"Don't mention it. I did go to Vermouth, but she was no help at all. She even led me astray."
Akako Koizumi said dejectedly.
"All right. If I have time, I'll look into it. But that'll have to wait until I'm free—forget it for now." Shin put the book away first.
When he arrived at the school gate, Shin's gaze sharpened as he looked toward a woman.
The woman saw Shin as well and walked over to him.
"Mr. Hyuga Shin, it really hasn't been easy trying to see you," Shizuka Hattori said as she looked at Shin.
That was right—this woman was Shizuka Hattori. She had come to his door twice without seeing Shin, so she had come up with a way to wait for him at the school gate.
She had been standing there since early morning. At last, her efforts had paid off—she had finally seen Hyuga Shin.
"I've been busy, that's why. By the way, Mrs. Hattori, what do you need from me? If there's nothing important, I'll head in first. Otherwise, I'll be late."
Akako Koizumi glanced at Shin, then at Shizuka Hattori, and said, "I won't disturb you two. Oh, and Shin, don't you dare forget about my matter."
What Akako Koizumi meant, of course, was her request for Shin to help research magic.
"All right, I know. I'll help you when I have time."
"So I have to wait until you have time, huh?" Akako Koizumi shot Shin an annoyed look.
Shin spread his hands and said, "Yeah. How am I supposed to help you if I don't have time?"
"Even though that makes perfect sense, it still annoys me."
Akako Koizumi entered the school, leaving behind Shin and Shizuka Hattori—oh, and the students passing by.
When the students heading to school saw