Chapter9
A Minor Incident in Town
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On the weekend, the academy students were allowed to go into town for a research assignment.
The goal was to visit shops that sold magical catalysts and record materials—to broaden their knowledge.
“Come now, my lady. Don’t get lost, okay? ♡”
“I—I’m not a child, you know!”
Of course, the one accompanying us as a supervisor was none other than Professor Safir.
In the middle of the crowded street, she grabbed my arm, and I shook her off, annoyed by how casually she did it.
That’s when it happened—a scream rang out.
“Eek! A thief!”
A merchant shouted from across the street.
When I looked, a hooded boy was running off with a sack in his arms.
“Stop right there!”
Before I even thought about it, I had dashed forward.
I strengthened my legs with magic and sprinted through the crowd after him.
“My lady, you’re being reckless again—!”
The professor’s voice echoed from behind me.
The boy darted into an alley and turned sharply to face me.
He had a short dagger in hand, his eyes shining with fear and desperation.
“—!”
There was no time to hesitate.
I drew my sword and took my stance.
But the next instant, the cobblestones beneath him froze over with a flash of magic, trapping his feet in place.
From behind me appeared, as expected, Professor Safir.
“My, my ♡ Such an energetic little boy. But crime is a no-no, you know.”
With a graceful twirl of her robe, she flicked her wand lightly.
In moments, the boy was bound by icy ropes.
“…Professor.”
I lowered my sword.
Afterward, the stolen goods were returned to the merchant, and the boy was handed over to the city guards.
Apparently, he had been driven to theft to support his family.
Hearing that made my chest tighten.
“You look like you’re thinking, ‘Maybe I shouldn’t have stopped him,’ don’t you?”
On the way back, the professor teased with a knowing smile.
“Th-that’s not true…!”
I started to deny it, but the words caught in my throat.
It was true—I had sympathized with him.
But even so, stealing couldn’t be excused.
As if reading my conflict, the professor murmured gently,
“Kindness and strength—there’s nothing wrong with having both. Once you learn to balance them, you’ll shine even brighter. ♡”
As we walked, an unexpected warmth spread through my chest.
It was frustrating—
to be moved by her words.
Completely against my will.
And yet, that warmth felt strangely comforting.
