She Banished Me Yesterday, But Today She Calls Me Master? - Episode 9

“Professor Asto… there’s something I don’t understand from the lesson. Could you please help me?”

After the morning class ended, a female student—Teresa—rushed over to my desk. She was one of the most eager students in my beginner class, always asking questions after lessons.

“I want to be able to use this spell more smoothly. I want to totally outshine Isabella from the advanced class!!”

“I see… The exam is coming up soon, right? Then, why don’t we try it out right now?”

Teresa nodded nervously at my words and began chanting immediately.

“Holy light… illuminate my hands and become a guiding beacon—Light Orb!”

“Almost there, Teresa. Focus.”

I encouraged her gently with a smile. She furrowed her brow, stretching her hands forward and concentrating all her magical power.

“Yes, Professor Asto!”

Her voice trembled with a mix of nervousness and anticipation. A faint glow began to shimmer from her fingertips.

“That’s it, keep going. Feel the flow of your magic…”

Guided by my voice, a small orb of light started forming in her hands. It gradually grew until it was about the size of a fist.

“I did it! Professor Asto, look!”

Teresa cried out joyfully, her eyes shining as she looked up at me. Her cheeks were flushed with excitement.

“Well done, Teresa. Your hard work has paid off.”

“Hehe, thank you.”

Her control over magic was improving. The spell that once couldn’t take shape had now become a proper orb of light. Watching her, I was reminded of the days when I used to teach magic to Eltrinde.

“But this is all thanks to you, Professor. Even though I’m a slow learner, you always stayed late practicing with me.”

“No, it’s your own talent. I only gave a little help. You did great, Teresa.”

I patted her head; she blushed and smiled happily.

“Hehe, I’m so happy… I wish this moment would last forever…”

“Huh? What do you mean by that?”

“Well, Professor Asto, you’re kind and your teaching is way easier to understand than other teachers. I’m just glad to be favored. Especially since Mr. Arnold’s classes are way too hard…”

“Haha, maybe don’t say that to him.”

Chuckling awkwardly, I carefully wrote some advice in her notebook and handed it over. Being appreciated like this made me glad I became a teacher.

Watching her dedication, I couldn’t help but remember the days teaching Eltrinde.

I wonder how she’s doing now? No, I should focus on the students before me.

“I’ve summarized the key points from today. Read it when you have time.”

“Thank you! Um, Professor Asto… about the Magic Festival on the holiday—if you don’t mind, would you like to come with me…?”

Suddenly—

For a moment, I felt an intense gaze. Was it just my imagination?

I suddenly glared toward the window. Teresa looked surprised, and I quickly apologized.

“Sorry, I thought I saw something weird. Anyway, what were you saying?”

“Ah, well…”

“Professor Asto, it’s time for the faculty meeting.”

Before she could say more, my colleague, Mr. Chaos, interrupted her. He was a calm-looking man in his thirties, known as the veteran head of the department.

“Already that time… Can you come ask me later?”

“Yes, I understand! I’ll come again!!”

I smiled at Teresa. For some reason, she nodded breathlessly. Puzzled, I watched her leave, then walked over to Mr. Chaos, who whispered quietly:

“Professor Asto, you’re quite popular. Among the female students, you’re the undisputed number one ‘kindest teacher.’”

“I didn’t know such a ranking existed. But I’m honored.”

Scratching my head shyly, I thought that girls that age tend to unconditionally like dependable older guys.

Eltrinde was the same back then…

“Hehe, well, I’m second place myself.”

Mr. Chaos was apparently just as popular. I had never seen him angry either.

Remembering these things, I entered the staff room, where Mr. Arnold was scolding a new teacher with a domineering attitude.

“Really, can you not even teach basic magic theory? Even if you’re not an elite like me, I worry about the students’ futures with teachers like you.”

“I’m sorry, sir.”

“Arnold, that’s enough. You’re being too harsh.”

“Just doing my job as an educator.”

When Mr. Chaos reproved Arnold’s exaggerated complaints, I couldn’t help but smile seeing Arnold’s dissatisfied face. Even arrogant people can’t stand up to their superiors.

Our eyes met—

“Oh, Professor Asto. Surrounded by students again, I see. Glad to see you haven’t forgotten your duties as a teacher and are busy currying favor.”

“Mr. Arnold, I was just—”

“Just kidding. By the way, can you handle gathering materials for tomorrow’s advanced magic theory? I have to attend a noble council meeting.”

