Research Life of a New Professor at Magic University

While Claire briefly stepped out to the restroom, Arien was able to have a private conversation with Stella.

“Do you need help with something, Stella?”

“Yes, big sis!”

“…Are you really going to call me ‘big sis’?”

“Yes, yes! Sis, sis! I’ve wanted to call someone else that. I’m so happy to finally achieve my lifelong goal!”

Arien pondered for a moment how much she should go along with it.
Stella’s behavior wouldn’t change regardless of how she responded, and thinking this way eased her mind.

“Alright then. So, what can I help you with?”

“It’s nothing much…”

Arien remained vigilant, knowing there must be more to it.
It couldn’t be nothing. If so, there would be no reason to keep it secret from Claire.

“Can I talk to Professor Atwell?”

Arien’s eyes narrowed upon hearing Stella’s words. She had expected it to some extent, but coming out so openly like this was surprising.

“Why do you need to see my professor?”

“Huh? ‘My’ professor?”

“…Professor Atwell.”

“Got it. I’ll stop, so relax your expression, big sis.”

It wasn’t a trustworthy statement.
Despite saying she’d stop earlier, Stella kept poking and prodding whenever she got the chance.

“It’s a personal matter.”

“A personal matter? Is it another family issue?”

“Perhaps?”

“Perhaps what?”

“Perhaps it might turn into a family matter…”

Stella glanced at Arien shyly as if she were a girl in love.
Arien, interpreting that expression, was appalled.

“W-what do you mean?”

“See? When you talk like that, people misunderstand, right? You did the same earlier, big sis.”

As soon as Arien harbored doubts, Stella’s expression returned to normal as if nothing had happened. Then she smiled as usual.
Arien felt like a fool once again.

“It’s a bit difficult to explain in detail. It’s just that there’s something I want to discuss with Professor Atwell.”

“So the reason Miss Stella…”

“Just Stella.”

“…Stella approached the professor wasn’t for Miss Claire’s sword?”

“No, it wasn’t.”

“So it wasn’t arranged by your family?”

“No, definitely not. I approached the professor out of my own volition. Claire’s situation was something my father arranged on his own.”

“The timing is too perfect.”

“Oh! That’s not a coincidence. When I talked to Father about getting to know Professor Atwell, suddenly he pushed for it without any hesitation.”

Arien knew Stella hadn’t received any favors from Atwell, nor had she become close to him.
So why would she bring it up when she got home?
There must have been a reason why the Earl suddenly did this.

Though many questions remained unanswered, Claire returned at that moment.
She’d have to put off resolving her curiosity for later.

“Anyway! The next class is next week, right? So, we just need to study together until then?”

“Stella, when is a good time for you?”

“Probably the weekend? Since you’re in the lab on weekdays, big sis.”

Arien shook her head.

“Weekends aren’t particularly different for me. So, meeting anytime works for me.”

“Um… sorry…”

“Miss Stella doesn’t have anything to apologize for.”

Arien unconsciously made a mistake in calling her name again.
But Stella, seeing her cold expression, did not even dare to point out her.

“Do you work on weekends too?”

Claire said as if pitying Stella.
While Stella remained silent for a moment, Claire spoke to Arien.

“When I’m done with my work, I can rest.”

“When does it usually end?”

“Night.”

Claire’s complexion grew worse gradually.
She seemed to feel a slight sense of guilt as well.

“Um… is it because of the request I made? It’s not that urgent. So, you don’t have to push yourself without resting!”

“It’s not because of you, Claire. It would have still been the same without your request.

“……”

After a moment of silence, Stella broke the silence again.

“So, shall we meet on the weekend? Weekends are more convenient for me, too.”

“If Stella wants it, then let’s do that.”

“Big sis, just say you have plans and take a break this weekend!”

Arien’s pupils dilated upon hearing those words. After a quick mental calculation, they suddenly shrank.

“Taking the entire weekend off isn’t possible due to the workload, but yes, Sunday should work.”

Arien, whose expression brightened considerably, felt a newfound fondness for Stella for the first time today.
Seeing this, Claire, who chose the path of the sword, praised herself.

‘I made the right choice to dismiss magic studies long ago.’

***

When I opened my eyes, it was morning.
I had fallen asleep in an uncomfortable position on the chair, perhaps why I woke up earlier than expected.
My body felt a bit stiff, but my mind was clear.

As I came to my senses, the first thought that came to mind was Arien.
Wondering if she hadn’t arrived, I looked around and heard footsteps outside.

