READ NOVEL ONLINE 1-3-3 Studying Under Forster
The Saria Magic Academy
Part 3: The Eccentric Faculty Member
STUDYING UNDER FORSTER
“Um, I just transferred in yesterday, so I’m still not familiar with all the procedures and such… My roommate taught me what I need to do for today, but I’m still trying to cram it all in my head…”
“You just transferred? At a time like this?”
“Y-yes. A few days ago, I was recommended to attend this school by His Majesty when he spoke to me, so—”
“His Majesty?” Finally, Forster’s hand paused. He slowly raised his head, scrutinized Tyril once again, and furrowed his brows. “A strange tale. What value did His Majesty see you in exactly?”
“Well…”
Forster’s gaze intensified; those frog-like eyes of his were boring into Tyril.
She hesitated on whether to reply, but it was ultimately a story that could not be hidden from him. If she intended to choose the man before her as a mentor, then it was only natural to share it.
“I am Ciara Badvia’s daughter. That’s why His Majesty recommended me.”
“What?!”
Bang!
Forster pounded the desk with both hands, toppling the stack of books where the cup was and shattering it on the floor. Something so trivial for him went unnoticed, however. The young man by his side was also staring at Tyril in shock, oblivious to his mentor’s turmoil.
“Is that true?” Forster asked, his voice trembling. “You truly have the blood of the legendary sorceress, Ciara Badvia…?”
Tyril’s response to that was as it’s always been.
“I don’t know if it’s true or not. I have no memories of my mother. But His Majesty was confident, so I decided to believe his words. I accepted his kindness and enrolled here to test myself.”
“You have no memories of your mother?” the young man asked. His tone only indicated his doubts—there was no place for concern for the girl who had lost a parent at a young age.
“No, considering the timing of Badvia’s disappearance, it makes sense… She vanished from the forefront of history about fifteen years ago.” Forster turned to Tyril. “Excuse me, but at the time, you weren’t even three or four years old, no?”
“Erm, me? Yes. I’m sixteen.”
“I see.” Forster clenched his fists on the desk and murmured to himself, recalling his memories. “It was also careless of me to not realize it sooner. While there are no official records, Badvia did encounter the Phantom Thief Zeeland as an enemy during the tail end of the war.”
Phantom Thief? Who is he referring to? Maybe a relative of my father?
“I understand,” he continued. “Even without solid proof, that you are Badvia’s daughter is plausible. It appears I acted rudely in my ignorance. You have my sincere apologies.”
“Oh no, that isn’t necessary…”
“Then let me ask again, Tyril Zeeland: are you willing to study Applied Magics under my guidance from now on?”
“Yes. Absolutely. I came here specifically to make that request.”
“And you’re going to show a strong commitment to your studies, are you?”
“Of course!”
Tyril straightened up amidst his questioning. Finally, she managed to get Forster’s gaze to settle directly on her. She was half-satisfied with that, but with it came a shudder. From now on, she realized, whatever strictness he was going to display for her was genuine.
“Isn’t this great, Professor? A motivated student’s come.” Like he was waiting for the right timing, the young man spoke up and slowly approached Tyril. “You must’ve been surprised by the professor’s cold attitude, but that’s just a bad habit of his, so don’t take it to heart. There have been many unmotivated students lately, so he acts mean to drive them away.”
The young man took slow, measured steps, avoiding the books on the floor but toppling a few anyway. When he reached Tyril, he gestured for her to follow him and retraced his steps.
“Ah. I guess I forgot to introduce myself. I’m Dyne Vertude. As I said earlier, I’m Professor Forster’s assistant and his only mentee. Well, not anymore starting today, I suppose.”
Dyne smiled cheerfully. Compared to the stern-looking Professor Forster, Dyne was much more approachable. Tyril wasn’t in a position to return his smile, however, what with the sea of books around her requiring all her attention. Even with him helping clear a path, she couldn’t help but be cautious to avoid damaging anything.
“Oh, watch out for the shattered cup there.”
Maybe clean it up first? Tyril thought as she arrived by the professor’s side. In many ways, it felt like a long journey.
Forster rose and gazed at Tyril, extending his right hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lady Zeeland.”
“Oh, yes! It’s nice to meet you too!” She shook his hand.
Forster had a slight build; he was shorter and thinner than Tyril was. Even so, his stern impression and piercing gaze made her shoulders tense.
“Let’s start on creating your curriculum right away.”
“O-of course!”
At this point, Tyril’s tension peaked. She could practically hear her back straightening sharply. Professor Forster moved to turn around, but then he noticed the sound of something cracking under his feet.
He sighed. “… Let’s create your curriculum after we clean up.”
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MTL Note: They’re really going to accept that she’s the daughter of a legendary mage that easily? Also, illustrations have been added. Specific chapters are in the list of revisions.
For more from the author, visit:
Narou: https://mypage.syosetu.com/1258514/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/inui_takafumi
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Last revisions: 25/08/23
Glossary:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_D4XF1ID8j7zti3pG-fqtcd0h0T9aZHK_CXsCrr5gwY/edit?usp=sharing
Revisions:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jS9QeSLaJfl6P_-Gl-zAY0dnKPep3or9fUl-HPukc9g/edit?usp=sharing