No Way, Right?
Serafina’s first story upon stepping foot inside the Magic Tower was that Professor Aria was, in fact, its master.
⋯⋯Naturally, Serafina couldn’t hide her startled expression.
Aria had spoken as if it were the most obvious thing in the world, lounging on the office sofa like it was no big deal.
If the adjutant hadn’t followed up with an explanation, she probably would have frozen solid and remained speechless.
“Well, that should be enough explanation. I’ll be away for a few days, so there’s something I’d like you to handle besides research.”
At Aria’s words, Serafina froze mid-motion, but with her lips pressed tightly together, she could only nod.
After all, an assistant—especially a commoner—couldn’t carelessly voice opinions in front of someone with that much power.
Serafina calmly listened to Aria’s request while reflecting on her own position.
What came next completely defied her expectations.
“Yohan is here right now. While I’m gone for a few days, I’d like you to keep him company.”
“Pardon?”
Serafina couldn’t help but look utterly shocked.
She had never imagined Yohan would be in this place.
Why is Student Yohan here? I was sure he left before the professor arrived.
There had been no official statement from the academy, but Serafina clearly remembered the moment his belongings had completely vanished from the lab.
Moreover, when she had told the returning Professor Aria about the poisoning incident, Aria had clearly seemed unaware of it.
⋯⋯Then how?
“And there are a few things I need to pass on.”
At the words that followed, Serafina’s expression stiffened, then relaxed, then stiffened again.
The fact that treatment was necessary. The fact that the Tower Master herself was directly involved in his care.
And.
That he was showing signs of improvement and would likely recover soon.
“There’s one more important thing.”
Serafina’s gaze turned to Aria.
⋯⋯What else could there be?
She couldn’t easily predict it.
“Yohan hasn’t been officially processed as a dropout yet. And I intend to bring him back to the academy.”
Serafina’s eyes widened. It was an unexpected statement.
“Of course, his own wishes are important, but right now treatment comes first, so I haven’t brought it up. If Yohan refuses, I’ll have no choice but to process the dropout.”
Aria said it was a promise she had made with the chancellor.
Serafina nodded.
If Yohan refused, even the Tower Master would find it difficult to force his return.
⋯⋯Especially after what had happened inside the academy.
So that must be why the chancellor set that condition.
To avoid forcing him back into an academy where such an incident could happen again.
“That’s why I’d appreciate it if you could help him find the will to return to the academy.”
“How exactly?”
“I don’t know the method yet. I’m focused solely on his treatment right now. Still, I’m asking for your help.”
Serafina nodded.
It was indeed a difficult subject to bring up lightly.
“For now, without mentioning the academy, could you check if he has any interest in research or similar topics? He doesn’t seem to do much in front of me.”
“Yes, that’s entirely possible.”
Serafina said it was more than doable.
It wasn’t a difficult task at all.
“Then I’ll leave it to you. Oh, and just in case, please don’t mention anything about the dropout. I’ll talk to him about that later. He doesn’t know yet.”
“Understood. I’ll be careful.”
Serafina smiled as she answered.
This was incredibly good news.
Right after Yohan and Serafina had spoken about the exchange meeting.
Their reunion didn’t last long.
Yohan had been visibly flustered, and Serafina, perhaps noticing at some point that her body was trembling, had taken a step back from him.
“⋯⋯.”
- ⋯⋯.
A natural, awkward silence settled between them.
[This is awkward.]
Of course it is.
⋯⋯They weren’t even that close to begin with.
Everything that could be called relationship-building had happened after the poisoning attempt.
Moreover.
This time, he had dropped out of the academy right after that incident, so it was accurate to say there had been no chance for their relationship to develop.
The fact that a confession had even happened was surprising⋯⋯.
Ahem.
Let’s just move on from that.
Anyway.
⋯Now he had to say something, anything.
It wouldn’t be good to seem too conscious of the confession either.
⋯⋯Hmm.
[Come to think of it, you never gave her an answer, did you?]
I told you before. I have no intention of developing that kind of relationship.
⋯⋯Definitely not.
Rather, right now.
