I’m Not the Mastermind

A short while later.

Yujin and the headmistress were alone in her office, having wrapped up the introductory session.
Well, perhaps not entirely alone—but for all intents and purposes, it was just the two of them.

Breaking the silence, the headmistress began, "So, you accepted after all."

"Given that I delivered such an impassioned speech, it would’ve been awkward to refuse the opportunity to teach," Yujin replied with a shrug.

Indeed, Yujin had ultimately agreed to Professor Reina Sahart’s proposal for a joint lecture. He had little choice—after such a grandiose speech, declining to lecture would have seemed absurd.

"Well, it’s probably for the best. Taking things slow and using this opportunity to clear up Professor Sahart’s misunderstanding might not be such a bad idea. Still, how did it even come to this?"

The headmistress couldn’t hold back her remark. "Isn’t this misunderstanding something you created yourself...?"

She looked at Yujin incredulously, seemingly forgetting the reverence owed to a dragon. Unbothered, Yujin answered confidently, "No, no. Let’s be precise—Professor Sahart started this misunderstanding."

"......"

"She was the one who first suspected me of being a dark magician. I merely played a tiny prank in response. It’s not my fault she took it seriously."

The headmistress was at a loss for words, incredulous at Yujin’s audacity. Who had poured oil on a dying flame, turning it into a roaring fire? It was clearly Yujin himself, yet here he was, speaking so shamelessly.

Yujin averted his gaze slightly and added, "Of course, I’ll apologize properly once the misunderstanding is cleared."

‘So he does know he’s at fault!’

The headmistress swallowed her retort and sighed heavily. Instead, she asked, "So... how exactly do you plan to handle the joint lecture?"

"Well, this is my first time taking on a teaching role, so I thought I’d observe Professor Sahart’s lectures and learn from her. At first, my role will be more like an assistant than an actual co-lecturer. Honestly, that seems like a good way to ease into it, which is part of why I agreed."

"And on a day-to-day basis...?"

"On a day-to-day basis, Professor Sahart will probably keep a close watch on me under the guise of a joint lecturer. I doubt she’ll leave me alone. But there’s no helping it—it’s my fault, so I’ll just have to let her monitor me."

"I see..."

The headmistress felt a strange mixture of emotions.

Despite her sharp and strict demeanor, Reina Sahart was popular among the academy’s male staff for her beauty. Several young male professors secretly admired her from afar.

However, Reina had shown no interest in men or romantic relationships, keeping herself aloof like an untouchable flower.

And now she was going to be spending so much time with Yujin of all people...

The headmistress couldn’t shake an odd feeling about it—one that leaned uncomfortably toward displeasure.

"...Should I talk to Professor Sahart about this, just in case?"

The headmistress spoke almost absentmindedly but didn’t retract her words. After all, she might have been able to help clear the misunderstanding in her own way. However, Yujin shook his head.

"No need. This is my responsibility, so I’ll handle it. If I really can’t manage, I’ll ask for help then."

"Understood."

"By the way, the lectures start tomorrow. Should be fun."

The headmistress made a peculiar face at his remark. Fun... really?

"...I have a feeling someone is going to be very tense about this."

Indeed, for certain individuals, it was unlikely to be fun at all.

Meanwhile, in a workspace resembling a scientist’s lab, filled with flasks, mysterious potions, magical tools, and mana projections akin to modern holograms, Professor Reina Sahart sat stiffly, her expression slightly grim.

"......"

She appeared tense, almost solemn. At that moment—

Clink.

"Here, drink this."

"...Thank you, Lynne."

A mug of coffee was placed in front of her. Reina’s expression softened slightly as she took the mug.@@novelbin@@

Sip.

Taking a sip of coffee, Reina glanced sideways.

There, leaning slightly against a desk, was Lynne Enneria, the alchemy professor at Labyrinth Academy and Reina’s long-time friend.

Holding a mug identical to Reina’s, Lynne took a sip of her own coffee.

Sip.

"Ah..."

A quiet exhale escaped her lips.

Perhaps it was because Lynne was as beautiful as Reina, but the scene itself seemed like a painting.

