signature, looking at Oliver with more exasperation than annoyance.
"That's awfully self-centered. Apologizing but planning another break anyway. Well, it was the plan from the start, so no point griping, but wouldn't skipping the apology make more sense?"
"But sorry is sorry."
"So your guilt matters more than my feelings?"
Caught off guard, Oliver hesitated. He'd never heard or considered this before... but it didn't sound wrong.
His own guilt outweighed Kevin's situation or mood.
"...Yeah, you're right. Never thought of it that way... Sorry."
Kevin furrowed his brow at the follow-up apology, like he'd encountered a riddle.
"I'd lock you in a lab and study you for ten years if I could. Your whole apology thing baffles me, honestly... Though you're not the only arbitrary one around here."
Kevin grumbled with feeling before resuming his paperwork.
"Fine... If you want, I'll split some tasks again. But no more class-related paperwork. Handovers from your vacations just pile on more work."
Class paperwork meant sourcing materials from books and papers for lectures—Oliver's favorite, blending work and study.
"From now on, just simple tasks for you. Any complaints? Speak up. You're off the hook if so."
"None at all."
"...Alright. I left the class schedule in your office, so study it today. No class today, luckily. Starting tomorrow, you're on prep duty—materials, combat training setups, whatever. Questions?"
Having mentally organized everything, Oliver shook his head.
"None on what you said."
The pen scratched to a brief halt, then resumed.
"...But sounds like you have others?"
"Yes. May I ask?"
"I'd love to say get lost—I'm swamped—but for morale, one question. Shoot."
He'd planned to ask about clock end-theory, but considering Kevin's workload, mood, and timing, he postponed.
Better to wait for a more detailed answer.
"On my way in today, some students were whispering about me."
"Oh?"
No surprise in his tone—more like he already knew.
"Any idea why? I don't get it. No one gave me a second glance on my first day... Is tying with a Magic Tower student such a big deal?"
"A mere assistant with mana non-regeneration syndrome holding his own against the Redhill heir? Could be."
"Redhill heir?"
"Yeah, Redhill's a prominent family in the Agni minor school. Derek's a side branch, but still one of theirs. Big expectations."
Oh, he'd sensed Derek's superior mana quality and quantity, but not to that extent.
"So, fighting was a mistake?"
"Not really. The buzz will die in a week. It was noisy for a day or two after you left, then quiet. They're just chattering now you're back. Lay low a few days, it'll fade. Hard to hold attention here on one incident."
"Ah... I see."
It matched the shallow emotions he'd sensed. Fleeting interest.
"Honestly, the attention on you isn't much. More like they're fixated on Derek's embarrassment than you."
"Why?"
"Magic Tower's all competition and politics. Joy comes from your wins or others' losses. Want details?"
Oliver nodded, intrigued—he'd read similar in fallen magicians' journals.
"Later. Not now—busy. Go do your job."
Kevin cut off at the juicy part. Oliver felt a pang but obeyed.
Kevin was genuinely swamped, and he could hear it later. Time for work.
Kevin was right.
First day back, people stared, but by day two, half ignored him; by three or four, all had forgotten.
Proof that sustaining interest in the Magic Tower was tough.
Realizing his worry was unfounded, Oliver focused on his tasks.
Nothing difficult.
Kindly, Kevin left weekly schedules in his office, so catching up on missed classes was easy.
Required materials and texts always neatly listed—Oliver just prepped in spare time.
Other duties? Occasional simple errands and miscellany.
No harder than before... if anything, smoother.
Maybe thanks to the Derek match, students and staff treated him gentler.
From reluctant outsider to accepted insider.
No more bullying or dumped work; assignments came fairly with others.
Not bad for Oliver personally.
Bonded with staff, swapped a few words. Over time, even students nodded hellos.
Mostly Kevin's low-profile class attendees, but top students occasionally chatted—usually scheming, but conversation was key.
Thus, Oliver smoothly readjusted post-vacation.
Until the Magic Tower administrative department's support request.
"Why tell me to go to some Northland backwater?"
Kevin asked the admin rep.