Chapter 45
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 45
Chapter Title: The Female Professor Became Obsessed with Her Student. (2)
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Shabel was eyeing me with clear suspicion.
I let out a short sigh and slumped my shoulders.
I should've just acted like I always do, so why on earth did I try using that noble-speak that doesn't suit me at all?
Thanks to that, I'd stirred up some weird misunderstanding. Deep down, I regretted it.
"I phrased it a bit strangely, but it's true that the professor's office felt a little empty."
"Is that so? I don't think I've ever felt that way myself..."
Shabel trailed off, glancing around her office before turning her gaze back to me.
"I suppose it could feel that way. Compared to the other professors' offices, mine really has nothing in it."
"That's why I got the flowerpot. I thought it might brighten things up a little."
"Come to think of it, you're in the Horticulture Club, aren't you?"
Shabel lightly touched the leaves of the plant in the pot with her fingertip. From her expression, she didn't seem displeased with the gift.
'It's not like I bought it because of the Horticulture Club...'
There was no need to correct her here. Personal reasons aside, if Shabel was happy with the gift, that was enough.
"I've received gifts a few times before, but a flowerpot is a first. In any case, thank you."
"It's not anything grand enough to warrant such thanks."
That was enough about the flowerpot. Time to get to the main point.
I reached into my pocket and pulled out a small wooden box.
"This is something prepared by Lady Elena of the Frozenheart Ducal Family."
As I held out the box, Shabel tilted her head curiously and took it.
"Elena Frozenheart—the top student in the Magic Department, and the person you serve, right?"
"Yes."
"I can't understand why she would prepare something like this."
"Didn't you cover the cost of my sword? She said this is repayment for that."
"In that case, I can't accept it."
Shabel held the wooden box back out to me. The faint smile she'd worn moments ago had been replaced by a serious expression.
I didn't take the box as I asked,
"May I ask why?"
"The sword broke because I was fighting the beast, and that was ultimately my failure. Your sword breaking is no different from me breaking it myself."
So that's how it was...
The scattered puzzle pieces in my head were finally clicking into place.
It was the moment when even my brief suspicion that Shabel had some grand plan to recruit me as her disciple felt embarrassing.
Her way of thinking was so stubbornly principled...
"You already apologized fully that day."
"An apology doesn't erase what happened. Taking responsibility is a separate matter."
In a world full of people who shirked responsibility, it was refreshing to meet someone so upright—though it was also a bit frustrating.
"In any case, I can't accept this, so please take it back."
"Understood. I'll let the lady know."
I took the wooden box and tucked it back into my pocket.
Part of me wanted to tell her to just take it, but I couldn't bring myself to. After all, Elena was the one who'd prepared the brooch.
As a mere messenger, I had no right to dictate what happened to my master's gift.
"By the way, have you given any thought to the direct disciple matter?"
"I've been thinking about it, but I haven't decided yet. I'll give you an answer as soon as possible."
"No need to rush. Take your time."
"Thank you for your understanding. I'll take my leave then."
I bowed politely to Shabel and turned to go. Just as I was about to exit the office, something occurred to me.
"By the way, water the flowerpot every two days—just about the amount in a teacup. And if possible, keep it in a sunny spot to make it easier for the flowers to bloom."
"Yes, I'll remember that."
Before I knew it, Shabel had a faint smile playing on her lips.
Time passed, and soon it was after classes.
I headed to the Horticulture Club as usual. Aside from weekends, I came almost every day now—it had become part of my routine.
As I entered the clubroom, I saw the other members already there. Elena was among them, naturally.
"Lady Elena, wouldn't it be great if there was a spell to accelerate plant growth?"
"Cain, that would just turn it into food production. Horticulture is about nurturing plants with care and heart..."
"W-Well, of course, but..."
Today, as always, Cain and Evan were bickering over Elena.
Their efforts to win her affection were admirable yet pitiful. Elena seemed utterly oblivious.
"What are you all talking about without me?"
Not wanting to be left out, Yubel hurriedly jumped into the conversation.
The future Sword Saint, future Magic Tower Lord, and future Emperor were all gathered here, yet their discussion somehow didn't feel productive.
Well, it wasn't my problem anyway.
"Oh, everyone, come on in."
Erze, savoring her tea, greeted us with a smile. Her perpetually narrowed eyes, which once felt ominous, were starting to grow on me.
'Though I still jump every time she actually opens them...'
Her golden eyes were awe-inspiring every time I saw them. They gave the impression of something beyond mere eyes—hard to explain, but they lingered in my mind.
"Greetings, Princess Erze."
"Yes, Miss Evie. Nice to see you."
Evie exchanged greetings with Erze and took her seat first.
As I moved to greet her next, Erze slyly lifted one eyelid. As if she could read my thoughts.
'At this point, is she actually reading my mind?'
I averted my gaze and hurriedly bowed my head.
"Greetings, Princess Erze."
"Yes, nice to see you. Come sit down."
Thankfully, when I looked up, Erze was back to her usual self. She had probably just been teasing me.
Why does she always pick on me when there are so many others around...?
Feeling unjustly targeted, I made my way to my seat.
Just as I was about to sit, Elena suddenly stood up.
"Luke, come with me for a moment."
The oblivious trio, who had been chattering away, fell silent and stared at Elena. They looked thoroughly flustered.
Elena ignored their gazes and strode off.
'What on earth is this about now?'
Standing there dazed, I set my bag on the table and followed her.
Once we were out of the clubroom and the door was closed, Elena turned to face me.
"Luke, did you talk to Professor Shabel?"
So that's what this was about...
I breathed a quiet sigh of relief inside. I hadn't shown it, but I'd been worried.
Anyway, my master had asked, so I should answer.
"Yes."
"What did she say?"
"She said fighting the beast was her failure, so my sword breaking was her responsibility too. That's why she covered the cost. She refused the gift in the end."
"I see..."
Elena furrowed her brow. Her fingers were tapping her cheek rhythmically—she seemed deep in thought.
When her fingers finally stopped, her pursed lips parted.
"Just give her the gift anyway. I bought it thinking of Professor Shabel, so it doesn't matter. I wouldn't use it myself."
"Given her personality, she probably won't accept it..."
"That's for you to figure out cleverly."
Me? Clever? I don't have that kind of skill...
Of course, I couldn't voice that. Servants had to follow orders, fair or not. If I didn't like it, I could quit.
"And there's one more thing I need to tell you."
"Something else?"
"Professor Shabel suggested I become her direct disciple."
"Direct disciple...? What's that?"
I explained direct disciples to Elena. A mentor takes only one in their lifetime, and the disciple can invoke the master's name in other settings.
In practice, though, who would actually do that? Only an ungrateful wretch exploiting their teacher's name.
"But why tell me about it?"
"I'm your exclusive attendant, aren't I? My situation depends on you, so you need to decide."
"Is that really the only reason?"
"...Didn't we promise as secret friends not to keep anything from each other?"
Elena's briefly twisted expression returned to normal—no, she looked a bit happier than before.
I didn't know why she needed to hear that, but if she wanted it, I could say it.
"So, what do you want to do?"
Elena's fingers tapped her cheek rhythmically: tap, tap...