Chapter 37

Leaving Verlaine in charge, I prepared the care package and boarded the carriage to the magic university.

At the reception of the laboratory building, Polon was there as usual. This was my third visit, and I was already recognized as a familiar face.

"Welcome, Duke. If you're looking for Professor Miralca, she's in her office right now."

"Ah, thank you."

I continue to be called by the name I first introduced myself with, but I can't really say that it's a pseudonym, so I just leave it as it is. Many people also recognize me as a friend of Duke, who is a real person, due to the matter with Timis and others.

In this situation, it might be fine to use the name Duke Solver as a dragon researcher. I'm not sure if such research is needed at the magic university, but I could ask Professor Miralca to evaluate my papers—no, perhaps I should just take her advice on magic research.

"Hehe... It's nice to have a man who brings bentos and snacks. I just get by with the dull cafeteria and vending machines."

"Do you not make your own bentos? If you want, I could deliver them for you."

"Really? If you're just being polite, now's the time to say so. I might take it seriously, you know?"

"If I visit the magic university in the morning, I could bring them along. How about that?"

"The 'along' part is a bit off-putting, but I can tell that Duke is a very considerate person."

When it comes to food, I can't help but want to serve delicious meals, especially since I run a restaurant.

"I appreciate it, and I do want to be pampered, but if your bentos are that delicious, my usual meals will seem even more dull. I'll pass for now."

"Let me know whenever you feel like it. I can't guarantee they'll be amazing, but I'm confident in my lunch snacks. And the 3 PM snacks too."

"You really think of everything. Duke, you must be treating Professor Miralca because she's such an attractive woman, right?"

"Umm... Well, I won't deny that, but I have a proper reason, not just because of that."

"I see. Oh, I shouldn't keep you. Please, take your time."

After greeting Polon, I headed to Miralca's laboratory—only to find her already in the hallway.

She was staring at me intently, and I could tell she had been watching me for quite a while.

"Of course. You do have a type, don't you? Someone as gentle and friendly as that."

"Well, I wasn't denying it, but we were just chatting."

"Liar. She said she wasn't satisfied with the cafeteria and wanted something delicious. She really liked the snacks I shared with her before."

"I see, so that's why my care package was highly rated. But that was just the beginning. The quality will improve with each delivery. I never serve the same thing twice; that's my principle."

I used to change the daily menu at the bar every day, but I gave up after about 100 days. I realized that a rotating menu based on seasonal ingredients best satisfied the customers' needs.

However, this is only the third time I've brought a care package. If the cookies I brought the first time were so well-received, the three-color sandwiches I have today should get even higher praise. They are made with meat, seafood, and fresh fruits and cream, all in petite sizes, with two of each prepared. If there are any leftovers, I can eat them on my way back.

"When it comes to cooking, your eyes light up... Do you really want to be a chef?"

"Cooking is a hobby. But when it comes to serving customers, I can't cut corners."

"Having a professional attitude in a hobby does feel a bit contradictory... By the way, Manalina is here today. Can I let her have some too?"

"That works out well. I was planning to eat the leftovers, but we can share them."

"Sometimes you're so nice, I don't know what to say. It would be more relaxing if you had some ulterior motives."

"To be honest, I enjoy watching women eat deliciously."

"Umm... That's not a good hobby. What's so fun about watching that? That's what we call a pervert. If you didn't know, I'll tell you."

When Miralca's sharp tongue returns, I feel a sense of relief. Maybe I've become immune to it.

◆◇◆

I went to the laboratory and let Manalina, who was waiting, have some food. She has visited my restaurant a few times, so she has tried the dishes I created. Her reaction today was so heartwarming to watch.

"There are such delicious breads... What have I been eating all this time?"

Today, Manalina had her brunette hair tied back, which she does when studying. It was a refreshing change from her usual loose hair.

Miralca had her hair in pigtails today, a style she sometimes used to do. It was the first time I had seen it in a while. It seems she also cares about her long hair getting in the way when studying.

"Mmm... Hmm. Mmm... After using my brain, being offered such a treat is almost like being conditioned."

"Thinking requires energy. If you need more, there's fruit too."

"Miralca, you get such delicious care packages regularly... It's so embarrassing, but I'm really envious."

"This is just the beginning. I need to gradually bring out my best to keep you from getting bored."

"It's really scary... I might start saying things that aren't like me."

"I might want to come more often and ask to join you, Duke. Can I?"

"Sure, Manalina is a student in this seminar."

"But... Isn't it too easy for you to take orders from anyone? I'm supposed to be the one bringing care packages as a thank you..."

"If it's limited to the people I'm involved with at the university, it's fine. No further expansion. Got it?"

"Alright, I understand. I won't go overboard. Thank you, Duke."

We were having a casual conversation, but she is the princess and the first in line to the throne.

By the way, she was also targeted in the Vinsbruck incident, but I wonder if she was aware of it.

"My younger sister, who has the same right to succession as my mother and I, is only eight years old, but the Duke of Jan proposed marriage... My father was initially in favor of strengthening the relationship with Jan, but he found it suspicious. Then, a major issue with the Vinsbruck family was discovered... I was really surprised."

