This Time, I Am A Mob's Potions Teacher Who Has Become Engaged To The Mastermind Of The Otome Game - 4
The day of the off-campus field trip finally arrived, and the griffon-drawn carriage that departed early in the morning reached the Forest of Finis before noon.
“Yay! It’s so much easier to walk here compared to the royal capital side!”
Sara was happily hopping around.
Just as she said, the soil in the Forest of Finis varies depending on the location.
Different soil means different plants grow there, so I’d really love to one day stay overnight in the forest and observe the plants.
It’ll probably have to wait until I’ve safely seen these kids off and can secure some uninterrupted time, so it might be a while—but having something to look forward to is a good thing.
Glasses-sensei! What kind of footprints are these?”
“Let’s see…”
As I crouched down to take a look at Sara’s innocent question, Alois held out a hand to stop me.
“Sensei, it might be dangerous to get too close. A magical beast could be nearby.”
“Oh my, really? You’re quite knowledgeable, Prince Alois.”
Embarrassingly, I’m completely hopeless when it comes to anything other than medicinal herbs.
Unlike me, Alois seems eager to absorb all kinds of knowledge.
He once asked me about an advanced mixing technique for herbs that isn’t taught in school, and according to Noel, he also asks highly specialized questions about applied magic. I can’t help but worry that he’s studying so much he’s not even sleeping.
That model student gave me a gentle smile and lightly guided me away from the magical beast’s tracks.
“It would be dangerous if anything happened to you, so please don’t leave my side.”
“T-Thank you…”
Did he just say don’t leave my side…?
This is bad—he’s way too precious.
He’s supposed to be a student who should be protected by the teacher, and yet he’s the one protecting me?
Isn’t he just a perfect prince?
Well… he actually is a prince, though.
While my heart was already overflowing with emotion, he went and gave me a shy little smile that pushed me right over the edge.
“Just like you protected us at the botanical garden, I want to protect you too, Sensei.”
He actually said that. It’s so cute I could scream.
…Ugh, stop it. If I forget I’m a teacher, I’ll revert to just being a woman in love with Alois.
Are you testing my self-control?
“I appreciate it, but while you’re still a student, focus on your studies without feeling pressured. It’s the teacher’s job to watch over you so you can learn in peace.”
“But… it’s frustrating not being able to do anything.”
Alois lowered his brows and looked downcast.
Wait a second—what he just said… That’s the exact line he says to Sara in the game!
It’s when Noel urges him to confront a monster, and he struggles, only for Sara to awaken her Light Magic and save him. That’s when he says that line.
I knew Alois was opening up to me more than he did in the game, but for him to share his worries this easily… could it be that his main issue is already close to being resolved?
In the game, the whole point of this event is for Alois to open his heart to others—especially to Sara.
Maybe my worries really were unnecessary.
Even Noel, for now at least, seems to be enjoying chatting with the other students.
When I quietly turned to look behind me, expecting to see Noel still surrounded by the girls like before, he was nowhere to be found. Just as I began to wonder where he had gone, his voice suddenly came from right beside me.
“Your Highness, there’s no need for concern. I’ll be the one to protect her.”
The calmness in his voice somehow sent a chill down my spine.
I slowly turned toward him, and there he was, standing right next to me, smiling from ear to ear.
“By the way, Your Highness, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you. Could you spare a moment?”
“Very well. I, too, have something I’ve been meaning to talk about with Professor Fabius, so the timing is perfect.”
They were both smiling, yet the atmosphere around them felt tense—like a blade drawn in silence.
“W-Wait a second! This field trip is still part of your class, okay? You can’t just wander off and do as you please!”
Watching the two of them, I suddenly recalled this morning’s dream and hurriedly tried to stop them.
“It’s fine. We’re just going to talk for a bit.”
“It’s fine. Just a little chat, that’s all.”
Perfectly in sync like the brothers they are, they reassured me together—and I couldn’t stop them.
Unable to intervene, I could only watch their backs as they walked away.
I take it back—what I said earlier.
The fact that things are playing out exactly like the game means I really can’t afford to let my guard down for even a second.