Chapter 32: Teacher(4)

“A house?”
“Yes. I thought it might be inconvenient for you to continue staying with us.”

Arsene’s sudden offer to build her a house made Lucy wonder if it was really necessary, especially in the middle of winter.

“Honestly, you’re making Lucy uncomfortable.”
“…You’re the one who brought it—mmmph?”
“What am I talking about? Ahahahaha!”

Seeing Envel quickly clamp a hand over Arsene’s mouth, Lucy finally understood.

“Don’t feel pressured, Lucy. You’re a member of the village now. It’s only natural for you to have your own house, isn’t it?”
“That’s true.”
“See? I told you she wanted one.”

Envel said brightly, patting Arsene on the shoulder.

‘She’s reaching her limit, isn’t she?’
‘Who?’
‘Envel.’

Lucy recalled a recent conversation with Avalli.

Arsene and Envel were a loving couple, though childless. Envel, frustrated by Lucy’s presence hindering their intimacy, had finally snapped and complained to Arsene.

“…We’ll build it as quickly as possible, Lucy.”
“…Thank you, Arsene.”
“Yes, yes. Even if it’s a quick build, it has to be sturdy. It’s for Lucy, after all.”

Lucy was a bit taken aback by Envel’s enthusiasm, but she understood. It was part of Envel’s charm. While Avalli was the center of attention among the children, Envel was the village favorite.

She was beautiful, devoted to Arsene, kind, and friendly to everyone.

And most importantly, a great cook.

Avalli had recently emerged as a culinary talent, but she was still considered Envel’s apprentice. It was no wonder Envel was so well-liked.

“What are you talking about?”

Avalli returned from her errands, her innocent expression immediately registering the unusual atmosphere.

“We’re talking about a house.”
“A house?”
“Arsene is building me one.”

Avalli nodded at Lucy’s reply.

‘I figured that would happen.’

There was a reason for Avalli’s blatant use of the ‘Feign Ignorance’ skill. Arsene and Envel, a couple in their prime, were… passionate. Or rather, Envel was.

They were clearly uncomfortable being intimate with a guest so near.

Envel’s frustration had reached a boiling point.

‘…Hmm.’

Avalli considered this for a moment, then sat down at the table.

“Chief.”
“Yes, Avalli?”
“Should I just move in with Teacher, then?”

She offered this as a solution to preserve the couple’s privacy.

“Avalli? What are you talking about?”

But Envel responded with a horrified—and slightly creepy—intensity.

‘Uh oh…’

She sounded like a stalker from a horror game.

“Were you… uncomfortable staying with us?”
“No, not at all—”
“Then why?”
“Well… I thought you two would be… more comfortable if… I wasn’t around…”

Avalli stammered, intimidated by Envel’s intensity. Both Envel and Arsene looked heartbroken.

“…Avalli, is that what you really thought?”, “Of course not. If we had been uncomfortable, we wouldn’t have taken you in.”

Hearing the hurt in their voices, Avalli realized her mistake. She had been self-conscious, but her feelings had been entirely one-sided. Envel and Arsene had genuinely welcomed her.

But if Avalli had continued to see their kindness as a burden… it would have pained them deeply. Just as Avalli felt a wave of panic—

“Of course Avalli would feel uncomfortable! What are you even saying?!”

—Lucy interjected, her voice serious.

An hour later, outside Arsene’s house. Avalli and Lucy stared up at the sky, cups of hot cocoa in their hands.

The unfamiliar stars of this world twinkled brightly, unlike the dust-obscured night sky of the city.

“…Thank you, Teacher.”

Avalli broke the silence.

Lucy had argued fiercely with the village chief couple, or rather, with Envel. They were usually so affectionate, so their argument had shocked Avalli. Especially since she was the cause.

“You don’t have to thank me. Protecting my student is my responsibility.”
“…Okay.”

Lucy had won the argument.

Envel, though upset, couldn’t deny Lucy’s words and conceded defeat. To dispel the awkwardness, Lucy and Avalli stepped outside, and Envel, despite her feelings, made them hot cocoa.

“As you might have heard, my parents died when I was young. I don’t even remember their faces.”

Lucy said, blowing on her cocoa. She was talking to Avalli, but also to herself.

“I lived with relatives, worked in shops for food and lodging… Looking back, it’s a miracle I survived. Sigh, if I had just eaten properly, I wouldn’t be so frail.”
“Haha…”
“Living as a dependent is… hard. Whether they resent you or pity you, it’s equally uncomfortable. So, I never stayed long. I either got kicked out or left. Living on the streets was easier, but surviving as a child… it was hell.”

Lucy took a sip of cocoa and continued with a faint smile.

“Just when I was starting to hate the world, I met my teacher.”
“Teacher’s teacher?”

Lucy nodded.

“She was fierce. She would yell if I didn’t learn properly. But she was also kind. I entered the Eastern Magic Tower as an apprentice thanks to her.”
“Why didn’t you tell me before?”
“…Compared to her, I’m still incompetent. I didn’t want to shame her, so I never mentioned her. But…”

Lucy trailed off, taking Avalli’s hand.

“You’re my student, Avalli.”

Mages didn’t take students lightly.

Even professors rarely took personal disciples, preferring to teach the standard curriculum.

‘…Even if I’m not a very good teacher.’

Lucy berated herself, searching for profound words of wisdom.

Finding none, she repeated what her own teacher had told her.

“The bond between teacher and student is stronger than that of parent and child.”
“…Hmm, is it really?”
“What’s with that tone, Avalli?”
“Nothing!”
“…Honestly.”

Lucy rolled her eyes playfully and continued, a flicker of sadness in her expression.

“A child can’t choose their parents, but teachers and students choose each other. So, it’s a deeper bond, in a way.”

Avalli didn’t quite understand. Perhaps it was the difference between their worlds.

She nodded silently, hiding her confusion.

“You’re happier with me, aren’t you?”
“…Honestly, yes.”
“Heehee, I knew it.”

She often felt uncomfortable and apologetic, sensing the village chief couple’s kindness. She knew it was silly, but she couldn’t help it.

They continued their conversation, finishing their cocoa. Avalli suddenly asked,

“By the way, Teacher,”
“Yes, Avalli?”
“Where’s your teacher now?”

Lucy’s expression clouded, but she had anticipated the question, so she recovered quickly.

“She’s… missing. She went on a dungeon expedition and never came back.”
“Oh.”

Avalli realized she’d hit a nerve and fidgeted, then said with sudden resolve,

“I’ll protect you, Teacher Lucy! I promise!”

A teacher protected by her student… how pathetic—Lucy thought, but—

“…That’s… reassuring. Thank you, Avalli.”

—she couldn’t help but smile.