The sun was gradually setting as the day came to a close.
With Ariana’s match being the last of the preliminaries, we headed out of the arena.
The other professors had things to do and left ahead of time, so it was just me and Black Wolf heading back to the dorms.
Slowly pushing through the crowd, I found myself deep in thought.
“Hmm… Ariana’s sword broke earlier. I wonder where we can get her a new one.”
Of course, there are plenty of generic swords available.
But still, shouldn’t someone have at least a decent blade?
They say a true craftsman is not defined by their tools, but Ariana isn’t quite at that level yet…
Besides, when facing evenly matched opponents, having quality equipment can make all the difference.
It was simply the heart of a teacher wanting to give something to an outstanding student.
– Roar!
Even if it wasn’t for this guy, she deserves better gear.
This gave me much to ponder.
“Ah! Professor spotted!”
Turning at the familiar voice, I saw Senna holding an ice cream cone.
“You’re eating ice cream when you didn’t even participate today?”
“But I helped treat the kids who got hurt because of Amy!”
She pouted cutely as I scratched my cheek awkwardly.
Even though there were no matches today, making participating students help with healing…
I should probably say something as the supervisor…
“It was my decision! This is nothing compared to what I’ve done before! Besides, doing good deeds increases divine power, right? Consider it done for my sake!”
Seeing Senna frantically defend herself, I couldn’t help but stay silent.
If she insists she’s fine with it…
Still, I resolved to mention this to Saeron or some wise elder later.
“Alright. Good work. Any difficulties?”
Though she seems cheerful, Senna is technically a Holy Maiden.
Evaluating her abilities based on combat skills alone might not be fair.
Yet she never complained, quietly attending my lessons as usual.
“Yes! It really was nothing!”
Even in these challenging circumstances, Senna always maintained her positive attitude and bright smile.
One might call her a human vitamin.
“What about the others?”
“They said they had things to do and will meet up later. Would you like to join us for dinner, Professor?”
There she goes casually inviting her professor to dinner.
At this rate, she might end up getting taken advantage of someday…
Though she does have basic judgment.
“Sure. Everyone worked hard, so I’ll treat you all. Where are we meeting?”
“That restaurant over there! Professor Alden recommended it.”
If Cain recommended it…
“The one with the blue roof! They’ve booked the entire third floor. Impressive, right?”
Of course, it was the same place the professors had lunch at earlier.
Why not enjoy another meal here if the food was good?
“Shall we go up first? Did you make a reservation?”
“Nope! We didn’t… Is that okay?”
“Hmm…”
Just looking around, I could see a long line forming.
It seemed unlikely we’d get a table anytime soon.
Seeing Senna’s worried expression made me feel bad, so I decided to at least ask.
“Excuse me, how long would we need to wait?”
“Did you make a reservation?”
“Not exactly…”
“I’m afraid you’ll have to wait 2-3 hours then.”
The staff politely informed us.
No need to apologize.
Nodding, I turned to Senna.
“Looks like we need to find somewhere else.”
“Well, guess there’s nothing we can do. We’ll wait here until the others arrive and then head elsewhere.”
Though disappointed, she nodded understandingly.
“Wait, weren’t you here for lunch earlier?”
Looking to the side, I saw a middle-aged man with a fancy mustache staring at me.
“Uh… Yes, that’s right.”
“I heard you participated in the Northern War…”
How did he know that?
Regardless, I simply nodded.
The man enthusiastically grabbed my arm.
“Oh! Please come in. Let me show you to your seat.”
“Um? Who exactly are you to offer such hospitality…”
“Oops, my apologies for being so hasty. I’m Marang, the owner of this establishment. Please, come inside.”
Still confused about the situation, we awkwardly followed him inside.
***
“…And that’s what happened.”
Only after Marang explained did we understand this was a special service.
Apparently, his son also fought in the Northern War and was saved from a near-death experience by some unknown hero.