When I left the office, I saw an elf with black hair and a serene expression reading a textbook.
The morning sunlight illuminated the scene, making her seem like a painting.

She glanced in my direction when she noticed me.

“Good morning, Professor.”

“So, you’re finally here. I had something to tell you.”

“To me? What is it?”

“There’s been progress in the sword research.”

“Really? What is it?”

“…Well, no.”

I stopped myself from excitedly sharing yesterday’s discovery.
What I did yesterday was just an idea. While I thought it could work, it might not be feasible in reality.
And there’s a lot to do before showing it to Arien.

I took a deep breath and felt my head clear. I’m glad I didn’t meet her yesterday.
It’s better to confirm and show the progress rather than boast theories.

“No, not yet. I’ll let you know when it’s more certain.”

“What? That’s boring.”

“It’s still vague right now. I’ll let you know once it’s progressed further.”

“Okay. Let me know if you need any help.”

Come to think of it, I haven’t asked about yesterday’s delay yet.
Thanks to Arien, the research progressed, and since she’s back, I don’t feel like scolding her.
But still, not asking at all would be a bit odd, wouldn’t it?

“Why were you so late yesterday?”

I casually asked, but Arien seemed to ponder for quite a while.
If it’s a personal matter, she could just say so.
I’m not going to pry into every detail anyway.

“If it’s hard to say, forget it. Just let me know in advance next time. Your personal matters aren’t my concern.”

“It’s something that concerns you.”

“Me?”

“Yes.”

What’s going on?
I looked at Arien, urging her to elaborate, but her response wasn’t a detailed explanation.

“No, I’ll tell you when I’m sure.”

“You don’t remember what happened yesterday? Maybe you hit your head.”

“No, that’s not it!”

“Then why are you so hesitant?”

“I think we’ll have more to talk about that soon. I’ll let you know around next week.”

Suddenly, I felt concerned because it was something related to me.
What could Arien have that involves me in her personal time?

It’s not worth dwelling on, so waiting is probably the best option.
Arien doesn’t seem to intend to hide anything, so I don’t feel the need to pry.

“Oh, and can I take this Sunday off?”

“When did I ever tell you to work on weekends? Why are you asking me that?”

Arien looked bewildered, but I felt no shame.
If she’s dragging work until the weekend and then accusing me of being a bad boss, that’s her problem.

“…Anyway, is that okay?”

“Of course, it’s fine. Take a break if you need to.”

But what’s going on? Clearing time intentionally on the weekend means there’s something more important than research, right?
What could be more important than research?

“What’s the matter?”

“…I have plans with a friend.”

“A friend? You have friends?”

After blurting out the words, I realized it was somewhat tactless.
As expected, Arien looked quite upset.

“Professor, that’s quite rude of you to say.”

“Well, I’ve never seen you meeting anyone, so…”

“Do I even have time for that? I’ve been working on weekdays and weekends!”

“Well, then work faster on weekdays.”

Arien gives me a scrutinizing look without responding.
While I’m alone on the weekend, maybe I should also take care of some personal matters.
Seeing Arien’s cold expression reminds me of the incident from two weeks ago.

The long-standing conflict between the Inquisition and the elves.
It sounded absurd, but it must not have been for those involved.
Perhaps I should hear both sides of the story.

I should meet Prudence this Sunday to take advantage of the opportunity.
I detest to spend my free time at the church, but it can’t be helped.
As long as I’m with Arien, the problem persists.

“Alright. I guess on Sunday, I should meet a friend too.”

Arien was utterly surprised by my words.

“You?! Professor, you have friends?”

“You…”

“Oh! I’m sorry.”

She apologized as if realizing her mistake, but a smirk lingered on her lips.
Somehow, I can see Stella Lacton in Arien’s face.
Looking at that annoying expression, something comes to mind.

“Come to think of it, you must be busy until Saturday.”

“Why is that again?”

“Remember the potion experiment you did last time?”

“Of course.”

“Since it had good results, we must incorporate it into our assignment. The proposal for the Alchemy Workshop project is due by April.”

I had forgotten about it because of Claire Lacton’s request.
But it was equally important to it.

“What? You want me to write it?”

“You’ll need to start someday. You’ll be writing these from now on.”

“Ugh… So, when do you need it by?”

“Have a draft ready by this Saturday and give it to me.”

“…Are you trying to get back at me or something?”

Revenge? She speaks as if I’ve harbored a grudge.
It’s just a usual directive, completely unrelated to Arien’s earlier taunts.

She should have enough time as long as she doesn’t spend Sunday hanging out with friends.