"Understood, Professor."
Rising from my seat, I followed Professor Mari directly to her office.
Screeeeech─
Contrary to previous visits, the office was remarkably tidy now, devoid of the clutter of various documents and thick books that usually covered the space.
Now, all those materials and books were neatly stacked in a corner of the office, almost resembling a small mountain.
'She must be nearing the end of her research.'
"What did you call me for, Mari Jane?"
"You're always straight to the point. Let's sit down first."
Mari replied with a smile.
I took a seat on the sofa, the same spot I'd sat in before.
"Would you care for some tea?"
"······I have another lecture following this, so I'd rather forgo the tea."
I said, maintaining a firm expression.
I had a feeling she'd prepare something along the lines of mint tea or a mint chocolate latte.
Why would I want that?
Even if it were offered free of charge, I wouldn't accept it.
I wouldn't drink it even if she offered to pay me.
"···I see. That's disappointing. I just got a special blend from a shop I often go to······"
Mari seemed slightly disheartened, but she took her seat across from me.
"Since you're on a tight schedule, let's get right down to business."
"Thank you."
I expressed my sincere gratitude.
"······Firstly, Theo, the research paper you've contributed significantly to is almost complete. It's currently undergoing review."
"I see."
My initial hunch had been right.
There weren't many explanations for why her usually cluttered office would suddenly become tidy.
"Therefore, I plan to present it at the academic seminar of the Association this time around. I would appreciate it if you could accompany me."
"Do I need to?"
That caught me off guard.
I'm just a student, not her assistant or anything.
The academic seminar is held at the Association's headquarters in the capital.
Even by carriage, a round trip would take a full day.
Mari gave a knowing smile and replied,
"Of course there's a reason. Theo, you're the co-author of this research paper."
"······."
Co-author of the research paper?
What did she mean by that?
This was a bit overwhelming.
Still, it was customary to decline once in such situations.
Swiftly activating [Twisted Noble's Dignity], I looked at Mari impassively.
"There's no need for such formalities. I never intended to be a co-author from the beginning, and I helped you purely out of goodwill."
"Hehe, of course, I know. I'm aware that you offered your assistance without any ulterior motives."
As she spoke, Mari's eyes swept over me.
A shiver ran down my spine.
Mari approached me and continued.
"But······ Can I ask you one thing? Did you truly think I would put myself down as the only author?"
"Yes."
I answered without hesitation.
Naturally, I assumed her name would be the only one on the paper.
Mari had always been a character marked by a strong desire for success.
Furthermore, coming from a commoner background and facing opposition from numerous noble-born heroes only served to amplify her ambition.
[Assist Mari with her research, and in doing so, make her owe me.]
That was my original plan.
Mari released a brief sigh.
"Do you really think of me that way... That's somewhat disheartening. After all, despite what you might think, I am an educator."
"Ah, yes."
I replied, mirroring her tone.
And then I began to wonder.
'What's is she trying to do?'
Mari's research paper is bound to cause quite a stir in the field.
She's not a fool.
Her title as the youngest professor in the Hero Department wasn't handed to her out of charity.
Yet, she must be aware of how unwise it would be to share authorship.
'Hmm.'
After a moment of contemplation, I drew a conclusion.
'She intends to maintain an ongoing collaborative relationship.'
Only active heroes are allowed to participate in academic seminars.
And there's a substantial difference between an active hero and a student.
Ignoring the issue of power, there is a huge gap in terms of experience.
Naturally, a student attending an academic seminar would become a hot topic.
Numerous newspapers will carry my story.
Rumors would be impossible to avoid.
There couldn't be a better scenario for managing my reputation.
'This situation didn't happen in the original game.'
Neike isn't an idiot, but comprehension isn't his strong suit.
He's not an eloquent speaker either.
However, the future has already changed considerably.
If she's willing to be so generous, there's no reason to decline her offer.
Finally, I extended my hand towards Mari, who was observing me with a subtle expression.
"Let's go together."
"Hehe, alright."
Mari grinned and accepted my hand.
