This Time, I Am A Mob's Potions Teacher Who Has Become Engaged To The Mastermind Of The Otome Game - 6
“You two! It’s time to head back now.”
When I called out to them, Noel and Alois turned around at the same time.
The way they both averted their eyes awkwardly the moment they saw me—it was so alike that it really drove home the fact that they’re bl00d relatives.
“I still have a few things I want to discuss with Prince Alois. Could you cover for us with the other teachers?”
“No can do. If we don’t head back soon, we’ll miss the forest ranger’s talk, remember? It’s a rare opportunity, and it would be a shame for Prince Alois to miss it.”
Honestly, my real reason is that I want to avoid triggering the game event.
But I can’t exactly say that to them, so I’ll have to rely on the value of the field trip’s educational content to persuade them.
Something just feels off when those two are together—I want to get Alois back to the group as soon as possible.
“…You’re right. In that case, take Prince Alois back first. I have something I need to take care of. I’ll return later.”
Something he needs to take care of?
Out here in the depths of the forest?
A bad feeling crept up my spine, and cold sweat started to form.
“What do you need to do?”
“The forest feels… off somehow. There might be a magical beast, so I’m going to check it out.”
No. No, no, no. This is starting to follow the game way too closely.
But in the game, it was Noel who led Alois toward the magical beast. Now, he’s the one saying he’ll go check it out himself.
It’s a relief to know he doesn’t seem to have any intention of putting Alois in danger.
But at the same time, I’m worried sick that Noel might end up getting hurt instead.
I have to stop him—but I don’t know what to say that would actually make him stay.
Saying “it’s dangerous” or “you’re imagining things” probably won’t be enough to convince him.
While I was racking my brain, Alois suddenly reached out and clutched at Noel’s clothes, as if begging him to stay.
“No! If you go, then Brother will—ah…”
He froze, realizing he had just called Noel “Brother.”
His mouth snapped shut as soon as he noticed, and he looked between me and Noel, clearly panicking.
Right—of course. The fact that they’re brothers isn’t public knowledge, so he really shouldn’t have said that in front of me.
And considering how Noel and Alois usually keep a respectful distance from each other, maybe deep down, Alois wanted to call him that all along—and the word just slipped out before he could stop himself.
God, he called him “Brother” because he wanted to? That’s way too cute—I’m seriously about to get a nosebleed.
“I’m sorry. I misspoke.”
Well, technically, he didn’t misspeak. Noel really is his older brother.
But since that’s not officially acknowledged, he has to deny it.
I wanted to say something to smooth things over and help calm Alois down, but watching his face go bright red—I couldn’t stop the smile tugging at my lips. I had to use every last shred of willpower just to keep a straight face and stop myself from grinning like an idiot.
Then Noel placed a hand on Alois’s head and gently ruffled his hair.
“‘Brother,’ huh? I’m honored to have such an exceptional and dependable little brother. But Alois, let’s stick to calling me ‘Professor’ in front of everyone, okay? People might tease you for being a brother-obsessed softie.”
“D-Don’t tease me!”
Noel ruffled his hair a little roughly, messing up Alois’s bangs until they flopped down and hid his beautiful sky-blue eyes.
Alois tried to swat his hand away, snapping back in protest—but there was a small smile tugging at his lips. He looked almost… happy.
According to what Alois told Sara in the game, all his siblings were considered rivals from the moment he was born. His mother only cared about securing the throne for him, and as for his father—the king—he never even acknowledged his children. So Alois had always longed for a real family, for love.
Maybe the reason he was so easily deceived by Noel in the game was because he hoped that someone like him—someone who lived outside the royal palace—might be different from his other siblings.
Maybe he thought Noel might treat him like real family.
Meanwhile, Noel had such a sorrowful look on his face—like he was enduring some deep pain or suffering—that just watching him made me want to cry.
What is Noel thinking as he looks at Alois?
Even if I asked, he probably wouldn’t tell me.
But if he’s hurting… I want to encourage him.
Because I don’t want his past to keep tormenting him anymore.
“Alois, leave this to your brother. In return, I want you to protect my fiancée.”
“I’m coming too. I don’t want you going alone when there might be a magical beast out there.”
Alois’s voice, rare in its poutiness, caught both Noel and me off guard—but Noel’s gaze softened almost instantly.
“Be a good boy and go back to the others.”
With that, he gently pushed Alois toward me, entrusting him to my care.
“No, Noel. You should come back with us too. If you think something’s wrong, it’s better to return and go investigate with the other teachers.”
“The teachers need to stay and protect the students. If it’s just checking things out, one person is enough.”
That might be true, but… if there really is a magical beast, and if it’s the same one from the game, then ordinary magic won’t work against it. Noel could be in real danger.
That beast was supposed to be enhanced with a curse by Sia to assassinate Alois.
Defeating it requires Light Wielder powers, and since Sara hasn’t awakened hers yet, it would be hard enough to take it down even with a group. For him to go alone—it’s reckless.
“Didn’t I tell you not to leave my side?”
I know those words won’t work on Noel.
And sure enough, he didn’t stop. In fact, he even gave me a faint smile.
He’s smiling—even when I’m this worried—why?
“I’ll be expecting a full lecture when I get back, so just wait for me.”
“I don’t want to. You’re going to do something reckless again.”
“Not more than you do, Leticia.”
He reached out and gently stroked my cheek… then turned and walked away.
The forest trees slowly swallowed him up, leaving only me and Alois behind.