Chapter 80: S&M (3)
Seria paused briefly at the entrance of the laboratory.
'Sure enough, it's Seria.'
I observed her closely.
Deep violet, long wavy hair cascading down her back and matching violet eyes.
Those features alone accounted for a 99% match.
Moreover, her bust, asserting an even more impressive presence under the faint moonlight of the late-night sky, made it a definite 100%.
'······Siena, she's even bigger than Mari.'
Honestly, one could identify Seria just by taking a glance at that aspect without even looking at her face.
There would be no need for [Observer's Eye].
"······."
Oh man.
What am I thinking right now?
While it's a natural train of thought for men, now is certainly not the time for such considerations.
I refocused, my gaze shifting to the mana cuffs in my hand.
The mana-sealing tool gifted by Rok.
Or in other words, mana cuffs.
This item came as a set – a key and cuffs.
However, there was no key at present.
Rok had mentioned that the key was stashed in his personal storage and told me to visit him tomorrow.
'But that doesn't matter in the slightest.'
If it's Seria, she'll undoubtedly attempt to unlock these cuffs herself, keyless.
And she'll fail.
Despite being top of the Magic Department, these cuffs were the creation of a master dwarf.
It would be a difficult task for any student.
She has a huge pride when it comes to [Restraint] and [Sealing].
Naturally, her pride will be wounded and she'll agree to my deal, in hopes of obtaining the key.
As Seria appeared to be leaving the lab.
'Excellent, now's the time!'
I hurled the magic cuffs.
Whoosh.
Even without any throwing-related traits, the mana cuffs traced a perfect parabola and─
Thump.
Landed right in front of Seria.
"?!"
Taken aback, Seria glanced down at the mana cuffs before scanning her surroundings.
Swoosh.
She then picked up the mana cuffs and retreated to the back of the lab.
'Oh.'
I'm impressed.
She's meticulous.
Despite being the sole person around, she still opted for a more private location.
We would definitely be good partners.
I took a detour and discreetly positioned myself behind the dense trees at the back of the lab.
I continued to scan my surroundings.
My [Observer's Eye] doesn't enhance vision like Aisha's [Sharp Vision].
However, I quickly found her regardless.
'Ah, there she is.'
I could see Seria crouching behind the lab, examining the note attached to the cuffs.
Her eyes, widened in surprise, were like those of a cat discovering an intriguing toy.
Soon, Seria, now cradling the mana cuffs, stood up and began surveying her surroundings once more.
Her eyes, radiant as amethysts, sparkled under the night sky.
However, she couldn't find anything.
Eventually, she left.
'Hehe.'
I learned from observing Amy and Jang Woohee's concealment skills.
There was no possibility of being detected.
'It's done.'
She was sure to return at this same time tomorrow.
Finally, I too would be able to wield magic.
Magic that consumes 0 mana.
It felt overwhelming.
The next day, Thursday.
Lunchtime.
Having hastily finished lunch, I made my way to the interrogation room where we had left Melon the day before.
Rok had to be there.
I hadn't seen him all morning.
I approached the room stealthily.
'Hmm.'
As a student, it wouldn't look good to be seen entering and exiting such a room, so I decided to enter directly without knocking.
I gently turned the door handle.
'Huh?'
The door swung open effortlessly.
It hadn't been locked.
"..."
Inside the room, I found Rok.
Seen from behind, Rok was gently wiping a corner of the unconscious Melon's mouth with an extravagant handkerchief.
I approached him and spoke in a low voice.
"Senior Professor."
"!"
Rok, taken aback, turned his head towards me.
"Hmm, hmm, you're here."
Rok swiftly tucked the handkerchief into his pocket with a feigned cough, as if nothing had happened.
"...Mm."
Look at this old man.
Of course, Rok wouldn't have done anything unseemly.
He wasn't foolish enough to tarnish his distinguished career as Senior Professor due to a momentary desire.
But this situation in itself was rather awkward.
Do you now understand my feelings now? Bald old man?
"..."
I remained silent, my face expressionless, as I studied Rok.
For the first time, Rok exhibited a hint of discomfort.
"Hmm, what brings you here."
"I came for the key."
"Ah, right, that. Come to my office after today's lecture. I've been here since last night, interrogating."
