love triangle (4)
A fantastic collaboration created by “Red Flames” and “Sword Arrows”.
A classic cliche in romance dramas, dropping documents after bumping into each other.
The clichéd development unfolded before me.
For some reason, he wanted to go this way.
“it’s okay······?”
I reached out to Jeniel. But Jeniel didn’t hold my hand.
I just stared at him blankly, as if I were dealing with a stranger.
Could it be that the classic cliché Yeo Joo lost her memory?
You didn’t even hit your head?
“… Ah, uh, it’s okay.”
Then it is.
After a while, Jeniel held my hand. However, the unfamiliar eyes were still there.
“But what are you doing in the Magic Tower?”
“Because there have been so many incidents lately. Until the lecture resumes, I will be in charge of the Mage Tower security.”
The Magic Tower is the only institution in the academy that operates normally.
Even if the Ministry of Magic and the Immortal Knights resided there, there were only offensive wizards and no defensive wizards to speak of.
The ‘Imperial Guard’, an organization equivalent to the Immortal Knights, is directly under the Imperial Palace, so external support is not possible.
As the saying goes, “Attack is the best defense”.
This is because clear attack wizards are more effective for security than ambiguous defense wizards.
In addition, high-level defense wizards—very few—most of them fall into the Imperial Guard, and they lag far behind offensive wizards in terms of magical prowess.
But Leonard was different.
Because one Leonard possessed the defense capability comparable to that of the Imperial Guard, he was in charge of the Mage Tower’s security.
Frederick recommended it while telling him that the building donation was permitted, and he accepted his request to devote himself to the academy and took charge of it himself.
10 am to 6 pm.
Working hours weren’t too bad either.
It’s a beginner’s attack magic, so if you practice it for 3 hours a day, you’ll master it enough.
Intermediate level is only possible when the training center is completed.
I saved the documents that had fallen with 「Yeomdong」. I handed it to Jeniel and asked.
“Where were you going?”
“Going to the pharmacy department meeting… Ah! late. I’ll go first, Leonard!”
Jeniel hurriedly entered the meeting room. I stared at the back figure that was slowly moving away, then followed.
Tumble- Tumble-
Although he was in charge of security, he had nothing to do until the commotion broke out.
It was all about roaming the mage tower in the name of patrol.
I have nothing to do, but I plan to attend the meeting.
This is because it was possible to observe under the pretext of security if the pharmacy department was a group, and the information coming out of the meeting was surprisingly useful.
drooling-
Jeniel entered the meeting room. Playful booing flowed from the half-open door.
“Oooh- Are you late for an important meeting like this?”
“Isn’t this just going out?”
“It has changed, it has changed~”
“What? Since you’ve been selected as a temporary professor, the meeting looks like water, right?”
then I go in
“Wow······”
“Great······”
“Oh~”
The booing stopped in an instant, and a low voice of exclamation was heard. Jeniel also looked at me with bewildered eyes.
I said regardless.
“I am Leonard Adonis, who will be in charge of Mage Tower security for the time being. Since this is a gathering of pharmaceutical researchers, I’m going to observe for security reasons, would that be okay?”
“yes!”
“Sure, of course.”
“Oh, we are honored.”
As soon as the words were finished, a roaring applause followed. ‘Pharmaceutical Team 4 Team Leader Velia’, the clown ascended to heaven, even pulled out the chair herself.
“Sit here, Professor Leonard.”
“thank you.”
After bowing lightly, he sat down.
Again, the higher the percentage of women, the better the treatment. It’s good to be handsome.
In an atmosphere warmed by my appearance, a full-fledged meeting began.
“First of all, it is related to the magic tower seminar that will be held in four days.”
Magic Tower Seminar.
In short, it is a place where researchers officially announce the specific contents of their research in front of related professors and Mage Tower executives.
In the Magic Tower Research Institute, which can be seen as a master’s and doctoral course, executive evaluation and performance were important in order to become a professor or advanced researcher later.
Among them, the Matap Seminar was an event that occupied a large part of the executive evaluation.
So, everyone had to be sensitive.
The warm meeting room became chilly in less than a minute. Sharp points were exchanged like sword fights.
“Are the results of the study certain?
