Chapter 2: Alzerna Imperial Sorcerer Abeiter Re=L

On a typical day, in the back garden of the Imperial Magic Academy Alzano.

—I've been watching you all this time! Please, go out with me!

—Eh...

In front of Rumia, who is bewildered, a male student from the academy bows and makes a proposal. The scene, with Rumia being invited to a love confession, is a typical display of youthful exuberance.

—I'm sorry, Eik-kun. I...

Rumia apologizes with a look of regret. For the male student, this moment could be a bittersweet experience that would eventually become a treasured memory… just at that instant, when everything seemed to be on the way to becoming a memorable page of youth.

—Rumia──!

An out-of-place exclamation echoes through the air.

Suddenly, a figure appears on the scene! A young girl, with an impassive expression but an intimidating aura, approaches with unstoppable speed. She was a small girl with blue hair tied up messily with a rope. In her slender arms, she holds a large sword—far too big and cumbersome for her small body.

—Re=L?!

—Hii──!

The male student, terrified by the unexpected and disturbing intrusion, recoils.

—Stay away from Rumia!

With a speed comparable to the wind, the young girl—Re=L—moves instantly between the student and Rumia, raising the sword and preparing for a lightning-fast strike.

Bang!

A thunderous sound of rupture reverberates throughout the academy. Re=L's sword strikes and destroys the wall of the academy building facing the back garden, leaving a huge hole.

The male student, terrified, huddles and covers his head. The scene that was supposed to be a bittersweet page of youth turns into a nightmare, and he, crying, runs away.

—Re=L, what are you doing?! There's no need to act like this!

Rumia, surprised and blushing, confronts Re=L.

—I'm sorry, Rumia. But I can't allow anyone to harm you.

—That's not what he meant, but...!

Suddenly, a girl with silver hair comes running.

—Sisti! What are you doing here?

—Sorry! When I heard that Rumia was going to be approached for a confession, I couldn't help but worry… I was watching from the shadow of the building… But then, Re=L suddenly lost control...

Sistine, panting as she ran, apologized and then turned to Re=L with an expression of anger.

—Re=L! What do you think you're doing?

—It's just that...

Hearing Sistine's reprimanding tone, Re=L shrinks a little.

—This guy told Rumia: "I want to fight with you."

—And…? What does that mean?

—If I hadn't arrived in time, Rumia would have had to fight him with swords or something. I'm glad I got here in time… I think.

—That's not it! What he said was: "I want to go out with you!" He was just asking for a romantic relationship.

—Ro… romantic relationship?

With her eyes slightly open, Re=L turned to Rumia.

—Rumia, what is a romantic relationship?

—Ah, ahaha… Well, it's...

Rumia whispered into her ear, giving a basic explanation of romantic relationships.

—...I don't understand very well, but… Are men and women who like each other supposed to fight each other?

—Well, something like that...

Re=L then turned to the boy, who was huddled and terrified on the ground, and looked at him with sleepy eyes.

—Then, it's not possible. Rumia is probably in love with Glenn. So Rumia will want to fight Glenn. You should give up.

What was supposed to be a bittersweet but unforgettable page in the boy's youth turned into the worst page of his life, capped off by the final blow from the blue demon.

—Uwaaahhh…!

The male student runs away crying buckets.

—Re… Re=L! What are you saying? I'm not…!

Rumia, with her cheeks slightly flushed, responds hastily.

—It's okay. When you and Glenn have to face off, I'll help too. After all, I also want to face Glenn.

Re=L, although expressionless as usual, holds her large sword with a sense of satisfaction.

—Ah, ahaha… It seems there's still some misunderstanding...

—It's not just that, Rumia… They heard the commotion and people are gathering… What are we going to do…?

Sistine sighs as she looks around.

What was that noise? People are gathering in the back garden.

Sistine glances at the large hole in the academy wall.

==================

—Re=L~~!?

In the teachers' lounge of the academy.

With veins bulging on his temples, Glenn glared furiously at Re=L, who stood expressionless.

—What’s wrong, Glenn? You look strange.

Despite Glenn’s furious gaze, Re=L, with her usual impassive and slightly sleepy expression, responded indifferently.

—Well… how many times are you going to cause trouble before you get tired?

—… Trouble? That’s an exaggeration. I haven’t caused any trouble… it must be a misunderstanding on Glenn’s part.

—That’s impossibleeeeee—!

Zwa! Glenn threw a stack of complaint documents into the air and, grabbing Re=L’s head with both hands, began to press and rub his temples with fierce intensity.

—It hurts.

—How many more times are you going to break things this week! Because of you, I’m trapped in an endless cycle of complaints and salary reductions like a struggling writer! I have to pay a fee for every thing you break!

—Please, Professor, calm down!

Rumia tried to calm Glenn.

—Don’t stop me! My salary has also been affected because of you! Instead of enjoying royalties, I’m getting poorer and poorer because of you!

