Chapter 44
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 44
Chapter Title: I Became the Student My Female Professor is Obsessed With. (1)
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I furrowed my brow as deeply as I could, scanning the rows of accessories lined up before me.
It wasn't anything meaningful. I was just pretending to deliberate.
Without any prior knowledge, what was I even going to learn just by staring like this? No matter how intently I looked, my impressions didn't go beyond "pretty" or "flashy."
'Honestly, there's no real reason to agonize over it.'
They say fashion's true finish is the face, don't they? Any of these would look perfect on Elena.
Of course, if I acted that casually, it wouldn't end well.
Picking out your lady's accessories as her exclusive attendant by just glancing around? I'd be lucky not to get fired on the spot.
"I think this one would be good."
In the end, I chose a ring. A blue gem-studded one. The stone wasn't too large, and the thin band seemed unobtrusive yet perfect for Elena.
"...You have unique taste."
"I'm sorry for my lack of discernment. If it doesn't suit your fancy..."
"Who said it doesn't suit me?"
Then why call my taste unique...?
As I blinked with that unspoken question in my eyes, Elena shrugged nonchalantly, as if it were nothing.
"Anyway, good work."
"Then I'll fetch the shopkeeper."
"Yes, please do."
I promptly headed off and brought the shopkeeper to Elena.
I'd been quietly worried it might not fit, but luckily, it slipped perfectly onto her index finger. It was as if it were made for her.
After paying for the ring and the brooch for Shabel, we left the shop.
Despite visiting only the smithy and the accessory shop—just two places—the sun was already high in the midday sky.
"Milady, what would you like for lunch?"
While staying at the Academy, meals were provided daily as standard, holidays or not. If we headed back now, we could just barely make it.
But Elena didn't seem particularly inclined to.
"It might be better to eat out and head back."
"Then allow me to escort you to the place Her Highness Princess Erze recommended earlier."
"Sounds good. Lead the way."
I guided Elena toward the nearby restaurant.
Was it because of her looks? Passersby kept stealing glances at her.
'If only she could change that reed-thin personality of hers, she'd be perfect...'
Who could I blame, though? The person who'd influenced her personality the most was none other than me. If I had complaints about it, I'd have only myself to fault.
"Luke, where to next?"
"This way."
"...This is really the right way, right?"
The direction I pointed to was a dingy alleyway, so it wasn't strange for Elena to question it.
"I remember it clearly."
These kinds of places are where the best hidden gems lurk. Surviving off the main commercial strip was proof enough of its strength.
Elena hesitated but stepped forward, and I followed behind her.
We eventually arrived deep within the shabby alley. The chill air lingered, murky with staleness—not the most pleasant vibe.
'I had no idea it was a place like this...'
Even when I'd come with Erze, she'd only described it from outside the alley. This was my first time venturing all the way in.
Creeeak—
I cautiously pushed open the wooden door before us, and a spine-chilling screech echoed out.
Maybe the sound unnerved her. Elena clung to me, grabbing my sleeve.
'She's always been the same in moments like this...'
Even as a kid, if something scary happened at night, she'd come scampering to my room. How many sleepless nights had I spent soothing her...?
A faint smile crossed my face at the memory as I stepped through the door.
"Welcome."
A kindly old woman greeted Elena and me.
The restaurant's interior behind her was surprisingly tidy, unlike the rundown alley outside.
I gave the old woman a brief nod of greeting and headed inside, where...
"...?"
"...?"
...I spotted a girl with her hair in a bun and a buzz-cut guy. They were sitting across from each other, eating. Our eyes met, and they froze solid.
It felt like stumbling upon classmates on a date—what a weird mix of awkward and unwelcome.
"Miss Yurshilla...?"
"E-E-Elena...?"
The bun-haired girl called Yurshilla spotted Elena and went wide-eyed, like a criminal caught red-handed at the scene.
As Elena's gaze shifted to the buzz-cut guy across from her, Yurshilla shot to her feet.
"I-It’s not what it looks like! There are circumstances, all of them..."
"I see. I don't know the details, but I hope it all works out for you."
"Y-Yeah...! It'll be sorted out in no time."
Yurshilla nodded vigorously, her ear tips flushed bright red. She seemed deeply embarrassed.
I couldn't quite fathom why she'd react so intensely, but...
Eh, probably some Magic Department thing. No need for me to pry.
"Well then, enjoy your time."
Elena said that and took a seat far from them.
I gave the pair a quick nod and followed her.
Soon after, the old woman approached our table, and we ordered a few dishes.
Bored expression on her face, Elena tapped the table rhythmically with her finger—tap tap—
"Luke, are those two dating?"
"I can't say for sure without knowing the details, but the vibe doesn't seem bad."
"Is dating more fun than hanging out with friends?"
"...I've never dated myself, so I can't give you an accurate answer."
Stuck by someone's side since I was nine—who'd have had time for that? Why ask me of all people?
"Now I'm curious. What could be so thrilling about dating that they're so into it?"
"If I had to guess, it's probably the happiness of fully sharing your heart with someone."
"But I already share everything openly with you...? That doesn't make it dating, though."
"The feelings involved must be different. Like how a parent's love for their child differs from a close friend's."
"...I still don't get it. It's harder than when I first learned magic."
Elena pouted, sliding down onto the table with a whoosh.
I let out a short sigh and gently pressed her furrowed brow apart with my fingers.
"Milady, you shouldn't do that. And keep tensing your brow like this, and wrinkles will form before you know it."
"Ugh—, you're such a nag."
Elena narrowed her eyes and glared. But when I knew I was right, I didn't budge, so she soon straightened up.
It was all for her own good—calling it nagging felt unfair.
Not long after, our food arrived. It was all delicious overall. A comforting, homey flavor. I could see why Erze recommended it.
The bun-head and buzz-cut slipped out while we were eating. No goodbye—just gone when I noticed.
To vanish without a sound... If ninjas existed here, they'd have been prime recruits.
A bit more time passed, and after finishing our meal, Elena and I stepped back out onto the street.
"I hope the food was to your liking."
"Yes, it was excellent. Though I'd hesitate if you suggested going again right away."
"I'll keep that in mind."
"Then let's head back."
Elena smiled and started walking. I followed behind her.
In the afternoon, past midday, we returned from our outing.
The holiday ended, and weekday life returned.
"Then you're dismissed. Don't forget your duty as Academy students—rest up for the next class."
The first-period Knight Studies class ended. Shabel tucked her thick book under her arm and promptly left the classroom.
Watching her go, I stood up.
Noticing my movement, Ivi—who sat next to me—tilted her head.
"Huh? Luke, where are you off to?"
"Got something to discuss at the professor's office."
"What's with the potted plant?"
"Last time I visited, it was pretty barren. Thought this might spruce it up a bit, so I picked one up."
"Got it. See you later."
With that, I finished chatting with Ivi and followed after Shabel.
Soon, I reached the professor's office and knocked. A voice replied immediately.
"Come in."
I hurried inside, feeling oddly awkward carrying the pot down the hall.
Who knew? Someone might see it as a bribe and complain. Better safe than sorry.
"Luke, what brings you here?"
Shabel's eyes widened upon seeing me.
A student walking in with a potted plant in hand—naturally, it'd startle her.
I set the pot down on the table in front of her.
My real goals were to deliver the gift Elena prepared and ask about the sword payment, but...
Nobles always start with the polished words, right?
"I stopped by your office before, and it felt quite lonely. So, as a humble gesture, I brought a little something."
"...Have you eaten something bad?"
Looks like Shabel wasn't one for the niceties.