Chapter 15: The End of the Day (1)
As expected of Georg, the former mage of the Hero’s Party, Dogeon thought, both the content and methods of his special training defied common sense.
Creating a pocket dimension large enough for people to enter was already astonishing, but manipulating the flow of time inside and outside? That was absurd.
Though three hours had passed inside, only about three minutes had gone by outside.
Dogeon couldn’t help but wonder why someone of Georg’s caliber was wasting away at the academy.
The academy’s reputation was stellar, sure, but it wasn’t exactly a fitting place for a former Hero’s Party member. The question only deepened his curiosity.
“Well, I should look on the bright side. At least I’ve learned something invaluable.”
Dogeon chose not to overthink it. In the original story, the reason Georg remained at the academy was never revealed, and he left the story around the midpoint.
Until then, Dogeon resolved to extract as much value from him as possible.
“Treating yourself as the center of the world and rewriting the rules… I didn’t realize magic had such a concept.”
Even if the amount of mana one could wield was limited, believing it with all your heart could amplify a spell’s power. This mechanic hadn’t appeared in the original work.
Was that why the mage characters in the story had all acted so haughty? Nobles were likely already full of themselves, but the thought of them genuinely believing they were the center of the universe made Dogeon understand everything at once.
Georg’s evaluation of Dogeon’s magical aptitude had been lukewarm, deeming it “decent.” But for Georg, who was notoriously harsh with his assessments, even that much was high praise.
Even Anastasia couldn’t escape Georg’s sharp critiques, so the fact that Dogeon managed to earn a passing grade spoke volumes about his potential.
Yet, just as Dogeon was starting to feel a bit smug, he spotted Hoyeon heading into an alley. His whole body froze.
Regardless of his talent, a single word from her to her parents would spell his doom.
He needed to show her only the best sides of this continent—certainly not its dirty back alleys.
Without a moment’s hesitation, Dogeon followed her. He wasn’t worried about being caught; in fact, he hoped she would notice him.
But to his dismay, she ventured even deeper into the alley. What business could she possibly have there?
It didn’t take long for him to find her. Standing at a crossroads where several alleys met, she looked completely lost. Approaching her, Dogeon asked with genuine concern:
“…Miss Hoyeon, what brings you here?”
“I got lost.”
It was obvious she hadn’t gotten lost but had entered the alley intentionally.
Still, Dogeon didn’t point it out.
He was relieved nothing had happened, though he couldn’t help feeling a twinge of irritation.
His tone betrayed some of his frustration.
“You seem to lose your way often.”
“The paths here are overly complicated.”
The academy’s main roads connected most facilities, so her claim of getting lost after wandering into a back alley felt suspicious. Nevertheless, Dogeon decided not to dwell on it.
There was no point in aggravating their relationship, and his priority was getting her out of the alley.
“Were you headed somewhere specific?”
“…To the fourth dormitory. Do you know the way?”
“The fourth dorm? You have a room there?”
“Yes.”
The fourth dorm. Coincidentally, Dogeon’s room was there too. He figured this would be a good chance to rest while escorting Hoyeon out of the alley.
Physically, Georg had restored him fully, but the mental strain of the day left him feeling drained.
“What a coincidence. My room’s in the fourth dorm as well.”
“I see.”
Her frosty tone showed no interest in continuing the conversation.
It was as if she was silently saying, I don’t care about your circumstances.
In the sanctuary near the World Tree, she had smiled and even shared bread with him.
Why was she now openly radiating displeasure?
Had something happened to sour her mood? If so, did that mean he’d have to take on the role of her confidant too? Dogeon seriously considered it.
She seemed to like him at times, yet at others, she didn’t. Her mood swings made her feelings impossible to gauge. And now, less than a day after her arrival, she’d already clashed with the daughter of the Northern Grand Duke. If left unchecked, she might end up making enemies of the entire academy.
Calling it a “clash” was an exaggeration, though. All Hoyeon had done was ask Anastasia where the cafeteria was, but the atmosphere had been so icy that anyone present would have thought otherwise.
Dogeon was convinced.
“…Shall I guide you there?”
“Please do.”
He silently led the way. Though he didn’t know the exact layout of the alleys, it wasn’t a concern. As long as they reached the main road, he could navigate to their destination.
***
As I followed him, a thought struck me: Does this guy even know where he’s going? He had been nearly an hour late to gym class, and now, trailing behind him, I started to feel uneasy.
Sure, it could have been a coincidence, but maybe he’d been off somewhere flirting with a girl before finally showing up.
Lucky him. Meanwhile, I had nearly been in tears after getting lost for real.
Anyway, he claimed the paths were complicated, and it seemed like he’d gotten lost earlier too.
Was I really following someone who might not even know the way? Or was he lying and actually knew?
Whatever the reason, I couldn’t ignore the growing sense of doubt.
“…Do you actually know where you’re going?”
He was walking confidently, but I had to ask. The last thing I wanted was to end up in some random place.
“I don’t know the exact layout of the alleys, but I know where the facilities are.”
“…Didn’t you just say the paths were complicated earlier?”
He stopped momentarily, as if caught off guard.
His reaction confirmed my suspicions: he’d lied.
He hadn’t gotten lost earlier; he’d probably been off wooing someone.
“Well, that was…”
“Forget it. I won’t press you further. Just lead the way.”
In hindsight, I’d been too quick to trust him.
Sure, he seemed innocent now, but this was the same guy destined to build a harem. I should keep my guard up.
Dogeon seemed to give up trying to explain himself and walked in silence. The already tense atmosphere grew even more awkward.
Now I feel like I did something wrong. It wasn’t like he’d tricked me with fancy noble talk,
yet I felt bad for no reason. He was supposed to be the deceptive, charming protagonist who builds a harem. Why was I the one feeling guilty?
Watching him sulk wasn’t satisfying either. If it was my fault, maybe I should console him.
It didn’t help that he was good-looking and had a decent personality. If he were ugly or a jerk, I wouldn’t even have bothered.
“I wasn’t trying to scold you. But if you’re going to lie, at least put more effort into it.”
“…I’ll keep that in mind.”
The mood seemed to lighten slightly. His steps grew less heavy, which oddly put me at ease.
Maybe I should’ve been firmer, warning him that lying is wrong. But that would’ve only made him resent me.
It wasn’t just because he was the protagonist that I wanted to stay on good terms with him—though that was the biggest reason.
Not that I intended to join his harem. I’d keep my distance, just close enough to watch how his story unfolded.
After all, I still thought of myself as a man.
Sure, I wore garter belts, tied up my hair, and had gotten used to wearing women’s underwear.
Still, I thought of myself as a man. Even though monthly reminders denied it, and my parents were actively seeking a match for me.
I’m still a man.
“…This might be a rude question, but may I ask?”
I wasn’t about to become part of his harem. Resolving to stay firm, I responded.
“What is it?”
“Back at the sanctuary, you seemed cheerful, but now you’re… quite the opposite. Your expression suggests displeasure. Did something happen to upset you?”
His question caught me completely off guard. Was I really walking around looking annoyed?
“Me?”
“…No, I’m sorry.”
“No, speak freely. Does my face really look that unpleasant?”
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