Chapter 68

After Alberto’s death, the position of Magic Studies Professor at the Academy became vacant.

His death itself was brushed off as usual, as the Academy tends to do, but the fact that such a major subject like Magic Studies was left empty couldn’t be ignored by the students.

Well, it doesn’t mean much to me since I won’t be here next year anyway.

Even after two months passed, seeing professors from similar fields filling in, I figured it wouldn’t be filled this year.

And then today.

I was completely taken aback when I saw the woman standing at the lectern.

It’s no wonder, though. Even though we’ve never met, her face was way too familiar.

“Starting today, I’ll be taking over as the Magic Studies Professor. I’m Isabella Wharton. Please take care of me~”

Her long, dark blonde hair draped over her shoulders, her petite stature, the same last name as Ariana, and her strikingly similar features.

Though her tone and expression were friendly, I couldn’t mistake it.

The successor of the Wharton family, whom I’d only heard about in passing.

Ariana’s older sister.

…Why is the successor here at the Academy?

Especially after Alberto’s death.

This has to be related to the organization, no matter how you look at it.

Isabella, who had been smiling sweetly while greeting the class, turned her head slightly.

Then, her gaze met mine as I was staring at her blankly.

The corners of her eyes curved gently.

I couldn’t help but feel an unbearable sense of unease at that perfect, smiling gaze.

It felt like she was trying to drag me back to the past, just when I thought it was finally over.

No.

***

In the end, I couldn’t focus on the class at all.

Not that I usually pay much attention, but still.

Isabella’s gaze was fixed on me whether she was writing on the board or giving students time to take notes.

When I glanced back, wondering if there was hostility, all I got was a warm smile.

I couldn’t figure out what she was thinking.

It wasn’t just unease—it was fear.

I felt like if I didn’t run away immediately, I’d go mad with pessimistic thoughts.

Like imagining going back to the days when I first came to the Academy, enduring torture day after day.

As soon as the bell rang, I tried to bolt to Sena’s class, but I heard footsteps behind me.

Please, don’t let it be Isabella.

Of course, as always, my wish didn’t come true.

“Hi?”

“…Hello. What can I do for you?”

In my field of vision appeared a handsome face with a pale smile.

Aesthetically pleasing, but there was no way I could let my guard down.

“You’re so on edge. Don’t worry. I just want to have a little chat. Do you have some time?”

Isabella, who approached me in a friendly manner, noticed my wariness but didn’t react to it.

Is she really not hostile?

If she knew the details of Ariana’s death, she wouldn’t be this friendly toward me.

Or maybe she’s just luring me in with that sweet smile, only to betray me and throw me into the abyss.

Ha, right.

That makes way more sense than her suddenly having a liking for me.

Either way, there’s nothing I can do.

Being on guard doesn’t mean much if you don’t have the strength to resist.

I nodded with a stiff expression.

“Just for a bit, then.”

“Thanks~”

Isabella, who answered cheerfully, looked around and then casually grabbed my wrist.

“It’s a bit awkward to talk here. Follow me.”

Startled by the sudden physical contact, I stiffly let her lead me away.

Being dragged by someone with a similar appearance brought back memories of being dragged by Ariana.

The only difference was that her touch was gentler, but that didn’t make me feel any better.

While I was still dazed, the scenery around me shifted, and before I knew it, we were in her private room.

It was modern, similar to Ariana’s, but it had a bit more of a human touch.

At least there were no torture devices in sight.

Isabella pointed to the sofa and table as she spoke to me.

“Make yourself comfortable. What would you like to drink?”

“Black tea… no, coffee, please.”

“Okay, just wait a moment.”

I cautiously sat on the sofa and waited. She soon returned with coffee and sat across from me.

We naturally picked up our cups and sipped the coffee.

Before the bitter taste in my mouth could fade, she spoke in a soft voice.

“I’ve heard a lot about you. You’re Remia, right?”

“That’s right. I’m Remia.”

Even to my curt response, she continued without hesitation.

She seemed almost excited, as if she’d been waiting for this moment forever.

“I’ve heard so much about you, it’s almost annoying. How beautiful, elegant, and wise the Princess is… Ariana was completely smitten with you. Every time we met, she’d only talk about you. It was quite troublesome.”

“So you heard it from Ariana. I’m sure not all of it was good.”

“Huh? Not at all. It was all about how great you are. It got to the point where I was sick of hearing it.”

“You don’t have to sugarcoat it for me. It won’t make me drop my guard around you.”

It’s hard to believe someone from the organization, who brings up her dead sister to get closer to me, has pure intentions.

There’s no point in deceiving me, so I’d rather she just reveal her true intentions.

I don’t want to play mind games a few days before my death.

“Why don’t you just be straightforward? I have no intention of being your enemy or getting close to you. If it’s reasonable, I’ll consider it.”

“…You seem to be viewing me in a really scary way.”

