Chapter 19
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 19
Chapter Title: A Mage's Ordinary Weekend (1)
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A minor problem had cropped up.
It wasn't on the level of me coming down with insomnia, or the maids hanging the blankets out to dry only for a sudden downpour to hit—a national state of emergency.
Still, a problem was a problem.
Senior Veronica had achieved Buddhahood.
"Sigh... Is this really okay?"
I pondered for about five seconds.
I had no idea what kind of snowball effect messing with the original story would bring.
But after thinking it over, it seemed like nothing major would happen.
"In a way, it's like I preemptively resolved one incident, right?"
Kyle's survival rate just went up by 0.1%!
...Yeah, I could see it that way?
"Yep, this has to be my lucky break."
I felt a bit hard done by for pulling unplanned overtime, but if I thought of it as securing future sleep time, it wasn't all bad.
Stepping out of the abandoned building with the lantern in hand, I spotted three people pacing anxiously outside.
"Let me go! We need to see Senior Veronica right now... No, we have to save Lunaris!"
"President, calm down! She took the lantern with her—where's she gonna go? And I told you, Lunaris is fine!"
Vice-President Sylvia looked ready to charge straight into the building where I was.
"Hngh... Hic... My heart still won't stop..."
"Senior Thomas, your heart not stopping is normal. If it stops, you die."
Sub-Vice-President Thomas was clutching his chest and groaning.
Claire was stuck in the middle, holding one back and soothing the other. She had it rough.
That's when Claire spotted me, her eyes going wide.
"Lunaris!"
The three rushed over in a group.
"We were so worried! I was agonizing over whether to go in or not."
Yeah. Good call not coming in. Nothing's more pathetic than someone who can't swim jumping in to save a drowning person.
"S-So? What happened in there? We heard all these bangs and crashes! What went down? Did you throw down with Senior Veronica?!"
Excited words poured out of President Sylvia's mouth like a torrent.
Her single-mindedness was kinda endearing, in a way.
I swallowed a yawn and shrugged.
"Nothing much. Just sent Senior Veronica off to Buddhahood."
"...What?!"
Claire flinched and stared at me.
She was so shocked she let out a little hiccup.
"N-No way you forcibly erased her with magic, right?"
"Nah, just talked her into it nice and easy."
"B-But we definitely heard explosions and breaking sounds..."
"Just your typical tussle in the conversation."
President Sylvia's eyes sparkled as she grabbed my arm.
"You're amazing, Lunaris! As expected of our Ghost Story Research Club's ace! Let's head back and celebrate. Come on? Tell us all about it!"
"Eh, that'd be a problem."
I'm exhausted to death here.
My current state? The second my head hits my attachment pillow, I'm straight into deep non-REM bliss sleep heaven.
If not for my iron will to crash in Linea Hall's fluffy bed, I might not even be standing right now.
"Aww~ But we gotta write up the activity report anyway!"
"Next time. Next time."
I shoved the lantern into President Sylvia's hands and staggered off, swaying this way and that.
Her voice called from behind.
"Let's check out somewhere else next week!"
I glanced back and replied.
"I'll think about it."
Warm sunlight poured over my face, and I opened my eyes feeling great.
"It's the weekend today..."
A day where I didn't have to do a thing.
A pleasant warmth settled over my half-closed eyelids.
"Haaah..."
The breeze slipping through the window was ticklish.
Spring light twinkled through the curtains.
Every time I shifted, the scent of spring wafted up.
Now that I noticed, it was one of those rare perfect-weather days that only came a few times a year.
"Too nice to stay cooped up inside."
Days like this called for an outdoor nap.
Sleeping outside had its own charm.
Grass as your bed, clear sky as your blanket—it's no ordinary good feeling.
Add the wind humming like a lullaby and spring flowers tickling your nose?
That's romance. That's fantasy life.
And while I'm out, the maids would wash the bed sheets and blankets.
Come back to fresh, fluffy, scent-infused covers for another deep slumber.
Perfection in a virtuous cycle spiral...!!
Linea Hall didn't even do half-hearted magic laundry.
Pro maids hand-washed everything with care.
That's the kick. That pro touch you can't replicate with magic—indescribable, but impossible to fake.
"Ehehe~"
A happy sigh slipped out just imagining it.
