This Time, I Am A Mob's Potions Teacher Who Has Become Engaged To The Mastermind Of The Otome Game - 3
The main entrance of Oria Magic Academy was overflowing with students returning home. With the holiday break starting today and everyone released from the burden of final exams, the students’ excited chatter filled the air with noise and energy.
As I reminded them not to go overboard during the break—
“Wheee! It’s vacation time!”
—Dona, the first one likely to break that rule, was happily bouncing around. Every time he moved, the metal fittings on his travel bag clattered noisily.
Several carriages were lined up in front of the academy, each bound for a different region, and students boarded according to the direction of their hometowns.
“Everyone, please get some good rest!”
“Hey, Glasses! Go make lovey-dovey time with Fabius while we’re gone!”
Dona shouted so loudly that nearby students and faculty turned to look at me. Mortifying.
Shut it, you little punk. That’s sexual harassment—I could sue you.
Of course, in the refined halls of Oria Magic Academy, filled with nobles, I couldn’t say that out loud. So I screamed it internally instead.
◇
By the time all the carriages carrying the students had departed, the sun had already passed its peak.
With the students gone, the academy quickly fell quiet. As I walked the familiar path toward the prep room, I found myself growing a little lonely at the suddenly subdued scenery.
“Well then, time to get started on the next task.”
The grounds may have been empty, but some students had stayed behind.
For one reason or another, they couldn’t return home—so I had to do my best to help them create happy memories during the break.
“Noel… he’s still near the border, isn’t he?”
As I passed through the corridor, I couldn’t help but look around for him. I stopped near the pillar he often leaned against and gazed out over the garden.
It was empty now, save for a single cat-sìth who slinked out from the hedges and began sunbathing in peace.
“You’ve said the same thing hundreds of times since morning, little miss.”
“You’re exaggerating. …I might’ve said it two or three times, tops.”
It had been three days since Noel left for the borderlands.
I had something I wanted to tell him—but with no way to talk to him, that feeling just kept piling up inside me.
Time itself seemed to drag painfully slow.
I just wanted to see him again.
I wanted to see his face, safe and sound—but that day still felt far off, and I couldn’t help sighing.
“Professor Bellecour, are you feeling unwell?”
Peering up at me anxiously was Isabel, a book in her hands.
She was apparently on her way back to the dorms from the library.
“Thank you. I’m fine.”
“It’s cold, so please take care of yourself.”
As she said that, she let out a small sneeze.
“Oh dear, it might be you who’s not feeling well, Seraphine.”
“How embarrassing. I really must take better care of my own health first.”
Her cheeks turned red in embarrassment, and she gave me a troubled smile.
What is this adorable creature?
“Hey, Seraphine. Would you like to stop by the prep room for a bit? I’ll treat you to some nice warm tea.”
“Oh my! I’d love to chat with you, Professor. I’d be delighted to come!”
Honestly, I had wanted to get some preparations done for the party, but Isabel was just too sweet—I couldn’t resist wanting to spend time with her.
When I led her to the prep room, she looked around the place with delight.
“I really love this room. When I had just enrolled, feeling crushed under all the pressure, you always brought me here. It holds such dear memories for me.”
Right after she entered the academy, Isabel had been struggling with the pressure of being both the prince’s fiancée and the daughter of the powerful Duke Seraphine. I couldn’t bear to see her suffering, so I invited her to a small tea party in this room.
I’d noticed that she often sat alone in the gazebo behind the school with a gloomy expression, so I approached her under the guise of coincidence—but I remember she gently turned me down at first.
She had been raised to never show weakness, and she tried so hard not to let anyone notice how low she felt. That’s why she initially didn’t want to show that side of herself to me either.
“I’m glad to hear that. Sit wherever you like.”
As I brewed the tea, I noticed Isabel giving me a rather intense look.
“Professor Bellecour, you really do look happy.”
“Oh my, do I look like I’m letting the holiday spirit get to me?”
I laughed lightly in reply—only for her to say something outrageous.
“No, I can just tell that you’re loved by Professor Fabius. Did you know the two of you are the talk of the social circles right now? They’re calling you the most beloved fiancée—the one who captured the heart of the infamous Prince of Allure.”
“Wait, who are they talking about?”
“You, Professor Bellecourt.”
“Whaaat?! That’s really how people are talking about us?!”
What the heck—this is the first I’ve heard of it?!
As unbelievable as it sounded, Isabel would never lie. And as the prince’s fiancée, she actively participated in high society, so… this must be true, right?
“He speaks so fondly of you to his colleagues at the Ministry of Magic and the noble acquaintances he knows, that I’ve heard many of the young ladies who had once fallen for Professor Fabius have shut themselves away in their mansions.”
Terrifying. Absolutely terrifying.
Am I going to get stabbed by some jealous noble lady the moment I leave campus?
Noel, what the heck are you doing all of a sudden?
Is this… some sort of plan of yours?
But for what? Who’s it aimed at?
I couldn’t think of a single reason. And nothing like this ever came up in the game either, so my mind was spinning in confusion.
“W-well, I’d really like to hear about you, Lady Seraphine~!”
I tried to shift the conversation away.
But—
“Never mind that! I want to hear more about you, Professor! Please, share your secrets to a happy relationship with your fiancé! Let’s have a girls’ talk!”
Isabel was more eager than I’d ever seen her before.
Just what kind of things has Noel been saying about me outside the academy?
I’m starting to feel seriously afraid to leave campus now.
Peering up at me anxiously was Isabel, a book in her hands.
She was apparently on her way back to the dorms from the library.