Since Celia had taken the initiative to visit, Ansu spoke to her with a serious expression about being followed earlier.
"My Lady Witch, on the way back with Vera today, I noticed several demon hunters tailing me. To be safe, it's better if we reduce contact for a while. I can't go to your mansion anymore either..."
"Oh?" Celia arched an eyebrow. "So those few people keeping watch across the street from your house are demon hunters."
"As expected of you, My Lady Witch!" Ansu praised. He knew the stalkers couldn't hide from her eyes, but he hadn't expected them to be so close.
"Demon hunters..." Celia narrowed her eyes. "Those troublesome fellows are all Archbishop Leonard's subordinates. It seems that man still has his suspicions about you..."
She pondered for a moment, a cold glint appearing in her eyes.
"Do you need me to deal with this Leonard for you?"
"How would you deal with him?" Ansu asked, surprised.
"Just kill him!"
Ansu looked helpless. "Kill Archbishop Leonard and then have the both of us be wanted by the Church, fleeing everywhere?"
Since Leonard already suspected him, if the man died now, wouldn't his suspicion become even greater?
"Wouldn't that be nice?" Celia giggled, wearing an indifferent expression. "I'd have you to accompany me, so the road to exile wouldn't be lonely."
"Are you serious?" Ansu felt even more helpless. What kind of star-crossed fugitives was she imagining?
"Alright, alright, I'm just joking." Celia's expression finally became a little more serious.
"Being followed by demon hunters isn't a big deal. Since they're only tailing you, it means they don't have conclusive evidence of your guilt yet. Just go about your business as usual during this time; don't be too nervous."
Ansu nodded.
"Also, I have official business with you today." Celia took out an old book, placed it on the desk, and gently pushed it toward Ansu.
"These were borrowed from your library. The author is a professor at your academy, Duncan Adams. I need you to help me get close to him."
Ansu picked up the book and flipped through it curiously.
He discovered that this work was related to the history of the previous era and hidden ancient ruins. The last time Celia had him go to the library was precisely to find this kind of book.
He instinctively understood what Celia wanted to do.
"Since you won't let me report the matter of the demon army's treasure to my teacher, we'll investigate it ourselves. This Professor Duncan from your academy seems to have always held a deep interest in the demon army's treasure, even organizing students for field trips to various places several times."
Celia said with a serious gaze, "I've gone through a large amount of literature, and the one closest to the truth in the entire academic world is likely this Professor Duncan. However, his current situation isn't good. He has neither the funds nor the motivation to continue the investigation, so I need your help."
Ansu nodded. As a student of the Royal Academy, he was indeed well-suited to approach the professor.
But he was curious about what "current situation isn't good" meant.
Hearing Ansu's question, Celia explained further, "This professor is currently destitute and apparently on the verge of being expelled by the academy."
"Oh? Is he doing that poorly?" The image of a brilliant but unappreciated old professor appeared in Ansu's mind. "Actually, a lack of money is easy to handle. If we give him some funding, he might be able to restart the field research of the ancient ruins."
"I'm afraid the actual situation is much more complicated." Celia chuckled. "So, I'll leave tomorrow's trip to the academy to you~"
...
The next morning, in front of the fountain at Benalu Royal Academy.
Having agreed on a time with Celia in advance, Ansu sat on a bench and waited idly.
The vile witch was usually quite efficient; why was she so slow today?
After waiting for an unknown amount of time, while the couples on the surrounding benches had already cycled through twice, a tall and graceful shadow finally fell over him.
Ansu was about to greet her with a smile, but when he saw Celia's outfit today, his eyes lit up.
Celia was wearing the Royal Academy student uniform. The top was an exquisite small blazer over a pure white shirt, the graceful curves of her chest causing the fabric to bulge slightly. Below, she wore a cute and playful plaid skirt that fluttered slightly as she walked. Those fair and smooth legs made it hard for Ansu to look away.
Since Celia had changed into their academy's uniform, she naturally couldn't wear her usual black stockings.
Today, she wore white ankle socks paired with small leather shoes. She didn't have her usual mature aura; instead, she looked like a youthful and cute girl-next-door junior.
"Why are you staring?" Celia curled her lips, seemingly in a very good mood. "Do I look good?"
"You look good, really good." Ansu nodded honestly, his eyes practically glued to her.
Celia had also applied light makeup today, making her already beautiful face even more exquisite and stunning.
As the incredibly gorgeous Celia appeared, it naturally caused a flurry of whispers around them. Many students were constantly asking which major this beauty belonged to and why they had never seen her before...
Ansu stood up, and Celia giggled as she leaned in close, intimately hooking her arm through his.
"Let's go~ my acting boyfriend for today~"
"Hmm?" Ansu gave her a confused look.
Celia blinked. "We're posing as a student couple interested in history and ancient ruins! I'm telling you, I didn't put on makeup specifically for you! We have a mission today, and we can't let Professor Duncan see any flaws!"
"Oh, fine..." Ansu thought to himself that she was quite the actress.
Even if she didn't wear makeup, no one would recognize her as a cultist...
However, Ansu was already used to the contrary, tsundere witch. If she were ever straightforward, he might actually find it hard to adjust...
Thus, Celia lightly held Ansu's hand, and the two enjoyed the unique scenery of the academy park while discussing the upcoming mission.
Unbeknownst to them, the high-visual young couple had become a scene of their own within the school. No matter where they went, they drew gazes and hushed discussions.
"I don't know the Royal Academy as well as you do. In a bit, you'll be responsible for getting close to him. If he really is short on money, we'll propose the idea of sponsoring him..."
Because Celia was leaning so close, a faint, pleasant fragrance wafted over. Ansu's heart rate accelerated slightly, and he couldn't help but steal glances at the witch right beside him.
And every time he peeked at her, the corners of Celia's mouth would curl up just a tiny bit.
"Ansu~"
She looked over mischievously. "Do you like me in a student uniform that much? If that's the case, I'll wear it for you in private every day, okay~?"
"Yes, please!" Ansu blinked. It would be even better if the My Lady Witch wore this outfit to 'punish' him.
Celia suddenly huffed and pinched Ansu's waist. "Keep dreaming! This is a limited edition! Student Celia is for today only!"
Ansu silently thought that punishing him today would be fine too!
At least he wouldn't have to take off any stockings...
Rate on N.U.
