Chapter 42

That night, I slept with Doris.

As the saying went, a short parting made reunion sweeter than a wedding night. The first two times, Doris had only whimpered and refused to make any sound.

But tonight was completely different. I felt as if she was deliberately crying out for Elinalise in the next room to hear.

After all, during dinner, Elinalise had acted especially intimate with me while we were drinking and toasting each other. Doris must have noticed that, right?

Sure enough, no matter what position a woman was in, the jealousy in her heart never lessened one bit. Before, when I told Doris she could return to a free life, she had been unwilling.

Now, even in the position of my slave, she still got jealous. But I actually thought this was fine. If she let me flirt and cuddle with other women without having any opinion at all, I would even feel that maybe she did not love me that much.

With her acting like this now, it felt more real to me. Whether I could properly handle good relationships between women in the future was also one of my important jobs.

The next morning, when I woke up, Doris was already long gone.

When I went downstairs, I found that most of the group had already started eating breakfast.

I carefully observed Elinalise and found that she looked radiant, without the slightest sign of insomnia.

I did not know if she had run out afterward to find some wild man for a secret meal. Whatever, I would not bother with her. In any case, I knew perfectly well that she was a public bus, and I had never thought of using a public bus for private purposes.

But after seeing Aisha's face, I found that her dark circles were extremely severe and her eyes were heavy with sleep. One look and I could tell she had suffered serious insomnia last night.

Was the pillow at my house not suitable for her? Tonight, I would have Doris change it for her.

After breakfast, we headed to Ranoa University of Magic together.

I had returned to Sharia and was preparing to enroll as a special student at Ranoa University of Magic, but I had not communicated this to Ariel in advance.

She probably still did not know about it right now. I planned to register for the special class first, then go find her.

After arriving at the school, because Roxy had once been a student who graduated from this school, we very quickly found connections and met the vice principal of the school, Geenus.

Vice Principal Geenus had been Roxy's master when she was at Ranoa University of Magic before, and he received us very warmly.

Roxy was very well-behaved. After bowing to her teacher, she introduced us to him:

"Teacher, these people here are my friends. They all wish to come to Ranoa University of Magic to study magic.

"This person here is the disciple I took in after graduating from our school, when I went to Buena Village in the Asura Kingdom to work as a home tutor. His name is Rudeus Greyrat.

"He is currently a Water Saint Tier magician. In addition, he can also cast all attack magic without incantations.

"The two little girls standing beside him are his two younger sisters, Aisha Greyrat and Norn Greyrat. The two of them are still young, so they have not studied magic very deeply.

"The Long-ear Race lady over there is my companion from my adventuring days, Elinalise Dragonroad. She probably has not studied magic either.

"Lastly, this red-haired man is Dolin Prodia Greyrat. I believe you should have heard of him. He is very famous on the Northern Continent. At present, he is a King-tier magician, has also created flying magic on his own, and can also cast attack magic without incantations. Finally, because he is rather busy, he hopes to enroll in the special class."

Vice Principal Geenus listened very seriously, stroking his beard and nodding the entire time. Finally, when he heard my name, his eyes widened, and he stepped forward, grabbed my hand, and said:

"So you are Dolin Prodia Greyrat. Hearing of you is not as good as meeting you in person; I have truly admired your great name for a long time. When you used flying magic at the Adventurer Guild in Sharia several years ago, we had already noticed you.

"At the time, the principal told me that we absolutely had to recruit you into the school. Our principal is the Wind King-tier magician Georg. He also has flying magic that he researched himself, so when he finds out you have come, he will definitely seek you out to discuss magical research together.

"Of course there is no problem with you enrolling in our special student class. I will arrange someone for it. Tomorrow, you can report to the special class."

After Geenus finished exchanging pleasantries with me, he also turned toward Rudeus and the others and said:

"You friends of Roxy, welcome to Ranoa University of Magic to study magic. We also offer ordinary school courses. When the time comes, the two little girls can start attending classes from the regular class as well.

"In a while, we will also have a test. Once the test is completed, we can divide you into classes.

