“I really wonder what I’ve turned into at this age…”
As I sat in the corner feeling self-conscious, Nameless approached me, seemingly to comfort me.
“Master, it suits you well.”
“…Are you making fun of me?”
I squinted and shot a glare at Nameless.
“…”
“This isn’t a joke.”
With an innocent look that screamed ‘I’m completely innocent’, Nameless stared back at me, and I sighed deeply, shaking my head.
…That guy wouldn’t tease me.
He was probably speaking from the heart.
But.
“There’s absolutely no sense of incongruity, so you don’t have to worry at all.”
“That’s the problem…”
The fact that the school uniform looked so natural on me annoyed me even more.
How old am I again…?
It’s clear that I should have long passed the age to wear a school uniform.
“…”
I cautiously lifted my head to gaze into the mirror.
What reflected back was nothing less than an ordinary student.
…No, not even just ordinary.
I feel a bit awkward saying this myself, but wearing an outfit that’s two sizes too big, pouting like a sad child, is exactly the image of a parent who bought an oversized school uniform, hoping their kid would grow into it.
I puffed out my lips in annoyance and fiddled with my clothes.
This feels so strange.
To put it precisely… something’s definitely off.
While I was mindlessly crumpling the innocent school uniform and letting out tiny bursts of frustration, Nameless had completely snuck up behind me, adjusting a wayward strand of my hair.
“You shouldn’t worry too much; it’s probably okay, right?”
As Nameless spoke, he pulled up my drooping shirt that had fallen off my shoulder because of the baggy fit.
…I had let it down because it was too constricting.
His hand was cool as it brushed against the back of my neck.
“And actually, it might even be a good thing, don’t you think?”
“A good thing…?”
I tilted my head in confusion as I looked at Nameless.
For some reason, his face turned slightly red, and he cleared his throat before continuing.
“Master, you need to hide your identity from the professors, don’t you?”
“…That’s true.”
According to Anna, there’s someone suspected of being a spy among the professors, so it’s definitely better if they don’t find out who I really am.
What if the spy recognizes me and decides to run away after realizing they messed up?
Someone who doesn’t know me might think I’m just overly self-conscious.
But right now, within the academy, I’ve become somewhat of a known figure.
I single-handedly saved the academy from a raid, and because I used such impressive techniques, there are quite a few witnesses.
No, no, “quite a few” is an understatement; everyone in the academy saw it.
Of course, if the spy does run away, I could chase after them, but if that spy possesses annoying skills like Jackal, it could be hard to track them down.
It’s a far-fetched possibility, but it’s worth considering even in the highly unlikely case.
Having wrapped up my thoughts, I nodded enthusiastically.
Nameless’s words made perfect sense.
Yes, that must be it!
Let’s think positively.
Me looking good in a school uniform isn’t a misfortune; it’s a splendid turn of events.
After a moment of contemplation, I reached out and ruffled the back of Nameless’s head.
“Thanks for saying that.”
“I only spoke the truth; I’m glad to see you’re feeling better.”
It was such a warm atmosphere, and for a while, we smiled at each other.
*
Nameless silently regretted his earlier words as he observed the current situation.
“Master… please maintain some decorum…”
“Hey, do you not know that you shouldn’t call me ‘Master’ right now?”
Nameless clamped his mouth shut, feeling embarrassed by his own brazen demeanor.
…How did it come to this?
He had genuinely felt pleased the first time he saw his Master in a school uniform.
Why hadn’t his Master always dressed like this?
Even though it was a school uniform, it felt more fresh compared to the mundane outfits she usually wore.
Thus, seeing his Master in a school uniform with a glum expression was a delightful surprise.
“…”
Wait, my thoughts seem to have wandered off for a bit…
Returning to the topic, watching the Master confidently stroll down the hallway, half the uniform unbuttoned like a wayward delinquent made Nameless feel a mix of emotions.
…This was deviating quite far from the original purpose.
