This Time, I Am A Mob's Potions Teacher Who Has Become Engaged To The Mastermind Of The Otome Game - 11 - Interlude: Time to Get Everything Off Your Chest (From Noel’s Perspective)

As the dance began, Leticia looked nervous at first, but as we chatted, she soon started smiling while dancing.

Because of what happened with Laurent, I’d been afraid she wouldn’t smile at me anymore—but seeing that smile now was a relief.

Whenever I’m with her, even these formal balls that usually feel like an extension of work end up surprisingly enjoyable.

Still, reality has a way of yanking you down just when you’re enjoying a peaceful moment.

After the dance ended, a young lady—presumably a friend of hers—came over to talk.

“Leticia! It’s been so long!”

“Marie! I’m so happy to see you. How long has it been?”

Just as I expected, I was introduced and exchanged brief greetings.

Apparently, she was an old childhood friend of Leticia’s.

“After what happened with Lord Ghislain, you stopped coming to balls completely—I was worried. But I’m glad to see you’ve ended up with such a wonderful man. Did you give Lord Fabius a love potion or something?”

That was not something I could just ignore.

I wanted to hear more, but Leticia stopped her abruptly.

“Oh, come on! Don’t bring up the past!”

And she blushed.

I’d never seen her make that face before.

I didn’t want to think about it, but with another man’s name thrown into the mix, I could guess the general idea.

“…And who exactly is Lord Ghislain?”

“He’s a childhood friend of ours. He went to Oria Magic Academy with Leticia, and he was her first love.”

“Marie! That’s enough!”

That was the first I’d ever heard of it.

We’d never really talked about romance before.

If it ever came up, it was just idle gossip about the students.

Besides, somewhere in my heart, I had assumed Leticia wasn’t interested in love at all—that she devoted herself entirely to herbs and potion-making.

That was careless of me.

“Leticia, could you tell me more about this Lord Ghislain?”

If I hadn’t known, then I needed to know now.

But when I called his name, she actually stepped back.

“N-Noel? You’re kind of scaring me right now…”

“Aw, come on. We’ve been having such a good time—why would I be making a scary face?”

I tried smiling, but I knew it wouldn’t work on her.

Somehow, she always senses what I’m really feeling, like she can read my heart.

“L-Let’s just go home, okay? You must be tired too, Noel.”

I wasn’t particularly tired, but she must’ve been exhausted after attending a ball for the first time in so long—so I nodded, and we headed home without protest.

On the ride back in the carriage, Leticia chatted a little and looked out the window at the scenery. But eventually, her head began to bob sleepily and she dozed off.

If I left her like that, she’d end up hitting her head on the window, so I gently pulled her toward me and let her rest against my shoulder.

Tonight had been full of all kinds of events, so she must’ve been completely worn out.

Especially after Laurent said more than he should have—she must’ve been confused.

Blaming Laurent for it all is just taking it out on him, though.

I was the one keeping secrets from her. That’s what made her so anxious in the first place.

While I was lost in thought, Jill peeked at Leticia’s sleeping face and made a sour expression.

“Sigh… Still sleeping with that idiotic look on her face, I see. And right in front of her master, no less.”

“Give her a break. She made it through a ball she hates—cut her some slack.”

It seems that Jill was genuinely worried about Leticia.

He didn’t say it outright, but there was an unusual look of unease on his face.

“…Master, um…”

He looked at me like he had something he wanted to say.

For someone who usually enjoys talking, it was rare to see him hesitate like this.

I could more or less guess what he wanted to bring up.

It was probably about what Leticia heard from Laurent.

“Master, the girl didn’t ask to hear it. That traitor just started raving, and she ended up hearing it by chance…”

“I know. You’re worried about Leticia, aren’t you, Jill?”

For someone like Jill—who generally hates everyone except me—it was rare to see him care for a human like her.

But having been by her side for so long, he must’ve come to understand her personality and grown fond of her.

“I no longer have any intention of getting rid of Leticia. In fact, it would be a problem for me if she disappeared.”

“…I see.”

Relieved, Jill curled up beside Leticia and drifted off to sleep.

Then Leticia stirred slightly.

“Mmm… Lord Ghislain…”

She mumbled the name of that childhood friend in her sleep.

Just hearing that name sent a storm of dark emotions churning in my chest.

“Honestly… why would she say his name…”

There must have been something between them.

I felt bad thinking this about her, but I could only hope it had been a one-sided crush that had already come to an end.

There might even be other people she once had feelings for in the past.

If that’s the case, then she’s going to have to tell me everything—every last detail.

“Leticia, we’ll be having a long talk soon.”

After all, I’ll need to make sure she never has to cross paths with those people again.