Chapter 159
Chapter 159
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 159
Chapter Title: 14. Farther Than Love, Closer Than Friendship (7)
"I didn't expect to see you here."
"Me neither."
Ermina was seated at a round table with Selene and Yulius. She was in a good mood from reuniting with Yulius after so long, but it was hard to butt into their conversation with the subtle distance between Selene and Yulius.
She knew they were close in many ways, but this was the first time they'd stayed behind to spend time together like this, so it felt awkward.
Ermina kept gulping down the coffee Yulius had brought, and when his gaze turned to her, she startled and nearly spat it out.
"Are you managing okay, Miss Ermina? I heard the lodging isn't that great."
"It's fine! Yeah. I was originally a commoner, so I can sleep anywhere!"
"That's a relief, but if anything's inconvenient, just let me know. I could talk to someone about it."
"Sure."
What should she do? Had she said something weird from being nervous?
As she rolled her eyes around, Yulius chuckled softly and slid the snack bowl toward her.
"Your face looks brighter than back at the academy. I'm glad."
"I've had some changes of heart here and there. Professor, you're... the same as ever."
"Getting older makes it harder to change, surprisingly."
"I feel the same way. Challenges are getting tougher little by little, I guess."
While Ermina crunched on the snacks Yulius had passed her, the two resumed their conversation. Just as Selene had pointed out, Yulius's expression seemed more relaxed to Ermina's eyes as well.
Did that mean things had been rough before? Or had something happened with the women he was staying with now?
Thinking it was the latter made her inexplicably irritated, but as the core of the problem herself, it wouldn't be easy to push forward.
She sighed inwardly, but their talk continued.
"It's nice being able to live doing what you want."
"Yeah, well. Not sure if it'll stay that way."
"Oh? Are you returning to the Lebedevs?"
"I don't want to, but..."
Huh?
From the context, it sounded like Yulius might be coming back.
She glanced at him, catching his bittersweet smile.
It seemed real.
Whatever the situation, wouldn't it be easier to meet if he was closer than in the imperial capital? She'd heard lately that in relationships between men and women, meeting often was key.
If they could see each other frequently, apologize for mistakes, and be in a comfortable environment...
"With the situation changing, my thoughts have shifted too. The gap hasn't closed, but when it's time, you gotta do it."
"Ah, with your father."
"It didn't resolve well. To be honest, I wasn't in the mood to negotiate."
"I get it. Family doesn't have to get along perfectly, so maybe take time and think it over slowly."
"That's why I told him we'd meet again later and left."
"As expected."
Watching Selene and Yulius talk, Ermina felt they shared something she lacked. There was a natural trust, no burden in their exchange no matter the topic.
"Um, did you two know each other before, Professor and Yulius?"
"Huh? We met at the academy."
"Right."
"You two just seem really close."
"We just clicked, that's all."
"More like personalities matched than student and professor."
The way their words synced perfectly was almost enviable.
Perhaps reading Ermina's mood, Selene, with a smile playing on her lips, quietly changed the subject.
"So, what exactly brought you to the Magic Tower, Yulius?"
"Something demon-related."
"Ah. The dragon's remains, by any chance?"
"Yeah. I had to handle something related, so here I am for a bit."
"I've heard extremists among the demons... have been moving lately."
"Yes. Demon God Cult executives are active, and somehow I ended up fighting them."
"Not that your personality dragged you into it when you could've avoided it?"
"...Something like that, half and half."
Even if he got angry or annoyed, he couldn't fully cut ties—remarkably soft in some ways.
Ermina thought of how Yulius hadn't severed relations with her or Yumin at crucial moments and nodded quietly.
If those around him got involved, he'd reach out in the end. That's just who he was.
Some might call it indecisive, but Ermina liked him including that side.
"So, risk of combat?"
"Yes. So it's best if you stay at the lodging as much as possible."
"Makes sense. Compared to you, Yulius, I'm weak, and against Demon God Cult executives, even the Magic Tower doesn't have many who can fight head-on..."
"You might have to fight alongside depending on the case, Miss Ermina."
"Got it. I'm prepared for demons."
"That's reassuring."
With that, Yulius took a sip of his own coffee.
Was it because he'd spent so long alone in unfamiliar places? She wanted to etch even that casual gesture into memory.
Who knew when she'd see him again if not now.
Sensing Ermina's subtle gaze, Yulius turned to look at her directly, forcing her to bow her head again.
"So, did you prepare for battle against demons?"
"I did. Circumstances aside, I don't know what kind, so no tailored strategy. Just some ideas."
"Ideas, huh."
"I figured the demons who rigged the dragon and those recovering parts are the same. So, probably chimeras and mental attacks. Prepared for that."
"Mental... attacks?"
"Yes, just suspicion."
"Can we know why you suspect that?"
"Simple. The demon group with the dragon was clearly insane. But the dwarves near that abomination were fine."
"Why does that...?"
"My guess: the dragon had an intimidating aura when alive."
"Ah, Dragon Fear."
"That's a term for it?"
"N-no. Never mind."
"But dwarves endured it fine, while hidden demons were hyper-excited. So, probably some ability to alter moods."
Hearing that, Selene pondered briefly before speaking cautiously.
"Then I should definitely sit this one out. I know basics of mental defense, but mind control—long-lived demons' specialty—I'm no match."
"Goddess's power would handle it."
"Doesn't seem the Goddess favors me specially."
Unlike the two before her.
Though unspoken, Ermina felt compelled to speak up.
"I-I think Professor Selene is amazing even without that power."
"Thank you, Miss Ermina."
"You're always so diligent, care about students, kind, lead by example... I'd respect you even if you weren't a professor."
"I'm not that great. Just following past favors."
"If you can do it this well by following, it's yours."
"...Thank you. Most touching comfort I've heard lately."
Quietly watching, Yulius spoke up.
"Miss Ermina has a way with pretty words, Professor."
"No wonder the boys like her."
"She sometimes speaks without thinking and causes trouble."
"Oh my."
Selene feigned surprise, and Ermina hung her head.
Her face burned bright red.
"But for demon matters, I can entrust her worry-free. That's enough."
"Haven't heard praise from you in ages, Yulius."
"Lately, only scolded her."
"Hehe."
"If only a bit more prudent and mature, but time will fix that, I believe."
What was this? Her birthday?
Ermina couldn't keep up with the praise barrage.
No, calm down. Messing up here and getting scolded is the pattern.
She grabbed her soaring spirits and pulled them back to earth.
"I-I'll keep striving."
"Don't bite your tongue. Not sure when we'll meet next, but show a better you then."
"Wanting to show you've changed hurts if you can't meet them. Seize the chance."
"Is that... about you, Professor Selene?"
"Yes."
Answering Ermina's question curtly, she finished her coffee, enjoyed a bit more snack, then stood with a smile.
After Selene left, Yulius checked on the lodging once more and departed.
The items left behind were considerations for her modest means, to make life a tad more comfortable.
She placed the unopened snacks and coffee in the cupboard, then slipped into bed.
To become a better self tomorrow than today.
Before Yulius went beyond reach, to become a woman worthy of his affection.