A Throng of Visitors

How did things end up like this?

Wiping away cold sweat, I pondered how this situation had come about.

After successfully calming Orca yesterday, I was supposed to rest comfortably for a while… right?

Though the Prologue had ended, the Main Story for playable characters wouldn’t start immediately.

The Prologue was just that – a prologue. Merely a device to showcase the game’s atmosphere.

So I’d planned to relax and play games, but…

Starting this morning, students suddenly began flocking to the Counseling Room.

If it were just one or two, I wouldn’t complain. But they kept coming every time I tried to take a break.

The student before me was one such case.

“…What should I do?”

“Well…”

A lavishly dressed female student gazed at me with sparkling eyes.

Was she thinking “The Teacher will know the right answer”?

I truly wished I could tell her she’d come to the wrong person.

I’ve never even dated – how would I know about such things?

But saying that would disappoint her.

“I got angry seeing him hanging out with another girl… Am I being too obsessive…?”

“…”

I desperately wanted to say “Please don’t ask me about such things…”

Suppressing that urge, I reminded myself:

I’m a counseling teacher… I’m a counseling teacher…

I mustn’t get flustered by such matters…!

…Okay. Composed now.

“Does that boy like anyone else?”

“No. Probably not.”

“I see. And he doesn’t know you like him?”

“…Yes.”

“Then it’s simple.”

I decided to just say whatever came to mind.

Whether it helped or not – who cared?

It’s your fault for asking dating advice from someone who’s never dated…!

If you come crying later about failure, I’ll just hypnotize you into staying together!

“Do the opposite of what you’ve been doing.”

“…Huh? Opposite?”

“Yes. You’re embarrassed about him discovering your feelings, right?”

The girl nodded slightly, her face still faintly flushed.

Coming to me must have taken great courage.

Personally, I think honesty is better when you like someone…

But there are all types of people.

This girl seemed unable to express her love.

“Boys are simple creatures. Just hearing someone likes them makes them jump for joy.”

“…Really?”

“Of course. If a cute girl like you confesses, he’ll happily accept.”

“…”

The girl closed her eyes in brief thought, then shook her head.

“I-I can’t do it.”

“Can’t?”

“C-confess? Preposterous… That I, a noble, should confess to some commoner…!”

Her desperate visit showed genuine affection, yet she recoiled at the word “confession.”

I understood now.

Fear of potential rejection.

…But love must be fought for.

Especially with rivals involved – one must act decisively.

“Now, look into my eyes.”

“Huh? E-eyes…?”

“I’ll cast a spell. When you lack courage to confess, look at this.”

“…?”

I grabbed one of the small dolls hanging in the Counseling Room corner and handed it to her.

As she instantly fell into hypnosis and stared blankly, I smiled.

“Look at this and recall your love. That should give you courage.”

“W-will that really be enough…?”

“Yes. That should suffice… Now go! Fight for your love!”

This should work.

After seeing off the bowing girl, I exhaled deeply.

“Haaaaaah…”

Leaning back in my chair, I tightly shut my eyes.

Fatigue overwhelmed me – I felt I could fall asleep instantly.

“You look exhausted, Teacher.”

“Ah, Orca… When did you wake up…?”

“Long ago.”

I’d lowered my voice thinking she was still asleep.

Apparently even that was too noisy.

“…Do people usually come this often?”

“Of course not… It was extremely quiet before…”

I missed those idle days of gaming.

Unlike this breathless counseling, those peaceful times when I could game freely.

Though I’d felt slightly guilty, that very guilt made it more enjoyable.

Ah, nostalgia…

“Then why so many visitors? You said it was quiet.”

“…Are you really asking that?”

“Huh? Me?”

Yes, you.

Your commotion made this place too famous.

I wanted to say that, but held back.

Wrong words might hurt Orca’s feelings.

Being emotional, she took everything to heart.

“…Never mind, it’s nothing.”

“How dull.”

As mentioned before, Orca was infamous – in the worst way.

People fled her threats, hence Leo’s warning without verifying details.

…Leading to their fight.

All this matched the Prologue.

The unexpected part was the winner – Orca defeated Leo.

This was systemically impossible. Orca couldn’t beat Leo at this stage.

Even as a playable character – the Prologue follows Leo’s perspective.

Essentially a scripted loss event.

Naturally, Haze possessing Orca would rampage through the Academy, get subdued, worsening the situation…

That’s when the Main Story should begin… but.

The problem? This is reality. My interference made Orca win.

“By the way, why stay in the Counseling Room today?”

“No classes.”

“I’m about to have lunch. Join me? My treat.”

“Sure. Anything’s fine – seafood please.”

“You really love seafood… Well, I don’t dislike it either.”

Students who should’ve fled demons stayed to watch the fight.

Why spectate such danger? Well…

They say nothing entertains like disaster-watching.

…Regardless. They witnessed me reprimanding Orca.

Thus the Counseling Room’s reputation soared.

Rumors spread that Orca attending classes regularly was my doing too.

While wanting recognition as competent, this popularity became troublesome.

As I pondered lunch options, knocking interrupted.

Again?

Can’t I eat first?

Though sorry for troubled students, I was exhausted.

Listening and solving others’ problems? I lacked experience.

Far harder than expected.

Thus, morning counseling concluded.

No more.

“Apologies, but we’re heading out for lunch. Please return another time…”

“Ah… I see. Sorry for disturbing…”

“…Leo?”

“Hello, Teacher Ophelia.”

As I prepared to dismiss the unknown visitor…

I froze seeing who it was.

Why’s he here?

“I came to visit, but you seem busy. My apologies. I’ll return later…”

“No, it’s fine. Have you eaten?”

“Not yet.”

“Perfect timing. Join us? We can talk over…”

“No need. It’s not urgent.”

“I see…”

Tsk.

I’d looked forward to seeing Leo eat – his “bottomless pit” trait was legendary.

Politely rejected.

Disappointing.

As I wallowed, Orca peered over my shoulder.

“Who is it? Let’s just go eat… Oh. You.”

“…Orca.”

“Here to fight again, brat? Thought I warned you next time I’d kill… no, punish you.”

Orca caught herself mid-threat, glancing at my expression.

Adorable.

But Leo stared silently before asking:

“Teacher Ophelia. Are you dining with her?”

“…Yes. That’s the plan.”

“Then… might I join you?”

What changed his mind?

I nodded at Leo’s sudden reversal.

…Orca looked displeased.

Sorry Orca. But I wanted to share a meal with Leo.