"Magic to make things brighter, you say?"
After finishing my magic studies, I decided to ask Teacher. He gave me a look as if asking, "Why do you need brightness?" But I think it's the most important thing I need in this world! If that pitch-black secret passage becomes brighter, I could get outside much more smoothly. I want to explore the town more. I'm a noble who spares no effort for a better future!
"I want to cast a light magic spell too!"
"Fran-sama, casting light magic... hmm..."
His reaction is terrible. Teacher, who entered the Magic Department in the Imperial Academy as an elite in his early years, crosses his arms. Please, think of something!
"Young Master, tea is ready."
"Te- teacher, let's have tea first. Please take your time to think."
"Hmmm..."
Still lost in thought, I lead the brooding Teacher by the hand to the table. I signal the maids with my eyes to prepare tea for him. Sitting beside him, I quietly, anxiously wait for his answer.
"...Fran-sama."
"Y- yes!"
I jumped a little. But seeing Teacher's serious expression, I straightened up to listen properly. I clenched my hands together tightly on my lap. I'm so nervous.
"I'll be honest with you, Fran-sama. Currently, you cannot use light magic. The reason is that you don't have an affinity for it."
Ah... I figured as much. That's how it was in the game too; only the hero and the mage could use all types of magic. Even those two had some spells they couldn't acquire depending on their experience points. Only hidden characters like the mage could use everything.
And here I am, a villainous noble who isn't even a hidden character. Light magic is a far-off dream...
"If it's urgent, you'll have to use magical tools like light stones."
"I see..."
Those are used for room lighting. They're expensive and rare because few people make them, so only the Emperor's palace is bright at night, and it's normal for noble mansions to be dark after sunset. That's what my tutor told me recently.
I'd have to take the light stone from my lamp... but then my room would be dark. Ugh.
"But Fran-sama, don't give up. Life is full of surprising encounters!"
"Teacher?"
Teacher took my drooping hands into his. He seemed a bit fired up.
"For example, there was a man who only cared about magic and couldn't get along with others. But after meeting a kind person, he learned the joy of interacting with others."
"...Are you talking about yourself, Teacher?"
"Yes. If I hadn't met Fran-sama, I would have quit the Magic Department and lived in seclusion. Even for me, things can change, so if Fran-sama doesn't give up, there's a chance that even your magic could evolve."
"R-Really?!"
"There are no precedents, but that doesn't mean it's impossible."
W-Wisdom!
"Let's keep working hard. You can do it, Fran-sama."
"Yes!"
He praised me, and I'm so happy.
Teacher blushed a little too, probably from sharing his past, but he smiled. We all have our moments of pride, right? Even I still have some of mine.
So there's still a chance for light magic, right? I'll keep training!
We had a bit of a deep conversation, and I feel like I've gotten even closer to Teacher.
Kitty replaced our tea, which had gone cold by then.
"Teacher, please stay for lunch."
"Yes, I'll take you up on your kind offer."
Teacher slowly ate the lunch served on the plate.
After taking a bite, is he observing? Is there something strange in the food? But his eyes are sparkling, and he seems to be enjoying it.
"Teacher, is there anything you don't like?"
"No. Well... I'm not sure. I've always thought food just needed to fill my stomach, so I never really considered whether I liked or disliked something."
"Really? I don't like monster meat! It has a kind of... wild smell?"
"Is that so?"
Teacher took a bite of the monster meat skewer. It's paired with fruit and a delicious sauce, so I usually eat it too, but if you chew it enough, you can taste a bit of that wild flavor.
I watched Teacher munching carefully.
"...I see. It does have a bit of a wild taste, but it's very delicious."
"Right? It's tasty! Our chef is really good at cooking! And I love fruit! Especially apples, I love apples!"
"Ah, yes. Fruit is sweet and soothing on the tongue. The colors are beautiful too."
"Right? Exactly! Teacher, you should try this too! I recommend it!"
I offered him a biscuit with a slightly sweet red bean on top. It's been my favorite lately. I handed it to him, and after he ate it, he went quiet...
"Teacher? Don't you like beans? Should I take it back?"
I hope it's okay. I like it, but I know everyone has different tastes.
Worried, I peeked at Teacher's face, and he smiled at me.
"No, I'm fine. It was very delicious."
"Really?"
"Yes. It's just... I've never experienced sharing a meal with someone before, and it's, well, fun."
"! I'm having fun too!"
"...Really? With someone like me?"
"Yep! I'm having fun eating lunch with you, Teacher! I know you have to leave after our lessons, but I always felt a little lonely, so I'm really happy right now."
"Fran-sama... I too feel happy, and joyful, and blessed."
"! Then, will you have lunch with me after our lessons from now on?"
Sharing a meal with someone makes it so much more enjoyable!
"Yes, of course. It would be an honor."
Since Teacher agreed, I recommended a bunch of my favorite dishes, and we found some things he liked too. We had a lovely, happy lunch together.