Volume 3 Chapter 26 Humiliated in the Heart of the Exchange
In the middle of a busy thoroughfare, I found myself gazing in silence at my nostalgic 'teacher,' just the two of us.
There were so many things I wanted to say, but for now, what I really needed to ask was...
"...Is it really you, 'teacher'? Not some kind of illusion?"
I couldn't help but ask, my mind swirling with doubt after being deceived by Adiliana not long ago.
If my senses were playing tricks on me, combining sight and sound into some twisted mirage, then I might really be in trouble.
"Why would it be an illusion? I'm the real deal!"
My 'teacher' puffed out her cheeks in protest.
Although she's much older than me in years, as an elf, she only looked to be in her early twenties, which made her adorably youthful.
"I-I'm sorry. It's just that a lot has happened recently."
Here I was, this huge guy, bowing my head awkwardly to an elf much smaller than myself.
It must have looked pretty ridiculous from the outside.
Look, even the passersby were stealing curious glances at us.
"Anyway, it's been a while, 'teacher.' Before we parted ways, you mentioned heading north, right? I never expected to run into you here... Did your journey come to an end?"
It felt like ages ago──7 years to be exact──but I still remembered her saying she was heading for the northern empire.
I never asked about her destination, but given the frigid landscape, it surely couldn't have been an easy journey.
Wow, it's really been 7 years.
Minori and Suzu have probably grown so much; they might not even recognize her.
Back then, they were just kids, only ten and 8 years old.
"Well, yeah, I accomplished the goal of my journey. But I only stopped by here for a quick visit. Are Ryuuji and the others using this place as their base now?"
"Yeah, lots of things happened, and I ended up setting up a workshop in Sartzstadt. Oh, and I got married last year too."
"Whoa, you have your own workshoppp!? And Ryuuji got married!? Wait, what!?"
Right in the middle of the bustling street, she forgot herself!
...Getting so surprised like that can hurt, you know.
"I got married," what's that supposed to mean?
"I'm the kind of guy who doesn't even understand the subtleties of a woman's heart... But even someone like me managed to find a wife..."
"Oops, sorry sorry! I just can't believe that klutz Ryuuji scored! You know, the Ryuuji who never peeked once, even in the midst of puberty, with such a stunningly stylish beauty right in front of him! That Ryuuji!"
"Teacher, you're being too loud. We're right in the middle of the street."
I suppress a headache and stop 'Teacher' with a palm to the forehead.
If I didn't peek, then how am I a klutz?
I always had to be careful with things like taking baths or changing clothes.
I feel like crying.
"Come on, who's the lucky girl? Is it someone new? Ah, wait, let's sit down over there and talk!"
"Ah, sure..."
It looks like I'm in for a thorough grilling, so I steel myself as 'Teacher' leads me to a bench.
* * *
"I see, so you and an elf alchemist, both exiled from our parties, opened a workshop together. An enchanter and an alchemist's workshop, that's something you don't hear about every day."
'Teacher', who grilled me with all sorts of questions, seems quite impressed, nodding away.
As someone who recognized my talents and pushed me to become an enchanter, she must find this quite intriguing.
"We've discovered all sorts of things by combining enchant magic and alchemy, and we're planning to teach our disciples these techniques as well."
"You even have a disciple now... Guess that means I'm officially an old lady."
"You don't look any different at all, though."
"Looks don't tell the whole story. Even elves have their quirks."
While saying that, the 'teacher' let out a sigh and gazed into the distance with a wistful expression.
Well, when you live a long life, I suppose you end up with a lot on your mind.
"So, that girl Lene is going to marry Ryuuji. Any plans for kids?"
"Oh, yeah. We already have one."
As I answered honestly, an awkward silence fell between us, leaving the 'teacher' speechless.
What's wrong...?
...Huh?
Did I just say something I shouldn't have?
"...Wait? You said you got married before last winter, right?"
Oops.
Because of a misunderstanding I caused, the 'teacher' was now staring at me with a look of contempt!
In a panic, I started to explain about the adoption, but until the misunderstanding cleared up, the 'teacher's gaze felt incredibly icy.
* * *
"Hmm! I got to ask what I wanted, but I should be heading out now."
The 'teacher' stood up from the bench, stretching her arms wide before picking up her staff and bag.
Wait, what?
"Aren't you going to meet Minori and Suzu? They're around right now."
Minori was recovering from a serious injury, and her partner Suzu was on standby, unable to go on adventures.
They could easily meet at the workshop if they wanted to.
"Hehe, sorry. I have a reason for not staying too long in this town. Or rather, it's not that I 'have' a reason, more like I 'made' one?"
"Huh? What do you mean by that──"
Before I could finish my question, the 'teacher' chuckled softly and turned her back to me.
Even though it was nice to finally see her, what could possibly be the reason she couldn't stick around?
Could it be that something about my conversation with her caused that reason to arise?
If that's the case, I'm even more confused now──but...
"See you later, Ryuuji. I hope we meet again. Next time, I hope Minori and Suzu can come too."
As if wrapping me in smoke, 'Teacher' vanished from the main street in the blink of an eye.
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