"Right, you are Roxy's disciple, yes?

"You are also quite excellent. After the test is over later, you can attend classes in the advanced magic class. When the time comes, you can also borrow our school's research rooms to conduct magical research."

Finally, Geenus returned to his seat and sighed at Roxy:

"You really have grown up. You can even teach such an impressive disciple now. This time you have returned, are you preparing to continue magical research at Ranoa University of Magic, or are you preparing to become a teacher at our magic university?"

Roxy sat up straight and answered:

"Teacher, I am preparing to return to Ranoa University of Magic to take up work as a teacher. After all these years outside, I realized that I still really like teaching magic to others.

"I once said very excessive things to you. Now I have already reflected on it and understand that I was too young and impetuous back then. I hope you can forgive me."

Geenus nodded in relief, stepped forward, and used his rough, large hand to rub Roxy's head. He said with a sigh:

"As long as you realize the problem now and make changes, everything is still in time. You have a longer lifespan than I do, your teacher. You will definitely go farther than me on the path of magic."

After the conversation ended, Rudeus and the others went to take the test.

It was basically a written test. This time, because Rudeus had not done adventurer activities on the Northern Continent and had not received Ariel's invitation either, he was not recruited into the special class.

After I went back and attended the special class, if Zanoba and Cliff had already appeared, I still had to introduce the two of them to Rudeus.

If Rudeus could not make the Magic Armor, then later, when Orsted fought on the side against Hitogami, his combat strength would be cut short by a huge chunk. Maybe I would even have to go help, and would that not be looking for trouble for myself?

Very soon, the test results came out. Rudeus successfully entered the advanced magic class, while Norn and Elinalise were both placed in the most basic beginner magic class.

As expected of the little genius Aisha. She actually tested into the intermediate magic class, and according to Roxy, she scored highly on tests such as magic theory.

As long as she learned to cast advanced magic, maybe she would soon be able to catch up to her brother.

After the exams ended, Roxy took them to choose their dorms. Their classes were different, but the dorms seemed to be more or less in the same area.

This time, Norn was in the same dorm as Aisha. Her emotional support this time was her brother, so maybe there wouldn't be any mental breakdown in the dorm.

I hadn't considered staying in the school dorms. After all, I had a home in Sharia.

As they were getting ready to head to the dorms, I called Rudeus to a stop. I quietly said to him:

"I heard Eris mention before that you're also talented at making little figures with earth magic, Rudy.

Would you mind giving me one? Any style is fine, as long as it looks nice."

When Rudy heard that I was asking him for a little figure, he seemed extremely happy, as if he had found a kindred spirit.

"Brother Dolin, you like dolls made with earth magic too?

That's wonderful. I'll make you the most refined doll tonight, guaranteed to satisfy you.

Also, do you want to learn this method of making dolls? I can teach you for free.

As long as you can use chantless earth magic, you can do it. Then the two of us can discuss doll-making together."

Good thing he didn't say the words "figurine." Otherwise, how was I supposed to keep pretending I didn't know you were a transmigrator?

"No need to make one from scratch. Just pick one in good condition from your stock. I'm just curious and want to take one to appreciate it."

I could clearly sense Rudy's disappointment. I guessed that after reincarnating into this world, he was still lacking kindred spirits.

Don't worry. In a few days, I'll send you two kindred spirits, and then you won't be lonely anymore.

After we agreed that once he picked out his dorm, I would go find him to get the doll, I left to look for Ariel.

The student council dorm—I had been here once before, after all. So this time, I made my way here on my own.

I didn't know what they were discussing inside, but when the attendant at the door saw me, she was obviously startled and wanted to go in to report that I had arrived.

I stepped forward, stopped her, and made a shushing gesture.

Then I went up and knocked on the door.

Luke's voice came from inside.

"What is it?"

I pinched my throat and said, "Lady Ariel, I have something important to report to you."

Then, without waiting for a reply from inside, I opened the door and entered the room.

