Atelier Tanaka

Book 3: Chapter 4 (2)

Baronage

The noble mage guided me to his office located within the school. It seems that the professors offices in the academy have the highest level of soundproofing of any room. This noble mage hasnt been studying the highest levels of magic for nothing. Well be using this room to discuss the noble mages love interest.

This doesnt seem like a fitting action for a member of a great noble family to be taking.

So then, umm, what do you want to know? Im not really sure where to start.

The layout of his office was similar to the dorm rooms.

There were several doors lined up down a corridor with each door leading to a different professors office. Within the door to the noble mages office, there were several doors on either side of the entry hall leading to unknown rooms.

Currently, were in a room close to the entrance sitting on a sofa.

First of all, Id like to know exactly what you like about her.

Hmmt-thats, well.

I need to know to give him proper advice.

And Id be lying if I said Im not curious.

Well, its hard to put into words. Even if you were to force me to tell you, Id only be able to give a meaningless answer. All I can say is that when I stand next to her I get a strange, unbearable tingling sensation all over my body.

So he gets nervous when theyre together.

I can understand that. When I think about her loli body, I cant sleep at night.

Also, shes intelligent and is someone that I could have an intellectual conversation with. To be honest, Im worried that shes already seen through me and knows how I feel. There are also so many other things that I love about her.

I see.

Its a bit unexpected but theres no doubt that the noble mage truly understands the powerful charms of the dragon loli.

Have you considered telling her your feelings directly?

T-Tell her directly?

Yes. This is just entirely my own assumption, but she strongly desires a sense of approval.

I see.

By the way, where is she?

Shes still living in my mansion.

Still, I wonder if the dragon loli will even accept a human.

.

.

After thinking about it for a moment, I had no answer.

However, if he doesnt tell her his feelings directly, hell never get anywhere. Shes not stupid nor is she dense, but shes not going to notice his feelings without him telling her. On top of that, Im not even sure how a relationship between a dragon and a human would work. Its like an elephant trying to be with an ant. I guess he could try doing it with her but that would be like throwing a hotdog into the Grand Canyon.

For this to work out for the noble mage, there are other things to consider besides conveying his feeling.

W-Whats wrong? You suddenly went quiet.

There are also racial differences that Ive been thinking about.

so its about that?

Have you thought about it as well?

Yeah, I realize how ridiculous a relationship between a dragon and a human sounds, so Ive put some thought into how I can make it work.

If thats the case, you should definitely tell her. Theres no point in hesitating.

Yeah, youre right.

As expected of the noble mage, he seems to already have a plan. Then, the reason he came to visit me is probably to receive that last push to make him go for it.

This guy is strange. Hes acting like a young, pure girl.

So, what exactly is your plan?

Well, actually.

It was just as the noble mage was about to speak that we heard a knocking on the door.

Hmm, a visitor.

Is someone else here?

No, that sound came from the door leading out to the main corridor.

Really? I swear that sounded like it came from the door here.

Youre not wrong. It would be inconvenient if you couldnt hear someone knocking if youre deep in the office. Theres a magical enchantment on every door within the office. Whenever someone knocks on the entry door, it sounds as if theyre knocking on the door youre closest to.

I see.

Its a rather trivial thing but also incredibly useful. I wonder if he designed that himself.

Im impressed.

I feel like this man could start an industrial revolution all on his own.

Im sure its someone that wishes to discuss the academic conference. This is actually rather convenient. I wished to talk to you about that as well. Ill be back shortly.

All right, I understand.

The noble mage said this before leaving the room.

I leaned back on the sofa and waited for his return.

***

After waiting for a short while, the noble mage returned with someone.

Eh.

I know her.

The alchemy teacher Lydia, whom I assume is married. I believe her full name is Lydia Nannuzzi. She appears to be in her mid-thirties and gives off a mature older woman feel. She has distinctive gentle eyes.

She was wearing a luxurious robe so I assume shes a nobleman. She was also wearing a grey cloak with gold embroidery. Her loose brown hair was brought forward over her shoulder as it flowed down into her ample cleavage. It was as if she styled her hair like this so peoples eyes would be drawn to her chest.

Recently, Ive been seeing more of an appeal in adultery.

Its a somewhat similar appeal to wanting to have sex with your attractive blood-related sister.

Fahren-sama, t-that person there.

She noticed my presence and raised her voice.

Is it because shes surprised that her voice is so high?

Im considering inviting him to my VIP seat at the Academic Conference. His name is Tanaka.

Hello, thank you for caring for me in class, Lydia Sensei.

Eh!? Y-Your VIP seat!?

Lydia Sensei didnt even greet me as she was shocked to hear the noble mages words.

She probably wasnt expecting there to be other guests here.

It seems that she and the noble mage are acquaintances meeting in a faculty area after classes have ended. Its only natural for her to be surprised to see a student here. I cant believe a lolicon noble like him has risen so high in this academy.

Do you two know each other?

Yes, shes the teacher for one of the classes I take.

Hou~, is that so?

Yes.

I never expected to see her here either.

She still looked surprised when she responded to the noble mage.

