Chapter 46
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 46
Chapter Title: I Became the Student the Female Professor is Obsessed With (3)
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After Shabel had suggested taking me on as her direct disciple, I'd spent a lot of time wrestling with the decision myself.
She was a woman, sure, but her skills rivaled those of a Sword Saint. Becoming her direct disciple would mean learning so much from her. Who knows? I might even become a knight far greater than my meager talents suggested.
If I let this chance slip by, I'd spend the rest of my days as Elena's exclusive attendant, never becoming anyone's direct disciple. For a knight like me, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
'The problem is all the attention it'd bring...'
My goal had always been to roll around comfortably as Elena's exclusive attendant. Tending the garden flowers now and then, eating when it was time, sleeping when it was time—that kind of life.
Someone might tell me a man needs dreams and ambitions...
But dreams don't put food on the table. Elena does. Which life was easier didn't even need asking.
And saying men have to chase dreams? That's discriminatory. A guy might just want to laze around at home sometimes.
Those thoughts chased each other in circles for a while.
In the end, I made up my mind. Or rather, I had to. I couldn't just stay silent to Elena's question.
"It would be better to decline the offer."
Coming to the Academy, learning the sword from the Frozenheart Ducal Family—it was all thanks to Elena's grace.
I was already more than happy and grateful for that consideration. I couldn't afford to spend time becoming someone's direct disciple when I should be serving her even more diligently.
Did she like that answer? Elena's lips curved into a soft smile.
"Good. Become Professor Shabel's direct disciple."
"...Pardon?"
"I said become her direct disciple."
"I understand, but that would keep me from focusing on serving you, my lady..."
Tap.
Elena's index finger pressed gently against my lips, as if to silence me.
"Didn't you say your treatment is up to me?"
Then why even ask what I wanted...?
I couldn't fathom Elena's thinking at all, but I had no choice but to obey. Just as she'd said, my position was in her hands.
Anyway, what an unpredictable master she was.
Time passed, and it was the next day.
I visited Professor Shabel's office again.
I carefully knocked on the firmly shut door, and soon a voice replied.
"Come in."
I opened the door and stepped into the office, where I found Shabel right away. She was watering a potted plant by the window with a teacup.
I'd said to water it one cup at a time, but I hadn't expected her to actually use a teacup...
Well, the fact that she treasured it was gratitude enough. The details didn't matter.
"Luke, what brings you here?"
"I have something to say about yesterday."
"Very well."
Shabel emptied the remaining water from the teacup into the pot and returned to her seat.
We sat facing each other across the table. I took a wooden box from my pocket and placed it on the table.
"I passed on your wishes to the lady, but she insists you accept it anyway."
"Why...?"
"She said since you picked it out thinking of her, it holds no special meaning."
"I see..."
Shabel scratched her head with a troubled expression.
It wasn't just any gift—it was something she'd returned because she couldn't accept a reward. Even if the meaning had changed, it wasn't easy to take.
But refusing it now? The giver had chosen it with her in mind. That would seem rude.
Still, if I knew Shabel, she'd refuse in the end. With her upright personality, she'd see it as something she absolutely couldn't accept.
Sure enough, she let out a short sigh. Her gaze was steady, the decision already made.
Just as her lips parted, I cut in first.
"I have something else to add."
"Yes, go ahead."
"You offered to take me as your direct disciple."
"Yes, I did."
"A bit late, but I'll accept."
Elena had told me to make sure Shabel accepted the gift, one way or another.
I had no idea what she thought I was capable of to give such an order, but if she commanded it, I'd follow.
"And as your prospective direct disciple, I ask you this: Master, please accept the gift."
"That's playing dirty. How can I refuse now?"
Shabel let out a deep sigh and smiled.
Had Elena foreseen all this and ordered me to become her disciple?
I had no clue, but things had worked out fine.
Afterward, Shabel opened the wooden box I'd handed her.
"It's a brooch."
"The lady and I picked it out together."
"The plant, the brooch—first gifts like these I've ever gotten."
"What kind of gifts have you received before, then?"
"Swords, armor. All weapons and gear. I was a knight once, and now I'm a Swordsmanship Department professor, so it's only natural."
That made sense. Feminine gifts wouldn't suit her, and masculine ones would feel off too. They'd probably gone for things fitting her profession, gender aside.
Still, she didn't seem displeased. A faint smile spread across Shabel's face.
"Luke, mind if I ask one favor?"
"Of course, what is it?"
"Could you pin the brooch on for me?"
Me? Why?
The thought flashed through my mind, but I brushed it aside.
For a knight who'd honed her sword her whole life, gaining a direct disciple was special. It was like having her talent as a master recognized.
And getting her first brooch ever? She probably wanted to indulge a bit.
Pinning a brooch was no big deal for a disciple.
I circled the table to her side and picked up the brooch from the wooden box.
"Where would you like it?"
"Anywhere's fine."
That was the hardest part...
After a moment's thought, I pinned it to her overcoat—specifically, the collar.
Luckily, it looked decent enough to my eyes. Though I knew better than anyone how questionable my sense of style was.
"Luke, thank you."
"No, thank you for accepting me as your direct disciple."
"I think you're the one who got accepted here..."
Shabel burst out laughing—Pfft! It was far more feminine than her usual stiff demeanor.
The more I saw of her, the clearer it became: tough exterior, soft inside.
"So, how should I address you?"
"As I said before, whatever feels comfortable. Shabel, Creamhilt, or just Professor is fine."
"...Shabel."
A playful impulse struck, and I called her by name.
Truth be told, I'd thought about it since she first introduced herself and said to call her whatever. Someday, I'd try her name.
Caught off guard? Shabel stared at me blankly, eyes wide.
"Just kidding, Professor."
"Oh, no. It's just... you're the first to call me that. I was surprised. If you prefer my name, feel free."
"Really just a joke. Calling my master by her first name? Ridiculous."
"Do whatever's comfortable."
Shabel shrugged as if giving up.
That wrapped up our talk. Mission accomplished, time to head out.
I gave a quick bow and turned to leave when a voice called from behind.
"Luke."
"Yes, Professor?"
I turned back to face Shabel.
She seemed to hesitate a moment before continuing.
"Could you spare some time this weekend?"
"Sure, no fixed schedule."
"Then let's train on weekends. We're both busy on weekdays."
"Understood."
"You can go now. We'll see each other soon anyway."
I bowed again and left the office.
Weekends, huh...
Training on weekdays wasn't enough—now weekends too. Never thought I'd miss the military. At least they gave weekends off.
Time flew by to after classes, and I reported this to Elena.
"...Training on weekends?"
"Yes. Classes and club activities make weekdays tough."
"Fair enough..."
Elena nodded in understanding, but her lips pouted.
Honestly, for me, weekends were lost either way. But for her, no playmate meant dissatisfaction.
Who could she complain to, though? She'd ignored my refusal and ordered me to become a disciple.
Listen to your parents, and rice cakes fall even in your sleep. Not that I was her parent.
"Luke, I don't like that look. You're cursing me inside."
"...Never."
In the end, Elena tormented me. Pinching cheeks, messing up my hair.
I'm really going to die of injustice here.