Chapter 133

It’s been a while since I’ve heard talk of the pupil incident, and it brings back memories of what went down with Jack. I didn’t bother trying to suppress these vivid recollections.

She was an unusual human. Just the fact that a human became one of the demon realm’s dukes was bizarre enough.

This was unprecedented. Not just any human, but one who obliterated a dukedom in battle and then became a duke herself?

But those who knew Jack understood the reason.

Jack wasn’t a sage; she was closer to a reckless demon who freely embraced evil without hesitation.

She came to the Demon Realm because she sensed demonic energy there. She later stated she was drawn by that energy.

The big fight with the dukedom happened due to conflicts along the way. Honestly, what kind of demon wouldn’t misunderstand a human wandering around the Demon Realm?

Of course, demons like me with broad and open-minded values welcomed anything interesting, whether human or not.

‘Ahahaha! Incredible! Who would’ve thought you’d single-handedly crush the Eastern dukedom! This is truly beyond imagination!’

‘You as well, their bodies are peculiar. Not like humans. Are they zombies? Or yokai?’

‘If you’re visiting the Demon Realm, you should be addressed by its proper title! Greetings, I am Oscar Lucifer of the Demon Race!’

‘Oscar Lucifer… hmm, are you also going to oppose me, Your Majesty?’

‘Nah, I’m different from those uncouth battle maniacs. I’d rather have a chat with you! Where do you come from? Is there really a human who uses demonic energy and is this strong?’

I’ve never fought Jack. Though we did engage in something she called “talking swords,” which was more like drunken chatter about abstract duels.

Anyway, Jack eventually met the Demon King and, as expected, lost. Her unhinged laughter when acknowledging defeat to the Demon King still echoes in my mind.

‘Hahahahaha! I wondered why I came here, but it’s because the God-Demon resides here! The deity of our sect is right here!’

She called the Demon King a God-Demon. As for what that makes a Demon God… well, since even the Demon God can’t touch the Demon King, it’s no big deal.

Jack and I got along pretty well, so I showed her some Joker-style magic tricks a few times. Every time, she clapped seal-like applause and cheered enthusiastically.

‘Fantastic! If Canos is a God-Demon, then you must be a Mad Demon!’

‘Mad Demon? Does that mean crazy demon?’

‘Hahahaha! Doesn’t it suit you? It’s the perfect nickname for someone like you, Joker!’

Whenever Jack got drunk, she rambled on about her original world—how she was the leader of a cult with hundreds of thousands of followers, how all of Jianghu trembled beneath her feet…

Still, her tales of heroism were quite fascinating, so after parting ways with Heavenly Hero Stella, I often visited her mansion to share drinks with her.

Of course, bringing the alcohol was my responsibility.

‘Mad Demon, this liquor tastes exactly like the Zhu Ye Qing I used to drink back home. So deep and mysterious.’

Honestly, saying I don’t look forward to meeting an old friend would be a lie.

Expectations don’t rise when seeing fake friends.

But if I have to fight to protect Maria, I’ll have to blow his face away with a shotgun.

“Haha… looking forward to it.”

I wore a smile brimming with anticipation. Maria tilted her head at me.

“What exactly are you looking forward to?”

“Just the reunion with Jack. We were pretty close, you know.”

“In case it needs mentioning, I hope your friendship with Jack doesn’t lead to neglecting the students.”

“Don’t worry. I’m Maria’s apostle. Do you think someone who reveres Saintess Maria would let such a thing happen?”

“…”

Maria’s gaze said, “Yeah, that sounds likely.” I chuckled awkwardly.

“Anyway.”

Swish-swash.

Maria stood up.

“Huh? Maria, why are you standing up? Where are you going? Do you need to use the restroom?”

“I’ve said everything I needed to say, so I’ll return to my room now.”

“So soon? It’s only midnight?”

I pointed at the clock, whose hour hand pointed to 12. We hadn’t been talking long since meeting Maria in the night, and she had just returned late last night.

When I expressed my confusion, Maria kindly explained.

“It’s bedtime. It’s midnight, after all.”

“Sleep? What sleep? You didn’t sleep yesterday. Are you tired of chatting with me?”

“Surely not. However, Mr. Joker seems to have forgotten that I am a girl.”

Maria tapped under her eyes where small shadows rested.

“Oh… right, you’re still a student. Alright, you should rest.”

“Yes, I cannot inconvenience my daytime self. Nighttime Maria must sleep.”

“Full of consideration. You were jealous of daytime Maria earlier though.”

“…Then, I shall take my leave and return to my room.”

Maria moved toward the window to leave. I reached out and grabbed her skirt, pulling her with considerable force.

Poof!

“Umm… what are you doing?”

Thrown off balance, Maria fell backward into my arms. Surprised by the unexpected move, she questioned me.

“Maria, do you really have to go back to the dormitory to sleep? Is that a rule or something?”

“That’s…”

“Let’s sleep here together. We can wake up before sunrise. I’ll make sure to wake you up on time.”

I sat down, causing Maria, who was leaning on me, to follow suit.

In the quiet center of the library, dark and cozy, moonlight seeped through the windows, casting a soft glow.

I lay down there as if it were a bed, pulling Maria next to me. She didn’t resist, letting her body relax.

“Sleeping in the library… hoh, I never would’ve thought…”

“Maria, you’re smart, but you couldn’t think of this?”

