Chapter 59
Chapter 59
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 59
Chapter Title: Happiness Springs from the Heart (3)
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"Magic..."
"Of course, we learn it at the academy, but there's no class that starts from the basics of drawing magic circles."
Professor Rondo's 'Fundamentals of Magic' does teach from the stage of drawing magic circles, at least.
But it's less about teaching how to draw magic circles and more about breaking down and analyzing the basics of lines and coloring.
It's a hugely helpful class even for me, someone who's never formally studied art, and it's the only one I've been focusing on lately.
Still, listening to it won't magically make you able to draw magic circles.
From what I can tell, she doesn't even know how to emit mana yet...
Honestly, this is the kind of thing most professors would teach you right away if you just asked.
She probably hasn't thought that far, which is how she ended up in this situation.
So, I can use that to pull her into the club.
"How about this? I'll cover all the costs for club activities and such. And once you start drawing with us and exhibiting, you can make money selling copies of your artwork."
"Make money off my drawings...?"
"Of course. Those books you saw were sold for money, right? So your drawings can be sold too. Honestly, with your skill level, you'd easily hit the top ranks."
"So I'd give you half of what I earn?"
"...What?"
I have no idea what she's talking about.
When I asked what she meant, she said that since I'm investing support, it's only natural I'd take a cut of her success.
Ah, yeah, I guess a stranger talking about making money could come off that way.
"No, that's not it. I've got plenty of money. You think a marquis's son like me would be short on cash?"
"You're from a marquis family?"
"Yeah, you didn't know? That's why those guys freaked out the moment I showed up."
"Makes sense..."
Of course, my money isn't from the family—it's from selling comics.
But saying I have plenty isn't a lie.
"I just want to see more of your artwork. But for that, you need some motivation, right?"
"So you're offering to help create that motivation."
"Well, yeah. Teaching you magic is kinda the same thing. You don't want to waste time looking pathetic in front of guys like that when you could be drawing."
"Got it. You're a good person."
"What?"
Hearing that makes me feel a bit weird.
I'm basically tricking her right now, pretending teaching her magic is some big deal.
It kinda makes me feel guilty.
"Alright. But teach me magic later."
"Huh?"
"I'll draw one picture first. Teach me magic as payment."
"So you'll join the club?"
"Yeah."
The moment she nodded, her ahoge seemed to curl into a perfect O shape.
Is she even human? Does her ahoge actually come alive like some other race?
It's kinda fascinating.
"Okay, that's four members now."
I wanted to set up the club right away.
But in this world, there are no portable communication orbs—just expensive large-scale ones—so no way to contact anyone.
Guess I'll have to head to Orca and Rozaria's dorms, check if they're there, and leave notes if not.
This is so inconvenient.
Having to guess where people are every time...
If we had cell phones, I'd just call and it'd be done, but this sucks.
Once I learn some magic, I should research making cell phones too.
Of course, if it were that easy, they'd exist already.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ "Ah, Kali."
"Lucky, you're still here. Haven't gone for breakfast yet?"
"Was just heading out. What's up?"
"Heading to see the professor for club registration. Wanna grab breakfast first? Got time?"
"Yeah! Finally making it happen?"
"Found our last member. She's probably the best artist among the first-years."
"For real?"
"Hi."
Yuria's expressions are pretty lively, but her voice is so flat and limp.
It might come off as odd to most people, but Orca didn't seem to mind at all—she grinned excitedly and grabbed her hand, shaking it.
Yuria's ahoge started wagging back and forth, like she'd never seen a reaction like that before.
Is that thing actually a puppy tail?
"Kali! Uh, who's the girl next to you?"
"Who else? The club members I worked hard to recruit. Glad we didn't miss each other. Wanna join us for breakfast?"
"Aww, I got excited thinking you wanted a morning date... And here you come with girls on both sides, oblivious to my feelings..."
"Cut the weird talk and get ready properly."
As Rozaria went inside to prepare,
we passed the time watching magic department seniors starting to head out for breakfast.
Honestly, sneaking peeks at cleavage and panties from people I don't usually see was fun, but the weird looks and whispers made it awkward—rumors must be all over by now.
Probably about me and Rozaria hooking up.
"Hey. Ha, but Kali, you only brought girls in the end."
"What, jealous I'd play with some guy instead?"
"That's not what I mean. I'm worried they'll seduce innocent little Kali."
"Keep talking like that, and the club members I barely recruited will bail..."
"Oops..."
Of course, Orca didn't get it, and Yuria looked indifferent.
But the club president's first impression being jealousy? Not great.
Though, yeah, being surrounded by beautiful girls minus me is pretty blissful...
"I'm Rozaria de Magius. And you two?"
"Yuria."
"Nice to meet you, Senior Rozaria! I'm Orca!"
"Great. I left a note with the professor already. Let's go eat."
And so, the initial members of the comics club gathered for breakfast.
Rozaria nudged my shoulder and whispered about the members—so softly the other two couldn't hear.
"Yuria, right? The one who drew those pictures?"
"Yeah, ran into her by chance this morning and asked. She's talented, perfect for art, y'know?"
"Hmm... Then what's with the sword club girl? Could've picked a guy if it's swordsmanship."
"Uh... She's someone I knew from outside. Huge comics fan, so I asked."
"Knew from outside...? Suspicious. Kali, did you spend break seducing girls before I got here?"
"No."
Am I crazy?
If I had time for that, I'd draw more comics.
Though I did spend tons of time ogling girl illustrations instead of actual girls.
Exhibition hall's been full of hot ones lately.
"Come in."
"Professor! Got our four members! You said to bring them so you could see our faces, so here we all are."
"Ah, I see. I know all the magic department faces... And you're?"
"Orca, first-year swordsmanship department! Nice to meet you!"
"Such energy. Orca..."
Professor Rondo pulled out what looked like a student roster, scanned it, and let out a dry chuckle.
What's that about?
Does Orca have some special background?
She's half-orc, half-elf, sure...
"Comics club—honestly, a bit intimidating. Three department toppers and the last one's runner-up overall. An elite quartet starting a club? Feels like jewels rolling right to me."
"What? Orca, you're a topper!?"
"Huh? What's that mean?"
Yeah, they don't announce it, so Orca wouldn't know.
They just post combined scores for magic and sword departments' top and runner-up.
It's barely mentioned in the acceptance letter anyway—no perks.
This academy covers full scholarships for everyone from the start.
"Is it Rozaria's talent? Or Kali's? Not sure, but I'm thrilled. Might be too good for just a club advisor."
"Huh?"
"Meaning I'll push hard for you. I've got a project anyway—perfect to hand off."
Whoa, that sounds like major hassle incoming.
Never show professors talent. Dangerous breed.
Even on Earth, friends got dragged into grad school as slaves.
I ditched school entirely and teased them mercilessly, but imagining them getting this treatment? Scary.
"No need to worry—won't ask anything too tough."
"Didn't your first lecture kill that trust already?"
"Hehe, true. So maybe I will ask something tough? It's important."
Professor Rondo smiled, joked, then pulled out a document about her planned project.
It was for installing a 'Comics Hall' in the magic department annex.
Comics Hall?
"Been prepping since last year. Wanted a library-like place for comics. Kids always heading out to buy them—such a shame."
"Ah."
"So, I want you all to select the comics to stock it. Your club handles the hall too, basically."
Wait, that's not what we wanted at all...?
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