Chapter 16: Reflection Meeting (2)

Chapter 16: Reflection Meeting (2)

But why are you working part-time, Eto?

O-Oh, my father runs a food stall, and I have been supporting him with that since a long time ago.

Eh?

I was at a loss for words. Now that she mentioned it, the slim figure behind her looked familiar to me

Kanaki, is that the whole order?

Ah!

Ahaha! That clothing really doesnt suit you after all!

Turning around, I could not refrain from laughing at the scene of Matthias dressed in a plain T-shirt and a towel wrapped around his head. His businessman-like appearance belied the fact that he ran a ramen stall, and he was not at all well-dressed. More than anything else, the sight of the unfailingly austere Matthias holding the familiar cooking utensil for draining noodles in his hand was an unbelievable view, which made me wonder if he was doing this for the aim of a goal.

For a different reason than before, Xenia slammed on the table, causing the stall to squeak and creak. Eto watched with a wry smile, and Matthias, as usual, maintained an impassive countenance.

Xenia, the stall is broken. I say this every time, but stop banging on the tables.

Pfffft! I-I am sorry But you look awful in that attire after all.

Whether it suits me or not is the point. Its simply that this outfit is more streamlined.

His voice carried a touch of sulkiness, nonetheless, he spoke without altering his facial expression.

So, Kanaki.

O-Oh, yes. Two shoyu ramen noodles, please.

All right. Hold on a minute.

Nodding wordlessly, Matthias turned his back on us again.

Here you go.

As Matthias was preparing the noodles, Eto served us a glass of water. It had a slight sourness to it that permeated my exhausted body after drinking it.

It tastes good.

Thank you By the way, Teacher Kanaki and Teacher Xenia, which way did you both come from?

With the corners of her mouth turned up mysteriously, Xenia made an immediate reply.

Hmm, from the hotel.

I will knock you down. What are you running your mouth to your student? Its work, just work.

Oh no, Kanaki, for someone who has a proclivity for abnormalities, youre so introspective.

That was none of your business.

By work, is that side of work again?

Well, you guessed it. As you know, since you were there, Eto, there was a dog that had been on the prowl around me since the previous class on healing magic. It was extermination.

I-Is that so

Oh Im sorry. I shouldnt have brought it up in front of you.

Youre trying to play it cool, but it was a real mess. Your body was full of holes, your legs were blown off, and you were decapitated.

E-Ehhhh!!

Ms. Xenia, please stop this for Gods sake! Eto looks like she might be about to burst into foam!

This guy really was a wolf in sheeps clothing when she was at school!

Even though my irritation was obvious, Xenia was unperturbed.

Hey, Ive been wondering about that regeneration ability of yours for a while now, Kanaki, what exactly is that? Magic? Curse? In either case, I dont think its an ability that a third-class magician would possess.

Are you going on about that again? I wouldnt be able to share that with you so easily, you know. Even if I am mediocre in all other aspects of my performance if anyone knew that, I would really be just a third-rate person.

Oh, you are a genuine third-rate person.

I wont fall for that kind of provocation.

Seriously, Kanaki, you are way too discreet.

Having given up prying, Xenia put down her empty bowl.

Well, I suppose Ill give up on that, but what have you decided to do in the end, Kanaki? About Fina Trinity who is the Princess follower. Have you really given up on her?

I told you that too before. This time is an exception, but until Mr. Matthias and the others are done with their work, Ill stay low key too. Furthermore, if a magician of Aldars class is hanging around like today, I cant do much work either.

Well, I will only proceed with various preparations though.

I added that in my mind, which of course was not heard by Xenia, who looked downright bored.

Hmm. But indeed, I do concur that its a smart move this time. Not only Rain but also Kagura and the Garrison Corps have been on edge lately. Not a day goes by that I dont see them when Im out and about these days.

When Xenia began to say, Hey, there is no alcohol, Eto shook her head with a troubled look on her face.

Well, it cant be helped. After all, she has a solid bond with the Princess of the neighboring country, who is currently in this city. If anything befell her, it would lead to a tremendous uproar. If thats the case, the country would have preferred to have more guards for generations to come, but since the Princess herself has refused, the countrys ministers are probably on pins and needles.

Ortesias refusal of protection is something I was unaware of but she certainly seems like the kind of person who would be willing to do that.

I passed the empty bowl to Eto and asked for another glass of water.

Matthias, who had begun to close up his stall as if to call it a day, spoke nonchalantly without stopping his hands.

This is why I have to make sure my job is a success on the first shot. The problem is that there are multiple targets and they are both skilled, but with Xenia, that problem will be resolved I would have liked to borrow your help as well, but Ill just have to settle for these stones this time.

You are overrating me, Mr. Matthias. Even if I join your group, it wont influence many individuals.

Thats right. With me around, you should feel like youre in a grand boat, Mr. Matthias.

Im worried that your love of flamboyance will waste time.

That seemed to be the most sincere feeling that Matthias had today.

A shadow of brooding lingered on Etos face the whole time as she listened to us.

A/N:

This is the end of the first part.

From the second part, I would like to start depicting Kanaki from the students point of view.