Contrary to my expectations, Isabella’s expression was awkward.

It was as if she was saying she felt wronged by my unnecessary suspicions.

What’s this?

Does she really need to act this way toward someone like me?

If she’s going to push me over, she might as well do it now.

“This is kind of cute, like a wary little cat, but it’s also a bit disappointing for me. I hold no grudge against you. No matter what happened to Ariana.”

“…But aren’t you Ariana’s successor? Didn’t the organization send you?”

“Well, I guess I have no choice but to do it…”

“Different.

I’m not exactly her successor.

I have no obligation or intention to torture you.”

Suddenly, she gets straight to the point.

She seems to know exactly what I’m afraid of and wary of, as if it’s obvious.

At this point, I could be sure she had no intention of doing anything to me.

Unless, of course, she’s the type who enjoys watching hopeful people fall into despair in an instant.

After all, no matter how much effort she puts into deceiving me, the result won’t change—it’ll just make the process more annoying.

Then what on earth is her intention in approaching me?

“Well, if I had to say, I guess I’d be Kayan Young-sik’s successor.

Ah, I mean Alberto.

Thanks to that, I’m relatively free, and the only order I’ve been given is to keep an eye on you.”

“Then why did you call me?

If there was no need to get involved.”

“I wanted to get closer.”

“Huh…?”

A soft, unexpected reason came out, one that didn’t quite fit the Wharton family.

I was so flustered that I trailed off.

“Our sisters had pretty similar tastes.

My ideal type is exactly like you, so I liked you right away.”

“Uh, um…”

“Ah, of course.

I’m not saying I’m seriously targeting a student, okay?

I just want to build a friendship first, and then later…”

“……”

What kind of shady reason is that?

I was completely speechless and gave her a look of disbelief.

Isabella, seemingly aware of how awkward it was, cleared her throat and continued.

“Ahem, anyway.

I just hope you don’t avoid me too much.

If we bump into each other in the hallway, at least say hello.”

“…Well, I’ll try.”

“That’s all I ask.”

Isabella smiled brightly at the first positive response I gave her.

Everything about her resembled Ariana, but her expression was different.

The relatively younger Ariana always seemed strangely tired, while the older Isabella still had some vitality left.

Somehow, I felt like I understood.

Ariana, who had felt inferior to someone outstanding since childhood.

Someone who was used to being ahead of others.

Someone who, without even trying, seemed to shine with every step.

In comparison…

…No, let’s stop.

What’s the point of overanalyzing?

Maybe she’s just more used to acting.

Thinking about it, do I really need to care?

I’m not naive enough to believe that’s all there is to it, but what’s the point of worrying about someone who’s going to die in a few days anyway?

It’s better to just let it go.

That’s the easiest way for everyone.

As I was thinking that, she finished her tea and spoke again.

“I’m curious about something. Can I ask a few questions?”

“Go ahead.”

“Thanks.”

She asked cautiously, more serious than before.

“I heard you were with Ari when she passed.

Did she leave any last words?”

“Well, we did talk, so there were things you could call last words.

But there was nothing about you.”

“…Not at all?”

“Not at all.”

“……”

Isabella blinked.

Her expression was hard to read.

She looked sad, angry, and regretful all at once.

At least it didn’t seem like a positive emotion, so I added,

“Should I tell you what she said?”

“No, it’s fine.

She probably left them for you.

I don’t deserve to hear them.”

Isabella let out a deep sigh.

Her emotions seemed to be under control, but the vitality she had shown earlier was completely gone.

“Guess she really hated me after all…”

Even though she said she didn’t regret Ariana’s death.

Just hearing her mutter to herself, it seemed like she was full of regrets.

I felt bad for saying something harsh to someone who had lost a family member.

But I couldn’t lie, could I?

Ariana didn’t seem to have good feelings for her either.

“Um, did she ever talk about us?

Not just me, but our father or…”

“We weren’t close enough to talk about family, and there wasn’t much to talk about anyway.”

“That’s… harsh.”

This time, she visibly deflated.

She hung her head low, radiating negative energy, making things awkward.

…Is this my fault?

Should I have softened my words?

As I was debating whether to comfort her, Isabella suddenly lifted her head.

The change was so abrupt it felt jarring.

“Ah, and there’s one more thing I wanted to ask.”

“Ah, yes. What is it?”

“How’s Miss Kayan been lately?”

If she’s talking about Miss Kayan, does she mean the health teacher?

And what exactly is she asking about?

I thought for a moment and then asked back.

“How do you mean…?”

“I heard you’re close to her.”

That’s not what I meant.

It didn’t seem like she misunderstood me—more like she had something else in mind.

Since I had no idea what she was thinking, I answered as best as I could.

“…Nothing out of the ordinary, I think.”

“I see.”

She nodded expressionlessly.

Her emotionless expression, though not directed at me, felt chilling.

Is this really okay?

I started to feel uneasy again.

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