Advanced Notice

Well then, Ill wait in the annex!

Ill be waiting there too.

Ferloche, smiling cheerfully, and Serena, quietly covering her face with a fan, spoke simultaneously.

..

And then, the two girls silently faced each other.

I had seen Serena cover her face with a fan. However, compared to Ferloche, who smiled cheerfully, she seemed quite scary today.

Uh, well Ill wait

Sure, just wait a moment.

I havent finished speaking

Clana, muttering timidly behind them, was about to say something, but I hastily said that and quietly closed the door.

Phew.

I had a feeling that if I followed them now, I would somehow get into trouble. And then, I discovered an interesting fact that made me want to leave this place.

Professor, whats your relationship with those people?

As I turned around, Glare, still holding my sleeve, tilted her head and asked.

Its complicated.

Huh?

I had to stop my hand as I was just about to pat her head casually. I looked at Glare. She was observing my left hand with a curious expression. I said in a low voice.

Stop meddling in others business, kiddo.

A fiance whose first cycles memory only returned during the day, a woman I became engaged to through the covenant after abandoning the first fiance, and even a saintess who may seem foolish to others but knows me better than anyone else.

I couldnt briefly explain all these relationships, so I roughly mashed the words. Glare, with a sulky expression, puffed up her cheeks.

This is going to drive me crazy.

I was pretty weak when dealing with kids around Arias age. Was it because I couldnt treat her well?

I should have been cold to her like others, but no harsh words came out.

Perhaps it was the first time in a while that I felt kindness from a stranger without any reason, and I didnt want to lose that.

Get lost.

But Im your student?

Sigh.

Against my will, I uttered some cold words, but the kiddo stuck closely to me, trailing behind.

Hey.

Heik!

Deciding to leave her alone for a while, I approached a nearby student who had lowered her head. Then I grabbed her shoulders and said.

Lift your head.

Uh, uhh

The girl, visibly trembling, cautiously raised her head.

W-what are you looking at, you human?

A familiar voice echoed shortly after.

Why are you here?

Surprisingly, it was Miho; she used to be Serenas assistant.

Uh, well I have, uh, reasons.

Did you get kicked out?

N-no!

Looking at her tailored uniform, which accommodated her large, fluffy tail, it seemed she wasnt kicked out, at least.

I-I didnt want to come but that dog beastkin threatened me

Are you talking about Lulu?

F-forget that. Dont bother, human.

After saying that, she looked at me with a blush.

B-but, human, w-what was that power from earlier?

Is a human supposed to be that strong? Why did you hide your strength?

Her gaze was fierce as she asked, with a cautious expression. However, for some reason, her tail was swaying slowly.

Hmm.

I finally knew why she became part of the Sub-Heroines.

She became a sub-heroine due to the changes in the main storyline, leading her to enroll in the academy.

Y-you better be prepared, human.

While I pondered, Miho initiated a conversation. She sweated nervously as I stared at her.

I-Ill catch you! N-no Ill defeat you! My new friends just told me all about your bad deeds. Ill never be decei Heik?

I calmly watched her as she rambled, her tail covering her face. Suddenly, Miho screamed.

Wow Its so fluffy

Let go! Human! D-dont touch my tail!!

As Glare buried her face into her split tails, Miho struggled to push her away, sweating coldly.

I watched that scene for a bit. Then, I quietly averted my gaze and continued to walk.

Uh, um W-well, you see

I finally arrived at my destination and saw a restless Aishi. When she saw me, she seemed to calm down.

Nice to see you again here.

Uh, y-yeah.

Unable to discern whether to use formal or informal language with me, she began the conversation quietly after cautiously watching for my use of honorifics.

Th-that, you know. About the curse I cast on you

Ugh.

..!

She spoke as she reached for my heart. Suddenly, she started to breathe rapidly.

D-do you want me to get rid of that? I have been searching for a way to remove it

..?

When I stepped back with a frown, Aishi, looking at my reaction, began speaking.

What benefits do you gain by removing it?

W-well you see

There was no way to lift this curse. Her expression changed when I asked her that. After all, why would she want to help someone who was everyones enemy?

I dont think you should treat me as rudely as you do others.

Hm.

W-well, Im the only one who can lift it, you know? So if I dont tell you, you, you will die.

