This Time, I Am A Mob's Potions Teacher Who Has Become Engaged To The Mastermind Of The Otome Game - 5

Noël extended a hand to Lord Blaise, who was still collapsed on the floor.

“Lord Moria, I’m glad we could meet. It was unusual not to find you at the estate, so I got curious and decided to come here.”

“Oh, I see. Well, I wanted to understand Dieter’s living situation before he returned to the academy, so I came to speak with Professor Bellecour.”

“Is that so? And that’s why you were with Leticia?”

Though Noël smiled in a way that sent chills down one’s spine, it didn’t seem to faze Lord Blaise in the slightest—he continued speaking calmly.

For the record, both Dieter and Frédéric had gone pale after witnessing Noël’s dark and ominous smile.

Apparently, I wasn’t the only one who found this terrifying.

“Yes, I’ve been consulting with Professor Bellecour about Dieter for some time now.”

“I see. Well then, from now on, please consult me. As someone from the Ministry of Magic, I can give the most appropriate advice.”

“I appreciate the offer, but I’d prefer to hear about Dieter directly from his homeroom teacher, Professor Bellecour…”

“In that case, it makes even more sense for me to be involved, since I also work here. I’ll be reporting to the Mage Corps you serve in any way, so please—come to me, won’t you?”

With that, Noël gave Lord Blaise’s hand a firm tug.

Their faces drew close—so close their conversation became inaudible. I could see their mouths moving, but I had no idea what they were saying.

“Must be tough for you, Megane.”

“Doesn’t it seem even tougher for Lord Moria?”

I still couldn’t hear what they were talking about, but even from a distance, Noël’s pressure was obvious.

And yet, Frédéric didn’t agree with me.

“The one having the hardest time might actually be Professor Fabius.”

“Y-yeah, you’re right. It’s kind of sad how no one ever notices him.”

For some reason, even Dieter was siding with Noël.

Despite the fact that it was his own brother getting cornered by Noël.

And what’s more, the two of them were looking right at me while having this conversation, which I didn’t quite appreciate.

In the end, thanks to Noël, Lord Blaise left quietly.

If it were just me dealing with him, he would’ve spent at least an hour going on and on about Dieter even after saying “Excuse me.”

As expected of that charming mastermind—Noël can bend anyone to his will, no matter who they are.

◇

“Mr. Moria, it’s good to have you back.”

“…I won’t be in any trouble this time, so please take care of me.”

It had been a while since I last saw Dieter, and he had lost a lot of weight—his complexion was pale too.

According to the Moria household staff, he apparently hadn’t been eating much.

Thinking about all he’s endured made me want to curse my own powerlessness.

I had no choice but to send him back to his family without being able to do anything for him.

“You were never a burden at all.”

“I caused serious injuries to some of the upperclassmen. That’s something that can’t be forgiven.”

Uh, wait a minute… weren’t those upperclassmen the ones who started it?

And yet, Dieter still looked downcast and withdrawn.

“Mr. Moria, you haven’t done anything wrong. The academy is a place for everyone to grow into capable adults. That means everyone makes mistakes along the way. So don’t dwell on it. Let’s work together to help you learn to control your powers.”

He still looked uneasy, but at least he raised his head.

The wounds in his heart run deep—I want to face them with care and patience.

Ever since he was young, Dieter had struggled to control his overwhelming magical power. Because of that, he was constantly compared to his older brother, Lord Blaise, and treated cruelly by the nobles around him.

Gossiping, self-serving adults had wounded his self-esteem again and again.

The first step is helping him understand that it’s okay to make mistakes.

“If Megane says not to worry about it, then don’t.”

With that, Frédéric gave Dieter’s head a rough pat.

“Come on, it’s dinner time. Let’s head to the cafeteria.”

“I-I’m not really hungry, so I’ll pass.”

“You’re already skin and bones, and you still wanna lose more weight?”

Frédéric was clearly worried about Dieter’s condition, too.

He really did look so frail, like a strong gust of wind could knock him over.

“And if I go to the cafeteria, I’ll just make everyone uncomfortable…”

“That’s nonsense. You’re overthinking it.”

But even so, Dieter kept his eyes down and made no move to go. Watching him, Frédéric let out a sigh.

“I’ll bring you something you like, so just eat it, alright?”

He said it gruffly and, ignoring Dieter’s protests, walked out of the room.

“I’ve never seen Gerard so animated before. He always seems so grumpy.”

Noël stared in disbelief at the door that had just slammed shut behind him.

“He was waiting for Mr. Moria to come back. He’s just happy to see him again.”

“I’m really glad I got to meet someone like Mr. Gerard,” Dieter said, smiling shyly as he looked toward the door, clearly thinking about Frédéric.

Watching him like that stirred up a strange, complicated feeling inside me.

…Wait, is it just me, or is this starting to feel like the beginning of a BL storyline?

◇

As soon as we stepped out of the student dorm, Noël suddenly grabbed my hand.

I was so surprised I tried to jump away, but he didn’t let go—in fact, he even gave me a sharp glare.

“The captain of the knights, the prince, a forest spirit… and now the golden boy of the Mage Corps.”

“What are you talking about all of a sudden? What kind of lineup is that?”

“…”

Noël let out a small sigh.

“Being unaware makes you even more dangerous.”

He was muttering again.

Just like yesterday—why does his mood suddenly swing like this?

“Oh, by the way, we’re planning a little get-together with our classmates to help Mr. Moria feel more at home. We’re all going to Lacrima Lake. Would you like to come too, Noël?”

“…I’ll go.”

He agreed with a scowl, even though he looked kind of happy. It was… unfairly cute.

“Noël, thank you for convincing Mr. Moria to come back to the academy. This time, I’m going to do everything I can to make sure he has a truly happy school life.”

It’s pathetic to admit, but I wasn’t able to help him before he withdrew.

I want to face him properly now, so that he never has to go through that kind of sadness again.

Just then, Noël tightened his grip on my hand.

“No need to act all demure—it doesn’t suit you.”

“‘Demure’? What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Charging in without thinking—that’s the Leticia I know.”

“Excuse me?! Don’t just randomly insult me like that!”

“I was complimenting you.”

If that was a compliment, then why is he wearing such a smug, teasing expression?

Honestly. Here I am, feeling down, and he’s making fun of me. How awful.

…And yet, somehow, thanks to him, I felt a little lighter.

Not that I’d ever admit it to his face.