Chapter 4

To celebrate the book release, I will post a short interlude from the book version. It includes original names and characters not found in the web version, and there are some differences, so please bear with me.

"Ugh, that creepy teacher!"

"Anri, try to calm down."

While watching my best friend downing shots at the counter, I ordered a glass of water as a precaution. The bearded, well-mannered bartender quickly prepared a glass of water for me.

This is our regular bar in the administrative district. The interior is chic, with a stylish design featuring glossy wood throughout.

After finishing work, I invited Anri for a drink, and we came here. However, my best friend immediately ordered a strong drink and kept downing them one after another.

Since she started assisting the second-year, tenth-class, she has been more prone to losing her cool, but today she is even more irritable than usual.

Apparently, Professor Caskel said some creepy things about a certain student and even invited her to dinner with a condescending attitude.

"What does he mean, 'It’s a waste of time to spend on a piece of trash!'? Are you even a teacher?!"

Spitting out "What a negligent teacher!" and chugging the distilled liquor, I couldn’t help but sigh at my friend.

Caskel Matiate is the homeroom teacher of the second-year, tenth-class, where Anri is currently an assistant. In other words, he is her direct superior.

Being from a noble background, he has a high sense of pride and treats the tenth-class students, who are often overlooked, with a lack of seriousness.

"And what’s with, 'If you return to your hometown, you’ll be an imperial noble!'? Does he have to take a high-and-mighty stance just to invite someone to dinner?!"

"Tsk, tsk..."

Anri is usually a cheerful and broad-minded woman, but even she has her limits. Seeing her so angry, it’s clear that Caskel must have been quite persistent.

Indeed, my best friend is quite beautiful. She embodies the softness of a woman, has a warm and welcoming presence, and her motherly smile is charming even to other women, making her a source of comfort. She is undoubtedly a prime catch.

She receives many confessions from men. It was the same during her student days. Thinking about it makes me a bit irritated.

However, my best friend has no interest in men. She is currently preoccupied with the student in question.

"So, how is the student you’re concerned about doing lately?"

As I said this, I replaced the distilled liquor on Anri’s table with the water I had ordered. It’s about time to cut back on the drinking.

I also changed the topic to calm her down a bit.

"...Not good at all. He’s always alone, always hurt. He still goes into the Spashim Forest alone, and he won’t join a party even when asked."

After gulping down the water I had switched, Anri suddenly slumped over the counter.

My friend, who was so angry a moment ago, now seemed incredibly dejected.

I messed up. I invited her for a drink to cheer her up, but it had the opposite effect. Maybe I should have chosen a different topic?

"What can we do? Hey! What if I stay with him all the time?"

"...Huh?"

For a moment, I couldn’t understand what my friend was saying. It didn’t make sense in the context of the conversation.

A few seconds later, I finally remembered the situation of the student in question. He is one of the struggling students in the tenth-class and is often the target of ridicule.

"Great idea! That way, Nozomu won’t be exposed to unjust violence, and it might help him improve his abilities."

"Well, that’s..."

My friend’s sudden and bizarre suggestion made me realize I should have stopped her drinking earlier. She is usually calm and gentle, but when she drinks, her already detached thinking can go off the rails.

"Attending classes together, eating together, training together... Yes! It’s doable!"

"No, that’s not possible. There will be times when we have to be apart, and there will be places where I can’t keep an eye on him."

I tried to steer her back on track, but I’m not sure how effective it would be.

Anri is a popular new teacher, but if she gives special treatment to one student, it could cause resentment among the others.

Besides, he lives in the dormitory. After school, they will inevitably be apart. It’s impossible for Anri to be with him all the time.

"Then, we can live in the same house. There’s a room available..."

"No, no, that’s even more of a problem!"

It’s no use. This naturally gentle and carefree girl has completely ignored her position and reality and is determined to be with Nozomu all the time.

"Anyway, Nozomu hasn’t opened up to you yet, has he?"

"Ugh..."

In fact, he hasn’t opened up to anyone at the academy. I’ve tried counseling him a few times, but there’s been no progress. Honestly, I think it might be better for him to explore other paths rather than stay at the academy.

"Being too persistent might backfire. It could even make him avoid you more... Hmm?"

"Ugh! Nolun, you idiot!"

"Hey, wait!"

Suddenly, Anri burst into tears and jumped up from her seat. She then slammed the door open and ran out.

Unconsciously, she must have been careful. The force of the door opening caused the hinge to come loose, and it flew off.

The rectangular door fell onto the road behind the square door frame at the entrance.

The atmosphere in the bar froze. Of course, it’s hard to believe that a slender woman like Anri could do such a thing.

Despite her appearance, Anri is a teacher at the Solminati Academy and is skilled in qi techniques and various weapons. However, right now, she is like a runaway wild horse. I need to catch up with her quickly...

"Sorry, Master. The repair costs..."

"It was already in bad shape. I was planning to fix it soon, so don’t worry about it. You should go after her quickly."

In the dead silence of the bar, the bartender calmly wiped a glass. I was grateful for his consideration. He is a very considerate person. I found myself drawn to him a bit.

"Thanks... Hey, Anri! Don’t run through the city at night with your body enhanced by qi! It’s causing a disturbance!"

I left all the money in my wallet on the counter and chased after my friend.

From a distance, I could hear the sound of the pavement being shattered. It seems she ran in that direction. Seriously, I can use magic, but I’m not that good at body enhancement!

Later, the story of the two women running through the administrative district spread to the academy, and Anri and I were called to the faculty office to receive a lecture.

By the way, the bartender I found a bit attractive was already married. His wife is petite but seems to have a warm and welcoming presence like my friend. Damn...

How was it?

This interlude was created to complement the book version.

If you enjoyed it, please consider the book version as well.