She Banished Me Yesterday, But Today She Calls Me Master? - Episode 11

“Lady Eltrinde is coming for an inspection?!”

The moment I stepped into the staff room, I couldn’t help but shout in surprise. For some reason, Rosalie-sensei misunderstood my reaction. She clasped her hands in front of her chest and nodded eagerly, her eyes sparkling.

“It’s amazing, isn’t it?! Tomorrow, the Cold-Blooded Princess, Lady Eltrinde herself, will be visiting our academy!”

Still processing what I’d just heard, I was too confused to say anything. Rosalie-sensei, caught up in her excitement, didn’t even notice. At that moment, the principal stepped in with a tense expression.

“This is an official notice from the royal palace. Lady Eltrinde has taken an interest in magic education and has specifically chosen our school for inspection. This is an extraordinary honor, but at the same time…”

He paused and looked around at all the teachers.

“…an immense challenge for us!”

I groaned internally. I had no idea what my stepsister was thinking. I was already struggling to deal with the suspicious behavior of that woman, Anbie—but now this?

“Principal, what exactly should we do? What if we have the students learn her curse magic and put on a demonstration during her visit?”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea… We’d get complaints from parents for sure…”

Rosalie-sensei was immediately shut down as she enthusiastically voiced her suggestion. What, is she trying to recreate hell on campus? Curse magic is only permitted for self-defense or use against monsters.

If we did something like that, the school would be branded as heretical and shut down for sure.

“Let’s stay calm, Rosalie-sensei. First, we need to clean the campus thoroughly! Then, we’ll revise all our lesson plans! And…”

The principal took a deep breath and raised his voice.

“Every teacher must prepare their best possible lesson by tomorrow! We must show Lady Eltrinde an education worthy of her standards!”

“Principal!”

Of course, the first person to speak up in a situation like this had to be that man. Arnold-sensei stood proudly.

“Leave it to me. My lecture on Advanced Magic Theory is more than worthy of Lady Eltrinde’s attention.”

“Wonderful, Arnold-sensei. Your class will definitely be included on the observation list. I also plan to include Chaos-sensei’s course on Assault Magic. Understood?”

“Yes, absolutely. Leave it to me.”

As the three of them basked in their shared enthusiasm, I sighed and made my way to my desk. There sat a mountain of Advanced Magic Theory materials Arnold had dumped on me yesterday.

Fine. I still don’t know why Eltrinde would come to a place like this—but as long as I don’t get involved, it should be fine…

Or so I thought—until the principal approached me.

“And lastly, Asto-sensei, your Practical Beginner’s Magic class is also on the observation list. Lady Eltrinde has expressed interest in foundational education as well.”

“Wait, my class?!”

The words slipped out of my mouth, flat and dumbfounded.

“Yes, and more specifically, she mentioned you by name.”

“By… name?”

“That’s correct. She said, ‘I would like to observe Asto-sensei’s class.’”

The room fell silent. Cold sweat ran down my back.

What is this? What is she thinking?

Sure, I figured she’d have someone monitoring me—but to approach directly like this? Why?

Could it be she’s checking if I’ve been up to anything suspicious?

“This is huge, Asto-sensei!”

Rosalie-sensei rushed over to my desk, eyes gleaming unnaturally.

“For Lady Eltrinde to request you by name! Do you have some special connection to her?”

“No, not at all… It’s probably just coincidence.”

“It’s not a coincidence! Lady Eltrinde published a paper on time magic at age ten, revived ancient magic at thirteen, and took part in defeating the Demon King at fifteen! Someone like her would never request a random teacher by chance!”

“Rosalie-sensei, young ladies really shouldn’t use the word ‘coincidence’ so often. It sounds a bit off.”

I tried joking, but she ignored it completely.

To be fair, Eltrinde’s entire background was carefully orchestrated by me. She was a genius, and I made sure her talents were recognized from a young age to keep them from being exploited.

Still, I have no idea what she’s planning now.

“So jealous… My own research is in Eltrinde-sama’s theory of curses! I’ve memorized every one of her papers!”

“R-Really…?”

Rosalie’s voice rose with excitement. I knew she was a fan, but this level of devotion…

“To think I’ll meet her in person tomorrow… What should I wear? How should I do my hair? What makeup should I use? What do I say if she speaks to me?!”

Completely flustered like a fangirl about to meet her idol, Rosalie-sensei looked about ready to pass out.

“Just be yourself, Rosalie-sensei. You’re already lovely as you are.”

“R-Really?”

Rosalie looked up at me with sparkling eyes.

“Of course. I always feel lucky to have such a beautiful senior colleague around.”

