Chapter 45

“Excuse me.”

“…Ah, do you have a question?”

The one who entered the research room by opening the door was a female student.

Generally, I take questions from students during class, but occasionally there are students who come to my research room after school to ask questions.

It’s past 5 PM, which is the official end of the workday, but the students’ enthusiasm for learning magic should be respected as much as possible, so naturally, I intend to answer her questions… though, this time, it doesn’t seem like it’s going to be a question.

“Professor Geek, please go out with me!”

“………………”

A sudden confession of love from the female student.

In my previous life, I was completely unpopular, but in this world, I’ve been confessed to by women several times. However, most of those confessions were not because they liked me but rather because they were after my status or talent. Since I was absorbed in my magical research, I rejected them all.

And I know for sure that this girl’s confession isn’t sincere either.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t intend to date any of my students.”

“…Then, just once, please embrace me!”

With that, the female student took off her uniform top and hugged me while wearing only her underwear.

I could feel the softness of her chest through my lab coat.

“…Sorry, but I’m not interested. You should value yourself more.”

“Is that so? That’s unfortunate…”

After I said something reasonable, she didn’t try anything further and stepped back from me.

“You’re still young, and you’ll meet many wonderful men in the future. There must be someone more suitable for you than me.”

“…I understand.”

With that, the female student left the research room without hesitation.

Though I can give advice on various aspects of magic, when it comes to matters of love, I’m completely clueless. She probably didn’t truly accept my words.

“Hmm, I hope she doesn’t do anything foolish.”

The reason why I knew that her confession wasn’t genuine, despite not understanding women’s feelings at all, is simple.

Her name is Isabella Seraphina — an S-class student and former girlfriend of Roph, one of Gabriel’s followers. She’s also the only student who didn’t participate in the practical defense magic training session. It’s impossible for someone like her to suddenly confess her love to me.

Although I’m not entirely certain, I think I know what her intentions are. I’ve already taken some precautions, but I can’t exactly report to anyone that a female student confessed to me and hugged me. All I can do now is hope that she doesn’t make a foolish choice out of temporary resentment.

◆　◇　◆　◇　◆

“Well, I guess that’s enough preparation for today’s class.”

The next morning, after arriving at the academy from the faculty dormitory, I finished preparing for today’s lesson in the research room. Every day after school, I prepare for the next day’s classes, but I always double-check before each class starts. Especially since I teach both defensive magic and basic magic, I need to make sure I don’t mix them up.

I reviewed the content of the upcoming class, prepared simplified explanations for difficult parts, planned the flow and schedule of the class, and gathered the necessary materials and resources. In reality, teachers have a lot to prepare before every class.

*Click*

“Anon? What’s up? …And by the way, at least knock before entering, would you?”

Just as I thought, the research room door suddenly opened, revealing Anon.

Since I don’t lock the door while I’m here, anyone can freely enter. Still, even among close acquaintances, there should be some courtesy. At the very least, I’d appreciate a knock.

“What have you done this time?!”

As soon as he opened the door, Anon rushed over to me. He tried to grab the collar of my shirt, but being short, he had to tiptoe just to reach it.

“Ah, you mean that matter. I was just about to tell you. Did the Seraphina family file a complaint against me?”

They moved quickly, filing a complaint just a day after yesterday’s incident.

“…From your reaction, it seems that the accusation of Gil assaulting her is false, as expected.”

“Of course. There’s no reason for me to do something so foolish.”

I’d rather spend my time researching magic than fooling around with women.

“…Hmm, I didn’t think a magic-obsessed guy like you would do something like that. And even if you did, I figured you’d never leave any evidence behind.”

“………………”

It’s an unpleasant way to be trusted, but he’s right.

Naturally, I didn’t leave any evidence that could implicate me or Anon when we dismantled the criminal organization’s hideout or attacked Manatee’s house.

“I have proof that I didn’t do anything wrong. Did the knight corps receive a complaint as well?”

“No, the complaint came directly from the Count Seraphina family. They contacted us saying that her parents will visit the academy around noon to hear our side of the story.”

“Hmm, so there’s still room for negotiation, then.”

There’s a chance they may have also filed a complaint with the knights, but if they haven’t, there’s still a possibility of resolving this through discussion.

At the very least, since I have proof that I didn’t lay a hand on her, there’s no way I’ll lose this case.