It was just before 5 PM in the evening, and considering school would resume tomorrow, I decided it was time to head back home.
I left Sharl’s place and started walking back home.
However, as I passed the park, I suddenly stopped in my tracks.
Pulling out my phone to check the time, it was already past 5 PM.
“Hmm, oh well…”
I started walking again, opting for a detour back to the park. I sat down on a bench and spaced out for a while.
“Truly remarkable. I understand completely.”
A voice from behind caused me to look up, revealing a red-tinted blonde woman standing there with a smile.
“Excuse me, this may sound odd, but are you a wizard?”
The reason for my assumption was because she didn’t appear Japanese. Additionally, I instantly sensed that she had some martial arts background. And now, I could feel her emanating magical energy.
“Yes, I’m a wizard affiliated with Astral’s Operations Committee. Part of the covert side of things.”
The “covert side”…
It’s the same as Senior Andy.
“Regarding last week’s incident?”
“Yes. Mind if I sit next to you?”
“Please do.”
Upon saying that, the woman took a seat beside me, turning toward me with a bright, welcoming smile. Though her smile was charming…
“Huh? Planning to fight?”
The woman exuded a readiness for battle, though not outright hostility.
“Please don’t mind me. It’s just a habit from work.”
She’s definitely a combat-oriented wizard.
“Senior Andy seemed rather ordinary though?”
“Oh, not really… Ah! I apologize, introductions first. I’m Michelle Anvil.”
“Nice to meet you… I’m Nagase Tsukasa.”
I assume you already know.
“Yes, Mr. La Folle’s student, correct?”
“You know me?”
“I’ve heard from Andy. Though, I suppose digging deeper would reveal more details.”
Given they’re part of the covert side, they must be able to find out information. As long as it doesn’t reach my classmates, though, I don’t mind.
“Hmm… So, where are you from, by the way?”
“You attend the same school as Tsukasa-kun. Incidentally, the Anvil family aligns with the La Folle faction.”
I see…
“Are you aware of where I’ve been up until now?”
“No, I’ve seen nothing and know nothing.”
Michelle turned her head with an exaggerated movement—an obvious reaction hinting she knows I was at Sharl’s.
“Hey, earlier you said something about how wizards competing with each other isn’t ideal…”
“Which reminds me—how dare you…” Michelle suddenly caught herself, blushing and looking apologetic. “Ah, my apologies. You’re quite right.”
Honestly, you two don’t get along at all…
“Which of your factions…”
“Which mouth dares to talk? No, sorry, you’re my colleague… This is unavoidable, but within the La Folle faction, everyone gets along well?”
“Is that so? Even with us?”
“Of course! The head of the La Folle family once mentioned, ‘I’ve got a talented grandson with plenty of magical potential. What do you think?’”
Grandma…
I remember Father once told me Grandma would introduce a lovely prospective bride at the La Folle estate, but it seems she’s already contacted them!
“I’m only 16 years old though.”
“You’re young. I’m 22, by the way.”
That’s Chloe’s age.
“Twenty-two, huh… Then I suppose you can address me casually? You’re a senior after all.”
“Alright, sounds good.”
Michelle smiled brightly. She suits smiling.
“Did you graduate from the Magic Academy?”
“Yes. Actually, I’m from the same year as Erik.”
Oh, Erik-senpai, huh.
I recall Erik should be around that age.
“What was Erik like back then?”
“He was an exceptionally talented person. As befitting the heir, naturally.”
Erik is set to become the next head of La Folle.
Typically, it was supposed to be Mother’s elder brother—Uncle on Toko’s side—but because Erik is talented and because of Uncle’s successful ventures in a different field, Erik became the next head. That’s why Toko decided to pursue her path as a La Folle wizard.
“I see… As someone who wasn’t even aware of the Magic Academy’s existence, and it being so far away, I don’t know much about Erik’s school days.”
“Hmm, he was very earnest. Ah, and quite popular with the ladies.”
Erik sounds so cool. I might punch him the next time I see him.
“Speaking of which, was the grandson Grandma mentioned earlier Erik?”
“Not even close. Erik doesn’t have half the magical prowess you do. By the way, Grandma mentioned, ‘There’s a rather straightforward young man.’”
Ah, the word “straightforward”…
Mother uses it too. That word always comes up!
“I’m straightforward, aren’t I? Guess I’m stupid.”
“Yes, I perceive you as straightforward. Normally, wouldn’t you be more suspicious? Don’t you think I might be an enemy? Wouldn’t you assume someone claiming to be from Anvil or the covert wing could be an assassin from another town?”
“Are you an enemy? Are you lying?”
“Nope. I’m not lying.”
Then that’s fine.
“Is your relationship with Grandma good enough for her to suggest a suitable husband for you?”
“Yes, we’ve known each other since childhood, and she’s always been very kind to me.”
I see…
“Is it bad that I’ve become close with the next head of Iver?”
“It’s bad. Very bad. Moreover, visiting their home is absolutely terrible.”
Frankly, from Mother’s reactions, I had an inkling. However, no matter what, I couldn’t change how things turned out. It’s not like I could.
“Well, I’m an idiot, to begin with. I failed even the backup high school and became a NEET. Yet, I somehow scored 86 in the fundamentals test. And even though I could only perform enhancement magic since childhood due to my high magical power, I’ve now managed to use spatial magic. All thanks to Sharl.”
She’s an exceptional teacher.
“By the way, do you know Giselle?”
“Yes, I do. She cried tears of joy. And then, she seemed terribly conflicted, holding her head.”
Every time Sharl visits our house and leaves, she always heads to the living room, holding her head. She murmurs things like, “He’s too perfect…” or “If only he were a villain…” Meanwhile, Father remains indifferent.
“I see… Of course, you haven’t told Grandma about this, right?”
“Appears not. Grandma has warned us to keep this a secret. Therefore, Michelle-san, please don’t say anything.”
“I understand… Besides, I wouldn’t say anything, even if I wanted to.”
She doesn’t want any trouble.
“I appreciate your cooperation. So, why is someone from the covert wing of Astral in Japan? Moreover, you’re French, right?”
With introductions out of the way, it’s time to get to the point.
“Well… As I mentioned earlier, I’m here to discuss last week’s event. Do you have time?”
“Sure. I’m fine.”
“In that case, could I borrow a bit of your time? Oh, here’s a coffee.”
Michelle pulled out a can of coffee from her pocket and handed it to me. The coffee was still warm.
“Thank you.”
It’s summertime, so I’d have preferred it cold…
Thank you for reading.
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