After entering, I found thin wisps of smoke curling through the room. Five or six people were gathered around a round table, and in the center of the table was a very large stone pot.

It was held up by a stand, and beneath the stone pot was a magic tool like a magic wand, flames rising from it.

The sight was a little strange: a group of students wearing JK-style school uniforms, gathered together eating hot pot.

Right, their uniforms were a bit strange. Why did their school uniforms look a little like the sailor uniforms Japanese students wore in the anime I watched in my previous life?

Could they be a special student council edition?

Seeing me come in, Ariel and the others weren't very surprised. That made my plan to startle them with my sudden appearance fall flat.

When I saw Philip sitting among them, I immediately realized that my actions had been sold out by him.

When Ariel saw me come over, she said to me very smugly:

"This is the newest way of eating food developed by students at our school. It's called Sukiyaki. Well, Dolin? You've never seen it before, have you?"

Then I saw her calf seem to move slightly, and the lady sitting beside her shifted outward, leaving a place for me next to Ariel.

I walked over and sat down beside Ariel. Seeing that they were still using forks to stab at the food in the stone pot, I found it a little funny.

Using earth magic, I hand-shaped a pair of stone chopsticks. Then, without the slightest politeness, I started picking food from the pot.

Sigh, the flavor was still a bit different. There was no sesame sauce from old Beijing copper-pot hot pot, nor the numbing spice of Sichuan hot pot.

I couldn't quite describe the taste. It was a little like northeastern luan dun. This was probably Nanahoshi imitating Japanese Sukiyaki according to her own memories, right?

Seeing that I could conveniently pick up the food in the pot with two thin sticks, Ariel found it especially fascinating. She leaned close to my ear and asked:

"Dolin, have you eaten this Sukiyaki before? What are the utensils in your hand? Why do I feel like those sticks are especially suited to picking up food?"

"Ariel, I've never eaten this Sukiyaki, but I've eaten things that taste even better. Once I've gathered the seasonings, I'll treat you to a meal too."

"All right, Dolin. I'll look forward to it. So, what do you think? Do I look good today?

This skirt-style uniform is also a new design. Next year, it will be issued to all students at the school and become Ranoa University of Magic's dedicated uniform."

"Oh, not bad. Let me feel it.

Mm! Ariel, your legs are pretty slender. This uniform suits you very well.

Huh, there are actually safety shorts. Where's the trust between people in this world?

Ariel, next time, if you wear this uniform without safety shorts and sit on my lap, I'll tell you more information about Perugius."

As expected of Ariel. Even after I stroked her thigh under the table, the expression on her face didn't change at all.

She even lifted the leg closer to me and crossed it onto my leg, making it easier for me to stroke.

Ah, how boring. Every time I teased Ariel, I could never tell whether I was teasing her, or whether she was seducing me.

After chatting with Ariel for a while, we made an appointment to speak alone after the meal, with her not wearing safety shorts.

Then I switched to a louder voice and reported to her the progress of this outing.

I made my report.

I told her the course of events: how I had rescued Aisha and Lilia from Shirone Kingdom, then met up with Rudeus and the others in the Millis Holy Country, and finally headed north together to Sharia.

In the middle, I left out the parts where I killed the Shirone prince and where I cooperated with Orsted.

When they heard that I had fought the current Dragon God, the people who were still eating all stopped their forks.

Actually, I was not trying to brag to them about having fought the Dragon God.

Rather, I was letting it slip to Sylphie without seeming to mean to.

Rudy had already arrived at Ranoa University of Magic. As for the emotional entanglement between her, Rudy, and Roxy, I would not get mixed up in it.

Sure enough, when I mentioned Rudeus, Sylphie's ears pricked right up.

By the time I said that we had already registered and enrolled at the university that morning, Sylphie looked as if nails had sprouted from her seat; she could not sit still at all.

As soon as I finished speaking, Sylphie immediately said to Ariel, "Princess Ariel, I want to go meet that Rudeus Greyrat. He should be my childhood playmate. I was very close to him in the past."

