Chapter 85: Academy Professors (1)

Erica left, but I didn't bother chasing after her.

After all, any misunderstandings could be cleared later. However, honestly, even if she never found out the truth until the end, I didn't feel the need to explain things to her.

That was because Erica would never spread baseless rumors about an odd relationship between Aria and me.

[Is it really okay to just let her go like that?]

In response to the Dark Spiritualist's concern, I reassured her that it wouldn't be a problem. Then, I continued walking.

In fact, I was more concerned about what Aria had said, which was related to Erica.

*- It's to keep you in check. So, you won't be stolen away this time...*This time?

Did she mean that I ended up with Erica in the previous round?

Despite being in an engaged relationship right now, we had only been thinking about how to break it off.

However, according to Aria's words, it seemed like Erica and I might have even reached the point of marriage.

Does that mean I loved Erica Bright?

I couldn't be sure about that.

Even if I tried to imagine it, I still couldn't see a future where I genuinely loved her.

No.

Rather, it was difficult for me to imagine myself developing a romantic relationship with anyone else.

This was not just directed towards Erica, but with anyone else.

"Huff."

Since there was no need to continue pondering questions without answers, I headed to the laboratory.

An odor similar to that of deodorizers stung my nose as I opened the door to Professor Fel Petra's laboratory.

Despite the strong scent causing some discomfort, I quickly understood why as soon as I saw the scene inside the laboratory.

[Wow.]

It was a sight that reminded me of magic research on Cadavermancy. Various body parts were laid out on an elongated medical bed.

Frowning at this gory scene, I almost unconsciously summoned mana. However, standing inside the room was Professor Fel Petra, with her pink hair and femme fatale figure, looking at me and smiling.

"Ah, Professor Deus! You've returned!"

How could she laugh so casually in front of dismembered bodies?

For a moment, I almost thought perhaps she was a Cavadermancer.

She turned around, seemingly realizing my reaction was strange, and then raised one of the arms lying on the medical bed in surprise.

[Well...]

Watching her swing the limp arm made even the Dark Spiritualist furrow her eyebrows.

However, the next words that came out of Professor Fel's mouth surprised me.

"I-It's a model I made! It's not a real thing!"

"Huh?"

At first, I thought she had done a very good job of wiping away the blood, but now, it looked even cleaner than I thought.

Intrigued, I approached to inspect the body parts, only to discover that they were indeed just imitations and not real flesh.

"These are for experimentation, but once it's complete, it'll be useful for many people!"

Professor Fel proudly introduced her items. She slightly infused mana, and the hand began moving as if it were real.

"It is impressive."

Honestly, I couldn't help but praise her.

Despite the potential limitations on users due to mana consumption and cost, this was a groundbreaking invention that could significantly reduce disabilities across the entire continent.

These details were not explicitly covered in the game, and the more unexpected part was that Professor Fel didn't make an appearance.

Professor Fel awkwardly laughed while adjusting her messy pink hair.

"I've prepared a spot for you over there, Professor."

It was at the innermost part of the laboratory.

Along with a large desk, there were potted plants and empty bookshelves around.

The workspace was equipped with more high-end equipment than I had anticipated.

"Actually, they didn't prepare many high-quality things for you. But after the Royal Family's declaration to appoint you as Soul Whisperer, the Dean replaced everything."

"Sigh."

The Dean was witty; it made me think he might have a great talent for flattery.

"Anyway, Professor Deus, when will you start teaching?"

When I sat in the chair and got accustomed to my spot, Professor Fel approached me and asked.

As far as I remembered, Professor Fel wasn't the type to be this friendly to others. I wondered what changed in such a short amount of time.

When I directly met her gaze, she didn't avoid it and instead looked back at me with bright eyes.

The moment I saw that, I could tell immediately.

Her intellectual curiosity had overwhelmed her inherent shyness.

As the only officially recognized Dark Mage in the kingdom, it was natural for me to teach related courses.

That was also because in the still-reforming Griffin Kingdom, my class was currently the only legitimate source for learning about black magic.

It must have been an opportunity she couldn't miss, as she was a professor with a stronger inclination towards scholarly pursuits rather than being a Mage.

Especially when she had expertise in a field closely related to anatomy, like Cadavermancy.

"I will start from next semester."

"Ah! I see! Can I attend and observe your lectures, too, Professor?"

"Yes, as long as you do not have other classes during the same time slots."

"That's great! I'm relieved!"

Did she possess a knack for being chatty once she shed away her shy demeanor? Although her insights into her field of study were fascinating, my ears started to tire from listening to her.

