This Time, I Am A Mob's Potions Teacher Who Has Become Engaged To The Mastermind Of The Otome Game - 2

When I stepped outside, thick black clouds hung low in the sky, and thunder continued to rumble ominously.

In such conditions, the school building viewed from the corridor looked just like a demon king’s castle.

“Noel,”
“Hyai!”

Maybe that’s why—

The fiancé walking beside me looked like a demon king too.

“Why were you talking with Prince Alois?”
“I just happened to run into him while I was doing some research.”

It seemed Noel was bothered by me talking with Alois.

Maybe he thinks I betrayed him and leaked something to the royal family?

I have to clear up the misunderstanding before we hit a bad end. It’s not like Alois is going to hurt Noel or anything.

I need to make sure Noel doesn’t let his grudge against Alois grow any deeper.

“Research?”
“Yes, the materials we talked about—the ones we promised to look into together.”

One of the conditions of our contract marriage: helping break Professor Roaek’s curse.

I want to find the herb Noel’s been searching for, so we can lift Roaek’s curse without the royal family finding out.

“For someone doing research, you looked pretty happy chatting with him.”
“W-Well, student interactions are important, right?”

Ugh, he’s so suspicious.

I can’t help but wonder how Professor Roaek ever got someone like Noel to open up.

Professor Roaek was kind to everyone—a warm, motherly figure.

She took care of me too. Whenever I was anxious and went to talk to her, she would hold my hands and listen.

That warmth was probably comforting to Noel too.

Maybe if I tried being more motherly, like Roaek-sensei, he’d open up a bit more?

It’s worth a try.

If I want to keep Noel from falling into darkness, I have to raise his “affection level.”

I’ll call it… Operation Second Mom!

Professor Roaek will always be number one to Noel, so I won’t aim for that top spot—I’ll humbly be the second mom!

“Noel,”
“Yeah?”
“Let’s hold hands, okay?”

When I reached out both hands, Noel looked as if he’d been hit by a stun gun.

“Why?”

No way I could admit I’m just imitating Professor Roaek.

“Umm… because I want you to feel at ease.”

I tried to make it sound natural.

Then, the thunderclouds he had conjured slowly started to disappear, revealing a beautiful sunset. Looks like Noel’s anger had dissipated.

“You can treat me like a second mom, okay? Feel free to rely on me.”

Just as I was internally pumping my fist in victory, thinking the plan worked—

“W-What are you saying all of a sudden…?!”

Noel blushed all the way to his ears and started trembling with anger.

So much for success… Looks like the plan backfired.

I’ll need to analyze what went wrong and come up with an improved approach.

Even after we arrived at the prep room, Noel was still grumpy.

All I did was ask to hold hands! He doesn’t need to be that mad about it.

“Noel, I’ll make some tea. Just wait a bit.”
“…Thanks.”

The way he muttered thanks while still sulking looked a bit childish and not at all like a dark mastermind, which made me chuckle a little.

“Hey, girlie! I want milk!”
“Yes, yes.”

After warming some milk for Jill, I opened the medicine cabinet and took out some dried herbs.

I picked a few with calming effects and placed them in the pot.

“How much of the materials do we have so far?”
“We’ve got everything except for Morlu.”
“I see. Then we’ll need to find it soon.”

Maybe I’ll ask the fairies after researching in the library tomorrow. I’ll probably have to pay a consultation fee again, but buying some sweets for them isn’t that big of a deal.

“I’ll go to the library tomorrow too and help search.”
“Eh?! But you have work at the Ministry of Magic tomorrow, don’t you?”
“I’ll finish on time and come here afterward.”
“No, no, no. The Ministry and here are pretty far apart. Don’t push yourself! I’ll do my best to find it quickly, so you just focus on your job, Noel!”

Even though I’m cheering him on, Noel suddenly looked really sad.

What’s with that abandoned puppy face? I have no idea how to respond to this!

“Is something wrong?”
“I just… I worry about you, Leticia.”

I must’ve been imagining things because I’d been so excited from talking to Alois. That couldn’t be what he actually said, right?

“What—w-what did you just say?”

Then, with a completely serious expression, he said—

“I can’t sleep at night because I’m constantly thinking about what my cute fiancée is up to. Take responsibility and keep me company.”

That’s what he said.

When I looked closely at his face, he did seem sleep-deprived. He looked pale too.

Seems like he’s so sleep-deprived, it’s scrambled his brain. Noel saying something so needy? Yep, something’s definitely off.

“Sleep deprivation’s no good. I’ll make you some herbal tea that helps you sleep. Just wait, okay? Drink it before bed.”
“…Yeah, I figured it’d come to this.”

Noel mumbled, then slumped down onto the table.

He really doesn’t look well.