The Art of Making Water Blush
A week had passed since the broken engagement of Micaris Merian, an extra whose mind was always full of flags. Right now, I was sitting through a theology lecture.
“Divinity is that which the Holy Spirit, Lord Elmut, who watches over us from the heavens...”
“Yawn...”
In the end, a yawn escaped my lips. I had found a new commonality between this fantasy world and the real world: classes are boring as hell. Back in my school days, lectures were basically sleeping pills, and feeling the exact same way here proved that classes are indeed a universal sedative. Besides, since I never went to college in my past life, maybe that's why lectures felt even more tedious. Or maybe it was just because this was some liberal arts class on divinity or whatever. I didn't really have a religion, after all...
As I kept yawning and staring out the window, Micaris, who was sitting next to me, spoke up.
“You should focus on the lecture.”
“Yes, quite so. But what can I do when it's this boring...?”
“I am evaluating you in real-time, you know.”
“Does this kind of thing even count toward the evaluation? I'm going to achieve great things in the future, so a little class like this shouldn't matter...”
“Liberal arts are important. They broaden a person's perspective.”
“Ah... yes. I suppose so.”
“What is with that half-hearted response?”
“No, nothing in particular...”
Ever since that incident, she had been sitting next to me whenever our classes overlapped. And it wasn't just during lectures; she clung to me every chance she got... Honestly, my plan was to just plant the flag and then do some push-and-pull to make her fall for me gradually. Doesn't this ruin the whole point? Well, whatever. I suppose staying by my side is more comfortable for her than being torn to shreds by the other nobles.
“By the way, Lady Marquis...”
“Call me Micaris. But you must still address me as 'Lady'.”
“Yes, Lady Micaris. But tell me, do you plan on sticking by my side forever?”
Micaris's face flushed red.
“W-What on earth are you talking about?”
“Well, you always sit next to me whenever we have the same class. Could it be that you've taken a liking to me, Lady Micaris...?”
“Stop talking nonsense. I am merely evaluating you...”
Micaris pouted slightly and turned her attention back to the lecture.
My, she really can't be honest with herself.
Micaris had lived a tragic life. For most of her existence, she had never been allowed to live according to her own will. Because of that, the rumor circulating among the nobles was that talking to her was like 'conversing with a doll.' In the Marquis's household, she was treated as nothing more than a chess piece to be married off to a Duke's family. It was only natural that she had closed her heart to everyone. Yet, the Micaris sitting next to me now looked like a woman with a stronger will than anyone else.
Did something change because of my influence?
While I was lost in thought about Micaris, the tedious theology lecture finally came to an end.
“Now, that is all for today's lecture. There is an assignment, so please submit it by next class. I will hand out the assignment sheets now.”
It was great that class was over, but... the word 'assignment' made me sigh.
“Whew...”
“Why the deep sigh?”
“Because of the assignment.”
“You can finish it in no time. If it's too difficult, I can help you with it.”
Aigoo, as expected of Lady Micaris. What a kind soul.
“Really? Doing homework alone with you, Lady Micaris...”
“Alone? My servants will be present, so don't say such ridiculous things.”
“Ah...”
I guess I got a bit too cocky. As I packed up my writing utensils and textbooks, the professor handed out the assignment sheets one by one. When I looked at the prompt, I couldn't hide my astonishment.
“What is this?”
[Theology Assignment]
Discuss the miracle of the Holy Spirit Elmut turning water into wine from a theological perspective.
Mr. Author. Is this really okay? Blatantly ripping off a famous story and inserting it into your own work... I actually knew this story. It was so famous that I knew both the question and the perfect answer. I pulled out my pen and scribbled down the response right then and there.
The water saw its master, and blushed into wine.
I only tweaked it slightly out of a minor sense of guilt for plagiarizing, but...
Well, it's a fantasy world, so who cares?
Perhaps having noticed me casually scribbling down my answer, Micaris scolded me.
“No matter how much you dislike it, you shouldn't treat your assignments so carelessly—”
Micaris froze as her eyes fell upon my answer.
“You... actually have a talent for literature, don't you?”
“Haha... Just a little.”
My conscience pricked me. But hey, I got praised by Micaris, so isn't that all that matters?
“Lady Micaris. Regrettably, I have a swordsmanship class next, so it seems our journey together ends here for today.”
“Hmph, do you honestly think I would be disappointed?”
“If you ever have a tea time later, please call for me. I'll run to you in a heartbeat.”
“...Fine.”
Micaris's footsteps seemed heavy as she walked away to her next class. Was the aftermath of the broken engagement still weighing on her? Feeling a bit worried about her, I made my way to the swordsmanship training grounds.
“I assume you all know the basics, so we shall skip them. Today's swordsmanship class will be sparring. I will evaluate each of your levels and provide tailored guidance.”
The swordsmanship instructor! He was incredibly passionate about teaching. I heard he used to be a famous knight commander... but that was none of my business