"Understood. Did you manage to extract anything?"
"I didn't get anything new. Just a confirmation of the information you gave me. There were no discrepancies. I've felt it before, but you're remarkably thorough. Impressively so."
"If I'm going to do something, I intend to do it right. Then, I'll see you after today's lecture."
"Alright. See you then, Theo."
Rok nodded his head.
Today's classes ended.
The afternoon was allocated for practical combat class.
Practical combat class.
Instructors would showcase how to actually spar, demonstrating 'appropriate reactions under certain circumstances', 'key points to consider against an opponent armed with specific weaponry', and so forth.
Naturally, my [Observer's Eye] captured every detail.
All the instructors are currently active heroes.
Verified individuals.
I learn a lot from simply observing.
Naturally, any useful techniques, I would adapt to my style and apply them as needed.
While focused on this thought, packing my bag,
"..."
"..."
My eyes met Piel's.
Her green eyes held a sorrowful gaze.
Much like the one she'd given me the previous day.
Now that I think about it, Piel has seemed rather low-spirited lately.
Her typical vibrant, self-assured demeanor was missing.
'Why do I keep noticing this?'
It's all because of that rascal inside, Theo.
I could feel heat rising in my cheeks.
I amplified my [Twisted Noble's Dignity] with the [Amplification Orb].
'Whoooooo-'
Barely maintaining composure, I shifted my gaze away from Piel.
However, my discomfort didn't end merely because I looked away.
More fuel was added to the smoldering flames.
Theo's emotions were escalating.
The [Observer's Eye] doesn't easily forget what it focuses on.
Especially having been so focused on her captivating sword dance yesterday, it's bound to linger in my memory for quite a while.
'I need a plan.'
"Theo~ You do know there's a Foodie Exploration club meeting today, don't you?"
Aisha, who had approached me, beamed brightly.
"···Yes."
"Hehe, we're going to an especially pricey place today. Let's go together."
"No, you go ahead. I have a place to visit first."
"Where are you going?"
"You don't need to know. Just make sure you're not late for the meeting."
With that, I headed towards Professor Rok's office to get the key.
The Foodie Exploration club meeting ended.
It was already past 7 o'clock.
The meeting with Seria was scheduled for 10 p.m., so I had some time to spare.
Until then, I decided to provide Aisha with a lesson in swordsmanship.
Just as I was about to depart from the restaurant,
"Theo."
Andrew called out to me.
"Huh."
"······I have a question."
There was a pause before Andrew spoke again.
What's he up to? Something seemed off.
"What is it."
"······The meeting next week is for hotdogs, right? Do you, by any chance, like hotdogs?"
"Hotdogs······."
I do enjoy them.
In my previous life, in the modern world, I ate them quite frequently.
"Yeah, I like them."
"Ah······."
"Why do you ask?"
"······Ah, it's nothing. I was just glad to see you today. Well, I'll be going now."
Andrew, his face turning pale, quickly left his seat.
"······?"
What's up with him?
After the meeting, I gave Aisha a lesson in swordsmanship.
Contrary to her dazzling performance from the day before, she reverted to her usual lethargic self today.
'Damn, is she just acting?'
That skill she displayed yesterday was authentic.
I wasn't in the best condition and I also let my guard down.
But regardless of that, I couldn't possibly have let such a mediocre opponent land a hit.
Well, even if she's just pretending, it doesn't matter.
It's good for me if Aisha is actually becoming stronger.
... I am curious about what game she's playing, though.
After the swordsmanship lesson, I trained some more and then immediately headed to the Magic Department.
I got off the carriage.
The time was currently half past nine in the evening.
I still had thirty minutes to spare until the appointed time with Seria.
Even though there wasn't a soul in sight, I emulated Jang Woohee's fluid movements, moving to a spot near the lab where trees were densely packed.
Then, I opened the bag containing the disguise tools.
I had asked Amy to prepare them in advance.
"...."
Inside the bag was a black, form-fitting attire along with a mask, identical to what Jang Woohee had worn during our operation to capture Melon.
It's the attire typically worn by Equilibrium assassins on their missions.
"Hah."
... Damn, how am I supposed to wear this?
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