Chapter 18
Chapter 18
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 18
Chapter Title: The Calm Before the Storm in a Teacup
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I guess I shouldn't have thought things would stay peaceful.
Just thinking it without saying it out loud had led to that mess with Charlotte, and right after, someone showed up needing the infirmary.
Anyway.
Before I could even shake off what had just happened, another visitor arrived.
Who could it be?
...Please let it be a cadet with a sprained ankle or wrist, not someone here because of 'that thing.' My mood felt strangely off right now.
Even with Undine's help, my chest still felt sticky somehow.
Through the cautiously opened door, I spotted a face that was unfamiliar yet somehow familiar.
She looked like a cadet, but her gait felt remarkably disciplined.
Her abundant, glossy hair—a mix of gold and orange—swayed rhythmically with each steady step.
Her jewel-like amber eyes scanned me from head to toe, then their owner bowed politely and spoke.
"Good day, Infirmary Teacher."
"Ah, um... yes. Nice to meet you."
A businesslike tone.
Luxuriant hair like a lion's mane.
Small, perky ears and sharp eyes.
And a thin, long tail starting from her hips, neatly groomed, ending in a brush-like tip.
A beastkin stood before me, different from Michelle's vibe.
She was quite tall, so sitting in my chair, I had to look up at her as she approached.
Taking all that in, I realized who she was.
It made sense—she was one of the characters whose ending I'd seen before transferring here.
She stuck in my mind more clearly than the vaguely remembered ones.
That's why she felt familiar.
Though seeing her in person was leagues beyond the monitor, the whole world was like that, so no surprise there.
Her name was Leona.
Bodyguard maid to some princess, Irene Edelweiss... and a cadet at this academy.
Mulling over her profile, my gaze drifted unconsciously to her lower body.
...No visible injury, so hopefully not here because 'that thing' popped up.
Fortunately, she breathed calmly, her lower half undisturbed.
At least no injury or pillar sprouting.
So why was she here?
We'd never even spoken; the only time I'd seen her was a one-sided glimpse of Irene Edelweiss at the cafeteria last time.
...In cases like this, best to just ask directly.
No choices popped up, but being staff instead of a fellow cadet made this easier.
Not a strict superior-subordinate dynamic, though...
"So, what brings you here? Are you hurt somewhere?"
"Not at all. I came to deliver something."
"Pardon?"
As I blinked dumbly, Leona—who had been staring at me just as I had at her—drew a luxurious envelope from her uniform.
I took it reflexively, and a faint, pleasant fragrance wafted up.
The sender...
Irene Edelweiss, blah blah blah...
Such a mouthful. Definitely that princess's name.
Which confirmed the woman before me was Leona.
But why... send this?
"What's this?"
"I think seeing the contents will explain faster than I could."
I nodded blankly, and with no other business, Leona bowed and withdrew.
Not an injured visitor or one with 'that thing,' as I'd hoped—but somehow, this felt even more troublesome.
Looking up from the letter, Leona had vanished like the wind.
...When did she leave? I didn't hear the door.
Cold sweat trickled down my back.
She wouldn't sneak in at night and slit my throat for mischief, would she?
Probably not... but with character behaviors shifting slightly from what I knew, I couldn't fully relax.
Staring at the door where Leona had disappeared, I carefully opened the fragrant letter with my fingers.
For a moment, I wondered if I needed a letter opener like in the stories, but what infirmary keeps those?
...What if Leona's hiding, watching, and jumps out yelling, 'How dare you damage Her Highness's letter!'?
Was that too ridiculous?
Who knows.
Her demeanor was cool and professional, but she was the fiercely loyal type when it came to the princess.
Shaking off stray thoughts, I safely opened the letter and checked the contents.
A fleeting worry hit—could I even read this?—but since arriving here, conversations had flowed fine, and I'd read the envelope just now.
...Too late for doubts now; it'd be silly to fret.
The content, stripped of flowery language, boiled down to this:
She wanted to have tea this weekend.
Why...?
I'd bolted from the cafeteria to avoid drawing aggro like this.