Umm, i-is it really okay to give him your VIP seat?

I stand by my word. He became a student after I vouched for him, but he is someone that can stand as my equal. The Academic Conference will be a good chance for him to learn more about our academy.

H-Hes equal to you, F-Fahren-sama!?

Thats right.

That cant be.

Lydia was shocked again.

I dont need the noble mage praising me in front of her.

I want him to do that when Sophias around.

Im sorry to ask a member of the executive committee this but Id like a few more seats this year than usual. Ill confirm the final number needed on the day of the conference, but be sure to include a seat for his maid as well.

Yes, Ill request additional seats for you. I understand.

Good. Also, prepare a lot of sweet snacks.

Y-Yes! Ill make sure there are plenty of sweets!

Lydias face was looking gaunt as she nodded once more. The noble mage is like Lydia Senseis strict boss.

.

I see.

I understand now. He told her to add extra seats. If theres someone else coming besides me, its most likely the loli dragon.

The sweets are just something to lure her there.

Is he trying to bring her to a place where he can show off his skills? Thats not a bad idea. Shes interested in powerful magic, so this should be a perfect opportunity for them to find common ground.

And what business did you have with me?

Right. We needed to make preparations for the staff meeting tomorrow.

Ah, is it that time already?

The noble mage furrowed his brow.

It seems like he has other business to take care of.

I understand you have a very busy schedule but we need you in the meeting room.

I understand.

The noble mage nodded.

Does this mean our first love meeting is over?

If its okay with you, Ill excuse myself for today.

Sure. Sorry for making you come all the way here just for a short visit.

No, its really no problem.

Ill send a carriage to pick you up tomorrow morning. Theres nothing, in particular, youll need to bring. The Academic Conference is for those wishing to follow along the path to become a mage. Im sure youll like it. Also, I dont mind if youd like to bring anyone with.

Okay, then Ill take my leave.

Of course.

I stood up from the sofa and left the room after bowing to each of them.

I dont know the exact details, but it seems my schedule for tomorrow has been set.

I remember hearing about this Academic Conference before.

Its some type of scholarly event that the teachers from the academy take part in. It was explained to me a few days ago by the Deputy Director. If I remember correctly, most of the teachers disliked the event, but the noble mage seemed excited by it.

Its similar to the differences in experience between someone that attends a festival and someone that helps set one up.

***

I arrived back at the dormitory after leaving the noble mages office.

I entered the living room and saw Sophia-chan lying on the sofa reading a book. On a table next to her, there was tea and snacks prepared. Occasionally, shed reach one hand out and grab the tea before gulping it down while still reading her book.

Shed make a good full-time housewife. Especially with that sexy maid outfit.

Seeing her completely relaxed like this warms my heart. It makes me think of us as a couple thats been married for many years. Shed sometimes scratch her right calf with her left foot. I got a little excited at the chance to study a girl in her natural state.

What are you reading?

Wha !?

She nearly screamed after I called out to her.

She seemed incredibly surprised as her entire body started to tremble.

Ta-Tanaka-san!?

I guess she didnt hear me come in.

Im sorry I disturbed you. You can go back to what you were doing.

Im I-I-I-Im very sorry! Ill prepare your tea right away!

She stood up and ran to the kitchen as if she were trying to escape from me.

Was she really that shocked?

It looked like she was fleeing from some type of monster.

Id rather she ran and jumped in my arms before wrapping her legs around me. Every virgin wishes to experience that once in their life. Im confident that if she were ever to do that, I wouldnt let go of her.

.

No, this isnt the time for me to my delusions.

I have to know.

The time that Sophia-chan spent alone with Allen.

What happened on those few days they were alone together after I left?

.

But I cant just ask her whether or not shes still a virgin.

What should I do?

As I was agonizing over how to go about asking her, a lively voice could be heard coming from the entrance.

I-Its me! Ester! Im coming in!

You dont have to announce who you are. Its clear by your voice.

I could hear her footsteps running down the hall without waiting for my reply.

The loli bitch has entered my home without permission.

I should be sure to lock the door from now on.

After a brief moment, the living room door was thrown open and the beautiful blonde loli ran into the room. She wasnt in her normal school uniform, but rather the mens clothing I had seen her wear in Tricklis. I guess she mustve had business outside of the school.

I decided to make a preemptive attack once she spotted me.

Good afternoon, Ester-chan.

Yes, its a great afternoon! The weather is so nice today!

While looking a little nervous, the loli bitch stared at me.

Just as she said, the weather is nice today.

Oh, is Sophia not here today?

She looked around the room as she asked this.

Shes in the kitchen.

Oh, really? Then Ill go say hi.

The blonde loli ran to the kitchen. Its like she treats Sophia as her own maid. Well, its nice if theyre close to each other.

Theyre kind of like the noble mage and me.

.

Im a little worried.

What do they talk about?

Recently, Ester-chan has acting rashly at almost every opportunity. Im afraid shell be a bad influence on Sophia-chan. Its the masters duty to look after the maid that looks after him. Naturally, this is my duty to take care of her. Yeah, its natural.

I quietly followed after Ester-chan and made my way to the kitchen.