Chapter 31

"Still, Kururi-kun, you're amazing, aren't you?"

Every time there's a medical class, a man with a smile on his face would smoothly come over.

Despite the fact that the octagonal table was arranged for four people with ample space, this man, Leil, would suddenly make the space feel cramped as he approached. The teacher also encouraged teamwork, so he naturally didn't reprimand him.

"Did you hear any rumors again?"

I asked the annoyingly persistent man with a slightly cold attitude.

"I did. That you've tamed our stubborn prince? I thought you two were a bad match."

Leil's smile was as radiant as ever, unaffected by my attitude. I still couldn't tell if he was genuinely smiling.

"Well, it seems he didn't like me, but the teamwork went well. I didn't tame him; he just pushed me around."

"It was because of the cat teacher's call, right? I wish I could have a class with just you, Kururi-kun."

As he finished speaking, he took a step closer without breaking eye contact. He was almost leaning against me.

I felt a chill run down my spine. If he were to touch my butt, I might let out a "Kyaa" or something.

What is this guy! He's as creepy as ever.

"Hey, can you back off a bit?"

"Sure," he replied with the same smile.

Today, each person's assignment was placed on the table.

With the procedure manuals and reference books, it seemed like we could manage the class well enough by listening to the teacher.

I wanted to get started on the work, but I couldn't help but be distracted by this man's movements.

I slapped my cheeks and commanded myself to focus.

Alright, let's do this!

"Kururi-kun, you invited me before, right?"

He spoke at the perfect moment, as if he had been waiting for it.

He didn't interrupt his work, which was a bit, no, quite annoying.

"About making medical instruments?"

"That's right. Even though I was the one you promised first, you took Arc with you. That's not fair, is it?"

What's with his suggestive tone?

Is he my girlfriend? No, he's a guy, so he must be my boyfriend.

"Anytime you want to come."

"I won't go unless I'm called, you know," Leil said, shaking his head and muttering, "You don't get it, do you?"

Come to think of it, the people who come to my room are all very self-inviting, and I had forgotten the concept of inviting them. After all, there are always two people living in my room.

I might be the one at fault here.

Yes, Leil may seem creepy, but he's a reasonable person. It's my fault for not inviting him specifically.

"Alright, come to my room after today's class. You can stay until the evening if you want."

"Until the evening? We won't do anything, right?"

So he is my boyfriend!

Noticing my glare, Leil apologized, saying, "Sorry, sorry."

Since he always smiles, it's hard to tell what he's thinking, but I'll believe it was a joke.

In the worst case, Vain and Cross will be there, so I can escape.

I absolutely don't want my first time to be with a guy. I don't want it even if it's not my first time!

I turned back to the reptile in front of me and focused on the class.

It turns out that today is also a dissection. The instructor's motto seems to be "cut, cut, and cut more." He says it's to make all possible mistakes before making them on a human.

I picked up the usual awkward medical instruments and started working. Being able to dissect all kinds of creatures is good, but it's a physically and mentally exhausting task.

Leil was struggling but still smiling today.

Well, keep it up. I'll help you when it's time to clean up.

"Come in."

"Really, nothing will happen?"

"Just get in already."

After class, I pushed Leil into the room.

Since he talks nonsense, I can be a bit rough with him.

I don't mind a little. Once inside, he'll probably forget about the rudeness.

"Huh?"

When we entered the room, the usual heat and noise were absent.

There was a slight afterglow, but the large room was clearly empty.

It seems today's special training is being held outside.

Both of my lifelines are out.

Turning around, I saw Leil's usual smiling face.

...Nothing will happen, right?

"Thank you for making the flowers bloom again. It hurts to see the class, but looking at those flowers calms my heart. I even went to water them in the morning; I think I've grown to like those flowers."

"Good to hear. I'm glad you like them."

The flowers I made with magic are still growing well. Like ordinary flowers, they thrive with sunlight, nutritious soil, and water.

And the flowers made with magic have a mysterious charm.

I've been drawn in by them several times, feeling as if I could be sucked in.

Perhaps it's because they were made with magic that they are different from ordinary flowers.

Since no one usually comes close, they won't bother anyone, but I do worry about them a little.

"Then, I'll take a shower first."

Leil said, put down his belongings, and entered the simple bathroom in the room.

First shower... If I want to escape, now's the time.