"If Manalina hadn't wanted to break the engagement, it could have been much more complicated. You have a good eye for people."

"I... I actually aspire to a relationship where we can understand each other slowly and naturally. I know I shouldn't be in a position to choose, but..."

Due to her high status, she can't choose her own spouse. I understand the obligations that come with her birth, but I don't think Manalina's feelings should be dismissed. It might be a young person's perspective, but...

"Living as you please is the best. If it becomes difficult, come to me with another request."

"But... You've already done so much for me that I couldn't repay it in a lifetime. I can't keep relying on you, Duke..."

"Don't worry, Manalina. He looks like he's bothered, but he loves taking care of people."

"I don't mind helping with Manalina's problems. Once I take on a request and get involved in someone's life, I take responsibility for what comes after. If there are no issues, that's fine, but if problems arise, it's part of the job at the 'Silver Water Jug Inn'."

"Your sincerity leaves me speechless. I'm overwhelmed..."

"Duke, you're making it hard for Manalina to concentrate on her studies. If she fails a course, you'll have to listen to her life problems."

"I'm not good at studying, but I can help with magic."

"Really? I managed to make a contract with the fire spirit, but I can't seem to activate the basic 'Firefly' spell..."

"It's more about practice than learning. Show me what you can do."

"Okay. Please wait a moment, I need to look at my notes to remember the spell..."

Manalina, who always wears glasses when studying, put them on. Miralca, in professor mode, also wore glasses. I noticed that the red glasses suited her golden hair. Manalina's glasses were a rare rimless type.

"In the name of Manalina Lila Albein, I petition the fire spirit to light a small flame before me..."

"That's not enough to connect your magic to the spirit. Let's start with that training. I'll 'assist' you just this once to help you get the feel of it."

"Umm... Yes, thank you, Duke."

Some guild members couldn't use magic when they first joined and didn't realize their potential. They had made contracts with spirits but couldn't connect their magic to the spirits, often giving up on their magical abilities.

Manalina had magic power but lacked the initial spark. I placed my hand on her head and cast an enhancement spell called 'Spirit Sensitivity Increase' to heighten her sensitivity to spirits—then.

"This feeling... Spirits are so close to us..."

"Right. The foundation of spirit magic is 'Spirit Summoning,' which increases the spirit power in a specific area. Once you can connect your magic to spirits, try this next."

"Okay... In the name of Manalina Lila Albein, I petition the fire spirit to gather before me... 'Spirit Summoning'!"

The density of fire spirits in the space increased. Miralca, who understood the theory of spirit magic but didn't practice it, listened to my lesson along with Manalina.

"Will 'Firefly' cause an explosion if I use it now?"

"Firefly isn't that powerful. It will just become very bright."

I nodded to the tense Manalina. She should meet the activation requirements now.

"... In the name of Manalina Lila Albein, I petition the fire spirit to light a small flame before me. 'Firefly'!"

Manalina finished the incantation with tension. Her magic power interfered with the fire spirit, and then...

A small ball of flame appeared in front of her hand, floating up and down before fading away.

"I... I did it... Duke, Miralca, I can use magic...!"

"Kyaa... Why are you hugging me? I just watched and didn't do anything."

"It's fine. I wasn't planning to charge for the lesson."

"No... I can't take advantage of this. I don't know how to thank you for the care package and this guidance..."

"If I write a report on how I taught you spirit magic, can I become a student in Miralca's seminar?"

"What are you suddenly saying... If you join my seminar, you'll have to go on research trips with us..."

"Long journeys aren't a problem for me. But you both seem to have something to say."

"Even though it's inappropriate to say in front of Duke... I'm looking forward to it."

"What are you looking forward to... Duke, if you submit a report, it will cause a stir and make you famous. Are you prepared for that?"

"Yes, I am. This way, I can use the magic university's library and observe experiments in Miralca's lab. 'Research' sounds good, doesn't it?"

Thus, the name 'Duke Solver' was added to the list of special research students in Miralca's seminar.

Duke—my report titled 'Objective Criteria for Judging Magical Aptitude and a Guide to Activating Basic Magic'—became a savior for students who struggled with magic despite entering the magic university.

Since only I could provide this unique guidance, there were talks of setting up a 'Basic Magic Guidance Room' with Duke Solver as the instructor, but I declined. I couldn't teach in a mask to hide my identity, and it would be too convenient to teach magic without showing my face, so I decided to let them read the report and work hard—since I'm not a teacher like Miralca, I hope they'll understand.

"If you submit your dragon research report to the academic society, you might be scouted by the royal family as a researcher."

"Being told that makes me want to keep it a trade secret. Moderation is key."

"Show me your next report. In return, I'll show you my research report."

It wouldn't be bad to appear as a student in Miralca's seminar. While reading a paper titled 'Calculation of the Center of Gravity for Large Structures and Efficient Destruction,' which only Miralca could practically apply, I had to resist the urge to tell her to do more general research, like a professor would.