“Glycotine and prothrombin will combine in the body, have you ever thought about the side effects of it?”
“What about the metallization of amine anilsine? It seems that the structure is clearly wrong?”
Terminology abounded here and there. The fight continued tensely. An atmosphere that seemed to lead to a fist fight.
“·······”
I only looked back and forth with my pupils. I thought I was wearing it for nothing.
Fortunately, the controversy did not last long. When the discussion on the detailed elements was over, they became harmonious as usual.
Team leader Velia said.
“Let’s move on to the details of the elements at this point, and now let’s talk about the magic formula.”
widely-!
He floated a pharmaceutical-type technique in the air. It was a technique related to the presentation paper.
“I’ve barely made up the magic formula, but it’s still far from complete. We decided to make up for this at the last meeting, but do you have any good ideas?”
Belina looked inside the meeting room. Several researchers raised their hands.
“good. Let’s start with Researcher Kelly.”
“Yes!”
widely-!
Kelly confidently performed the ceremony.
“We added 7 strokes to the outside to increase stability, and strengthened the internal circuit to reinforce magic mastery.”
I looked at the reaction of other researchers with a proud face. Everyone nodded, as if they were all right.
At first glance, it seemed good.
By adding a stroke, the weakness of the spell was supplemented, and magic mastery was strengthened.
The problem was that it made the technique unnecessarily complicated.
Traditionally, a good spell is to construct efficiently using the minimum number of strokes.
On the other hand, the formula Kelly designed had too many strokes and consumed more mana than necessary.
In short, it was an inefficient technique.
“·······”
But I didn’t bother to point it out. Not only did I participate as a security officer, but it was rude to point out other affiliates.
Instead, other researchers pointed out and criticized it.
“It’s good to make up for the shortcomings, but it’s too inefficient.”
“Right. Rather than adding something in the current state, it would be better to change the configuration and increase efficiency.”
“Above all, the technique is too messy.”
Kelly, who had been elated, lowered her head sullenly.
“That’s right…”
Kelly sat down and another researcher started a spell. This time, it was a reconstructed technique without adding strokes.
“I reconstructed the formula. It is more efficient than before.”
She, too, was full of confidence, but soon got hit by an intellectual bombardment and lowered her tail.
It only increased efficiency, but did not compensate for the disadvantages. No, it added more disadvantages.
It was very difficult to create such a new technique. No matter how they made it, it was a tough task for professors to take care of efficiency and completeness like now.
So, in a way, it is natural for researchers to get lost. In the process, your abilities will grow.
I watched the meeting without saying anything. Quite a bit of time passed, but the right solution didn’t come out.
As it was the last meeting before the seminar, the researchers started to get impatient.
“What do I do? Today is the last time we all get together like this.”
“Is there any better way?”
“Why don’t we make up for our shortcomings by adding strokes?”
“Or are you just looking for complete efficiency?”
I threw an impossible number. Chaos hung over the conference room. It was busyness that had nothing to do with me, so I looked at the floor and bruised myself.
Meanwhile, the discussion continued.
“If you add 5 strokes instead of 7 strokes-”
“It’s too complicated, though. Adding more is unreasonable.”
“Or go for maximizing efficiency, no matter how many downsides there are.”
“Some of that too.”
“Ha… that’s too difficult.”
A researcher said in a low voice as if lamenting.
“It would be nice to have a professor to consult with…”
“…?”
“…?”
“…?”
At those words, the meeting room went silent. It went beyond being quiet and even depressing.
After being lost in my thoughts for a while, I sensed a strange silence and raised my head.
“·······”
Everyone’s eyes were focused on me at once.
Like baby birds waiting for their mother bird to feed them, they sent bright yet earnest eyes.
The unspoken pressure was really embarrassing.
“Kuhmm…”
I averted my gaze. To be honest, I wasn’t confident.
It’s not just a simple interpretation of the magic formula, it’s a difficult task to catch two rabbits: the completeness and efficiency of the magic formula. It wasn’t even a defense-type spell, so I wasn’t sure if I could solve it or not.