Just in case, I left the window unlocked.

I lit the fire in the usual forge and prepared the materials and tools.

Just as I finished preparing and was ready to start working, Leil came to the workshop.

He looked refreshed after the shower, and there was a dripping, handsome man there.

"Phew, I feel great. Let's get started, Kururi-kun."

"Sure."

First, we started making a basic medical cutter.

"You said the blade wasn't sharp enough, and it's too straight to use. With that shape, you have to forcibly tear it, right?"

I agreed with Leil's opinion to a large extent. The design was too angular.

So, I suggested making the blade curved.

Leil agreed, and we started working immediately.

The size was different from the swords I usually make. It was smaller than a dagger.

It needed to be a size that could be held with one hand and one finger.

I paid the utmost attention to the work, carefully hammering the iron bit by bit.

I brushed and filed the fine parts and polished the blade to a sharp edge.

The completed medical cutter was shining with a reflective glow.

"Amazing, Kururi-kun. Your focus in class is so different that I couldn't even bother you! It's like, you had a craftsman's soul in you!"

When the work was done, an excited Leil spoke to me.

"Thank you. I'd be even happier if you didn't bother me during class."

"I can't do that. It's my fun."

That's it! Stop that fun!

I handed the completed item to Leil.

Leil took it and examined it.

He had a rare serious expression.

"Yeah, I can't tell how sharp it is yet, but I think it's really good. It's definitely at the forefront of medical instruments. A wonderful piece! I can't wait to try it out."

"If you think so, it's worth the effort. Let's finish the rest of the medical instruments."

"Sure, I'll leave it to you. Your skills are amazing. I'll be looking forward to it."

We continued to experiment and refine our ideas, and when I had a clear plan, I would shape it.

By the time we had made all the medical instruments for both of us, it was already late into the night.

We both collapsed on the bed, exhausted. We were both drenched in sweat.

"Phew, is that everything?"

"Yeah, that's it," Leil answered with a smile. His face was filled with satisfaction.

I imagine my face also had a similar sense of satisfaction.

The shiny medical instruments we made today were lined up on the floor. Looking at them, I felt a bit proud.

"Great. Since I met you, Kururi-kun, everything has been good."

"Not really."

"No, really. I feel like I'm getting closer to my dream of being a doctor, and Arc's atmosphere has become softer compared to before. I'm having so much fun right now."

"Arc has nothing to do with me. That's thanks to Iris."

"Hehe, that's true. By the way, do you know Arc's elective subjects?"

Suddenly, Leil peeked at me with a mischievous look.

"...Law, geology, biology, and herbalism, I guess."

These are Iris's elective subjects. According to Leil, he follows her, so it's probably something like that.

Leil laughed a bit exaggeratedly at my answer.

"Hehe, isn't that funny? The fourth one isn't herbalism, it's imperial studies. It's so obvious, isn't it?"

Leil seemed to be in a higher mood than usual, probably due to the sleepiness, but he also seemed to be genuinely smiling, unlike his usual self.

"Amazing, really amazing."

Leil picked up the first medical cutter he made and examined it closely.

I also picked one up and observed it.

Thanks to years of training, I did a good job.

It made me feel that all the hard work was worth it.

"Hey, why don't we engrave a name on it?"

"Name?"

"Yeah, like on swords. You know, the author's name engraved at the end. Let's engrave it on this one too. Let's leave your name, Kururi-kun!"

"Uh, no, that's embarrassing."

This was purely embarrassing. Even though it was late and the mood was strange, I still felt embarrassed.

"No, it should be left. You have such great skills. This is also a request from me. Please engrave it, Kururi-kun."

He gave me his usual bright wink.

...Well, if you insist.

I quickly engraved my name, "Kururi Heran," modestly in the corner.

"Great, I'll take good care of it."

Leil's eyes sparkled with joy.

It's nice to see him so happy, as a maker.

"Still, I'm so tired. As soon as I think it's over, the fatigue hits me."

"Yeah, I'm so tired I feel like I'm going to collapse. Let's go to bed."

"Sure. I'll take a shower first."

First shower? We did sweat, but...

"No, you can take a shower in your own room."

"I'm staying here tonight. I don't have the energy to go back to my own room."

"But there's only one bed..."

"I don't mind."

"...Okay."

...You mean that literally!?