The Confession

Since he started teaching, this office had become a place of relaxation for Poltas. But now it only filled him with a sense of dread. He took a seat across from Winzton and hoped that the man would say any outrageous thing instead of a confession of love towards him.

"Actually, I have a confession to make. It's a bit silly, but I thought talking it out with you first was better."

'NO.'

'No.'

'How did this happen? Can't you pick better words, my heart will crawl out of my nose at this rate.'

Internally Poltas was screaming and wailing, but on the outside he appeared to be poker faced, which added to Winzton's anxiety.

"I feel a little embarrassed hahaha."

"If you're not ready, we can have this talk another time."

"Honestly if I could delay this, I would. But I really need advice now otherwise I don't know when I'll get the chance."

'Abandon the chance my guy. Be happy as a loner. Life is great when you're independent.'

If telepathy could influence a person's thoughts, Poltas would abuse this skill to the max.

"Promise me you won't judge."

"I won't, just say it."

His treatment of Winzton so far was already so bad that a confession wouldn't change much. At worst, Poltas would simply stop replying to his greetings.

"I have fallen in love with Miss Brandial, and I was hoping you could guide me on how to pursue her."

"What!"

"Eh. Is it really that shocking haha."

For Poltas it was extremely shocking. His heart had been on the verge of collapsing but was now bursting with blood he didn't even recall having in his body.

Where was his confession? Where was the desperation? Winzton was just genuinely asking a friend for advice.

"I suppose you don't see someone like me as suitable for Miss Brandial."

"Whaaa. What said that? You are suitable, extremely suitable. If not you, who is good for her. You're the best for her."

"Oh. Really? I always thought she and Mr. Myx looked nice together."

"Who's Myx? Doesn't matter. I think you are very good for her. You shouldn't doubt yourself like this."

"Uhhh okay."

Poltas was speaking with no brakes. Anything that came into his mind went out his mouth without an ounce of consideration. He was extremely relieved to not be a subject of Winzton's affection. Brandial had been singing Winzton's praises since the first dinner at their home. There was no reason to think that the scholar's feelings were not reciprocated.

In his babbling, Poltas didn't even consider that Myx was the oracle of Pamsteria. Winzton was also confused by his response, so Poltas decided to change the topic instead.

"Do you think I'm lying to you?"

"No. I…I just didn't expect you to be so supportive of my interest in Miss Brandial."

Cough cough.

"Of course I support you. I want my friend to end up with a nice person. And you're attractive to top it off!"

"Attractive?"

"Yea. Has no one ever told you this before?"

'Please don't let this be the "he is more attractive when he takes his glasses off" trope.' Poltas hoped.

"Other than my mother, not really."

"Huh."

"I suppose the standards of beauty in Pamsteria are different from those of your homeland."

"Uh. Maybe that, yes."

Poltas shut up immediately at the mention of his past residence. If men like Winzton were not attractive in this world, he had to reevaluate his whole life on Earth.

At this rate, if he ever got his original body back, he'd just be an ugly bastard. How upsetting.

"Anyways. What did you want my advice on?"

"I planned on confessing to Brandial on her birthday, but I have been second guessing myself a lot lately."

"Her birthday?"

"It's on the last day of this week. Were you unaware?"

"Me? What? No. I knew. I was just thinking there would be too many people wishing her during the birthday, there might be no time for your confession."

"Oh. So you agree too…"

"Ummmmm. But that doesn't mean you cannot confess. We just need to make an opportunity for you to confess to her!"

Letting the confession happen had cleared up all the bad air between Poltas and Winzton. With no threat of the man developing feelings for him, Poltas was able to talk a lot more comfortably with Winzton.

They sat together going through different plans to woo Brandial, who was blissfully unaware that she had been sold off by her 'friend'.

Poltas had very little experience with dating in his past life, but he did his best to squeeze out every bit of wisdom he could for Winzton.

If the quest was not directed at him, then the only way to complete it was to ensure Winzton ended up with the person of his choice. Poltas made it his mission to help the man succeed.

At home, he went out of his way to praise Winzton in front of Brandial. Her response was always positive to this, which confirmed his suspicions of her liking Winzton back.

'All that is left is for them to realise their mutual attraction and get together'

Perhaps being a schemer suited Poltas more than a manager. Or maybe the manager was supposed to be a schemer all this time.