While awake, I'd wandered the academy scouting optimal nap spots.
All buildup for days like this.
The old library was deserted enough, dimly lit so no eye strain—just conk out peacefully.
Minus point: could run into Ghost Story Research Club folks. 7/10.
The rooftop of the main magic building was uninterrupted bliss.
No impure couples sneaking up there—date spot's the annex roof.
Bonus: lecture halls nearby for quick power naps anytime. But direct sunlight daytime minus. 8/10.
Weighing all factors plus today's weather, the park won out.
Usually a shaky 7/10 meh spot, but today? Easy 9+ perfect nap haven.
I lay in the shade of a grand tree, arms pillowed under my head, on the soft grass.
Fluffy grass against my back, cool breeze tousling my hair—pure bliss.
Plenty of strolling students around, but hey, ambient life noise.
"Niiice..."
A lazy sigh escaped, and consciousness slipped away smooth as silk.
Definitely... came out... for the best...
Zzz...
...
...
...
...Ugh, so noisy.
I'd drifted off deep, but things got rowdy around me.
People chattering loud, drowning out the wind.
Half-asleep, I frowned and shifted, when suddenly a nutty-sweet aroma hit my nose.
I sniffed instinctively, and it sharpened.
This is... baking bread.
"Hiiikyaah—"
I bolted up, stretching limbs wide.
Looking around, colorful tents lined one side of the park.
Squinting, I saw students selling stuff.
Old books, handmade trinkets, shiny magic gadgets, assorted snacks.
Eclectic wares everywhere.
"...A bazaar?"
Curiosity piqued, I wandered over slowly.
Economics Department students haggled with customers.
Magitech Department ones hawked their handmade magitech gadgets.
My feet naturally led to the baking bread scent.
Fresh, fluffy loaves displayed in front of the stall.
Mana-powered mini-oven behind—pretty serious setup.
"Hey, kid! Wanna sample one?"
Staring blankly, the guy manning the stall beckoned me.
"Not a kid, but..."
I approached, still sleepy-faced, like drawn by some spell.
The smell was decent from afar anyway.
Looks passed muster too.
Not bad for an impromptu oven.
Alternating glances between loaves and oven, the guy beamed proudly and launched into explanation.
"Whaddya think? Looks legit, right? It's my graduation project: 'Portable Output-Control Oven with Integrated Magitech.' Compared to commercial ovens, output is—"
Before he rambled on, the girl beside him chopped his neck karate-style.
"Your explanations are too wordy and long. No one listens to that."
Justice served, she showed real salesmanship.
"Wanna try one?"
I eyed the wheat roll she offered, then glanced slyly lower.
"If it's a sample, mind if I go for that egg tart over there?"
"Huh? Haha! Sure, here."
I cradled the egg tart she handed over in both hands.
Warmth seeped into my palms.
Sniff sniff—vanilla and egg scents mingled, tickling my nose.
I parted my lips gently and took a bite.
...Hmm. A bit less cozy flavor? Kinda toasty too.
But that crisp, sweet taste... oddly addictive...
"Nom nom... This is... about 0.5 Lia-grade? Nyam..."
"That's a harsh rating, no?"
"It's impressive as is. The key is it tastes even a little like Lia's egg tarts."
"Lia? Who's that?"
"Someone. Good cook."
Lia always made meals for me. Nom.
I stuffed the rest in, cheeks puffed like a chipmunk, munching away.
Suddenly, someone thrust silver coins at me.
"You're selling bread, right? Gimme one."
Turning, I saw a crowd gathered at the stall.
...Since when?
"That kid eats too cute."
"Like a squirrel...!"
"Sluuurp—now I'm drooling."
"Must've eaten already, but mouth's watering."
"Hey! Take orders quick!"
"Me too—one please!"
The sudden rush left the guy and girl blinking in shock.
"What the..."
"How did this...?"
Baking fresh loaves, taking payments—they bustled about, then their eyes landed on me.
"...Ah. Wasn't the tech or taste."
"It was the promo mascot all along..."
The egg tart melted away in my mouth as I munched.
One wasn't gonna cut it—barely a tease.
"Can I have another?"
"Uh, s-sure."
The girl fumbled another over hurriedly.
"How much?"
"...Just eat it."
"O-"
I never turn down hospitality like this.
These folks? Good people, now that I see it.