There was something that felt strangely off.
[Do you dislike it?]
No, it’s not that.
This wasn’t a matter of like or dislike.
It was hard to define exactly what it was.
But one thing was certain.
I can’t answer that confession.
He couldn’t give her an answer to that confession.
⋯⋯If he were to reject her outright, it would be far too obvious that he was mixing lies into his words.
It’s better not to say anything at all.
⋯⋯Besides, thanks to Professor Aria’s request, they would be spending time together for the time being.
⋯⋯Even if it was awkward right now, it would be better to just pass the time like this.
Yohan came to that conclusion.
[In that case, why not ask about the academy? It seems the assistant is deliberately avoiding the topic.]
You’re right.
Yohan agreed with Zeno’s suggestion.
⋯⋯Indeed, even while catching up, he hadn’t heard anything about the academy’s current situation.
It was clearly intentional exclusion because of the poisoning incident.
But from Yohan’s perspective now, it didn’t really matter anymore.
So there was no problem if the conversation turned toward the academy.
It might be good to ease the mood that way.
Thinking it was a good idea, Yohan began to move his hands.
“Student Yohan⋯⋯.”
The moment Serafina also opened her mouth.
Knock, knock.
The sound of someone rapping on the door echoed through the room.
Naturally, both Yohan and Serafina turned their heads toward the door.
“It’s Claire. Are Student Yohan and Assistant Serafina inside?”
[It’s the adjutant.]
At Claire’s voice, Serafina briefly turned to look at Yohan.
“I’ll go out and see.”
Yohan nodded.
Claire entered the room together with Serafina.
She had come in to ask the two of them what they needed now that Aria had left and created a temporary vacancy. The moment she stepped inside, she immediately sensed the awkward atmosphere lingering between them.
That’s strange.
The Tower Master had definitely said their relationship wasn’t bad.
But what was this atmosphere?
It felt exactly like someone had confessed and been rejected.
Claire briefly recalled the occasional romantic incidents that occurred inside the Magic Tower.
It was a mood she saw very rarely.
No way, right? The Tower Master seemed quite close to Student Yohan.
The Tower Master wasn’t the type to allow others that kind of distance.
It was correct to assume she viewed Yohan as special.
Though the Tower Master herself doesn’t seem to fully realize it.
Through the way Aria acted toward her, Claire could tell just how much she cherished Yohan.
She often got the feeling that Aria was trying to prevent any contact between her and Student Yohan.
Therefore.
She must have attached someone trustworthy to him.
Claire inwardly shook her head, telling herself it was a ridiculous thought.
⋯⋯Hmm. Still, it looks like we need to ventilate the room a bit.
Claire decided something was needed to clear the heavy air in the room and soon came up with an idea.
A good thought had occurred to her.
“Now that I think about it, neither of you has experienced the magic tools since arriving at the Tower, correct?”
Claire spoke with a smile.
Yohan and Serafina both nodded.
“Then how about taking this opportunity to try them out? We happen to have some items currently in testing. If the two of you could experience them and share your impressions, it would be a great help to us.”
“Would it really be alright for me to do so?”
Serafina asked, looking somewhat dazed.
“Yes, of course. The Tower Master said to provide you with anything you need, and we would be grateful for your assistance as well.”
Serafina naturally glanced at Yohan.
[Both of them are only looking at you.]
In truth, from Yohan’s perspective, he already knew every magic tool inside the Magic Tower, but Claire’s next words made him blink in surprise.
“Actually, we’ve been working on one magic tool specifically for Student Yohan. It’s still in the early stages, and I’m not sure if it will be helpful given the circumstances, but would you like to take a look?”
[I have no idea what she’s talking about.]
Neither do I.
Yohan couldn’t immediately understand Claire’s words.
There wasn’t a single item that would help me. Not even if it was for someone else.
There had been no such thing.
That was why he couldn’t grasp the adjutant’s meaning right away.
[Why don’t you check it out? A lot has changed, hasn’t it?]
Yes, I suppose I should.
Yohan slowly nodded.
“Then I’ll bring it right away.”
Claire smiled and left the room.