Chapter: 216
Luca took me to one of the places I remembered well.
Luca’s office.
The room, cluttered with various books and papers, gave off an impression of chaos, but it looked just like I remembered.
As I surveyed the room, Luca, with an awkward smile, brought over a chair and sat down, then urged me to sit on the office chair.
“I can’t let a young lady sit in this chair.”
If that’s the case, couldn’t you have called me after tidying up?
You should’ve made me sit on that perfectly fine sofa instead of stacking papers on it.
And seriously, if you brought me all the way here, shouldn’t you offer me some tea?
You’re notorious for terrible tea-making, and I’m curious about just how bad it is. I wonder why even Joy can’t manage her expression.
I shot Luca an annoyed look filled with various complaints, but he just stared at me blankly, as if questioning why I wasn’t sitting.
The sloppy parts are just like the game, huh.
Noticing those things put me at ease.
Even if he was a crazed madman, it was better that he was just like the game. That way, I could predict his thoughts and actions, preparing for any dangers.
Look at the First Prince. I can’t even begin to guess what he’s thinking or how he’s moving.
He’s clearly changed in many ways, but I have no idea in which direction! What’s really frustrating is that in any direction, he doesn’t seem to like me.
I realized that just standing there staring at Luca wouldn’t change anything, so I sat in the office chair, and finally, Luca spoke up.
“I don’t know if you’re aware, but I like talented people. Back when I was unskilled as a teacher, I often heard complaints about my favoritism.”
I know well.
Luca believes himself to be a craftsman of talented people, gems, if you will.
Long before the game even started, in a distant past.
The moment he saw a jewel shining brilliantly before him.
And the instant he realized he could not shine like that jewel.
Luca decided to become a craftsman.
If he couldn’t be a gem himself, he vowed to create the most brilliant gems.
“Many people don’t know this, but the value of a gem is determined even before it is crafted. If the raw stone is beautiful, then the gem is beautiful, and if the raw stone is ugly, then the gem will be ugly as well.”
You get to hear dialogues like this while doing quests related to Luca.
This is his belief.
That’s why Luca loved the talented. He believed that to leave a historic gem behind, he needed talented individuals.
“And you possess a talent more radiant than anyone I’ve seen.”
Luca says.
He’ll craft you into a gem, you, who is the raw stone.
He’ll make you shine brighter than anyone else.
To ensure your name is etched into not just the family, but the kingdom, nay, the continent’s history.
“I will help you. So your talent can be perfected.”
I sit on the leather chair, examining Luca’s face.
I cannot read thoughts and emotions just by observing like Karia.
But I can understand Luca’s thoughts.
Why? Because I remember the dialogue flowing into my ears.
I know in what situation he speaks these lines.
Right now, Luca is longing for me.
He trusts in my talent, believes that I can shine brighter than anyone, and thinks he can grant his wish.
The relationship between us is like our respective positions as we sit.
I may have been significantly smaller seated, but I was looking down at him while he was looking up at me.
The moment I felt assured of him, I realized this situation was unfolding the way I wanted.
When it was just a game, it ended with Luca stubbornly begging.
I couldn’t propose anything to him in return.
But now it’s different.
This is reality.
There’s no such thing as impossible.
“That’s wrong. Professor Luca.”
“Professor Pedo. I know you’re happy a cute young lady like me entered your dingy, smelly room, but you should really think this through.”
Leaning back against the chair, I rested my chin on my hand.
“You’re not helping me.”
“You, a silly little brat, think you’re gonna help me? Hahaha. You really don’t understand your place, do you?”
“Excuse me?”
“I’m allowing you to help me.”
“I’ll say this so even a stupid pervert can understand. It’s not you who are helping me. I’m allowing you to help ME.”
Bring something that would help me. Then I’ll allow you to teach me.
It was an arrogant and haughty statement, but hearing it, Luca didn’t get angry. He just gazed at me blankly.
He even forgot to maintain a trustworthy expression. With his eyes wide open in shock, he leaned forward, glaring at my face.
Though slightly overwhelmed by his deranged look, the Mesugaki Skill didn’t allow me to feel bewildered.
The emotion I displayed outwardly was a smirk rather than fear.
Seeing me, Luca laughed along, not with his usual friendly grin, but a deep, crazed chuckle.
“Indeed. I see. Understood, Lady Allen.”
With that, Luca wiped his face.
When his palm cleared his face, what appeared was a visage so calm, as if the madness from just moments ago had been an illusion.
“Pretty soon, it will be time for the professors to head to the classroom. For now, please return and come back after school.”
*
Here was my plan.
If Luca thinks of Lucy Allen as a gem that will fulfill his wishes, he won’t let go of me.
He’ll desperately cling to me in one way or another. Because he is a man desperate to fulfill his wish.
Then, I’ll use that emotion. I’ll take initiative and choose the trial I will face. I’m going to find the safest and most efficient way to grow stronger.
