"No Marriage, Please! vs. Marry Me or Die: The Ultimate Love Showdown" - Episode 38

Dark Cloak: “Nox. What’s the status?”

Nox: “Yes, the plan is progressing smoothly.”

Dark Cloak: “Good.”

Professor Nox of Ordiana Magic University was speaking in a private room at an inn. His conversation partner wore a dark cloak and had cast a magical concealment spell—making their appearance completely indiscernible.

Nox: “All of this is for the Empire. Alice will be thoroughly cornered—then presented to the Empire.”

Dark Cloak: “Alice… the young genius researcher, huh. Someone of that caliber is rare, even in the Empire.”

Nox: “However, she has no grasp of the real world. A free-spirited child who understands nothing. Still—she’s valuable enough to be useful.”

Dark Cloak: “I see. I’ll leave that to you. Prepare for the Seisui Festival. Bring back solid results. Do that, and you’ll be accepted into the Imperial Ministry of Magic.”

Nox: “Understood, sir!”

Nox bowed respectfully. As the other man vanished with a swirl of black magic, only a trace of dark mana remained in the room.

Then, Nox slowly sat down and looked upward, a twisted smile forming on his lips.

“Heh… Finally. I can finally take my revenge on that brat.”

Despite being a genius who rose to the rank of professor at the young age of 28, Nox’s brilliance was always overshadowed by Alice’s. And now, he was methodically working to crush her.

“Now then, let’s push that little brat even further. Heh heh heh…”

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†

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Today, we were out sightseeing in the floating city of Ordina—a renowned tourist destination I’d been looking forward to visiting.

Ria: “Hmm hmm~”

Eve: “Big Brother, I’m so excited today!”

Yuri: “Yeah. Me too.”

As usual, Ria and Eve were glued to my sides. Because of the crowds, we’d ended up linking arms—though from the outside, it probably looked like I was flaunting them or something… Maybe I’m overthinking it.

Our first stop was the Phantom Theatre, a venue that fuses illusion magic with drama. We thoroughly enjoyed the performance, even if it was a romance play…

Ria: “That was amazing~! Love stories are just the best!”

Eve: “Yes. It was so romantic.”

Yuri: “Y-Yeah… I guess so…”

We shared our thoughts on the play and headed next to Lilith Street, known for its magical café district—home to things like floating pastries and drinks that react to your emotions.

Eve: “Hmm… The cake here is different! It pops in your mouth!”

Ria: “Right? So fun~!”

Yuri: “Incredible. I wonder how they made it.”

Eve had wanted to visit this place, and we ended up trying desserts we’d never seen before. Once again, I was reminded of how fascinating this city is.

But then… we headed to a spot I wasn’t too thrilled about—Noah’s Spring.

It’s said that long ago, the water spirit Noah fell in love with a human king and cried at this very place. Her tears became a spring, and now the legend goes: “If you drink this water with a sincere wish, your love will be fulfilled.”

Being a popular spot for couples, the area was packed with pairs. I felt out of place.

Ria: “So, you just drink this, right?”

Eve: “Yes. They say it’s important to make a heartfelt wish.”

Yuri: “H-Haha… I think I’ll pass.”

While I refrained, Ria and Eve cupped their hands and sipped the water with a prayerful grace. I couldn’t help but wonder—what exactly were they wishing for?

…Though, I mean, surely not me, right?

Ria: “Fufu… I hope I can build a happy home someday.”

Eve: “Yes. Two kids would be nice.”

Yuri: “…”

They smiled dreamily. I had no response.

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By sunset, the golden light bathed the city in twilight. We’d walked a lot, and I was definitely tired—but I still had one more stop to make.

Yuri: “I’ve got somewhere to go. You two head back first.”

Ria: “To Alice’s place?”

Eve: “You’re going to see Professor Alice, aren’t you?”

…Yeah. They saw right through me.

Yuri: “Ugh… Y-Yeah. She’s probably alone in her lab.”

Ria: “So that’s why you bought her a gift. Go on, Yuri.”

Eve: “Don’t be too late, Brother.”

Yuri: “Got it.”

Without further delay, I picked up the pace and made my way to Alice’s lab.

When I arrived, I knocked—but there was no response. She said she’s usually here even on holidays. The door was unlocked, so I stepped inside.