“Hehe, thank you! You’re so kind, Asto-sensei.”

Her cheeks turned slightly pink and her spirits lifted.

“But just in case, I’ll enhance my skincare with a special beauty spell tonight!”

“That’s really not necessary…”

Before I could finish, she was already back at her desk, pulling out parchment covered in spell runes.

“Flirting with another woman again… Note: suspicious.”

“…Anbie-sensei, what’s your take on this inspection?”

I turned to Anbie, who had been silently taking notes while staring at me with suspicious eyes. I wasn’t flirting. Rosalie-sensei might be a bit eccentric—okay, very eccentric—but she’s objectively attractive, and I was just telling the truth.

Still, I was mostly trying to change the subject. Anbie answered without emotion:

“Lady Eltrinde’s inspection is proceeding as scheduled.”

“Scheduled…? You know something?”

She blinked briefly, then returned to her usual calm.

“No, I simply assumed such inspections are usually planned in advance. At least, in my homeland they are. Is it different in this country?”

“Well… I guess you’re right. There’s also security and all that to consider…”

Gah… It’s frustrating when this woman makes such annoyingly valid points.

Despite the way she watches me like a hawk, I nodded along. Seriously, what kind of place is she from?

As I mulled that over, I caught sight of Arnold-sensei looking smug again. Ugh… He’s going to shove more work on me, isn’t he?

“By the way, how are things between you and Arnold-sensei? He didn’t try to retaliate after you ignored him yesterday, did he?”

“He’s been added to my list of enemies.”

Anbie replied flatly to my question.

“Your… enemy list?”

“Yes. Petty sarcasm, baseless boasting. In my homeland, incompetent superiors are targets for removal. On the battlefield, an inept commander is a serious liability.”

“Removal… You mean that metaphorically, right?”

Even as cold sweat trickled down my neck, she didn’t respond and just stared out the window.

“Asto-sensei, what lesson are you planning for tomorrow?”

“Ah, I was thinking of a basic practical defense magic class. Something fun for the students.”

“Defense magic is a wise choice. It provides a safeguard in case of unexpected attacks.”

“Attacks? From who?”

“Unpredictable elements always exist. In my homeland, attack spells flew constantly—even during meals or while bathing.”

“Are you sure you’re not from a literal war zone?”

I joked, but Anbie replied seriously.

“Especially during inspections of high-profile individuals…”

“You mean… Eltrinde could be targeted?”

As I pondered her words, Arnold suddenly approached.

“Well, well, Anbie-sensei. Quite the cozy conversation with Asto-sensei. But I suggest you choose your company more wisely.”

His voice dripped with sarcasm. Apparently, he didn’t like that the noble-recommended Anbie was being friendly with me.

“Do you need something, Arnold-sensei?”

“Yes. I’d like Anbie-sensei to observe my Advanced Magic Theory class tomorrow. It would be an excellent learning opportunity for a trainee.”

“I’ve already planned to observe Asto-sensei’s class.”

Anbie responded coolly, and I saw Arnold’s lips twitch in irritation.

“I see… Well, regardless, Anbie-sensei, I will also be involved in evaluating your trainee performance. Don’t forget that.”

After he walked off, Anbie muttered under her breath.

“In my homeland, threats like that often lead to a swift demise. And those who make them always face consequences.”

“Anbie-sensei… Maybe don’t say things like that, even as a joke. Especially not tomorrow.”

“It’s not a joke. It’s just the truth.”

She tilted her head like it was the most obvious thing in the world. I could only clutch my head in frustration.

Tomorrow is going to be a long day…

________________________________________

Despite my confusion, I headed home. Tomorrow, I’ll see my stepsister again. What will she think when she sees me?

Still lost in thought, I made my way home.

“I’m back, Linde.”

“Welcome home, Master.”

Seeing Linde greet me with her usual smile gave me a bit of comfort.

“How was your day?”

“Ah, chaotic. Apparently, Princess Eltrinde will be visiting the school tomorrow. Everyone’s in a frenzy. Arnold-sensei is especially fired up.”

“Lady Eltrinde… The one known as the Cold-Blooded Princess? I’ve heard the name.”

“Yeah, that’s her. I’m a little nervous, honestly.”

“You’ll do just fine, Master. I’m sure your class will be wonderful.”

“Thanks.”

Linde’s smile lifted my spirits a little.

“Is Lady Eltrinde connected to what’s been bothering you lately?”

“Eh?”

The unexpected question caught me off guard. I haven’t told Linde about my connection to Eltrinde.

Which means… either I look really stressed, or—she might be connected to Eltrinde in some way herself.

But if I’m wrong, I could drag her into this.

So, I…