Through him, I’ll give a hard time to the Sloppy God trying to oppress me.
So far, my plan seemed to be going well.
Luca’s crazed eyes and laughter testified to that. If things continue like this, I can reach what I’ve been hoping for.
As I thought this, the moment I picked up the steak I had sliced, someone slammed their palm against the desk.
Who is it? This uncouth individual?
Don’t ruin my peaceful and joyful mealtime.
“Lucy Allen.”
Dissatisfied, I lifted my head and spotted Arthur standing there with one eyebrow raised.
Couldn’t you have come a bit sooner? Why are you causing a ruckus during my meal? I was looking forward to enjoying the academy food after such a long time.
“What is it? Pitiful Prince.”
“What is it, Pitiful Prince? Are you proud of your little stature while straightening your back? Should I praise you for being cute?”
Arthur, being pointed out for his small height for a man, turned bright red in the face, about to shout but instead sighing. Then he sat down in front of me without even asking for permission.
“I heard Professor Luca spoke to you.”
“Yes. That’s right.”
“How do you know? Are you trying to stalk me, the gloomy loner prince?”
“…I happened to overhear it.”
Has the rumor already spread?
Wow. I guess Lucy truly is famous for the wrong reasons, causing gossip to travel fast.
“Anyways, congrats. I heard most of those who receive a hand from that guy achieve great success.”
Well, yeah. If they don’t, they’re dead.
Luca is a user of RPG games that chant average regression. Regardless of the probability of success, you just hit the enhancement button.
He believes that if it’s an item meant to be, it will succeed in enhancement.
What if it fails? It was never meant to be from the start.
Luca would get irritated at the misfortune and go find other equipment.
This was the reason I was considering rejecting Luca’s offer, and it’s why I didn’t want to lose the initiative to him.
Thinking of myself as an enhancement item sends chills down my spine.
“Enough with the pleasantries. The reason I interrupted your meal is to ask something.”
With a shrug, Arthur pulled out a piece of paper from his bosom and held it out to me.
“You mentioned to ask what classes to take when the second semester begins.”
Ah, so that’s what this is. He wants me to pick the classes he should take.
This is indeed urgent. I set the plate aside and accepted the paper Arthur handed over, racking my brains.
Let’s see. Since Arthur is a magic swordsman, he needs to take this one. He should take this too, and also this.
“…Hmm?”
Wait, why are there restrictions on the number of classes I can take in one semester? With this, I’d have to give up on some!
Ugh. First, I’ll prioritize swordsmanship. Combined with physical training, that’ll raise my stamina. This option is more efficient.
“…Lucy Allen?”
Shall I skip this and that? This one should…
Sigh Do I really have to remove this? Seriously?
I need to take this one! But if I don’t cut something out, I can’t meet the limits.
What to do? What should I do?
Ah, right. Should I ask if I can ignore the restrictions using prince privileges?
Even if I’m far from the line of succession, I’m still a prince. Who knows what might happen if I use my status to push through?
When I looked up to ask, I came face to face with Arthur, who was looking horrified.
“Do you want me to die of overwork during class?”
Come on! You’re exaggerating!
People don’t just die from this.
What I learned while training in the Allen family’s knights is that humans in the fantasy world are extremely tough.
Yeah, it’s just a hunch! I’ll drop one more.
How’s that? This should be good enough, right?
“…Attempting to assassinate me under the pretense of helping. What did I ever do wrong? Just say it. Please.”
Even though he said he wouldn’t die, he’s still nagging.
No way.
I’m not changing it.
Go back.
“I’ll curse you from hell, Lucy Allen!”
That’s the help you chose.
Just bear it with grit, Arthur!
*
Finishing the first day of the second semester and completing my class registration, I found my way back to Professor Luca’s office as promised.
“Professor Luca?”
“Professor Pedo?”
But Luca wasn’t there.
Only an open door that seemed to say “please steal something” and an empty office.
Seeing that scene, I was reminded of a strange déjà vu, recalling a quest related to Professor Luca. And the quest I had been waiting for.
I hadn’t expected a decision to be made so soon.
Well, that works. It seems Professor Luca is definitely overestimating me.
“Hey, girl. You shouldn’t go inside. There’s something strange in there.”
“I know, Grandpa.”
I know what’s prepared in there. What he intends to do with it. I know it all.
I’m the rotten fruit of the Soul Academy.
Ah, Professor Luca. I’m so grateful that you’re just like the game!
If you had some kind of variable too, it would’ve given me a headache!
Ignoring Grandpa’s warning, the moment I stepped into the room, the door closed behind me even though I had not touched it, and a magic circle illuminated beneath my feet.
It was something I was familiar with. Maybe the stingy Evil God used it on me so often.
Translocation Technique.
Self.
It’s time to show Professor Luca the value of this rotten thing he has.
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