Chapter 20

“………………”

When I opened the door, a blonde-haired, blue-eyed girl was there. It was Anon, the headmistress of this academy. Instead of her usual robe and pointy hat, she wore an ordinary dress.

“Hmph! What is that look on your face? Are you so displeased to go on a date with the adorable me?”

“No, it’s not that I’m displeased, but honestly, I’d prefer to spend my day off leisurely researching the magic I love…”

Come to think of it, is it really okay for an elf over a hundred years old to call herself cute?

“You magic-obsessed fool… Knowing you, I doubt you’ve ventured out into town on weekdays. I thought it might be a nice change of pace to explore this city together after such a long time. What do you say?”

“Hmm…”

Now that she mentioned it, I hadn’t visited this city in a long while, ever since I moved to another town after graduating from this academy. I was somewhat curious about how the city had changed over the past ten years.

Anon must have gone out of her way to invite me, despite her busy schedule.

Thinking back, the past five days had been quite hectic. Unlike the busyness of being engrossed in research, this was mentally taxing in many ways. While I interacted with people frequently in my past life, in this otherworldly life, I prioritized research and rarely socialized.

“Alright, you’ve convinced me. It might be nice to stroll through the city after so long. Let me get ready; wait for me just a moment.”

“Very well, I shall wait!”

“All set. Shall we go?”

“Are you seriously planning to go dressed like that?”

“Of course. When heading out, it’s got to be a lab coat.”

I wore my lab coat over casual clothes. It always made me feel more at ease.

“What kind of man wears a lab coat on a date!?”

“Wait, date?”

Even if we walked side by side, anyone would probably see us as parent and child…

By the way, not all elves look like young girls. Elves grow just like humans during their youth, but once they reach their growth limit, they maintain that appearance for a long time. Eventually, they slowly start to age.

Anon’s form just happens to be smaller than the typical elf’s growth limit. Despite her appearance, she’s stronger than I am in combat.

“This street does bring back memories. Ah… that bakery’s gone, huh?”

Anon and I wandered through the academy city streets. This area was a regular haunt of mine for a breather back when I was a student. Unfortunately, my favorite bakery seemed to have shut down.

In the end, Anon didn’t let me wear my lab coat. It’s hard to feel at ease without it…

“This academy city has changed quite a lot. Much of it is thanks to the magical devices you invented.”

“Well, that’s great. Useful magical devices do make life more convenient.”

In town, people call me “Geek.” I use this alias to avoid trouble, as I doubt many old acquaintances remain, but being known as a temporary teacher here would only complicate matters.

“This mana stone is quite cheap. Prices really have fluctuated in the past ten years. Oh, look, that shop over there has rare materials for sale!”

“Browsing these kinds of shops on a date is very you. Well, as long as you’re enjoying yourself.”

Anon guided me to various spots I wanted to visit. After walking down memory lane, we browsed shops filled with rare materials. The academy city also has an adventurer’s guild, so it’s common to see monster ingredients and materials on display.

Though I usually buy materials in bulk from trusted vendors for research and magical device crafting, treasure-hunting in random stores like this is fun too.

“I feel bad that I’ve been enjoying myself so much. Still, it was nice revisiting the city after so long.”

Now, we were having lunch at a place Anon recommended. Despite being a newly-appointed headmistress, she seemed to work even on her days off. After eating, she planned to return to the academy.

“I’m glad you enjoyed it. Since I’ve already put you to work, this meal is on me. Order whatever you like.”

“No, I should be the one treating you, considering all the help you’ve given me. Let me pay today.”

I’d expelled five students—including one from a marquis family—on my third day as a temporary teacher. Anon handled all the aftermath as headmistress.

Though neither of us was hurting for money, it’s the thought that counts in close relationships.

“Besides, isn’t this a date? It’s only natural for the guy to pay. Let me treat you.”

“…You can be so unfair sometimes.”

“Hey, call me Geek while we’re here!”

Anon blushed and averted her gaze as she muttered my real name. For someone who called this a date, she sure was shy.

All in all, it was a fun day exploring the city after so long. A change of pace is indeed essential.