Ch.25First Semester Evaluation (2)

*Scratch, scratch.*

After the mock battle evaluation began, Professor Ophelia was constantly writing something on her evaluation sheet.

The once pure white paper now looked almost half black.

I couldn’t look too closely as it felt intrusive, but she was recording points that students needed to improve.

And she was doing it for all four grade levels.

So this is what the Academy’s most competent veteran professor looks like.

It’s almost intimidating.

Since rudeness is rudeness and good examples should be followed,

I tried my best to imitate her actions.

But this was clearly not something a teacher who had only been here for a few months could possibly keep up with.

Instead, though insufficient as a substitute, I thoroughly evaluated the six students taking the Black Magic course.

But there wasn’t actually a need to evaluate all students.

Since professors for each subject except theory professors were gathered, we only needed to evaluate students taking our respective courses.

Professor Ophelia was strangely passionate about it.

After all the mock battle evaluations ended and I was about to get up,

Professor Ophelia suddenly grabbed my wrist.

I turned my head in surprise to find a small folded paper in her hand.

“Take this.”

As I carefully accepted the paper, Professor Ophelia stood up and left the practical exam hall.

More importantly, “Take this.”

That was the longest sentence I’d heard from Professor Ophelia since I joined the Academy.

For some reason, my heart swelled with pride.

It felt like we might actually have a conversation soon.

So I left the practical exam hall with my evaluation sheet and the small paper she had given me.

I unfolded the paper she gave me after arriving at the professors’ office.

It contained points that students taking the Black Magic course needed to improve.

She didn’t seem to know much about Black Magic as there was barely any content about it.

But other aspects like close combat techniques, weapon utilization, and mana usage were written in detail.

“Wow…”

Honestly, I was extremely grateful.

These were exactly what I needed.

For a Warlock to learn another primary weapon, they need to take multiple courses, which puts tremendous pressure on students.

With theory classes and individually selected subjects, it’s already challenging enough to keep up.

Of course, this single sheet of paper won’t make me a master of weapon utilization, but it’s a hundred, no, a thousand times better than nothing.

It’s also written in a way that someone like me can understand easily.

Was Professor Ophelia actually a good person all along?

Anyway, I should definitely offer to buy her a drink next time.

Even if she refuses, I should at least show my willingness to repay her.

I left the professors’ office and headed to the dean’s office to submit the evaluation sheet.

And there, I happened to meet Professor Ophelia.

“Professor Ophelia, I read the paper. Thank you so much.”

“Yes.”

At least I got a response, so this is definitely better than before.

Last time, she just gave me a quick glance and that was it.

“Um, if you don’t mind, let me treat you to a meal. It’s absolutely not for any other reason, just to show my gratitude.”

Professor Ophelia tilted her head.

As if she couldn’t understand.

But her answer was positive.

“Yes.”

Just a bit short.

You might think what’s the point of having a meal when we can’t even have a proper conversation.

But tomorrow is the weekend, and once next week starts, I’ll be busy preparing for subject evaluations, so now is the perfect time.

“Then shall we go? I’ll take you somewhere nice.”

“Yes.”

But this woman was on the same level as Professor Anette.

No, even beyond that.

Thinking that light drinking might help break the awkward atmosphere, I ordered some alcohol.

But Professor Ophelia got drunk after just one glass of fermented wine.

If she gets drunk that easily, she should have refused, but given her personality, she probably couldn’t.

She seems to have an unexpectedly extremely shy personality.

“Ah! Really! I also… want to, hiccup, speak well!”

“Professor Ophelia, I understand, so please be a little quieter. Everyone is looking at us.”

Thanks to her drunkenness, the awkward atmosphere was definitely broken.

But why do I feel even more tired?

“Ugh… Professor Crow, I don’t want to be like this either, hiccup.”

“Yes, tell me. What would you like to do?”

“When I see new people, hiccup, I get nervous. And I end up looking sharp!”

“I understand. Let’s go home now.”

“No. I want to drink more.”

When I tried to force her up, Professor Ophelia clung to the chair and went limp.

It’s good that my misunderstanding has been cleared up.

But I wish she’d let go of my hand too.

“Then, let’s go somewhere else to drink. Somewhere better.”

“Really?”

“Yes, really.”

I’m sorry for lying, but there was no other way.

Only then did Professor Ophelia release her grip on the chair back and stand up.

Of course, there was no way she could walk properly while drunk.

I put her arm around my neck and supported her.

Is this… what social life is like?

I think I’d rather be hit with a spoon by my master.

After practically dragging her halfway out, I finally took a breather outside.

At least I avoided causing trouble for the establishment and other customers.

When I drank with Professor Leonhart, it was so comfortable.

He hardly gets drunk. Even when he does, he just repeats what he’s already said.

Anyway, first I need to take Professor Ophelia home.

“Professor Ophelia, where is your residence?”

“This way, all the way—”

At the end of where Professor Ophelia was pointing was a flowing river.

I was a fool to expect a normal answer from a drunk person.

“Then shall we go that way for now?”

“Let’s go! Let’s go for round two!”

Professor Ophelia excitedly raised her fist toward the sky.

Ah, I think I’m going to lose my mind.

Eventually, she fell asleep while walking, and I carried her on my back at a suitable spot.

And so we arrived at the Academy.

The entrance was firmly closed with a large iron gate, but you could enter through a small side door next to it.

Of course, not just anyone can enter—you need an ID issued by the Academy.

I took out my ID and placed it on the magical device next to the side door.

The device emitted a blue light, and the magic on the side door was released.

The reason I came to the Academy was because it’s the only personal space I have.

I opened the door to the professors’ office and sat her down on a chair. Then I wiped the sweat from her forehead with a handkerchief.

It was fine at first, but the distance between the Academy and the restaurant was quite far, so climbing the stairs was truly hellish.

My legs haven’t trembled like this since I picked mountain herbs on that C-rank mission.

As I was about to leave her there, I felt concerned again.

So I took off my robe and gently covered her with it before leaving.

Now, time to go home.

After all, company dinners are an extension of work.

By the time I arrived at the workshop with my exhausted body, it was well past the time my master would have gone to bed.

But light was seeping through the door crack, suggesting my master was still awake.

With a creak, the door opened, and the first thing I saw was my master asleep, slumped over the dining table.

Could she have been waiting for me?

She could have just gone to bed.

Sighing deeply at the thought of causing unnecessary worry, I carefully picked up my master. I carried her to her room and laid her on the bed.

The sound of gentle breathing in the silence indicated she was in deep sleep.

“Good night.”

I pulled up the blanket that had slipped down to her feet, covered her, and left the room. Then I went to my room and threw myself on the bed.

I’m truly exhausted to death.

I fell asleep before I even felt the sensation of closing my eyes.

* * * * *

I woke up early in the morning and headed to the Academy, just in case.

If she had gone home safely, that would be fine, but if not, my position could become quite awkward.

Fortunately, by the time I arrived at the professors’ office, Professor Ophelia had already gone home.

Judging by how the documents that had been scattered all over the desk were now gathered in one place, she must have tidied up.

As I was scanning the desk, I noticed an unfamiliar piece of paper.

Thinking it might be something Professor Ophelia left behind, I unfolded the paper and found writing on it.

[Thank you for inviting me to dinner. It was so much fun. And I’m sorry for causing trouble. Next time, I’ll invite you. – Ophelia -]

I wonder if she was the only one who had fun.

I nearly died.

And while I appreciate the dinner invitation, I really hope she doesn’t drink.

Next time, if she points at the river again, I might actually throw her in.

But seeing how our relationship became this close after just one drinking session, I wonder if social life is entirely connected through alcohol.