After getting permission, Rowe pushed the door open and stepped inside.
The atmosphere in the office was different from what he'd imagined. The curtains were half drawn, and the light in the room was dim.
It seemed that Teacher Evel really loved books—both sides of the room were lined with shelves filled with thick, old-looking volumes.
Rowe glanced around curiously.
Books about spirituality, divination, mysticism, beauty guides... and all sorts of other topics. But none of them looked even remotely academic.
It didn't feel like a teacher's office at all—more like a fortune-teller's room.
"How are you feeling now, Rowe?"
Evel's voice came from the desk, where she was busy writing something. She didn't even look up.
It's so dark in here… isn't she worried her eyes will get worse? Rowe grumbled in his head as he walked closer.
"I think…"
"My body's fine now."
He wasn't lying.
Even he didn't know what kind of illness he had. It came suddenly and disappeared without a trace.
The system hadn't explained anything either. He only knew what others had told him, which made it even stranger.
"You don't even know your own condition?"
Evel looked up in surprise, and their eyes met.
Rowe quietly studied her face.
Earlier, when he heard her voice from outside, he'd already been surprised by how young she sounded.
But seeing her in person—she looked even younger than he expected.
Even though she was a teacher, she probably wasn't older than twenty-six or twenty-seven.
If not for her formal outfit and calm demeanor, she could easily be mistaken for a recent graduate.
And not only was she young—she was stunning.
Her long brown hair fell in soft waves, and her eyes were a deep shade of green.
Her face was gentle, her skin fair, and her movements graceful.
What kind of game is this? Even the NPCs are this beautiful?
She could totally rival the main heroine from my first playthrough.
Evel smiled faintly. "Hmm… you still look a bit pale. Seems like you haven't fully recovered."
Rowe sighed inwardly. Of course I look pale… after dying that many times, I'm lucky I can even stand straight.
Seeing his tired expression, Evel spoke softly, trying to reassure him.
"The first-year curriculum isn't too heavy. Make sure you get enough rest."
"I'll be in charge of your class this year. If you're not feeling well, you can always ask for leave directly from me."
"Thank you, Teacher." Rowe smiled sincerely.
Not only was she young and beautiful—she was kind and gentle too.
He had never met a teacher like her before.
"Oh, right. Almost forgot." Evel opened a drawer and took out a thick stack of papers.
"The school still has your academic records. Since you're returning to class, we'll need to process the paperwork again."
"There's quite a bit of it, so take your time."
She handed him a pen.
"Oh, sure."
Rowe accepted it—but by accident, their fingertips brushed.
Her skin was soft and a little cool.
Evel froze for a second and quickly pulled her hand back.
"Ah… sorry," Rowe said awkwardly.
"It's fine…" she murmured softly.
Just a meaningless little moment.
Or so he thought.
---
[Evel]
[Affection: 32]
Rowe frowned at the floating system window in front of him. Did I really just trigger the affection system…?
So far, the only one I've ever triggered it with was Helena…
And now, Teacher Evel.
Still, it wasn't that strange.
In the game, every named character had an affection value—and the higher it got, the better the rewards during quests.
At 50 and 100 affection points, players could even get special items.
But compared to the main heroine's rewards, they were small and almost useless.
Even so… things were different now.
Rowe needed every possible advantage.
Besides, in his first playthrough, he took the villain route, and the system had funneled all his points into Charm.
His body now was only slightly stronger than an ordinary human's.
So…
He looked at Evel silently and made up his mind.
I'm sorry, Teacher…
But I don't have any other choice. Even if this drags both of us into danger… I need your help.
---
In the dimly lit room, Rowe stood by the desk, carefully filling out the forms.
Evel walked over and pulled the curtains open, letting sunlight spill into the room.
It wasn't too bright, but it gave the space a warmer feel.
When she turned around, something felt off.
Rowe's brow furrowed. His hand trembled slightly as he gripped the pen.
"Rowe…?"
"What's wrong? You look pale."
"I…" Rowe pressed a hand to his forehead, nearly losing his balance.
Evel quickly reached out to steady him.
They ended up very close.
As she bent slightly, her black skirt and slender waist emphasized her elegant figure.
A faint fragrance drifted between them. Rowe quickly turned his gaze away, meeting her calm green eyes instead.
"I'm sorry, Teacher… I think I pushed myself too much."
He gave a weak smile. "Guess I haven't fully recovered yet."
"Sit down—rest for a bit!" Evel said anxiously, guiding him to sit in her chair.
"I have some medicine. Wait here, I'll get it."
She paused halfway. "By the way, what exactly are your symptoms?"
If only I knew… maybe it's just my acting talent kicking in again, Rowe thought flatly.
Still, he played along and shook his head slightly.
"Sometimes I can't concentrate, but the doctors couldn't find anything wrong. There's no need for medicine—it won't help much."
"Please don't worry. I just need a little rest."
"You…" Evel sighed and handed him a cup of warm water.
"If you're not well, don't push yourself too hard!"
"I can't," Rowe said, shaking his head, his eyes gleaming with fake determination.
"Teacher, I love studying!"
"I've always admired the vast ocean of knowledge—nothing makes me happier than learning!"
Even Rowe almost laughed at his own words.
But Evel only gave him a gentle, slightly exasperated look.
"You really are a hardworking fool. Studying is important, but your health comes first!"
She touched his cheek softly, then pressed the back of her hand to his forehead.
"You're a bit warm… probably just a mild fever. Take some medicine, and you'll be fine."
"I'm really okay, Teacher. I just need a short break," Rowe replied with a faint smile. "There are still a f
ew exercises I need to finish today…"
Evel let out a long sigh, watching her "diligent" student who pushed through illness just to study.
Her gaze softened.
[Affection: 39↑]
[TO BE CONTINUED]