"P-please... enjoy."
"Thank you~"
The gray-haired girl kept her head lowered as she finished serving the tea, then scurried back behind her master as if making an escape. Only after reaching that safe haven did she dare sneak a glance at the young lady seated across from them.
Watching his disciple behave like this, Lord El-Melloi II raised a hand to massage his already tightly furrowed brow.
Though if he were being honest, his own first reaction upon meeting the girl hadn't been much better.
Even though her appearance was completely different, that very first glance had inexplicably called to when he sat upon the Gordias Wheel, facing that King who held aloft that Holy Sword.
Across from him, the golden-haired girl who'd just dispelled some illusion merely smiled without speaking.
Collecting himself, Lord El-Melloi II addressed the young lady now sipping her tea.
"Please allow me to apologize for my disciple's rudeness."
"Ah, there's no need for apologies. But speaking of that, why did you both have such a strong reaction upon seeing me?"
"...My first glimpse of you, miss, reminded me somewhat of an old acquaintance."
His gaze resting on the tea-cradling girl, Lord El-Melloi II bitterly stroked his stomach.
"Is that so? Well, speaking of other things, the interior of this apartment building is actually quite nice, even if the outside looks a bit worn." She recalled the dozing elderly caretaker and the interior decor she'd seen upon entering.
The spiral staircase in the lobby center connected all three floors. Lord El-Melloi II resided on the second, while the room she was preparing to move into was on the third.
Ah, and there'd been a cat snoozing on the old woman's lap, too. This place seemed quite suitable for a peaceful retirement.
Thinking this, Aesc took a sip of tea. The tea's flavor was rather excellent as well.
"Indeed. Not only is the environment suitable, but the rent is quite reasonable as well."
It was a relief the girl across from him showed no intention of pressing further. Given his side had been rude first, it would have been difficult to refuse if she'd pursued the matter.
How understanding. Lord El-Melloi II let out a quiet, grateful sigh.
Although this apartment building was El-Melloi property, Lord El-Melloi II still chose to pay rent to live here. The rent payments helped pay down his debts, but against that mountain of a figure, this monthly sum was as effective as trying to drain the ocean by scooping out a single bucket of water.
"Hey, Gray, this one... she's a bit dangerous. Gives me a feeling that's both familiar and not." Just as Lord El-Melloi II was attempting to make small talk with the girl opposite, a hearty voice emanated from Gray's waist.
"Add! You need to be quiet now!" The gray-haired girl flusteredly tried to hush the Mystic Code.
"No need for that. She's not a half-baked amateur like you; she noticed me long ago."
I agree about her not being half-baked.
Lord El-Melloi II studied the girl across from him. Since inheriting the El-Melloi name, he'd encountered all sorts of mages, honing a unique skill for observing people. While not infallible, his assessments were right about eighty percent of the time.
This girl was powerful. Likely at the Grand level. Why would such an existence want to join the Modern Magecraft department?
The moment he thought this, the discomfort in his stomach intensified, even though he'd just taken his medicine.
"Please, relax. I bear no hostility towards any of you. I came today simply to introduce myself," Aesc said, smiling reassuringly at the pair and the talking Mystic Code. "After all, we'll be classmates and teacher for some time. I'm really looking forward to attending classes in the Department of Modern Magecraft."
With that, Aesc set down her teacup and departed.
Watching Aesc's retreating figure, Lord El-Melloi II sank into deep thought.
"Was she really just here to introduce herself?"
"I... I think so."
After leaving Lord El-Melloi II's room, Aesc thought about the reactions of the two people and the Mystic Code and couldn't help but laugh.
'It seems I managed to successfully surprise them~'
Noting the darkening sky and the stomach that was already voicing its protests.
'Next, to find somewhere to eat~'
The witch skipped off in search of sustenance.
--+--
"Ah... Miss Aesc."
Since there was literally nowhere else to eat near Lord El-Melloi II's residence besides this café, his disciple, out buying a boxed lunch for her teacher, ran into the witch who had departed not long ago, now hunting for food.
"No need to be so formal. Just 'Aesc' is fine," Aesc said, picking up a slice of cake as she addressed Gray.
"To be honest, I'm just relieved the menu here has more than just fish and chips. I really can't handle overly greasy food very well."
"Ahaha..." Seeming both somewhat afraid yet also wanting to ask something, Gray hesitated by Aesc's table, unable to move forward or retreat.
"Gray, if you have something to ask, just go ahead and ask!" Add's voice urged her on as she wavered.
"That's right, just as your Mystic Code says. Come on, if there's something you want to ask, go ahead. Mmm." Aesc gestured for Gray to sit down while simultaneously popping a piece of cake into her own mouth.
Gray slowly approached and sat down opposite Aesc. She bowed her head in thought for a moment, then lifted it sharply as if steeling herself. "May I ask... why did you wish to join the Department of Modern Magecraft, Miss Aesc?"
Noticing the clerk behind the counter glancing over frequently, probably thinking they were having an argument, Aesc casually cast a bounded field to dampen their presence and mute their conversation.
"I've heard Lord El-Melloi II possesses unique insights regarding magecraft knowledge. I believe I could make progress by attending his lectures."
"Eh... But..." Seeming not entirely convinced by such a simple reason, Gray pressed further.
"But Teacher said you might be at the Grand level. Would someone with that kind of power still need Teacher's perspective?"
The Department of Modern Magecraft had gained its share of enemies since Lord El-Melloi II took it over. Within the Clock Tower, it had never received much respect and was ostracized by many other departments.
If Miss Aesc meant Teacher harm...
Thinking this, Gray's grip on Add tightened.
"Hmm... He rated me that highly, even after just one meeting?"
Is this his 'Eye of Discernment'? Watching Gray's nervous demeanor, Aesc interlaced her fingers and placed them on the table, adopting a friendly posture.
"I won't deny I possess that level of capability. But please rest assured, I am not Lord El-Melloi II's enemy. Moreover, his unique perspective could prove very useful."
She glanced at Add before continuing. "Your Mystic Code must have sensed something, right?"
"Ah, you bet! You, lady, are purely composed of magical energy. A sort of existence like a familiar."
"Eh... Composed of magical energy? You mean Miss Aesc isn't human?" Gray tilted her head, looking puzzledly at Add.
Somehow that feels like an insult, Aesc shook her head, dispelling the strange thought.
"While Servants can indeed be considered a type of high-level familiar, I'm not overly fond of that term," Aesc said, taking a sip of her drink before looking directly at Gray.
"You've heard of it, I assume? The Holy Grail War."
For some reason, far away, Lord El-Melloi II—who was waiting for his dinner—clutched his stomach and slumped over his desk.
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 2 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.