—Glenn, you’re having a tough time.

—Don’t tell me that, you’re the cause of all this!

Glenn held Re=L’s head tightly, frowning as if it were a display of great anger.

—It hurts.

—Damn it… I knew you were a lost cause, but this is still a problem…

—Certainly, that’s true… Re=L needs to learn a bit more common sense…

At Glenn’s resigned sigh, even Sistine couldn’t help but agree.

Re=L Rayford. She wasn’t originally a student at this academy. She was a former comrade of Glenn in the imperial army, a mage of the Imperial Court assigned to the Special Operations Department.

Last month, to protect Rumia, a student with a complicated situation, she was transferred from the imperial army as a student. And although that same month, in the remote study field, Re=L became Glenn’s classmate, the results of her special training continued to produce problematic behaviors and social adaptation issues.

—Ugh… Is there no good solution for this? If this continues, my finances will really worsen…

The problems caused by Re=L, especially property damage, are deducted from Glenn’s salary as a responsibility for his poor supervision. The world is truly cruel.

—While I teach Re=L about common sense… I should find something that also improves my finances… Hmm, I know!

Suddenly, Glenn had a brilliant idea and pointed at Re=L with determination.

—Alright, Re=L! You’ll get a part-time job!

—A part-time job? Does that mean working?

With a sleepy expression, Re=L tilted her head slightly.

—Yes. You know a lot. I’ve thought about it, and your world is still very small. You should work and interact with different people to learn about society.

—Ah, that could be a good idea.

Rumia smiled and agreed.

—I also did tutoring work for neighborhood kids before, and although it was different from simple studies, I learned a lot and it was very enriching.

—See?! Working in society is wonderful, isn’t it?!

—… When you put it that way, it sounds very strange…

Sistine commented with a critical look, but Glenn’s idea didn’t seem bad.

—Well, considering it’s a pretty decent idea for a professor… Yes, if that’s the case, we’ll also cooperate…

Sistine was about to offer her help when…

—Ku-ku-ku… Very well, if I become the intermediary to hire Re=L and keep a part of the salary… my poor wallet will be relieved a bit…! Perfect!

Glenn murmured to himself with a malicious smile while…

—… That’s a face definitely thinking of something bad…

Sistine noticed Glenn’s expression.

—Well, as for Re=L’s education, it’s not a bad idea at all…

Sistine tried to calm Rumia, who also smiled with a forced grin.

—I’m not very sure, but okay. I’ll work if that’s what Glenn says.

—Great! Perfect! Work hard and earn lots of money! I’m expecting a lot from you!

—… Yes. I’ll do my best. I’ll try to meet Glenn’s expectations.

—You’re a good girl. We’ll have to make sure no strange men deceive you in the future…

—Ahaha…

Rumia also laughed bitterly.

—But, Professor, what kind of part-time job are you planning to give Re=L?

—Well… everyone has their strengths and weaknesses, so…

At that moment, while Glenn was lost in thought, the door to the teachers' lounge burst open.

—I’m looking for a job, so!

—I heard!!

Bang! The door was flung open with a loud crash.

—Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!! The genius in engineering magic of the era! Orwell Schuzer, here present!!

—The world’s expert in white magic!! Baron Zest Le Noir, at your service!!

—Get out of here, idiots!!

—What!? Gyaaaaaaaah!!

The academy’s eccentric professors… Orwell and Zest suddenly appeared. Glenn, in a fit of rage, knocked them down with a flying kick.

—Why, Professor Glenn!? We’re looking for work! It would be perfect to test my new inventions!!

—I’m also looking for a pretty girl to conduct experiments in mental magic! I have no hidden intentions, it’s for the advancement of magic!

—That’s exactly why it’s rejected!! Get out, perverts!!

—The pay will be generous!!

Orwell and Zest shouted in unison. It is often forgotten, but these two are unnecessarily rich nobles.

—Quick, let’s change the subject!

Glenn, with great speed, spun his hand, wrapped his arms around Orwell and Zest’s shoulders, and began to guide them…

—《Everyone, please stop it now!》

—Gyaaaaaaah!!

The powerful black wind from Sistine, summoned by her “Gale Blow” spell, sent them flying through the air.

========================

—Well, in summary…

Glenn and the others were in the institute’s herb garden, where medicinal herbs were planted everywhere.

—Leaving the institute suddenly for a part-time job would be too difficult for Re=L, so first, let’s get her used to working in a student job within the institute.

Looking around, it wasn’t just Glenn and the others. Nearly twenty students from the institute had also gathered there.

—Luckily, Professor Cecilia was looking for part-time helpers —said Glenn.

There was a mage with a slender build. She had her hair gently braided into a ponytail and looked like a young woman with a sweet and fragile appearance. She was probably around Glenn’s age.

Her name is Cecilia Hestia.