Even if you are Leonard, how can you do researcher-level magic, and that is also difficult for majors-
The moment I thought so
Geeing-
[ ◆Pharmaceutical Scheme ]
Perfection ▶ 78%
Efficiency ▶ 83%
Solution ▶ Instead of reducing the external 10 strokes to 5 strokes, draw it diagonally to increase efficiency. The oblique strokes in the center are reduced and a large stroke penetrating through the center is added to maximize completeness and efficiency.
Total strokes: 81 strokes ▶ 72 strokes
[Magical insight] manifested and a hologram window appeared in front of my eyes.
······Oh right.
Leonard was a super supporting character who threatened the main character’s position only with his magical talents.
I pretended not to be the case and spoke in tears.
“It seems to be possible to lay the outer strokes diagonally and add a large inner stroke instead of the central oblique stroke, but…”
Then, the researchers quickly reconstructed the formula. Following the hint, the level of completion and efficiency rose dramatically.
“Wow······”
“OMG······”
Researchers were amazed. Some were shocked and couldn’t keep their mouths shut.
“It’s really great…”
“Thank you very much, Professor. You will be blessed completely!”
The problem that I’ve been thinking about for days and days, I solved it at once, so I have no choice but to do it.
To be honest, I was a little surprised this time too.
“Then is the meeting over?”
“yes? oh yes It ended early thanks to you.”
“That’s fortunate. I’ll just go.”
Excessive praise was burdensome, so I left the meeting room first.
＊＊＊
The official working hours of the Magic Tower are 6:00 PM. However, no researcher left work on time.
This is because important schedules such as seminars and performance reports remained.
That’s why the researchers started anti-compulsory overtime. Lab lights brighter than the moon in the night sky bloomed all over the Mage Tower.
Evening approaching 9pm.
Jeniel finished his quota and came out. I stretched out and breathed in the fresh air.
“OMG······”
After working overtime for the first time in a while, I was exhausted. My shoulders were sore and my eyes were blurry.
The same goes for the researchers who work around them. All of them had long dark circles. He groaned like a zombie and moved helplessly.
Tuck- Tuck-
“eww······”
“ah······”
It was like a scene from a horror movie.
But what’s even more frightening is that there is still a laboratory with lights on. For the time being, it is only open until 10pm, but it must be workaholics trying to meet the deadline.
“Crime, punish…”
Jeniel shook his head and headed home. Tracking and tracking- My steps were heavy.
What kind of nightmare will you have today?
Will I be able to fall asleep?
I liked going to work, but I hated going home. I hope someone can erase this anxiety.
When I was heading home with those thoughts
“…?”
In Jeniel’s field of vision, he saw a hole-in-the-wall shop on campus. And suddenly, the memory of drinking canned beer with Leonard came to mind.
Memories of talking hahahoho without any worries.
At that time, I was just happy…
Come to think of it, it’s been a long time since I drank with Leonard. How many years ago was that? 3 years? 4 years?
“Hmm······”
Jeniel entered the corner store as if possessed by something. I bought 4 cans of beer and went to Leonard’s office.
smart-
I knocked on the door with excitement. After a while, the door was opened with a “spark”, and Jeniel smiled and entered.
Leonard was clearly surprised.
“Why are you…?”
“Leonard! what were you doing?”
“I was resting.”
“Oh yeah?”
He held out the bag he had hidden behind his back.
“Then, shall we have a beer after a long time?”
“beer······?”
Leonard stared at the bag with narrowed eyes.
A can of beer with water droplets visible through transparent plastic.
No matter how many people change, this cannot be denied.
“Is that so?”
I knew it.
Jeniel hurriedly ran and sat down on the sofa. After quickly setting the beer, I opened the can.
profit-
Pleasant crackling sound.
He covered the foam rising up with his lips. It had a mild flavor.
Leonardo, who was sitting behind him, also opened a can.
“Drink together.”
“You haven’t drunk yet? I just tasted the bubbles hehe.”
A full beer can crashed in the air.
Tung-
Jeniel closed his eyes and tilted the beer can. Gulp – The refreshing beer went down smoothly. Canned beer after work has always been an art.
“Kyaa-!”
He wiped the foam from his mouth with the back of his hand. The alcohol made me feel better.
Leonard asked.
“Why is there beer all of a sudden?”
