Chapter 133
Mid-August.
It’s hard to say definitively whether the grass or the trees enjoy the scorching midday sun the most.
On the other hand, it’s relatively clear who hates that sunlight the most.
It’s the final exam period for the summer semester.
Watching the Federal University of Magic undergraduates trudging through the campus with gloomy faces, I slightly rolled up my shirt sleeves.
Their expressions were familiar.
Five years ago. Not long after meeting Julia, I must have been just as worn out from fatigue.
With just over two weeks left until the end of the semester, this is the most painful time for undergraduates.
They say memories tend to be beautified, but the memories of that time might not be so easily romanticized. [Only on Galaxy Translations! / Axiomatic]
Feeling a sort of nostalgia that wasn’t quite nostalgia, I was about to head to the research building to meet Professor Müller when…
A faint voice reached me from across the shrubbery.
“Oh. That person, could it be?”
I closed my eyes for a moment.
“I think it’s Dr. Oslo. Gray hair and a glove on his right hand.”
“I’ve never seen him before.”
“Me neither. But you must have heard a lot of rumors. There’s been a lot of talk about his newly published paper. What do you think about him?”
“Well, I haven’t been able to read the paper yet because it’s still difficult to understand…”
The female student quietly answered the male student’s question.
“I guess, he’s a bit…”
I silently took a step forward.
Perhaps they had come out for a walk to take a break, given it was exam week.
Not only did I encounter students on this path who usually don’t have many people, but I didn’t expect to hear them talking about me.
The two students quickly left, perhaps worried that their voices might reach my ears.
I glanced at their retreating figures with a bitter smile.
It makes me ponder anew.
There’s probably no better way to express my current reputation.
Basically, undergraduates don’t know much about the affairs of the Research Institute.
Only the resistance stemming from my origins remains relatively clear.
“It might be better than before.”
I let out a shallow sigh as I climbed the stairs of the Research Building.
The situation is good in many ways. [Only on Galaxy Translations! / Axiomatic]
If there’s a minor issue, it’s that my current reputation is somewhat ambiguous.
[ Research Building 3 – Room 401 ]
After knocking on the door, a response came about seven seconds later.
“You seem dazed. I can tell by the fact that you’ve come all the way here.”
“Anyone would be if they were appointed to the Federal University of Magic in the first place.”
I silently watched as Professor Müller adjusted his monocle.
“Professor. I have a question.”
“That’s right.” [Only on Galaxy Translations! / Axiomatic]
He looked straight into my eyes.
“The main reason is that I judged you to be suitable.”
“Have you checked the course name?”
[ Type I Magic Studies Practicum ].
For theoretical lectures, I don’t have the ability to surpass other professors.
But, it’s a practical lecture.
And if it’s Type I Magic practice…
“Thank you very much, Professor.”
Now I understand how significant this opportunity is.
While sincerely expressing my gratitude, a question suddenly occurred to me.
“Um, may I ask about the third reason?”
I asked without much burden, and.
I could witness the rare sight of Professor Müller choosing his words.
Only after about five seconds of silence did he open his mouth. With a faint but clear sigh.
“I’ll answer that there was internal pressure that your workplace shouldn’t be far from Frauzen.”
There are only a handful of powerful figures who could influence Professor Müller’s decisions.
Moreover, there’s only one power abuser who would bother to meddle in matters related to me.
“It’s a secret from my daughter.”
If that power abuser found out about this, it would be quite troublesome.
She must have intended to help me secretly in her own way.
I nodded with a wry smile. And then came an odd atmosphere.
I feel suffocated. [Only on Galaxy Translations! / Axiomatic]
It’s not too late to feel this sensation right before the wedding, when both families meet.
I need to change the topic quickly. To what?
I might be a good researcher, but I’m not a good educator.
Professor Müller’s answer was concise.
I still don’t know much about the mindset of an educator.
And, I still have two professor acquaintances left.
One of them even boasts the title of the youngest Full Professor.
“It was probably around here.”
This must be where Professor Louise Ehrlich conducts her [ Type II Magic Studies Practice ] lecture.
So I’ll have to be satisfied with asking a quick question right after the lecture ends.
The lecture ended. [Only on Galaxy Translations! / Axiomatic]
But since I might have mistaken the classroom or lecture time, for now—
“Eugene? What brings you here!”
A cheerful voice breaking through the commotion.
Well. I’m also the owner of a striking appearance, no less than Louise.
It might be natural for her to find me first, come to think of it.
Since we’re outside, a formal title would be appropriate.
“Professor Ehrlich. It’s nice to see you.”
Just as I said that and turned around…
“You should say ‘Sister Louise’, you know.”
An arm suddenly flew and wrapped tightly around my neck.
Thinking about it, the surrounding environment wasn’t appropriate.
The gazes of numerous students are directed this way.
“It’s okay, it’s okay. You need this kind of thing.”
Perhaps this is quite intentional behavior for my reputation.
“Oops, if I do this too much, I might be disliked by my sister-in-law.”
Or not. [Only on Galaxy Translations! / Axiomatic]
After messing up the back of my head, Louise put her hands on her hips and grinned.
“It’s been a while. Did you come to see me?”
Her unchanging demeanor makes me chuckle.
I raised the corners of my mouth, visible only to Louise, and said.