…

…

…

After leaving the academy's third dorm tower, Vaan chose not to return to the academy's library immediately. As it was still early morning, very few witches were up, and no classes had started yet.

Vaan decided to stroll around and explore the fields outside the academy's main building, where there were ten training fields.

Some were big, and some were small, some with training dummies and obstacles, and some were just empty grass fields or plots of sand.

Vaan could see a few witches practicing with their servants on some empty fields.

The servants were either used as live practice targets for magic spells or sparring partners for close combat techniques.

Witches and servants training on the fields were too busy to notice Vaan.

However, it was different for the other witches strolling on the footpath as they made their way around to the cafeteria with their servants.

As they directly passed each other, Vaan nodded at the young witches with a casual smile as he acknowledged their presence.

It was customary and part of men's etiquette to give brief greeting gestures to all witches they pass within shoulder width unless they were on a crowded street.

Not offering the slightest greeting gesture to witches was considered disrespectful or disregarding them.

As Vaan continued his stroll with hands in his coat's side pockets, the young witch turned for a second glance of his passing silhouette, captivated by his handsomeness.

However, the servant following behind the young witch frowned at his lady's expression. The servant knew that kind of look, and it provoked his envy.

Why look at other men when you have me? – the servant jealously thought.

"Did that ugly person disrespect you, my Lady? Should I teach him a lesson?" the servant asked, feeling overwhelmed with jealousy and dark thoughts.

For men to succeed in life, they had to cling to a good witch and step on other men that may threaten their positions.

Nevertheless, the young witch paused after hearing her servant's words before glancing back at him with a dark look.

"Did you just call that handsome man ugly? Are you blind? Or do you think I'm blind? I can see your ugly heart, Devin. Fix your attitude this instance!" the young lady reprimanded.

"Y-Yes, my Lady!" the servant called Devin complied with a startled look.

Shortly after, the young witch glanced in Vaan's direction with a distant and pondering look.

"I know all the handsome men in the academy, but he wasn't one of them. It seems like he is new to the academy. And those clothes… He might be a new assistant. But which department? Hm…" the young witch muttered thoughtfully.

…

Meanwhile, Vaan followed the footpath around the main academy building, fully aware of the adoration and envious gazes.

Nevertheless, Vaan greeted each passing young witch with a casual smile without exception.

Some young witches even made a quick loop around the academy just to receive his handsome smile again.

Of course, the resentful gazes also increased.

As rumors of a new handsome man on campus started to fly around in the early morning, more witches gathered outside to verify with their own eyes, even if it meant skipping their breakfast.

Nevertheless, Vaan didn't want to attract too much attention.

After locating the wasteyard at the back of the main academy building, he headed straight for the academy library. Several young witches were left disappointed for arriving too late to catch a glimpse of him at the scene.

Even after entering the main academy building, Vaan was still followed by a few bold young witches. They were curious about his destination.

Vaan didn't mind their pursuit as they did not hinder his activities and waste his time.

Recalling the way to the library, Vaan easily found himself at his destination without getting lost in the numerous hallways.

Given his powerful memory and Omni-Sense, Vaan couldn't get lost even if he wanted to.

After entering the library, Vaan found two visiting young witches, each browsing for books in a different section. Besides the two young witches, Dahlia Payne was also up.

"You're back, Vahn. Where did you go? I was saddened when I didn't see you after waking up, you know? I thought you just left and disappeared," Dahlia Payne said while carrying a bunch of books over to her desk.

Clearly, her sneezing problem had been resolved.

"Why would I suddenly disappear? Don't I still have to work as a library assistant?" Vaan casually replied with a smile while silently admiring Dahlia Payne's new look.

Her hair was tied up in a messy bun with multiple loose strands hanging down, giving her a fresh look. Coupled with her glasses and newfound confidence, she looked quite hot and intelligent.

Dahlia Payne possessed a wild and mature vibe that wasn't present previously.

"Right… You still have to work as my assistant," Dahlia Payne placed her books down on her messy desk before saying, "I should have informed you yesterday, but I'll do it now. You need to pay attention to a few things while working as an assistant in the library, Vahn."

Dahlia Payne proceeded to inform Vaan of the Do's and Don't's in the library, practically handing over all the responsibilities of an official librarian to him.

"Usually, you only need to do half the things I listed, but I have to trouble you to take over my job for a while, Vahn. My schedule is a bit tight right now, so it will be great if you can help me out with this," Dahlia Payne mentioned apologetically.

Vaan glanced down at the messy research papers on the desk, buried under the new stack of books.

"I assume it has something to do with the annual thesis academics have to submit? Do you mind if I take a look, my Lady?" Vaan politely asked while shuffling the stack of books to the side to see the research papers better.

"I'd rather you don't, Vahn. It's a little embarrassing for others to read. But if you insist… You may."

Dahlia Payne permitted reluctantly after thinking Vaan wouldn't understand or make fun of her thesis.