His Master had initially worn a simple school uniform to avoid drawing the professors’ attention, but if she wandered around like this, it completely defeated the purpose.
On top of that.
Glimpsing at his Master, who wore a bright smile, he continued contemplating.
“Hehe.”
With just her outfit, she was bound to attract attention.
Not to mention her stunning beauty, which stirred the protective instincts of many young men.
Her doll-like features, crafted by a skilled artisan, and petite form made her the epitome of beauty that most men adored.
Didn’t he, too, find the Master’s appearance appealing? So it must be true.
Of course, he preferred her inner qualities over her outer beauty.
…Well.
“Heek!”
As proof, just look at those guys shamelessly glancing at the Master!
How many times has that happened now…?
After giving a small growl to shy away from one of the male students eyeing her, he let out a heavy sigh.
“Rather…”
Had he told the Master the truth and kept her morose instead, it wouldn’t have drawn so much attention.
“…Ha.”
Nameless felt the urge to kick the ground in regret but knew that was impossible, so he simply rubbed his face.
*
Hmm, I’m not pleased.
I pouted, looking around.
What I saw were numerous female students gazing at Nameless with sparkling eyes.
They seemed so flustered, fidgeting with their fingers.
“What the… sigh.”
Why on earth were those subpar girls staring at Nameless and swallowing hard?
Seeing Nameless, my curiosity piqued, I too glanced at him.
“Tsk…”
“Master?”
My eyes landed on a particularly handsome young man.
…That figures.
Girls at this age can’t help but gawk at someone like Nameless.
Wait, no.
Unless they already had a lover, it would be odd if they weren’t taking a peek.
Well, it’s not something to boast about, but… my disciple is rather handsome, isn’t he?
Just think about it—average-looking Nameless usually looks pretty good.
And not to mention the school uniform I stitched for him looks surprisingly sharp, so it’s no wonder all the attention.
…Of course, just because it’s obvious doesn’t mean it’s a good thing.
Letting out another sigh, I glanced at Nameless.
He appeared to be enjoying the attention, turning his head around constantly.
After advising him not to attract attention, he was now basking in it?
“Ugh!”
I swear this is driving me insane.
I can’t even pinpoint why, but it’s just bothering me.
As a result, my lips curled downwards, wanting to pout, but for some reason, I didn’t want to show that expression to Nameless, so I forced a smile instead.
Nameless glanced at me, mildly furrowing his brows before looking away again.
…What’s up with him?
As a hint of confusion crept in, I tilted my head but—
“…He’s handsome.”
“Shh! You’re too loud!”
The loud remarks from those around quickly chased away my curiosity.
“…”
I desperately wanted to escape this awkward situation.
As my thoughts flowed naturally, wondering how to distract “Nameless from those vixen-like girls,” a sudden thought struck me.
Considering that Nameless was barely of marriageable age, wouldn’t it be a good idea for him to catch a girl?
…In that case, maybe I should welcome this situation…?
“Gah! What am I thinking?!”
I shook my head vigorously to fling the thoughts out.
No, this won’t do.
That being said, Nameless is far too precious to be given away to girls like them.
He wouldn’t be satisfied either.
Hmm, right.
My disciple’s opinions are more important than my thoughts.
Reverting back to how to shoo away those girls throwing seductive glances at Nameless, a brilliant idea suddenly came to mind.
My contemplation was brief and, taking action was even quicker.
“Ugh.”
I jumped on Nameless and wrapped my arm around his.
Now that I look like just an innocent student, if I do this…
Perhaps those ill-intentioned gazes would fade away.
Feeling my arm grapple him, Nameless shivered slightly, gazing at me in bewilderment.
Standing on tiptoes, I whispered into his ear, softly.
“…This should help divert some attention, right?”
“…Indeed, you’re quite right.”
Nameless, slightly blushing, evaded my gaze as he replied.
Hmm, now I’m feeling shy for no reason.
I have no idea what’s causing this embarrassment.