As she said, she seemed a bit frightened. Aishi, scrutinizing me, turned away and spoke with a flushed face when I quietly bit my lip and began to pretend to follow along.

A-alright. Are we finally on the same page? So, from now on, youll play nice?

I guess I have no choice.

A merciless, skilled individual who is everyones enemy, yet when alone with me, he gets reduced to a plaything with no ability to resist Isnt that great?

She crossed her arms, wearing her usual mischievous smile.

Uh, from now on, treat me like the other students in everyday situations.

Yes.

And when were alone y-you know what I mean, right?

I understand.

As I nodded quietly, she gestured for me to come closer, wearing a gentle smile.

You listened well, so Ill reward you. Lousy Professor

As I approached, Aishi covered her mouth and whispered in my ear.

I wonder if this was how Sis Isolet felt when I called her lousy? A strange tingling sensation ran through my body.

Now, shall we begin?

Lost in thought, I absentmindedly stared at her. She playfully wrapped her left arm around my waist and smiled while placing her right hand on my stomach.

Ssrk, ssk

Then, with two fingers raised, she made her fingers walk, slowly moving her hand up my body.

Thud

She skillfully unbuttoned my shirt as she flashed smiling eyes, bringing her hand to my heart. Suddenly, I felt a stiffness in my body.

Indeed, I dont feel any pain but the sensation of coldness is the same as usual.

Realizing that my fingers didnt unfold as easily, I discovered that fact and became confused.

Why cant I feel pain since the appointment ceremony incident?

All my other senses are intact, but I cant feel pain. Why is that? Something seems off.

Zap

Here, how do you feel?

Feeling strangely detached due to the lack of pain, I tilted my head. Aishi posed the question as her hand lingered over my heart.

Zap

I calmly lowered my head. Soon, I noticed a rather intricate magic circle floating on my chest.

.

You feel better, right? The pain has soothed down, right?

Since I had no idea what was going on, I remained silent. The triumphant expression on Aishis face was gone, replaced by fear.

I-I clearly completed the dispelling magic circle so you should be okay now

Darn it.

And only then did I understand the situation.

She was deceived by that fake mage.

The Popes informant and the corrupted royal mage of the Cloud Kingdom seemed to have conspired against her.

In the previous cycle, Aishi fell into despair after transferring the curse to her family member. The corrupt royal mage then provided her with a fake dispelling magic circle that held no effect, adding to her torment.

As a result, she had intensified the curse every time she placed her hand on her parents hearts until their death. Eventually, she ended her own life, succumbing to despair and deterioration.

And just now, that incident almost repeated.

Y-you are getting better right?

As I stayed silent, her gaze slowly began to fade.

Finding her response somewhat peculiar, I chose to observe the situation quietly.

Why do you carry such guilt? After all, even if I suffer, it shouldnt matter to you since Im a villain. Is it because I know the secret of conquering the Demon King? Then, why not use this curse to threaten me?

N-no It shouldnt be. I cant be wrong here I-I only

Her face grew paler as she began mumbling.

The dreams that I saw the memories its all fake. I know it, its all fake!

Then, she removed her hand from my chest, covered her ears, and raised her voice.

Whats actually going on here?

Finding her behavior strange, I quickly cast a perception-inhibiting spell around and observed. Strange words escaped her lips.

I hate it, dont look No, I dont want it

Hey

T-the eyes..

I frowned, suppressing the shiver that went down my body. I softly whispered in her ear.

My condition has improved a lot.

Hu, huh?

Where did you learn that? It seems to be quite effective.

I spoke with a gentle smile, and the faint blush returned to her pale face.

O-oh, I see I-Im relieved

Indeed. Is it probably that?

She had always claimed to hear voices since way before.

At first, I thought it might be a hallucination caused by her depression, but now, its clear.

Someone, no some entity is guiding her deterioration.

Such a reaction was unthinkable unless someone subtly whispered depressing words into her ears while she slept, walked, and sat.

Indeed, when Im with you, I cant hear the voices Its truly fortunate No, its nothing.

Moreover, she supposedly couldnt hear this voice when I was around.

Why in the world?

Could she be trying to keep me at arms length? If not, were there any unavoidable reasons?

A-anyway, remember todays promise, you criminal.

As I was lost in thought, I heard her speak with her head turned toward me.