Bang!

"Master Bastard, we've co... Oh my, what the hell is this?!"

As Findenai barged into the laboratory, she was surprised to see the imitation body parts made by Professor Fel scattered on the floor.

Findenai immediately covered Illuania's eyes as the latter, who was following her from behind, entered the room.

About two months had already passed, but perhaps due to her clothes, Illuania's belly didn't show much progress.

"Wha-what's happening?"

"It won't be good for a pregnant woman to see something weird!"

She covered Illuania's eyes with her hands, trying to be considerate in her own way. However, it seemed that the person in question didn't quite understand the situation.

"Ah..."

Professor Fel quickly returned to her timid self as soon as a third party appeared. She urgently moved away from me and gathered the body parts.

"I-I'll clean this up!"

After frantically tidying up, Professor Fel rushed to sit in her own spot, occasionally stealing glances at me.

Findenai finally removed her hands from Illuania's eyes, approaching me alongside her.

"We have arrived, Master."

Even if it had been a long time, Illuania still managed to greet me excellently. I nodded in response to her greeting.

Her face was flawless; she had no blemishes and her skin was smooth. She didn't appear to show any signs of fatigue. This suggested that she was able to rest comfortably enough to gain a little weight.

"For now, your task is to assist me. You will handle whatever needs to be done, especially what Findenai is unable to handle, but I will not ask you to do physical labor."

"...There's no need for you to be considerate towards me."

However, surprisingly, Illuania disagreed with my opinion as she bowed her head politely.

"I am receiving a salary to work as a servant. In fact, even while staying at the hotel, I always felt uncomfortable."

Illuania expressed her intention to work for her share of the salary properly.

However, I shook my head.

"You are my servant. You should follow my orders."

"But..."

"It is not for your sake."

The reason I took care of Illuania was not for her sake. Of course, her past, involving drug use and engaging with any man she came across in the red light district, was pitiful.

However, that alone wasn't enough to make me sympathize with her.

"I am simply keeping a promise I made with a certain man. This is not for your sake, so you should accept it obediently."

"...I understand."

If, by any chance, her work became too much for her body, I would end up breaking my promise with Deus.

"Alright, that is good if you understand things."

I nodded slightly to conclude the conversation.

"Maybe I should do it once as well..."

Then, I heard Findenai's voice expressing an unnecessary concern from my side.

* * *

Late evening.

Findenai and Illuania headed to the servants' quarters to rest separately while I was in my room at the professor's residence.

[This is how you should do it.]

There was no need to study black magic separately from reading a book when I had an excellent Dark Spiritualist with exceptional necromancy skills right in front of me.

You could think of it as receiving one-on-one lessons from a top-notch instructor.

"Is this how it is done?"

[Yes, that's right! You're doing well!]

The Dark Spiritualist applauded and complimented me, showing a slightly relaxed demeanor compared to our previous encounters, but it didn't feel unpleasant.

Just as we enveloped ourselves in mana and continued to learn together, a knocking sound interrupted our session.

Knock, knock.

Although I hadn't seen who made that cautious knock, it already felt like I knew who was outside.

[Hmm.]

Perhaps thinking she was being disturbed, the Dark Spiritualist folded her arms with a displeased expression.

Nonetheless, I slowly opened the door to find Erica Bright standing there, dressed in pajamas and looking somewhat awkward.

"I-Is it okay if I come in for a moment?"

"...It is quite late already."

Although I subtly expressed my intention to deny her entrance to my room, Erica did not step back.

"It'll really be just for a moment."

Pressured by the strange plea in her eyes, I sighed and slowly opened the door.

Erica, who came inside, didn't bother to look around the room.

After all, I didn't have much luggage to begin with, and there were only basic furnishings.

"Would you like some tea?"

"Yup, please."

When I suggested it, she immediately nodded and accepted.

I boiled water, poured tea into a cup, and handed it to her. She blew on it for a while and took a careful sip before letting out a natural smile.

"It's warm."

I frowned as I heard the strange tone in her voice. With her cheeks blushing, Erica slowly parted her lips.

"Um...?"

Knock, knock.

"..."

Our eyes simultaneously turned towards the door. Was there someone else coming?

Although she was puzzled, Erica became sullen for no reason and lowered her head.

"So, it wasn't just me. Is there any...?"

It seemed like she was struggling with something by herself.

However, in any case, I opened the door again to confirm the face of another unexpected visitor.

"S-Soul Whisperer."

There stood a person with a sunken expression. It was Gideon Zeronia, who had welcomed me at the school gate earlier.