Chapter 31: Tower Master (1)

Like a chick screeching at its mother, the assistant professor Valeria Il Roses fluttered around Lord Isaac von Episteme Athenus.

"What do you mean you're canceling class, professor?"

"I have to leave. You're probably going to come too, aren't you?"

"Wherever do you mean? This is happening on quite short notice, do you believe the Tower Master will let you go all willy-nilly like this?"

"She will have to, she would have no choice."

On their way to the magic tower yet again today, the two of them continued chasing about different matters, unfortunately though, it seemed the class toast was going to have to be placed on a halt on the back burner and something completely new was going to be taken up by the professor.

"Do you not know, Valeria, or do you tease me?"

Valeria shook her head.

"Tease you I never would. What is it, tell me."

Isaac sighed.

Valeria here, wasn't just his assistant professor but also one of his oldest friends. They had been together in tournaments and during their tenure as students in the tower. Little about each other was hidden, though Valeria still seemed to see him as an enemy for her to mess with with and catch up to, Isaac was rather fond of Valeria and her antics.

And so, he didn't want to make her worry.

"Professor—"

The car stopped.

"Oh,"

"Wait here a few minutes, Valeria."

Saying so, the professor stepped out of the car and pulled out his binoculars. The time to peek into Kristine's room in the royal capital was here again. Just a few days had passed and he wasn't aware yet if she would stay here.

It might have to be a splendid idea to place those robed bastards on her again, just to keep an eye.

Little did Isaac know, the object of his affections was thinking the same thing at a different place this very moment.

Once Isaac was satisfied, he stepped back into the car and the driver set off.

"So, what is it?"

"Well…" Isaac sighed. "I have received an imperial edict to join the expedition of the most recently found labyrinth in Kera Veria.

Valeria reeled back at his words.

She then leaned closer and looked at the professor with eyes cold and tranquil.

"And you're going?"

"I am," Isaac said. "It seems to be something big."

"Why—I mean… Isaac, I would be going there too. You don't have to."

"The letter stated they believe it is a labyrinth of a particularly powerful god."

"Still…" Valeria looked around and sighed. Her actions telling more of her concerns to Isaac than her lacking words. "Does this mean, you're going to be a battle mage again?"

Isaac turned the edges of his lips up by half a millimeter. It was a wry attempt at a wry smile, but his eyes communicated his intention even his lips couldn't.

"My elder elder sister suggested I do so. Grow up, she said."

Valeria clenched her fists yet again.

"But I am still a researcher, Valeria."

"I support your decision, Isaac… But, do know that whatever happened wasn't your fault. I am glad to see you're getting over it."

"And well," Isaac leaned inc loser and whispered in Valeria's ears. "It seems Lady Kristine is going to be present at the expedition too."

"That was your motivator all along, was it not?"

"It may be so."

Valeria shook her head.

"Understood professor. I look forward to it."

It seemed Valeria had decided to keep her fangirling aside for today. Well, Isaac was fine with it all. He had already received enough of a shock and had made enough of a resolution by going to the expedition. This much was but natural.

Now, just to inform the tower master.

***

"No. You were a no-show for a whole month right now."

"But it's an Imperial Edict."

"Oh? Show me then."

"I… tore it.."

There seemed to be another problem waiting for Isaac though.