Leave a comment

Project GB is an official initiative by Re:Library.

“Saint, has that damn Momo shown up around here?”
“Teach… there’s so much resentment in your voice…”
“Why’s this white-haired teacher so pissed off?”
“Hello, Ms. Laika. Did you and Momo have a fight or something?”
“Why is it that just because Momo and I aren’t together, everyone immediately jumps to that conclusion?”

When I dropped by the church in Ascles—with Plerion and the others tagging along for some reason—that’s what the handful of familiar faces said to me.

Apparently, people had mentally filed me and Momo as a set. Completely against my will, I might add.

“Hehe, just teasing. She did stop by about ten minutes ago, actually. She was with Mr. Mintark.”
“With that Guildmaster? What did they want?”
“Sadly, they swept in like a storm and left just as fast, so I couldn’t say. But I think they were looking for someone named Runira.”
“Runira? Never heard of them. Who’s that?”
“What! You don’t know, White-Haired Teacher? He is one of the Three Sages who lead the Magic District—a region of clashing sects and rival factions! Clearly, your knowledge pales in comparison to mine!”
“Thanks for broadcasting your shallow knowledge to the world. Do me a favor and stay just the way you are.”

I brushed off Plerion, who was puffing his chest out proudly. Paying him any mind would only encourage him further.

Besides, if we’re going to compare knowledge, knowing whether or not someone exists is about as shallow as it gets.

“Plerion… you’re childish…”
“What did you just say!? How rude! State your name!”
“Umravolf Stell… we’re classmates… you not remembering makes you the idiot.”
“Y-you little…!!”
“Now, now. This is a sacred church. No fighting, please.”
“U-Ugh…”

The saint stepped in from behind and gently held Plerion’s shoulder, stepping in to break up the squabble between the two.

Even the tyrant had to quiet down when rebuked by someone of the saint’s status. He froze with his fist still raised in the air, red-faced and seething.

“So Momo’s looking for this Runira person. But why?”
“Maybe she’s finally had enough of her master’s bullying and decided to switch to being a sorcerer?”
“………”
“Hehehe, just a joke. No need to worry—Ms. Momo cares about you very much.”
“H-hey… don’t tease the white-haired teacher too much.”
“What are you talking about, Plerion? I’m not bothered in the least. If Momo wants to become a sorcerer, that’s entirely her decision.”
“Hey, is she always like this?”
“Teach… just doesn’t know how to be honest…”
“Hehehehe.”
“You’re all being too loud.”

I really couldn’t stand this saint. She seemed all warm and friendly on the surface, but to me, she was nothing but a fox in disguise. There was no doubt she’s a good person—but not someone I could easily bring myself to relax around.

“If you’d like, I could take you to Mr. Runira. Things might get entertaining again.”
“You’re not even trying to hide your motives anymore. If one of your followers saw this, they’d be crushed.”
“Whatever do you mean? I’ve done nothing to bring shame to Lord Ascles.”
“You’ve got some nerve saying that with a straight face. Still, I’d appreciate the help. But what about your duties?”
“I’m sure the me of tomorrow will figure something out.”
“So you’re the type of saint who… doesn’t do her homework…”
“Now, now! Let’s be off before the congregation spots us. Time is not on our side.”

✦✧✦✧✦

“Mommy, look! That girl’s floating!”
“My, my. And weaving magecraft so gracefully at that age, too. We’ll have to make sure our faith is just as strong.”
“So that’s the flying little girl everyone’s been talking about lately? First time I’ve seen her.”
“The Saint of Ascles is with her too—what kind of connections does that girl have?”
“…Hey, White-Haired Teacher, you’re drawing a lot of attention.”
“Can’t be helped. I’m not in shape to walk this whole way.”
“It’s really not that far, though…”

On the way to our destination, the sight of me floating with magecraft drew an uncomfortable amount of attention.

Between my conspicuous white hair and casting magecraft while walking beside the saint, I stood out like a sore thumb. Of course people would stare.

But without Momo’s support, I was simply too slow to walk this cobbled road. And floating made things far easier while also preserving my stamina.

“That’s an absurd waste of magic power! And to casually maintain such incredibly fine control like it’s nothing…”
“Plerion, if you truly aim to become a wizard, you should be able to do this with your eyes closed. Your fireballs are misshapen and inefficient.”
“What did you say!? …Tch. Just you wait—once we’re back in the Magic District, I’ll show you what I can really do!”
“See that you do. For reference, Stell over here can conjure nearly perfect water spheres without chanting.”
“…V for victory.”
“YOU WHAT—!?”

Stell flashed a peace sign toward Plerion, and with her fingers raised, conjured two small water spheres in midair.

Even with the support of a staff, it was a level of precision well beyond what you’d expect at her age. A responsiveness like that is every teacher’s pride and joy.

“I’m saying this now—do not cast a fireball here. Fire magecraft always demands careful handling. If the guards arrest you, I’m not coming to your rescue.”
“I-I know that! …Damn it.”
“Hehehe. You really have the teacher act down, Ms. Laika.”
“Don’t look at me with that smug warmth in your eyes. Anyway, are we there yet?”
“Just around that corner. But Mr. Runira can be… difficult, so allow me to speak to him first—”

The saint’s hand, raised to point down the road, suddenly froze mid-gesture.

And she wasn’t the only one who noticed the change. Maybe by a second or two, but everyone in the group picked up on it.

The acrid stench of something burning hit our noses, followed by thick black smoke rising into the air. Tracing its origin with our eyes, it was clearly coming from just beyond that corner.

“THAT’S WHY YOU’LL ALWAYS BE YOU, YOU INSUFFERABLE MINTAAAAAAAARK!!!”
“SHUT UP, FOUR-EYES!!! HOW ABOUT YOU LEARN TO TAKE A HINT—LIKE YOUR RECEDING HAIRLINE!!!”
“Master! Maaaaster!! Help meeeeee!!”
“………Right. I’m going home.”
“Ms. Laika, you must not turn away from this.”

I had been a fool. My judgment had been far too naive. I should never have taken my eyes off that idiot.

Still—someone, anyone, please tell me. How… how does she manage to start a fire in a foreign city the moment I look away for just a second?

Support Us

Unlock Early Access ------- Select Project ------- Project Gender Bender Project Necro ∴ Support your favorite series and unlock chapters before the public release.