“It’s because I’m too rigid. Unlike Mr. Joker, it’s hard for me to think freely.”

“Come on, use my arm as a pillow. I’ll give you the most comfortable night’s sleep in the world.”

I stretched out my arm like a mat. Maria obediently followed my instructions, her weight resting lightly on my arm.

A serene smile graced her lips, beautiful like a painting. I was curious about the reason behind it.

“Why are you smiling like that? Did something good happen?”

“Because I suddenly realized something unique to only me that daytime me doesn’t have.”

“Really? What is it? Tell me.”

“Daytime me can’t lean on Mr. Joker’s arm like this and sleep, can she? So, it’s a privilege only I possess.”

Indeed, her joyful smile didn’t fade. I wrapped my left arm around her head and my right around her body.

Maria closed her eyes, her snowy eyebrows gently lowering. In a whisper, she muttered.

“Oh, and… please moderate daytime me’s violent tendencies. A saint shouldn’t be so crude, hitting people—it would be ridiculed by the world…”

“Got it, got it. If it’s Maria’s word, it’s only natural to follow it.”

“Thank you…”

Soft snores began to emanate from Maria.

I stayed awake. Instead, I quietly kept watch over her, brushing her hair aside with my left hand.

***

On the third day at the academy, I have quite a bit to do today.

Specifically, three things.

First, founding the Magic Crew due to dissolving the Panther Crew.

Second, figuring out how to get daytime Maria involved in the Reading Club.

Third, dealing with the unknown variable: the Real Eye Teacher.

After realizing the Real Eye Teacher was a new character not present in previous chapters, I compared each teacher’s appearance and background against Maria’s memories. The result confirmed he was the sole variable.

If I were swamped with work, I might overlook such a minor factor.

But I’m not busy. In fact, I’m quite idle. Therefore, I can’t let such variables slide.

“Teacher, I don’t fully understand this part. Could you explain it in more detail?”

“Evans, what specifically don’t you understand?”

After history class ended during break time, I approached the Real Eye Teacher who was about to leave the classroom.

He spoke in a friendly tone.

“Here, roughly around year 310 of the Imperial Calendar.”

I pointed at a section in the history textbook, observing the teacher’s reaction.

A person’s nature reveals itself in the smallest details. Not just nature, but their environment, occupation, and living conditions—all reflected in their actions.

For example, someone who uses brass knuckles tends to habitually adjust their clothing. Smokers often bring their middle and index fingers together.

“In year 310 of the Imperial Calendar, the historical event was the war between Holy Country and Two Countries, where Two Countries invaded Holy Country led by the great conqueror Agasilias. Why do you ask?”

“Well, I’m curious about the backstory of the Holy Knight Beatrice Constantino who was active then. She disappeared from history, right?”

“Ha ha, sorry, but even as a teacher, I don’t know much about that. Knight Beatrice Constantino of the War Era was both the main figure who led Holy Country to victory and a heretic who made a pact with a demon, fleeing religious persecution. There are no records of her after that.”

The Real Eye Teacher placed his left hand behind his back and pointed at the textbook with his right. His posture remained upright, his slim limbs moving gracefully like a gentleman.

There was no sense of awkwardness. It wasn’t artificial—he simply acted this way regularly.

Tsk, what exactly is he? Just a random butterfly effect character?

“Is there anything else you’re curious about?”

“Nope, I’ll take my leave now.”

Still, there’s too much concealed energy. Almost like mine.

Though it’s hidden so tightly, I can’t accurately gauge it.

Should I ask Beatrice? About when the Real Eye Teacher started working at Eden Academy and what his previous job was? There’s no guarantee she knows either.

“Yes, may you enjoy the rest of today’s classes.”

“Thank you for your hard work.”

“And stop messing with Maria behind her back…”

“…”

How does he know about that when I was in a blind spot out of his view?

Clearly not someone to overlook. He’s definitely not just a regular teacher.

I watched the retreating back of the Real Eye Teacher leaving the classroom with a meaningful gaze.

Most students liked him. Kind, gentle, clean-cut looks, and the real eye. He was the perfect likable teacher type for students.

Man, this is suspicious. Why would someone like him be teaching here? Unless he’s following orders from someone like Beatrice or Langwang, it doesn’t make sense.

I’ll have to visit Info Shop later today. I need to commission a thorough investigation. Money spent on information is worth it. Hoarding money is like hoarding scraps of paper.

With that decision made, I prepared to move after putting the history textbook in my locker. By preparation, I mean taking care of Maria.

“Maria! Let’s go eat lunch!”

Teasing Maria during class is fun, but nothing beats lunchtime. Because during lunch, you can chatter loudly without worrying.

Slapping my arm casually over Maria’s shoulder, I called her name.

“Eh, Mr. Evans?”

“What’s wrong? Don’t you like shoulder-holding?”

After sleeping together last night, this feels kinda disappointing.

“That… it’s not that…”

So she doesn’t dislike it. Then why the sudden withdrawal? Feeling distance?

Her white hair fluttered in the gentle breeze as Maria fidgeted with her fingers. Her index fingers nervously hesitated.

“Um, I…”

What’s she trying to say? Something embarrassing? Right as I leaned my head close to hers,

“Please hit me!”

“Huh?”

“U-U-Um, ever since yesterday, my hands have been itching… I know it’s really improper to ask this, but… after eating, I won’t ask for another punch…”

Oh geez, what should I do? Saintess?

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