It didn't feel like "what must come has come."
Just "why this?"
The letter did say no pressure if I wasn't keen.
And skipping it probably wouldn't cause issues.
Considering the academy's nature and this world's lax vibe, even more so.
The academy in Frigga Electric I'd entered wasn't some empire's talent forge.
Its scope was broader. I hadn't visited in-game, but the lore said so.
To simplify a complex setup...
Princess Irene Edelweiss was less absolute emperor's daughter, more constitutional monarchy figure. Cadets came from other systems too.
How's the worldbuilding such a mishmash? It's the game, that's how. Don't ask me.
Still, a princess is a princess—someone to handle carefully.
Blunt refusal felt off.
...Time to sow some seeds, anyway.
Usually I'd focus one couple at a time, but unknowns meant spreading ending seeds wide.
Irene Edelweiss and Leona's dynamic was tricky, but trying hurt nothing.
More plans, the better.
Not my intent... but whatever.
Checking the date, it didn't clash with Charlotte's promise—good.
Thinking that, I carefully refolded the letter and slipped it back into the envelope.
Trembling like a squid on a hot plate, scared Leona might be watching.
...Looks like she's gone.
Time flew, and the weekend with Charlotte arrived.
Nothing else happened, aside from Irene Edelweiss inviting me for tea time.
With some time to spare, I sat blankly, then glanced aside to see Michelle asleep on her side.
Something wriggled under the blanket—probably her tail.
Come to think of it, side-sleeping might suit her.
Her tail was quite bushy.
...Unlike Leona's.
I got out of bed and headed to the bathroom.
Undine's help was nice, but cold water on waking was most effective.
Splashing my face, I asked Undine to clean me up.
"Ahh..."
This chilling sensation.
My foggy mind sharpened.
"Haa..."
Refreshed, I stepped into the changing room. Checking the mirror for any gunk.
"Huh."
Something odd.
My messy bedhead was neatly combed—expected.
But...
"When did she tie it...?"
My head felt heavy; it was in a ponytail.
Undine must've done it.
I eyed her; she wore a mysteriously mature smile. Meeting my gaze, it deepened.
An enigmatic one, occasionally.
As affinity rose, looking at her felt... off.
Like it wasn't quite Undine?
Appearance identical, yet the vibe differed.
Like similar-looking people feeling different due to personality.
Undine too, probably.
Sudden ponytail was startling, but now I wondered why I'd never done it.
Neck exposed, it felt cool.
Satisfied, I stepped out to find Michelle sitting up on the bed, face bleary.
She swayed her tail left and right, entranced.
That defenseless sight—unseen in-game—drew a smile.
If only I could pair her perfectly...
But living, breathing Michelle lacked data; in-game, she tied to protagonist, no specifics on others.
Musing that, I rummaged for clothes.
Options slim.
Just gym uniform, robe, black short skirt and thick top screaming "infirmary teacher."
Gym wear best, so I picked it reluctantly.
Dressed, I turned to see Michelle watching.
"G-good morning."
Voice trembled from surprise. Embarrassing.
Michelle didn't mind, replying sluggishly.
"...Yeah. Um... going out?"
"Ah, yes. Shopping outside the academy with a cadet."
"..."
Michelle blinked, rose, and approached. Taller, her strides carried presence.
She gripped my shoulder lightly.
"...Mind if I join?"
"Pardon?"
"...Was thinking of heading out anyway."
Unforeseen event, like Charlotte's shopping invite.
Data-gathering crucial, indeed.
Irreversible outcomes demanded caution.
I nodded readily.
"I'll be quick getting ready."
She bolted to the bathroom at my okay.
Time buffer made it fine.
But... how would Charlotte react? Great for multi-data collection, but third-wheeling a promise?
And my worry proved spot-on.
Charlotte clung behind me, peeking out.
"T-Teacher Iris, why is she here...?"
"...Calling her by name? You two must be close, huh."
Neither seemed pleased.
Cold sweat down my back.
This weekend felt doomed to be a nightmare.