This Time, I Am A Mob's Potions Teacher Who Has Become Engaged To The Mastermind Of The Otome Game - 11 - Interlude: Scheming and Strategies (From Noel's Perspective)

Ever since Lufier defeated the Dullahan and I reported her abilities to the grade supervisor, Professor Goudimel, I’d been swamped with explanations to the students and coordinating with the Court Magicians.

By the time the chaos settled, it was already midnight, and the fog in the Forest of Finis had thickened.

After escorting the students to their designated cabins, I returned to the staff quarters, where I found Professor Goudimel standing outside.

He wore an expression that clearly said he had something on his mind—there was no mistaking he wanted to talk.

“Lord Fabius, I never imagined you would be the one to break regulations. You were always so well-behaved as a student… Seems you’ve changed quite a bit.”

“It was an emergency. I had no choice. A student’s life was at stake.”

“Well, I doubt that’s the only reason.”

Still, it seemed Professor Goudimel had no intention of lecturing me further. He simply turned on his heel.

“But compared to how you used to be, it’s as if something’s finally been lifted from you. That’s good to see.”

He left those words behind as he walked away.

“…At last, we can speak freely.”

As Professor Goudimel walked away, Commander Roussel of the Court Magicians emerged from the mist to take his place.
I had known he was eavesdropping on our conversation, but I assumed he had come for a discreet discussion, so I hadn’t called him out on it.

The commander, who was well over a hundred years old, still stood at the forefront of his field.
Though he leaned on a staff, his presence was formidable.
Now, he struck that staff—nearly as tall as he was—against the ground three times. In an instant, all sound around us vanished.

Once I confirmed that a barrier had been deployed, he placed a hand over his chest and bowed respectfully.

“I greet Your Highness once again. May you be in good health.”

“Please stop with the jokes.”

The truth is, I wish he would drop the royal treatment entirely.
He knows everything—he knows who I really am—and yet he insists on addressing me like royalty every time we meet.

I’d rather forget I ever had a connection to that king.

“But of course, Your Highness possesses the moon magic passed down through the royal house of Nox. I still vividly recall the day you were born. When I arrived on the king’s orders to verify the power, all of nature across the kingdom sparkled in celebration of your birth.”

Moon magic, gifted by the goddess, had been passed down through generations of the Nox royal family.
And yet the current king had not inherited it—while I, unfortunately, had.

Because of that, the king came to despise me. And yet ironically, it was that very power that kept me from being killed.

“Judging people based on the strength of their magic… that’s no different from the people of Sia, you know.”

“Mgh… Don’t lump me in with them, please.”

In Sia, magical power is everything.

I once heard from Laurent that ambitious mages often conspire to overthrow the royal family—and are promptly executed for it.

In a country like that, it was precisely because I inherited moon magic that I was accepted, even though I was from an enemy nation.
Laurent even treats me like some sort of divine figure, which just shows how extreme Sia’s obsession with magic is.
But thanks to that, I’ve been able to move and gather information without arousing suspicion.

“It appears the Dullahan was there doing as well. They summoned it in Sia and Lord D’arcaic called it here.”

“I see. Then when dawn comes, we should search for the breach in the barrier and seal it up. Goodness, if not for you, who knows what would’ve happened to Lord Alois.”

“I didn’t do anything. I couldn’t even scratch the thing. It could only be defeated by Sara Lufier’s light magic.”

I used to wonder what was so special about the power of light—but after today’s battle, I finally understood why light-wielders are revered.

They’re the only ones capable of standing against monsters born of darkness—creatures that even powerful magic can’t so much as scratch.

If such a monster appears again… as much as it frustrates me, I won’t be able to protect Leticia.

We’ll have to rely on Lufier alone.

It’s a harsh burden to place on someone whose powers have only just awakened, but I need her to master them—and soon.

Before the time comes.

“There will surely be more monsters that only she can defeat. I’ll continue monitoring Sia’s movements and reporting them to you, so don’t forget our agreement.”

When Laurent first approached me, thrilled by the idea that joining forces with Sia could bring revenge on this kingdom, I felt the same.

But now, for a different reason, I’m genuinely glad he trusts me.

“Of course I remember. How could I forget the shock of hearing your demand—that in return for protecting this country, you want your fiancée protected from it?”

Commander Roussel let out a deep sigh.

“This country has long been shrouded in darkness. I only hope you’ll take the throne one day.”

“No, Prince Alois is far more suited to it. He’s been blessed with good companions here at the academy and is growing into a fine man.”

I had always resented him.

Whenever I looked at his face, I couldn’t help but be reminded of His Majesty the King.
We shared the same bl00d, and yet—I always believed he had been raised with care, never having anything stolen from him.

But as I continued to watch him speak with Leticia, I began to see that he too was burdened by that same bl00d.
Despite it, he was struggling—striving—to become a king who would protect his people.

And before I knew it, I found myself wanting to help him.

I was surprised when he suddenly called me “brother,” but strangely… I was happy.
It’s funny, really—how someone I had resented so deeply had become someone I now felt close to. The irony of it made me laugh.

Thanks to Leticia, the world around me began to change.
And in that changed world, the days I now spend have become warm… and precious.

To protect this daily life I’ve come to treasure, I’m prepared to keep walking the line between Nox and Sia —even if it means being branded a traitor.