She was a beauty of a different class from the flashy and seductive Cecilia, specializing in forensic white magic and potion preparation. Her skills were widely recognized within the institute.

Cecilia wasn’t the teacher in charge of a class, but she worked as a medic in the institute’s health room and was currently ranked as a fourth-tier mage. Considering that most mages only reach the fourth tier in their lifetime, Cecilia, having reached this level at a young age, was considered a promising woman with great talent…

—Eh… Professor Cecilia? Are you okay? You look very unwell… and you’re also sweating a lot…

—Oh, don’t worry, Glenn… I stayed up late last night… I only slept eleven hours, and I’m a bit tired, so I have a slight fever…

—Eh, eh?

While Glenn was confused, Cecilia took a bottle out of her bag, reached inside, and pulled out a large number of magical pills she had prepared herself. She put them in her mouth, chewed loudly, and then swallowed them.

—Ugh, cough… mmm… ah… I’m really sorry for worrying you… If I take this medicine, I’ll be fine… cough, cough! Ugh, this year’s cold is really troublesome…

In front of everyone’s stunned eyes, Cecilia suddenly started spitting blood.

—Eh, a cold…? No, no, no, please wait! That’s definitely some serious illness, right?! It can’t just be a cold!

—No, don’t worry… It’s really just a cold… Since I was born, my lungs, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, heart, blood vessels, and other organs are inherently weak, so when I have a cold, I tend to vomit blood…

—Isn’t that almost all internal organs!?

She is extremely fragile and sick, although her talent is genuine… but certainly, there is a great concern about whether she will survive until her future blooms.

—Ha… ha… yes, today’s blood color is bright… I’m still okay… Mom… I’m still okay…

Cecilia, with a smile filled with a certain sadness, looked at the blood staining her hands.

—Glenn. This person seems to be on the brink of death.

—Don’t say that!

—Ahaha, it’s okay. It’s a fact that I’m weak and causing you additional worry. But, instead, please do your work today, okay?

That smile that you want to protect… even though blood trickles from the corners of her lips.

Then, Cecilia, staggering, began to explain.

—The work I want you to do today is first to till the field in that area to plant new medicinal herbs. The boys will mainly do this.

Cecilia pointed to an area that had been somewhat neglected after a period of rest.

—And for the girls, I’d like you to plant the new herbs in the places the boys have tilled…

Cecilia looked at the gathered students and put a hand to her cheek, looking concerned.

—Hmm… it seems there are more girls this time… With only the boys, tilling all that land would be too much effort, so… I understand, there’s no other choice.

Then Cecilia, with a determined expression, rolled up her sleeves and picked up a hoe that was beside her, straining to do so, and trembling like a newborn deer, she lifted it.

—… I’ll also join the tilling group!

—Stop it. Do you want to die?

Glenn, with his jaw clenched, took the hoe from the enthusiastic Cecilia.

—But… placing all the burden on the students… cough, cough…

Cecilia began to vomit blood while speaking. She was clearly on the brink of death.

—It’s okay! Don’t worry, it’s no problem! After all, we have this girl!

Glenn pushed Re=L, who was standing and looking at the field with curiosity, in front of Cecilia.

—This girl has excessive strength and endurance… also, I don’t want her to do delicate work like planting the herbs. If there’s a labor shortage for tilling, just putting this girl to work will solve the problem.

—… Eh? But… she’s such a small and delicate girl…?

Cecilia looked at Re=L with disbelief.

—It’s a classic example of how appearances can be deceiving. Well, it’s better to see for yourself.

Glenn threw the hoe he had taken from Cecilia to Re=L.

—…?

Re=L, with a look of surprise, received the hoe.

—Re=L, start digging!

—… Understood.

—Wait! Professor, wait!

Sistine’s cry came too late, as Re=L raised the hoe and…

Zaaa—!

With a single swing, a huge crater formed in the ground, and a large amount of earth was lifted into the air like a column…

Everyone, except for Sistine and Rumia, who quickly invoked the black magic spell “Air Screen” to create an air barrier, was covered in dirt from head to toe, becoming completely muddy before any work had even begun.

—… Ha…

Cecilia collapsed to the ground, crushed by the downpour of dirt.

—Couldn’t you have foreseen this might happen?

—… I’m sorry, I got a bit relaxed…

Glenn, sweating and avoiding Sistine’s reproachful gaze, could only let it slide.

—But… with all this strength, it’s clear that she’s fine…

As the students helped lift Cecilia, she murmured with satisfaction.

—Eh… Re=L? Today, please handle the tilling of the medicinal herb field, okay?

—Yes. I’ll do it with all my strength.

—Please don’t use all your strength… Moderation, please…

—I’ll be supervising this work today, but it’s an official institute task, so even though it’s a small amount, you’ll receive appropriate compensation. So, everyone, please do your best!

—Yes. I will.

—… With moderation.

With a feeling of apprehension about what might come, Glenn sighed.