Chapter 5: Disaster in the Library
[By instinct, you have identified the owner of that gaze—it is the library manager Murasaki Shikibu; she is hiding behind the bookshelf!]
"..."
Eikou was suddenly at a loss for words.
Man, almost forgot about this lady.
Since this is a library, of course Murasaki Shikibu, who is often here, wouldn't be missing.
If it had been before, he would have been quite happy to meet this gentle, voluptuous widow.
Whether in personality or appearance, Lady Murasaki Shikibu fit perfectly with his tastes.
But ever since that conversation on the anonymous forum, after discovering that Murasaki Shikibu also frequently browsed the web, he not only learned that she secretly liked him, but because of that video in the haunted house, his feelings toward the library manager had become truly complicated.
Especially after finding out she was writing a delusional novel with him as the prototype, he all the more wanted to stay as far away from her as possible.
If possible, he didn't want any interaction with her at all!
"…Then again, if there's something to say, can't she just tell me directly? Hiding behind a bookshelf to peek—one look and you can tell she's collecting suspicious material for her writing, right?"
Eikou muttered softly.
Especially since the other party had a full, voluptuous figure and thought that hiding behind a bookshelf meant no one would see her—when in reality her chest was completely sticking out from beyond the shelf.
Not only did it fail to hide anything, it actually drew even more attention.
"…Forget it, just pretend you didn't see it." He told himself, "Either way, I don't want to expose her in this situation—it's way too embarrassing."
[You sense that in the public place you are in, an unusual atmosphere between man and woman is spreading…]
[A first encounter with the beautiful Lion King, a female library manager harboring impure fantasies about you, and an ambiance ripe for creating special situations that favor the development of male–female relations…]
[In summary, please make a "Disaster With Women" check.]
"No!!!!!!"
Eikou screamed inwardly.
How on earth is this "Disaster With Women" so easily triggered, becoming harder and harder to control—like a wild horse running free after breaking its reins!
Most importantly, his "Disaster With Women" had already reached EX-rank in the previous Singularity, a level that guaranteed success unless he rolled an E!
A die fell in front of him.
He nervously swallowed a mouthful of saliva.
[The score is A, check successful.]
"This is ridiculous… now even rolling an A counts as a success." Eikou let out a sigh.
The only comfort was that at least this time it wasn't a great success, just a fairly normal "Disaster With Women."
"In other words, today I'm afraid I'll be rather unlucky—not a complete disaster, but nothing will go smoothly…" he thought.
But what exactly would happen?
"..."
Reason told Eikou that today was not suitable for studying outside; it would be best to take the day off and hide in a men's restroom, quietly waiting for the effect of "Disaster With Women" to pass.
"I want to activate my skill, 『High-Speed Divine Words』, and use a stomachache as an excuse to ask Artoria-sensei for a day off!"
[Please perform a skill check.]
Another die fell before his eyes.
[The score is C, check successful.]
[With your eloquent tongue, you successfully persuaded Artoria-sensei, and she believed the excuse you fabricated, thinking you were truly ill.]
"I understand, Eikou. If your stomach hurts that badly, then take a day off to rest today."
Artoria nodded with full confidence.
"That's great!"
Eikou exhaled in relief.
"Then I'll escort you back to the dorm first, can you still walk?"
In her emerald eyes, which at first glance seemed calm, a glint of concern flashed.
"Wha… what? You mean you intend to go with me?" Eikou was stunned.
"Of course. How could I ignore a student who is ill? You are my first student, and I will take responsibility to care for you properly. I will take you back to the dorm, then examine your body, and look after you until you are fully recovered!"
Artoria said with a serious expression.
Why do you have to take care of me so thoroughly? You really don't need to go to so much trouble for my sake!
Eikou screamed inwardly.
As a teacher, isn't she a bit too serious and devoted? She should learn a bit more from her own Merlin-sensei.
More importantly, he was still under the effect of "Disaster With Women."If he ended up alone in a room with the mature and sexy Artoria—checking his body, giving meticulous care…
This development was clearly heading straight toward scenes that couldn't be described!
Yabe, no way… absolutely can't let that happen!
[Artoria Lancer has used 『Charisma B』 on you]
[Your Strength has increased!]
"…Sensei, why did you just use Charisma on me?"
Eikou was taken aback.
"To be honest, it's a little embarrassing…"
Artoria looked a bit shy.
Her exquisitely calm face, nearly devoid of expression, actually showed a faint red at the tips of her ears.
"Because this is the only support skill I know. I'm not good at healing others, but maybe adding a bit of Charisma might make you feel better?"
"..."
"How is it? Do you feel a little more comfortable now?" She blinked her beautiful green eyes and asked.
How could he feel better—who uses Charisma on someone who's sick? She really seemed a bit too pure and innocent.
But that was good; he could seize the chance to find an excuse to get out.
"I feel much better already," he said quickly. "Sensei's Charisma is truly powerful, it's like it comes with a 『Debuff Removal』 effect. I have no issues now."
"Healed so quickly, are you really all right?"
Artoria sounded unconvinced; she asked seriously, "Should I take you to the infirmary to be checked?"
No way—the infirmary was likely another place where unspeakable situations might occur. He absolutely couldn't let her take him there.
"No problem now," Eikou smiled. "Thank you for caring about me."
"So Charisma has such a marvelous use. I originally intended to educate my student, but instead I've learned something from my student."
She nodded thoughtfully, the ahoge atop her head swaying.
"Ah, sensei… maybe I wasn't that serious to begin with…"
"Umu, it seems you probably just ate something unclean earlier, so your stomach hurt. You need to pay more attention to your eating habits and balanced nutrition. If you eat recklessly like my Alter version, it will lead to this kind of situation."
Artoria crossed her arms in front of her ample chest, speaking in a lecturing tone.
"Yes, yes, I understand."
"If you insist on not going for a checkup, that's fine, but to make up for it, I want to manage my student's diet a bit. So, please eat the nutritious meal I prepared for you."
Artoria took a lunch box out of her bag and said seriously:
"This can be considered a welcome gift for my first student, just a token of goodwill!"
Eikou couldn't help raising an eyebrow.
What the—she even prepared a nutritional meal for him? That was downright thorough!
Speaking of which, is mature Artoria the type who's good at cooking? No way… isn't only the male King Arthur version good at cooking?
"This… don't tell me you made it yourself?"
"No…"
Artoria held out the lunch box with both hands to Eikou:
"Actually this is the famous nutritious mashed potato dish of Sir Gawain. It's very good for the stomach. For your health, please eat all of it."
"This stuff is a hundred times worse than junk food! Do you really want my stomach to get better?!"
"In terms of nutritional value there's no problem," she said firmly. "Internally, Sir Gawain's skill level is still extremely outstanding."
"Then for something this good, you should eat it yourself!"
"Sorry, but I really can't stomach his cooking—it makes me want to throw up…"
Artoria turned her head aside, slightly embarrassed.
So in the end, she's just forcing me to eat the kitchen disaster she doesn't want herself, huh?!
Artoria-sensei, you looks serious and innocent, yet you has these little schemes too!