Ariel said in sudden understanding, "You mean the Rudeus Greyrat Dolin brought to Sharia? He is the teacher you mentioned, the one who taught you magic when you were little, and even taught you how to use voiceless magic?"

"Yes, it should be him. When we were little, I often saw his younger sisters, Aisha and Norn, too. There's no mistake."

"All right, Sylphie, go. Congratulations on being able to meet your childhood friend here. This, too, is a kind of fate."

Then Sylphie was about to get up and fly off to see Rudeus Greyrat, the one she thought of day and night.

When she rose and prepared to leave, I called out to stop her.

"Miss Sylphie, please wait."

Sylphie froze, not knowing why I had stopped her.

I stepped forward, took off her black sunglasses, and said, "I'll keep these for you. After you see him, come back and get them."

Sylphie did not know what I meant, but she did not argue with me either. Then she turned and left.

After I returned to my seat, I was pinched at the waist. Ariel said softly to me, "You're not allowed to have designs on Sylphie. She already has someone she loves."

I hurriedly held her hand and passed the glasses to Ariel, saying, "I was afraid they wouldn't recognize each other after not seeing each other for so long.

Don't pinch me. You really wronged me this time."

After that, lunch continued.

After lunch was over, Ariel spoke with me alone about the results of their work in Sharia during this period.

Of course, she sat on my lap while speaking with me.

However, because Elinalise and Doris had taken turns squeezing me dry over the past few days, I had my gun control pressed down rather steadily.

Overall, they actually could not do much in Sharia. At most, they could win over the local nobles and have them invest in Ariel.

Or else recruit some talented students from the university of magic and make them serve her.

But at present, it looked like there were not many good seedlings.

I told her to shift her focus. The Asura Kingdom did not lack people skilled at using magic. The key was to recruit more craftsmen related to magic tools from the university of magic.

And also talents in magic education. After you seize the throne in the future, these people will all be of great use.

As for how to seize the throne, no one else mattered. There was only that one method.

After all, Ariel had already taken off her safety shorts.

So I had no choice but to reveal some information about Perugius to her.

"Perugius's strongest magic is summoning magic. He is already an Emperor-class summoning magician.

So you should look around Ranoa University of Magic and see who has been researching summoning magic. Also, support Sylphie's romantic career.

You need to understand that I wouldn't bring a group of people to Sharia for no reason."

After my burst of half-mystical, half-not mystical hints, Ariel looked as if she had understood something, but I guessed she had not understood anything at all.

Then came a period of tenderness. After all, we had not seen each other in a long time. Such a beautiful woman—I missed her very much too.

Originally, I had planned to satisfy my hands for a while, then stop and leave.

But I was mocked.

"Every time, you stop at the very end. Is it that you can't?

I heard from Luke that he has an aphrodisiac produced in Fittoa Territory that's already out of print now. Should I go ask him for a bottle?

Dolin, this is an illness that needs to be treated early. If you drag it out too long, it won't be curable anymore."

I could see she was getting mischievous, actually daring to mock me. It seemed that if I didn't show her a little of what I was capable of, this woman really would try to climb into the heavens.

Looks like I had to prove I was a real man! And so Ariel and I discussed the great harmony of life together.

What made me happy was that Ariel, who had taken such initiative, was actually a blank sheet of paper.

Since I had become Ariel's first man, I had to treat Ariel seriously as well.

Although it was her first time, Ariel acted very proactive. However, as a contestant entering the field for the first time, her stamina still needed improvement.

After giving her her first injury, I used healing magic on her.

When I used healing magic, I secretly used the strongest healing magic I currently knew, Jade Revival.

The jade light is a blessing bestowed by heaven! Connect the severed blood vessels, mend the shattered bones! Fragments of life gathered in my hand! Jade Revival.

I just wanted to test whether Saint-Tier Healing Magic could restore all ruptured wounds.

Sigh, the result was disappointing. After the magic was cast, it only had the effect of stopping the bleeding.

But it did not restore the damaged wound on the body.

All I could say was that magic in this world was not omnipotent either.