“It’s just that I haven’t had a beer with you in a long time. I’ve been under some stress lately.”
“What happened?”
“Um… no, that’s-”
Jeniel stopped talking and immediately drank beer. When I thought of Karios, I was on fire.
“Keuuu00u Well, that’s what carios is.”
After that incident, let alone consolation, they only talked about work- I don’t care- I’m really selfish- I’ve changed because I’ve been dating for a long time- etc.
He poured out all the grievances he had accumulated over the years. I poured out a bowl of swearing, and my insides felt refreshed.
Leonardo reacted wholeheartedly.
“really·····? Did he say that?”
as if it were your job.
“Is it because of the ‘preventive properties’…”
“yes? Prevent what?”
“no. Please tell me.”
We had many conversations after that.
Not just the story of Karios, but also the story of the academy, difficulties as a researcher, and funny rumors.
We talked and laughed for a while. It was so much fun that I didn’t even notice the time passing. The uneasiness that had plagued me before I knew it had completely disappeared.
“No, so then-”
If you think about it, it was always like that.
It was always fun to spend time with Leonard.
Leonard was the only one who was always considerate of me, we communicated well, and when we were together, I somehow felt comfortable.
The reason I fell asleep during psychotherapy was because Leonard held my hand.
Did I rely on it a lot without even knowing it?
“Hehe.”
Jeniel, who had been drinking two cans of beer before he knew it, was already drunk. Reason faded and instinct took precedence.
Leonard was good.
I wanted to be with him.
“Leonard.”
Jeniel sat down next to Leonard. I crossed my arms and looked at him with a flushed face.
“Shall we sleep together today…?”
The anxiety and insomnia that plagued me for two days.
But with Leonard, I thought I could get a good night’s sleep.
Leonard said nothing.
I was just looking at it with strange eyes.
A mysterious air current flows between the two.
It was a time when the atmosphere was ripe.
smart-
A knock was heard in the office.
The two eyes met and turned to the door.
smart-
A knock was heard again. It was a more nervous touch than before.
yet
-hey! Are you married? open the door
Narsha’s voice came from outside the door. Leonard’s pupils shook violently.
The current time is 10:02 PM.
Why did Narsha, whom I was supposed to meet at midnight, come already? Is something going on?
Now wasn’t the time to question that.
I had to hide Jeniel somehow.
No one would look favorably on the sight of the two of them drinking late at night with his fiancee, especially in the office.
Especially when it comes to Narsha, who knows about Leonard’s unusual past.
Jeniel also looked very flustered.
“Uh, what should I do?” “Jeniel. Go home for a while.”
After saying that, Jeniel disappeared.
Susut-!
It was the manifestation of 「Expedium」.
Leonard immediately opened the door with 「Depression」. He pretended to be as relaxed as possible.
“What are you doing at this hour?”
Narsha, who was very annoyed, sniffed and asked.
“I-Smell of alcohol. Do you want beer?”
“uh? yes.”
“alone?”
“right.”
“But why are there two beer cans?”
He had a keen eye as much as his sensitive personality.
In an instant, my back felt chilly. I felt like my girlfriend caught me cheating on me.
However, Leonard did not give in and showed his wit.
“uh? Eating alone makes me lonely.”
I held a beer can in both hands and pretended to bump it.
“Eat like this when you want to toast alone. salty~”
“·······”
Narsha’s brow furrowed. What kind of a back body you have – was the gaze.
In any case, I managed to get out of the situation.
After taking Narsha out, all I had to do was cancel 「Expedium」 and that was it.
However, an unexpected development unfolded.
“Are you very lonely?”
“uh? yes······”
“Ugh.”
Narsha shook her head and grabbed a new beer can and opened it. Then, I sat down on the sofa.
“I feel good, but I feel good. let’s eat together. I have something to say.”
“Uh, huh? why······?”
“Why? Don’t you like it?”
“no. I am fine.”
Leonard smiled awkwardly and held out a beer can. After hesitating for a moment, Narsha lightly bumped the can and drank the beer.
“Big-”
Narsha’s face became brighter than before.
On the other hand, Leonard’s complexion gradually darkened.
It was because a lot of mana was consumed to maintain [Expedium] .