This Time, I Am A Mob's Potions Teacher Who Has Become Engaged To The Mastermind Of The Otome Game - 4
“Alright, let’s get writing~!”
After seeing Isabel off, I opened my desk drawer and took out some envelopes and stationery.
First, it was time to start preparing the invitations.
I could just wave my finger and have the quill write everything by magic, but I wanted to handwrite these invitations to really put my heart into them.
“Hey, girl. If you’ve got that many to write, why not just use magic?”
As I worked my quill across the paper, Jill, who had been sitting on the desk watching me, interrupted.
I accidentally brushed his paw and felt his little toe beans—lucky! But I kept that to myself since saying it out loud would probably put him in a bad mood.
“Handwritten letters feel more heartfelt.”
“I don’t get it. All letters look the same to me.”
“That’s because you’re a cat, Jill.”
“I’m not a cat! I’m a noble and majestic Cait Sith!”
“Yes, yes, got it. Now be quiet—I’ll mess up if you distract me.”
Honestly, with this many to write, I was bound to get wrist strain.
But since I already made such a fuss about doing it by hand, I couldn’t back out now. I powered through and finished writing one for every person.
“Alright, all done. Now, off you go—deliver these to everyone!”
I waved my finger, and the letters floated into the air.
When I opened the door, they fluttered out and flew off.
They should reach Sara and the others in their dorm rooms any moment now.
“Next up is shopping. I should probably buy the non-perishables first and store them in the classroom.”
The headmaster had kindly given me special permission to use a classroom for the party.
For now, I decided to make a list of things I’d likely need:
● Ingredients for cakes and sweets
● Decorations for the room
● Candles for the Winter Star blessing
● A card game for mini-games (basically a deck of playing cards)
Apparently, the cafeteria chef was going to prepare the main dishes. But most of the kitchen staff had gone home for the holidays, so they didn’t have enough hands to make the cakes—meaning I’d have to handle that part myself.
I’d buy the food ingredients later. For now, I needed to focus on getting the decorations together.
“Hmm, I should go out shopping today while I have time.”
“Ooh! You’re going into town?!”
Jill perked up. He seemed to really enjoy going out and about, fidgeting with excitement.
Honestly, he probably wanted to roam freely instead of watching over me all the time. Makes sense—he’s a cat, after all.
(Not that he’d ever admit it.)
“I wonder how much I can carry by myself… Cait Sith Delivery is backed up this time of year, so shipping will be delayed.”
“Just go into town once a day.”
“Then I won’t have time to get any work done.”
Even though our work hours were shortened for the break, teachers still had duties until the main Winter Star festival—like getting ready for the next term.
Anyway, I decided to head out today to buy the decorations in town.
◇
“It’s so crowded. Jill, don’t get lost, okay?”
Since the start of the holiday break, the royal capital was livelier than usual.
As I walked toward my favorite general store, I spotted the café where Noel and I had our first date. Seeing it brought back the memory of him eating cake that day—and made me feel a little lonely.
“Hey, Jill, your mind is connected to Noel’s, right? Could you pass a message to him for me?”
“You sure are demanding. If it’ll interfere with my master’s work, I won’t do it.”
“Just ask him, ‘Are you getting enough rest?’ That’s all.”
“Sigh… Honestly. You’re treating me like some kind of carrier pigeon.”
Grumbling the whole time, Jill closed his eyes and focused.
His whiskers twitched slightly, making him look like he was sending out a signal—kind of like a living antenna.
“Alright. He says, ‘I’m doing well, so don’t worry.’”
“Good. Then tell him, ‘Come home soon,’ too.”
“Hey, brat! You said it would be one message!”
“I never said it’d be just one, did I?”
That’s not a lie.
I never said only one message.
Jill looked thoroughly annoyed, puffing up in frustration, but his whiskers twitched again—so he was probably passing the message anyway.
◇
As I gathered decorations at the general store and the festival stalls for the Winter Star celebration, I passed by the armory and caught sight of the beautiful accessories displayed in their glass cases.
Oh, that’s right—Noël will be coming on the day of the main Winter Star festival. Maybe I should prepare him a gift. After all, it’s traditional to exchange presents with someone dear during this holiday.
But I couldn’t think of anything he might want… Perhaps something like a protective charm, since he might end up in dangerous places again.
I’m not used to shopping in shops like this, but steeling myself, I knocked on the door.
“Excuse me, I’m looking for a gift imbued with defensive magic—do you have anything like that?”
The shop was small but immaculate, the polished gear gleaming under the lights. A friendly young woman with a bright smile came out to help.
“Welcome! Who are you shopping for?”
“A man. He doesn’t really wear jewelry, so I’m not sure what would suit him.”
“I see—your… sweetheart is a knight, then?”
“A–a sweetheart? No, no—he’s not a knight. He’s a civil servant.”
“Oh my! You’ve caught an elite—and here I was jealous. A ring might suit a gentleman in an administrative post.”
She presented me with a tray of rings. Among the many designs, one simple band stood out: a gold setting topped with a glossy black gemstone. I found myself inexplicably captivated by it—perhaps because the stone’s wet‑feather sheen reminded me of Noël’s hair.
“I’ll take this one.”
“Already decided? Nothing else you’d like to see?”
“Yes. The moment I saw it, I thought it would suit him perfectly.”
“Fufu, that’s lovely. Have a sweet time together at the Winter Star festival.”
“Well… it’s not quite that kind of occasion.”
“Oh, come on—don’t be shy. It’s so cute.”
As I paid and had the ring wrapped, the shopkeeper proceeded to regale me with all sorts of tips on how to captivate my beloved’s heart. By the time I left the store, I was utterly exhausted.
Honestly, I doubt I’ll ever have the chance—or courage—to put any of those “expert” tips into practice.