“W-wait…”

Before I could refuse, Arnold dumped a pile of documents on my desk and returned to his seat, clearly done with me.

Just then, I shivered all over.

“Is this… a killing intent? But it’s not aimed at me… at Arnold?”

I looked around hurriedly, but whoever it was had completely hidden their presence. While on alert, Rosalie spoke softly.

“Don’t look so serious. Arnold treats everyone like that, especially popular teachers…”

“Yeah, he doesn’t have a great reputation with students either.”

“But since he’s a noble favorite, no one dares defy him. We should curse him. Recently, Lady Eltrinde invented a new curse—something that brings misfortune to pests near what’s precious…”

“If that gets found out, it’ll be a big deal…”

Smiling wryly, I recalled Rosalie’s sister was a huge fan of Eltrinde. Speaking of which, what is Eltrinde up to these days?

While working in the staff room, the principal brought in a woman I didn’t recognize.

“Let me introduce Anbie Shadow, our new teaching intern. She graduated top of her class and came here recommended by a noble.”

Anbie was a young woman with long black hair and sharp eyes. When she saw me, she blinked once but quickly returned to a neutral expression.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Anbie Shadow. I’ll be interning here for a month.”

“So, does anyone want to be her mentor?”

She bowed deeply, but her movement was oddly mechanical. At that moment, Arnold stood up.

“Oh, a noble recommendation… Anbie, let’s be elite comrades. We’re the future of this school!”

Arnold eagerly extended his hand, but Anbie ignored him and walked past.

“…”

“Uh, may I ask something, Anbie?”

Anbie stopped right in front of my desk, staring with emotionless eyes. This presence… I know it. It’s like the strange feeling I had talking to Teresa.

“Professor Asto, the arteries in your neck are very beautiful. They look like they could be severed in a single strike.”

“Huh?”

The staff room fell silent for a moment, even Arnold—red-faced from being ignored—looked dumbfounded.

“That’s a compliment. In my homeland, it’s said people with healthy bl00d vessels live long.”

“Ah, haha… that’s an unusual saying.”

“Yes. Also, it’s said that those with healthy vessels should be mentors. Will you be my mentor?”

“Of course, I don’t mind, but…”

“Thank you. You don’t need to use honorifics with me, but you must call me Senior Asto.”

I forced a smile, feeling awkward but playing along, sensing something strange. Did she really grow up in noble society like this?

________________________________________

During the day’s lessons, Anbie sat in the back, watching closely. Her sharp gaze tracked every move I made, as if monitoring me. But when talking with the girls, her note-taking sped up.

“Professor Asto, I don’t understand this problem.”

After class, Teresa came to ask again. As I leaned in to check her magic circle, Anbie quickly stood and cut between us.

“I’ll explain. This part is incorrect. If left as is, the magic will go out of control and worst case, you could lose a finger. Although, you’d probably lose consciousness before feeling the pain, so don’t worry…”

“Huh?”

“Huh?”

Teresa went pale, and I let out a dumbfounded sound.

“Professor Asto… is this magic really that dangerous?”

“It’s okay. You’re misunderstanding a bit.”

I smiled reassuringly at Teresa and corrected Anbie.

“That’s an extreme example. Besides, this is beginner magic; even if the circle malfunctions, you won’t be seriously hurt.”

“Is that so? In my homeland, we’re taught magical failures are fatal. In fact, a friend of mine lost a finger over a single mistake in a magic circle…”

“That must have been on a battlefield or something. Here we have protective barriers, and students use staffs with assist devices, so it’s safe.”

I smiled to reassure her. Teresa looked relieved and glanced at Anbie, wondering who this strange girl really was—was she an airhead?

But Anbie’s odd behavior continued all day.

In class, she suddenly stood up to declare, “The classroom’s defensive magic is too weak. If an assassin breaks in, it won’t protect Professor Asto.”

She gave practical examples like “This magic circle is perfect for stopping an enemy’s heart,” and during breaks, she whispered unsettling things like, “I’ve figured out all the blind spots in this school—there are 22 ambush points and 4 assassination routes.”

Each time, I had to calm the frightened students, but Anbie remained serious and said, “I’m just worried for my mentor…”

This girl… she’s not just odd. Something’s off. Could she be…

From the start, I had a feeling.

The gaze I felt outside the window earlier—could it have been hers?