This Time, I Am A Mob's Potions Teacher Who Has Become Engaged To The Mastermind Of The Otome Game - 2
“B-but just in case something happens, wouldn’t it be better for Mika to go with you, Noel?”
“I work with colleagues on-site, so I don’t need Mika’s help.”
I tried to subtly reduce the number of watchers around me, but Noel shut me down with a smile, swift and decisive.
Being watched all the time is such a hassle, and besides, even familiars would rather be near their master than stuck with someone else. Let’s drop this whole thing, okay?
I mean, come on, I’m harmless no matter how you look at me—completely unremarkable background character, right?
Right?!
I shot him a pleading look, but Noel remained completely unmoved.
Worse, he said something terrifying.
“To be honest, I’d actually like to assign one more.”
What the heck? Do you really not trust me that much?
Looks like I need to work harder to raise our mutual trust level—our Affection Gauge still isn’t high enough.
Humans only start to trust each other once they get to know one another. And even if we’re technically engaged, I think Noel and I still don’t know much about each other.
That’s why we need to talk about the things we like, share our treasured memories, and slowly break down that wall of suspicion around him.
“Noel, I think we need to talk a lot more.”
And with that, the mission begins!
Codename: Operation Ice☆Break & Heart☆Warming!
“W-why?”
Noel looked startled.
Hey now, no need to look that surprised!
“Because I want to know more about you, Noel.”
“W-what exactly do you mean by that?”
He immediately gave me a suspicious side-eye stare.
Even if he asks me what I mean… I definitely can’t say it’s to raise his Affection Gauge, can I?
“I mean as your second mother, I want to understand my son better.”
I tried to play it off casually.
“…You’re still going with that?”
Noel leaned back in his chair and looked up at the ceiling.
“I knew I shouldn’t expect anything…”
I couldn’t quite catch what he was muttering under his breath, but he was clearly mumbling to himself.
And this, right after I proposed we have a proper talk!
The operation has failed at the very first hurdle.
I’ll have to investigate the cause and revise the strategy.
While I was thinking that, a knock came at the door of the prep room.
“Come in.”
When the door opened, one of the romance targets, Frédéric Girard, appeared.
Yep, he looks just as intimidating as ever.
Born into a family of knights, he’s been training since he was young, so he has a solid, well-balanced physique.
Combined with his tanned skin, he falls squarely into the “tough guy heartthrob” category.
“Megane (glasses), I heard a rumor that Dieter is coming back. Is it true?”
“Yes, Professor Fabius is going to visit his home to try and convince him.”
At that, Frédéric blatantly furrowed his brows.
“…Hmph.”
His expression was still sulky, but I had a feeling he was actually happy deep down.
He tries to act all cold and aloof, but he’s actually a bit of a worrywart.
By the way, there was supposed to be an event with Sara during last week’s cultural festival, but she never showed up at the designated location, so no progress was made with her route.
And what was Sara doing at the time? She was interrupting Alois and Isabelle while they were touring the festival together.
Since when did you become the villainess-type rival?
To make matters worse, she’s fired up with rivalry toward Alois, who’s one of the romance targets. Honestly, I’m really worried about how this will all play out.
“Gerard, you shared a room with Moria, didn’t you? Once he comes back, I’m counting on you to look out for him.”
“Y-yeah.”
His face was still grumpy, but his voice had a slight bounce to it.
When I played the game, I never thought much of him, but seeing him like this from a teacher’s perspective… I can’t help but think he’s kind of cute.
“…What?”
“Oh, nothing at all.”
Apparently, I’d been watching him with a big, goofy grin on my face.
Frédéric brusquely said that and turned his face away.
“If you’re by Moria’s side, I’ll feel reassured. You’re always watching out for everyone, after all.”
“T-That’s just your imagination.”
Oh—his face turned red.
He’s so cute when he’s embarrassed, I thought, just as Noël gave a loud ahem behind me.
“Noël?”
When I turned around, for some reason he was smiling… but there was pressure behind it.
What did I do?
“W-What is it?”
“It’s nothing.”
“Excuse me, what?!”
No no no, there’s definitely something!
Even Frédéric flinched from the ominous aura Noël was giving off.
“There’s no way it’s nothing. Come on, just say it.”
“It really is nothing. More importantly, your tea’s gotten cold, hasn’t it? I’ll make a fresh pot. Frédéric, would you like some too?”
“…No, I’m fine.”
Frédéric practically fled the room.
That was definitely Noël’s fault.
And yet, Noël was now humming to himself cheerfully as he brewed tea.
What was with all that menacing pressure a moment ago?!