"Thank you for this opportunity. When is it scheduled?"
"Two weeks from now, on a Saturday. It coincides with midterms week."
"Understood. I'll clear my schedule."
"Yes, I'll take care of any necessary arrangements. Oh, and-"
Mari pulled out a thick stack of papers from her desk drawer and handed them to me.
"This is the completed paper. Please go through it and let me know if there are any issues, Theo Lyn Waldeurk."
"Will do, Mari Jane."
All Wednesday lectures had concluded.
··· Mari's paper was flawless; no review was needed.
It was near perfection.
Of course, I had provided her with most of the content.
While I was packing up with these thoughts in mind,
"Theo! Do you have any plans today?"
Suddenly, Aisha, standing beside me, asked.
··· Oh, that's right.
I was scheduled to teach her swordsmanship.
However, I'm not exactly in the best shape.
My muscles are still aching.
"What, what is it? What's going on again? This is too much! You promised to teach me swordsmanship. Just around this time yesterday!"
Aisha pouted her lips.
"······ No, it's nothing. Let's head to the training ground."
"Yes."
I finished packing and exited the classroom.
"Let's go together~!”
Aisha followed me, bouncing along like a cheerful bunny.
Inside the Hero Department's training ground.
I frowned as I observed Aisha.
'She hasn't made any progress...'
Haaaah.
"You're learning quite slowly."
"Hmm... I enjoy it when I'm being taught, you know? But when I practice alone, I don't feel very motivated."
"That's usually the case."
I replied nonchalantly.
Aisha looked up at me with a look.
"So... could you please infuse me with some motivation?"
"Why should I?"
I retorted bluntly.
One should find motivation within oneself.
You can awaken someone who is asleep, but not someone pretending to sleep.
Aisha hastily replied.
"B, but...! I am part of the Waldeurk family. Isn't it natural that as the future head of the family, you take responsibility for your subordinates?"
"…Hmm."
Is that so?
Why am I even the future head?
It's uncertain if I can even graduate from the Hero Department with good enough grades.
I'm just a visitor from another world who will eventually disappear.
Regardless, there are people who can't find motivation on their own and instead need motivation from others.
…Indeed, many of them exist.
Furthermore, Aisha is someone who needs full attention.
I suppose I don't have a choice.
"Alright. What do you want me to do?"
"Hmm~"
Aisha pondered for a moment, then spoke.
"If I can land even a single hit on you, you have to fulfill one wish of mine."
"No."
I rejected her flatly.
I know what she's going to wish for.
There's nothing beneficial for me in it.
Aisha retorted, sounding a little sullen.
"Then how about this? If I can hit you even once, you have to teach me swordsmanship individually three times a week!"
"What's the deadline?"
"Hmm… until graduation-"
"No."
"Then until the third year-"
"No."
"Then until the second year-"
"No."
"…Damn, then just until the end of the first year."
"Hmm."
That sounds reasonable enough.
Most students in the third and fourth years are busy venturing out.
By that time, I have to become one of the top students.
"Alright."
"Really? You won't go back on your word?"
"Yes."
Aisha looked up at me, her eyes glowing red.
"The one who will become the head of the mighty Waldeurk family… You won't change your mind later, right? You mean it?"
"I said yes."
I nodded.
With her current skillset, she wouldn't even be able to brush the hem of my clothes, let alone land a blow.
Even if my physical condition isn't great, I can easily handle her.
Holding a practice longsword, I took my stance.
"Then come at me first. I'll let you make the initial move."
I gestured for Aisha to advance.
Well then, let's do some bullying.
I lost.
More accurately, Aisha landed a blow on me within 28 seconds.
"Great! Didn't you say you wouldn't go easy on me? No matter what happens in the future, whether it's exam season, or if it's raining or snowing, you're teaching me swordsmanship three times a week, right?"
An ecstatic Aisha continued to pester me from the side.
"...Alright."
I replied with a grimace.
Just what was that?
Even if my physical condition was normal, I wouldn't win without Overload.