R-remember that I hold the leash to your life Dont forget.

Then, she silently left the classroom.

First, I should deal with that royal mage.

Watching her depart, I murmured to myself, getting ready to reach out to the Demon Kings army.

Also, I need to investigate that voice.

Somehow, I have a feeling.

That Aishis voice, which is not mentioned in the prophecy, might be a significant clue.

Click.

With a serious expression, I opened the door. Soon, my eyes widened.

Kania?

Gasp, gasp

As I left the waiting room, Kania rushed to my arms, breathing heavily, and clung to my chest.

Whats wrong? Are you hurt somewhere?

No.

But why are you

Its because I love you so much, Young Master.

Her expression appeared quite pale.

I love you, Young Master.

.

Gently stroking Kanias back while she buried her head in my shoulder, I quietly murmured.

Come to think of it, Kania has been acting suspicious lately

It seemed like there were many things that I had to investigate.

Note Extremely popular among girls Somehow, its quite annoying Caution required

The kiddo, who had sneakily stuck to my back, was pouting with an irritated expression, muttering something incoherent.

When did she get behind me? Did she learn stealth magic from the Magic Tower Master?

Ugh.

As expected, preparing for the new semester seemed more challenging for the professor than for the students.

.

.

.

.

.

Kiddo, stop following me.

I dont want to!

Sigh.

Even outside the waiting room, that kiddo was still on my tail as I walked around, occasionally jotting things down. When we arrived at the designated meeting place, the auxiliary building, I frowned and said.

Why are you doing this?

Why? Somehow, you seem like a wounded kitten Maybe it makes me want to help you. Or perhaps, protect you?

As she said that, she seemed unsure about her own words.

Do I really look like that?

Scratching my head, I took advantage of the distracted kiddo and swiftly opened the door to the annex.

Heiikk!

You scared me.

However, an unexpected person stood in front of me.

Ugh, ugh ugh, ugh

Roswyn, who was about to leave the annex with a pale expression, noticed me and raised her guard.

Ssk

Seeing her up close after a long time, I pondered how to approach her when she suddenly scowled and began to stagger.

Ah.

Then, Roswyn leaned on the door sill and started trembling.

Since she disliked me, it was natural for her to react like that upon seeing me, especially since my reputation had worsened.

Sorry if I make you uncomfortable.

With such thoughts, I slightly failed to maintain my expression and spoke softly, making her stagger and step back.

Puha.

She exhaled and collided with Glare, watching us with round eyes. I quietly closed the annex door.

Why did she exhale so heavily, though?

The questions in my mind stopped momentarily as I observed the two girls before me.

Then, you guys can talk first.

After a brief moment with numerous exchanged glances, Serena slowly stood up from her seat.

I wasnt in a hurry, so Ill be generous and yield first.

Thats right, Im overflowing with virtue!

She headed toward the exit but jolted upon hearing those words.

Swish.

Then, quietly folding and unfolding her fan, she left the room.

It was an almost unfamiliar behavior, but I felt I knew its meaning for some reason, and a shiver ran down my spine.

Click.

Once the door closed, silence filled the room.

My cute Lord Frey!

As I tried to sit down, Ferloche suddenly stood up and, with a foolish expression, started approaching me.

Whats this? Are you acting like a fool?

I expected her original personality to come out after the sunset, but as I tilted my head, she came closer and spoke with a bright smile.

Today, I came to make an offer. Order? Advice? Something like that!

..?

As I tilted my head at her incomprehensible words, Ferloche embraced me and whispered into my ear.

Do you understand?

Heik

At that moment, my waist was gently held.

Look, Im right. Youre so cute.

Ah, uhh

I know everything.

She was just burying her fingers a little too firmly into my side, yet I found myself burying my head in Ferloches shoulder, who was shorter than me, and blushing.

Today, Ill advise you on these kinds of things.

Huh?

She gently patted my back and whispered in my ear, sending shivers down my spine.

Also

Feeling dizzy, I closed my eyes. She caressed the collar of my clothes and whispered once again.

About the Fourth Ordeal that will come soon.

!

I snapped my dazed eyes open.

You should listen carefully.

It might be quite challenging, but I had to keep my composure.

Gugu, lock the door.

Gugu!

Could I manage to do it?

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