Chapter 59
Chapter 59
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 59
Chapter Title: The Heretic of the Magic Tower (18)
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The next day after everyone woke up in the cafe. Though it had been a short stay, they'd enjoyed everything there was to enjoy—or perhaps the sweltering heat had worn them out—they announced they were heading back. Since they'd likely used teleportation gates to get here, the cost meant they had to travel together.
Judging by the way some added those little asides, not everyone was eager to leave early.
Anyway, as the cafe manager, I handled all the necessary duties, and now it was time for final goodbyes.
Dalia waved from behind, and Professor Elvin stepped forward.
"Well now, boss. Until we meet again."
"...Ah, sure."
He must have picked up on something about me after all, because his attitude was completely different from the first day. They said he had a knack for politics, so this was his way of saying, 'I've figured something out, but I'll keep it under wraps.'
Since he didn't seem poised to misuse it, I gave a suitable response.
"I'll repay the kindness you've shown someday."
He lit up at my words and followed a handshake with a hug.
Was getting these little scraps of favor really that thrilling?
I'd concluded there was no need to refuse and sour the relationship, so I accepted graciously.
"And with you around for Miss Leimi, I can rest easy. She actually did well academically at the Magic Tower, but her free-spirited nature and aversion to joining any organization kept her a bit on the outs."
"I see."
"Yes. She handles dangerous spells and potions, so I worried enough to contact her parents once or twice. But now, no need for that."
This was him admitting he'd leveraged her family as a weak point, but now he'd back off since it was a hassle.
Of course, I just smiled and said it was good news.
Leimi, listening from behind, caught the subtext and looked mildly surprised.
"Next time, I'd love to dive deeper into coffee sometime."
"Sure. If the chance comes."
Only after everyone had cleared out from in front of the cafe could I finally let out a sigh. What a tiring bunch. All their talents poured into scheming, info-gathering, and reading the room.
Nobles are bound to be scattered everywhere, so naturally, gathering sightings and anecdotes turns up something eventually.
The Lebedevs couldn't find me because I'd crossed the border and holed up in relatively isolated Astraea—that was the biggest reason.
"Sorry you had to hear something embarrassing."
"Everyone's like that in their student days."
"I bet you weren't, Manager."
"I had my own... kind of experiences."
In my past life as a student, being an orphan filled me with all sorts of victim complexes that ate up my time.
I hated anyone knowing my family situation. I had to turn down friends who wanted to visit out of sheer fear.
Everyone has something they can't endure hearing—or something they'd die before letting slip.
"So what if you were the oddball back then? You're doing great now."
This was something I wanted to say to Leimi—and to my past self.
* * *
"I'm not strong enough."
Justina Lebedev painfully realized she was more of a frog in a well than she'd imagined. Among humans, she was fine—no real issues. She could handle the occasional ragtag demon spotted near the border.
But against someone ruling through raw power? She'd lose for sure.
The executives of the Demon God Cult were beyond even packs of battle-hardened elves. Even their leader couldn't be certain of victory if she fought to kill.
"I knew I couldn't match Oppa, and that I couldn't take on elite demons alone."
Just one exchange revealed the gap. He was a distant figure worthy of her brother's respect.
If all her efforts to follow him had been meaningless...
What meaning did her life have, lived solely to chase after Oppa?
She'd have gone to him and asked. What value did she have? What should she do? She never dared show her adoration, but even with her stiff face, he'd always answer earnestly.
"I don't know."
At dawn, she slammed the training ground floor—alone now. The shattered stone began repairing under the academy's grand magic.
As it mended, she recalled her companions' faces.
Ermina. Decent person overall. Her crime of dragging Oppa into melodrama was grave, but nothing malicious. Harmless, really. And peerless in light magic—irreplaceable.
Namei Christe. Unlikeable on a personal level. After Oppa left, she comforted herself by acting superior amid the chaos. Pathetic, considering she'd rush to him first yet sneered at others. Still, her skills were legit; against her at magic range, victory wasn't guaranteed.
Karin. Nothing standout, but exceptional aptitude for spatial magic. Nurture her right, and she'd be irreplaceable.
So what was she?
Mediocre swordplay. Mediocre imperial studies. Even inheriting the dukedom, she doubted she'd match Oppa. Against his blade? Defeat certain.
A knockoff.
She'd idolized and followed him, only to lose her guiding star. She was just his inferior copy.
Once inferiority sank in, emotions spiraled out of control.
She smashed the reforming floor again in frustration—but amid the shattering came her tears.
Tears she hadn't shed since Oppa scolded her at five plopped onto the stone.
No. I can't go on without Oppa.
I have to find him somehow, do something—anything.
"...Oppa. Help me. Come quick. I'm so lonely."
Words she'd never say to his face slipped out, leaving only quiet sobs in the training ground.
* * *
Ermina's morning was perfect. She'd finally said her piece, and though not fully unbound, some knot inside had loosened.
After lunch, that feeling plummeted to rock bottom.
"Miss Ermina. Long time no see."
"Christoph. I told you not to come find me."
"Haha. Even a beloved lady's request can't always be granted."
"Please leave. I hate even looking at you."
"Hm. That departed someone still lingers in your heart?"
She'd long known the gentlemanly smile masked pettiness and vileness. Sure, if she'd paired with him, things might've unfolded differently. But twisted one-sided love, inferiority, and failed schemes had made him worse.
His smug grin ignited fury in Ermina, who'd never properly raged.
"Stay out of my life. Please. Do you know how much I've lost because of you?!"
"Hm. Even without me, you two never would've ended up together, I'd wager."
"It's not just that!"
Unsure even how to vent, she just clenched her teeth as tears fell. Disgusting sight. Why does he keep coming?
His drivel about her tears being pretty barely registered. New rage blurred her vision.
Then a hand hovered over her head.
"Student Christoph. Separate from your suspension, you're under an approach ban for Student Ermina. Ignoring academy rulings, are we?"
"...No. Pure coincidence, Professor Selene."
"Then step away. While I can overlook it at my discretion."
Christoph rolled his eyes a few times, found no retort, and left.
Selene gently wiped Ermina's tear-streaked face with a handkerchief.
With her heart and face somewhat settled, Ermina asked,
"I, uh, never attended Professor Selene's classes."
"I'm in charge of swordsmanship."
"Ah, um. Thank you."
"Aw, just doing my job."
Selene waited as Ermina conjured water to wash her face, then spoke carefully.
"Student Ermina. You've been busy lately, and with Christoph tangled in, must be tough."
"Pardon? No, work's actually energizing. Something good happened."
"Glad to hear. Professors worry seeing you down so much—you draw a lot of attention."
"Sorry, and, thank you."
"No need. Protecting students is my role!"
Selene ruffled Ermina's awkwardly smiling hair and left with a grin.
Ermina savored the lingering touch, then headed to her dorm.
She wanted to see no one else.