There, curled up in front of her desk with her knees drawn to her chest, was Alice.

Alice: “…Sniff… hic…”

Was she… crying?

Yuri: “Alice?”

Alice: “Ah… Huh…? Assistant Yuri-kun…? W-Why are you here…?”

Tears were streaming down her face.

Yuri: “Did something happen?”

Alice: “N-No, nothing! Hahaha!”

She quickly wiped her eyes. It was obvious she was putting on a brave face.

Yuri: “I was sightseeing today. Thought I’d bring you a souvenir.”

Alice: “A souvenir?”

Yuri: “Yeah. I brought a few things.”

As I pulled out the souvenirs I bought, her eyes lit up with excitement.

Alice: “Wow… There’s so many things here!”

Yuri: “I even got some donuts. Want one?”

Alice: “Definitely! I’ll make some coffee to go with it!”

Alice expertly brewed the coffee, and we dug into the donuts. The sweetness was just right—moist and delicious.

Yuri: “This is great. I thought it’d pair well with your coffee. Glad I bought it.”

Alice: “Haha! Not bad, Assistant Yuri-kun! Nom… Mmm, delicious!”

Then, I decided to bring it up—the thing I’d been wondering about.

Yuri: “…Alice. Did something happen earlier?”

Alice: “Well…”

She hesitated, then quietly replied.

Alice: “You might’ve noticed, but I’m not very well-liked at this university. Today, I overheard some students calling me… a ‘monster’ or a ‘freak.’ On top of that, Prof. Nox told me my research funding is being cut. I guess my research isn’t very mainstream yet. Haha… Sorry. Some genius I am, getting all emotional like this.”

Yuri: “…Alice.”

After hearing that, I took her hand and held it firmly.

Alice: “Ah…”

Yuri: “Alice. I know how dedicated you are to your research. People might not understand. They might avoid you. But I know how hard you work.”

Alice: “Assistant Yuri-kun… Do you think I’m doing okay?”

Yuri: “Absolutely.”

Alice: “I’m not a monster?”

Yuri: “Not at all. You’re a brilliant researcher.”

Alice: “Sniff… ngh…”

Eventually, she stopped crying and suddenly stood up with renewed energy.

Alice: “Haha! I got a little gloomy there, but thanks to you, I’m feeling better! Thank you!”

Yuri: “Glad to hear it. I want you to live more freely, Alice.”

Alice: “Freely?”

Yuri: “Yeah. That’s more your style, isn’t it?”

Alice: “You’re right. Absolutely right! I am a free-spirited genius!”

She laughed boldly, back to her usual self. It seemed my words had reached her.

Alice: “Oh, right.”

Yuri: “What is it?”

Alice: “I want to give you this.”

She handed me a sheet of paper. It looked like a diagram of a magic circuit—mine, most likely.

Yuri: “What’s this?”

Alice: “It’s your mana circuit. I noticed some inefficiencies, so I optimized it. If you incorporate this formula, you’ll be able to cast more smoothly.”

Yuri: “But this isn’t the one I asked for, is it?”

What I’d originally requested was a refinement of the false-light attribute spell, Lucifel. I hadn’t asked for adjustments to my mana usage.

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Alice: “Ah… I-I’m sorry…! You didn’t need this, right? I didn’t mean to overstep… I should’ve asked first… Are you mad? I’m so sorry… I really am…”

Alice’s face darkened. Her eyes trembled with anxiety. Her voice was shaky. She looked genuinely scared.

Yuri: “Calm down, Alice. I’m happy. Truly. Thank you for doing all this for me.”

Alice: “R-Really…!? You mean it!?”

Yuri: “Yeah. Thanks.”

Alice: “Hehe. I’m so glad…”

Suddenly, her whole expression brightened into a radiant smile.

Yuri: “Well, I’ll head out now. I’m looking forward to the Seisui Festival next week.”

Alice: “Y-Yeah. I… I’m looking forward to going with you too. Hehe.”

Blushing, Alice smiled shyly. In that moment, she didn’t look like a genius researcher—but just an ordinary, lovely girl.

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But little did I know—

That the day when Alice and I would walk side by side to that festival…

would never come.

At that time, I had no way of knowing what fate was already in motion.