Chapter 18: The Three Songstresses
The next day, after some time had passed since I started work, I headed to the headmistress’s office.
From the outside, this academy looked like a fortress. It was a three-story building with two towering spires. Rumors said one of them was the headmistress’s residence.
The headmistress’s office was the room at the very back of the third floor, at the end of the hallway.
I stood in front of the door, knocked lightly a few times, and called out.
"It’s Raide."
"Come in."
I used polite language because I didn’t know who might be watching, and it was important to maintain appearances.
Hearing her reply, I entered and closed the door behind me.
At the same time, Croana jumped into my arms and clung to my neck.
Slightly surprised, I gently hugged her back, savoring the feeling of her chest pressed against mine.
Her glossy black hair carried the scent of books. It wasn’t a dusty smell — rather, it was a nostalgic, comforting fragrance that reminded me of my childhood.
Different from Nimi’s scent. It gave me a sense of security. fɾēewebnσveℓ.com
While thinking how different it was, I kept holding her and asked:
"Croana... This might sound stupid, but can I ask you something?"
"What is it?"
"...Well, have we met somewhere before in the past? Your scent feels so nostalgic... I don’t want to let go."
"You..."
She pulled her face away from my neck and looked at me with a troubled smile.
Croana must have been using magic, because even though she moved away from my neck, I didn’t feel any weight in my arms.
...She’s probably floating again, huh?
She gave me a light kiss on the lips, tilted her head, and smiled gently.
"Why do you say such lovable things?"
"No, it really does feel nostalgic..."
"...I’ve been living in this royal capital since I was fourteen. It wouldn’t be strange if we had met before."
"Didn’t you say you hardly ever went outside?"
Croana let out an amused "kukku" laugh and pointed at the nearby sofa.
We moved to the sofa and I sat down, placing her on my lap. She immediately straddled me, facing me, and wrapped both arms around my neck as she continued speaking.
From the age of thirteen, Croana had shown more talent than those around her in magic and the creation of magic tools.
Thanks to that, she could use magic to hide her appearance or disguise herself.
She said that while going outside without magic was scary, it wasn’t like she never left at all.
... I really want to know who called her ugly.
Croana noticed my expression, gently narrowed her eyes, and stroked my cheek as she spoke.
"Talking about it takes courage... even to myself. So can you wait a little longer?"
"...Sorry."
"No, it’s fine. Actually, this is what I wanted to give you today when I called you here."
She took out a key and handed it to me.
It looked like an ordinary golden key, but since it was from Croana, it was probably special.
She seemed amused by how intently I was staring at it and laughed softly as she explained.
"That is the key to my residence. I’ll invite you on the next academy holiday... No, I want you to come."
Her shy expression was so cute that I pulled her close and gave her a deep kiss.
I savored her small mouth for a little longer before pulling away.
I sat the now dazed-looking Croana down beside me.
I promised I would definitely go, then left the headmistress’s office.
As I was giving instructions at the training ground as usual, I heard the sound of a spell misfiring.
It was a light but noticeable explosion. When I looked toward the sound, I saw Roy and Lucy’s pair.
It seemed Lucy’s magic wasn’t activating properly and kept exploding.
Lucy was on the verge of tears, and Roy was trying to comfort her.
...This event came early.
I immediately called Roy over and whispered in his ear. After hearing me, Roy’s face turned red. He bowed his head and ran back to Lucy.
This event happens after Roy and Lucy first become intimate.
If left alone, Lucy — not understanding the cause — would lose confidence and end up being deceived in future events.
This condition would normally heal in less than three days if she rested calmly.
...Well, Roy’s way of comforting her is pretty bad, though.
I could see Roy desperately trying to console Lucy.
Suddenly, Lucy looked over at me with teary eyes, so I gave her a strong nod.
Eh, you blush at that?
Roy and Lucy eventually calmed down. They bowed toward me and started a different training exercise.
Yes, that’s the right approach. When you’re not feeling well, changing your mood is important.
"Raide Instructor, do you have a moment?"
A clear, beautiful voice called my name. I turned around.
Standing there were three female students with crimson hair.
Wynn: Short hair with slightly droopy eyes.
Aurora: Semi-long hair cut straight at the shoulders, with a sharp, composed expression.
Rain: Hair in twin-tails reaching down to her waist, with a mischievous, little-devil vibe.
The three of them were idols who had begun making a name for themselves in the region as songstresses.
By the way, all three of them had apple-sized breasts.
They had enrolled in this academy not only for academics but also to receive combat training.
In my previous world it might not have been necessary, but this world has monsters and bandits.
If something happens, they need to be able to protect themselves.
The one who spoke to me was their leader, Aurora. I looked her straight in the eyes and replied.
"What’s up?"
"Instructor... do you know how to project your voice properly?"
"Sorry... could you explain a bit more?"
"I’m sorry..."
They didn’t have a dedicated teacher. They had reached this level purely through self-study.
However, they usually performed in open areas. Compared to other famous singers, they felt they were lacking in power.
...Well, there are no concert domes or microphones in this world, after all.
"Even if it doesn’t help, forgive me... I’ve heard that it’s good to sing from the belly. Also, swimming? To increase lung capacity, maybe."
"...I see."
"...If you’re that worried, you can practice here."
"""Eh?"""
All three of them looked at me in surprise.
Finding the scene amusing, I smiled a little and continued with my advice.
"You can split your time in half — combat training and singing practice. There are many noble daughters, merchant girls, and students with special talents here. A lot of them have refined ears. If it goes well, it could also boost your own confidence, right?"
After my suggestion, the three of them started whispering among themselves.
I glanced sideways at Erika. Our eyes met, and I guided her gaze toward the three girls. She blinked in surprise.
When I looked at her again, she was muttering something with a twitching expression.
I could clearly tell what she was saying: "Eh, does that mean more work for me?"
See, Erika... I’m giving you preferential treatment just like I promised, aren’t I?