Chapter 66
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 66
Chapter Title: The Couples Who Danced at the Festival... (4)
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I had so many questions burning inside me, but I kept my mouth shut and focused solely on making sandwiches for Schnell. Evi was helping me out without saying a word either.
I figured I'd probably ask around late afternoon. By then, we'd close up the tea shop and head back—no, back to the dorms, I suppose.
In short, I just didn't want to stir up any unnecessary trouble while we were working.
We had to spend several more hours together, after all. No sense making things awkward with blushing faces.
I handed over the silently prepared sandwiches, and Schnell flashed a satisfied smile before digging in.
I had to admire his mental fortitude. Even after chasing a girl for three years and getting shot down, he could still enjoy his food like that. Honestly, if it were me, I'd have bolted from the tea shop right then and there.
'Or maybe the sandwiches were just that good—good enough to make him grit his teeth and endure it all?'
Feeling inexplicably cheerful, I left Schnell's side and headed to the table where Professor Shabel and Professor Adella were eating.
"Sorry for the late greeting, Professor Shabel, Professor Adella."
"It's fine. You weren't slacking off, and Evi showed up anyway."
"I'm good too, Luke."
They both seemed to graciously accept my polite apology, but...
While Adella smiled warmly, Shabel's expression was sour. Her brows were furrowed more than usual, radiating clear displeasure.
"Professor Shabel, did I do something wrong...?"
"No."
"Then why the long face...?"
"Well... I thought my disciple was serious about swordsmanship, only to realize he's been off dating girls."
It was a perfectly understandable reason. Shabel was more passionate about teaching her students than anyone. She must have felt betrayed by a student she trusted.
In situations like this, it was best to show empathy regardless of my own views. Ten years as a servant had taught me that much.
"A knight must become one with their sword. How could a student harbor such impure thoughts..."
"I'm talking about you, Luke Nineheart."
"Pardon...?"
"I said it's about you."
Shabel kindly repeated herself twice. Utterly baffled, I could only blink in silence.
Maybe our exchange amused her. Adella, who'd been twitching her lips the whole time, finally burst out laughing with a "Pfft—."
"You two aren't ganging up to make me laugh, are you? If so, you pass. I'd give you 100 points."
"It wasn't meant to be funny, Adella."
"But it was. What can you do?"
Even as Shabel spoke in a frosty tone, Adella didn't flinch. They must be close friends.
Which left me, stuck in the middle, sweating bullets. It wasn't just sitting on pins and needles—it felt like a C4 explosive was planted under my butt.
Adella wiped a tear from her eye with her finger and flashed a playful smile.
"Shabel, what's really going on? It's not like you to care this much about a student's love life."
"...There are reasons."
"Oh ho...?"
Adella smirked knowingly, letting out a meaningful hum.
The implication was obvious. Shabel shook her head with a deep sigh.
"It's not what you're thinking. I just care because he's my direct disciple."
"Oh yeah, knights have that unwritten rule, right? Only one direct disciple per knight or whatever. But I wasn't thinking anything about that—why are you getting all worked up?"
"You weren't thinking anything? Come on...!"
"Come on—?"
Shabel's face slowly turned red, then she sighed and looked away.
Even from those few exchanges, it was clear. Shabel might hold her own in a fight, but she couldn't win against Adella in a war of words. It was like she was Adella's plaything, exaggerated as that sounded.
'How did my master end up like this...'
As that thought crossed my mind, Adella's gaze suddenly shifted to me.
"Luke, must be nice being so popular."
"Not at all. I never intended to date anyone to begin with..."
I started to say I had no plans to date, but then I remembered Schnell was still eating. Saying that outright might put Evi in a tough spot.
"...Sorry. That was a slip."
"So, what do you think? Is Shabel a good match?"
"I..."
As I opened my mouth to answer, Shabel picked up a knife from the table.
The shimmering aura coating the gleaming metal blade was unmistakably aura—no need to check.
The meaning was crystal clear. For the first time, a flicker of panic crossed Adella's face.
"Whoops—my bad too. Don't mind it. Just kidding."
"I'm fine. Professor Shabel is an outstanding knight and an outstanding woman. It would be an honor to be paired with someone like that."
I'll help you out this once. I conveyed that with my eyes.
Did she get it? Adella beamed and clapped her hands.
"Exactly. No woman beats Shabel. She's gruff on the outside, but warm-hearted."
"Yes, she's exceptional. Oh, and forgive my delay in asking—how's the food? To your liking?"
"Honestly, I had zero expectations, but I was blown away from the first bite. Totally different from any sandwich I knew. The tea was perfect too."
"Glad you enjoyed it. And for you, Professor Shabel...?"
I trailed off, glancing at Shabel.
She was fiddling with an innocent strand of her hair. Hard to believe she'd been furious just moments ago.
My plan to soothe her with compliments had worked perfectly. Ten years of servant experience never failed.
"Delicious. I came because you made it yourself, and it exceeded expectations."
That explained why she'd arrived earlier than others.
Whatever. As long as she enjoyed it, that was enough.
"I'm thrilled Master enjoyed it."
"Your mouth..."
Shabel let out a long sigh and downed the remaining tea in one gulp. No trace of noble poise—just pure toughness.
"Pretend I didn't hear about your love life today. Food was great. I'll come back sometime."
"Anytime."
With that, Shabel left. Adella floundered in confusion before chasing after her late.
The table they left held empty plates and teacups, plus three shiny silver coins.
A hefty sum for the food, but better to accept and return it some other way.
"Sir Luke—! Some refreshments here too—!"
"Right away."
I smiled and stepped forward.
Two sandwiches, three teas, ten pastries. Schnell, whose belly matched his hearty appetite, left a single gold coin on the table.
I tried to refuse the overpayment, but he said it was a parting gift for Evi.
Never even met her, yet calling it a farewell? Whatever. At least I understood why Evi had turned him down.
Honestly, even I might've struggled.
All guests gone at last, a moment of respite seemed near—but no such luck. As I cleared dishes, the closed door creaked open, and someone entered.
"Climb to Sword Saint and suddenly the world's beneath you, huh?"
"Pot calling the kettle black? Become Magic Tower Lord and think everything bows to you?"
One had blue hair and a sturdy build; the other, black hair and average stature. They bickered like snarling beasts, ready to clash any second.
The moment I saw them, every hair on my body stood on end.
Coincidence? No, instinct. My body reacted to their overwhelming presence.
Evi beside me had frozen stiff too, so I wasn't alone.
She stiffly turned to me and whispered low.
"L-Luke... it's the Sword Saint and Magic Tower Lord...!"
That explained my reaction. They were at the pinnacle of their fields.
Their faces rang a bell from illustrations in the novel.
'Still, duty calls.'
I sighed deeply and approached them.
"Pleasure to meet you. I'm Luke Nineheart."
Their murderous glares, locked on each other, snapped to me in unison.
My eyes shook wildly, lips quivered, but I forced calm.
"We offer sandwiches, pastries, and tea. Anything specific...?"
"Tea and pastries."
"Sandwich."
They answered before I finished. Fine, I got what I expected.
The problem came after.
"Tea and pastries... despite skipping breakfast?"
"You're picking a sandwich... even after eating breakfast?"
Oh god, someone drag these two away.
Or my heart might stop first.