Not knowing who specifically helped, he decided to offer free meals to all war veterans as thanks.
Turns out this restaurant regularly offers half-price meals to soldiers.
Upon closer inspection, I noticed commendations from the Ministry of Defense hanging on the walls.
“I’m glad your son returned safely.”
“Hehe, thank you. If I had known earlier, I would’ve offered you a free lunch too.”
“Ah, it’s fine. It was covered by the academy anyway.”
Even though we already had seats, he insisted on treating us for free repeatedly.
He said it would give him peace of mind, leaving me no choice but to accept.
“By the way, how did you know I participated in the war?”
“Lord Helios told me. He knows my situation and often informs me about unrecognized heroes.”
So it was Balkan behind this.
Though unnecessary, it did help us secure a table…
“To think you’re related by marriage… He specifically asked me to treat you especially well.”
“… Haha.”
Just how far does his manipulation reach?
I fear everyone in the empire will know soon enough.
Marang bowed apologetically.
“Though I’d love to sit and chat, the festival has brought in so many customers…”
“No, providing us with a seat is more than enough.”
“May you and your students have a pleasant time.”
Click! Thud!
After the door closed, I let out a small sigh.
Being treated like a hero always feels awkward.
I just did what needed to be done.
“Wow, Professor is amazing! You seem different now!”
Sena looked at me with shining eyes.
Her cute admiration made me feel good, but admitting it felt embarrassing, so I played it cool.
“Spare the praise, it won’t stick.”
“Ah! That’s what people say when they’re embarrassed!”
…Your analysis skills have improved.
“Anyway, since they’re offering hospitality, let’s enjoy the meal properly.”
“Okay~!”
After enthusiastically agreeing, Senna suddenly changed her tone and whispered slyly.
“Speaking of which… What’s this about being related by marriage?”
“… Huh? What are you talking about? You must’ve misheard.”
“No use pretending. You’re great at poker face but terrible at lying. Spill it!”
“My… Me?”
“Yeah. Allen doesn’t lie.”
Caught by Black Wolf’s confirmation, I forced an awkward smile.
“That…”
“Already moved on to Amy, huh? Family approval?! When did this happen… Ah! Was it when you visited Amy after her discharge?”
Why is your detective skills only sharp at times like these?
Watching Senna’s relentless questioning, I started sweating.
“No, that’s…”
“Yes yes! Wow, Amy puts on such an act but…”
“Hey, let me explain…”
“So all your complaints about training were just a ruse? How can someone be so heartless? You must hate everyone, right?”
“… Really…?”
To think she thought that about me.
Though I was prepared to be disliked, hearing it directly was uncomfortable…
“Anyway, calm down and listen!”
Before uncovering any more uncomfortable truths, I decided to stop Senna’s tirade.
Grabbing her wildly flailing arms…
“Eek…!”
Did I lose control of my strength in my panic?
Senna stumbled into me.
Caught off guard, I lost balance too, and we both began falling toward the floor.
Instinctively trying to protect her…
Thud!
“… Are you okay?”
“Y-yes…”
“That’s why I said to calm down…”
“What are you two doing?”
A chilling voice sent shivers down my spine.
Looking up, I saw Amy glaring coldly at us.
“Wow… Isn’t that a bit too bold?”
“…”
Behind Amy stood Ariana with an interested expression and Lux with her usual blank face.
“W-well, you see…”
Only then did I realize our compromising position.
Moments ago, I had fallen on top of Senna while protecting her.
“Oh dear…”
Simply put, I was currently lying on top of Senna.
“I see.”
“Maybe it’s a misunderstanding~?”
“…”
Why is Lux, who says nothing, the scariest?
Desperately seeking support, I turned to Black Wolf with pleading eyes.
“Hey, explain what happened.”
After blinking blankly for a moment, he finally spoke.
“Pervert.”
Ah, this is bad. Very bad.