Her serene blue eyes and ashen hair gave off an air of emptiness, yet this emptiness only enhanced her enigmatic and decadent charm.
Coupled with her soft voice and languid expressions, she exuded a subtle allure that could effortlessly captivate any man.

It was no surprise that, along with Reina, she was considered one of the academy's "two untouchable flowers" among the male professors. In fact, her popularity might have even surpassed Reina’s.

Lynne spoke first.

“It’s been a while since we’ve had such a leisurely moment, hasn’t it?”

“...Yes, it has,” Reina agreed with a nod.

Lynne continued.

“How’s the coffee?”

“It’s good. Your coffee is always excellent. Is that thanks to you being an alchemy professor?”

“Glad you think so,” Lynne replied with a faint smile.

As their lighthearted conversation continued, Reina’s expression gradually softened. Talking with her long-time friend brought her a sense of calm she rarely experienced.

But just as their chatter began to blossom, Lynne shifted the subject.

“By the way, I was a bit surprised.”

“About what?”

“That new professor, Yujin Han.”

“!”

At the mention of his name, Reina’s expression stiffened. Lynne caught the reaction and pressed on.

“I wasn’t so surprised by the person himself, but rather by you. I didn’t expect you to suddenly propose a joint lecture during the questioning. Are you interested in space-time magic because you’re a mage?”

“...That’s...”

Reina hesitated, then deflected the question with one of her own.

“What about you? How do you feel about a professor who’s developed space-time magic?”

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t curious. His speech during the introduction was impressive, and honestly, I would’ve liked to attend his lectures. But, as you know, both of us are always swamped with work.”

“...That’s true.”

“But curiosity aside, the person himself feels... inscrutable. His speech was persuasive, but whether it was genuine or not, I can’t say. I don’t have mind-reading magic, after all.”

Hearing that, Reina spoke almost involuntarily.

“...It wasn’t genuine.”

“......”

Lynne turned her head slightly, gazing down at Reina.

“What makes you think that?”

“......”

“Come on, Reina, I’m not an idiot,” Lynne said, placing her coffee cup down on the desk.

“When you mentioned wanting to co-lecture with him, or even just hearing his name, you seemed strangely resolute. Maybe even tense. As if you think Yujin Han is an incredibly dangerous person.”

“......”

“Reina, are you hiding something?”

Reina fell silent, grappling with her thoughts. Should she tell Lynne the truth? That Yujin was a dark magician plotting something nefarious with the princess?

That he had revealed this to her, as if it were some kind of joke, and seemed to be enjoying the situation?

Reina knew Yujin could have killed her that day if he’d wanted to. The only reason he hadn’t was because there was no gain in it for him.

Instead, he had proposed a “game,” daring her to uncover his true identity and reveal it to the world.

But how could she?

There was no evidence that Yujin was a dark magician. Even mentioning the seal he placed on the princess wouldn’t prove her claims. And if she told Lynne, would she believe her? Worse, would Lynne be in danger for knowing?

Yujin was the type of man who could kill someone like Lynne on a whim, just for amusement.

While Reina was lost in thought, Lynne gently placed a hand on her shoulder.

“Reina.”

“!”

Her voice was kind, reassuring.

“I told you before, didn’t I? You don’t have to bear everything alone. You can tell me anytime.”

“...Lynne.”

Reina wavered, then finally opened her mouth.

“...The truth is...”

She confessed everything.

From her investigation into Yujin after his sudden appearance in the labyrinth, to her suspicions of him being a dark magician, to the events with the princess. She explained how she thought the misunderstandings had been resolved, only to be blindsided by the shocking truth.

When she finished, Lynne fell silent, processing the revelation.

After a moment, she spoke.

“I see...”

She gently patted Reina’s shoulder.

“That must’ve been tough.”

“...You believe me?”

Reina herself found the story absurd. Why would someone reveal their identity and plans just for the thrill of it?

“If I can’t believe you, who else should I believe? You’re not the type to make things up.”

“Lynne...”

“Still... if what you’re saying is true, it’s definitely dangerous. Sealing the princess’s magi? I don’t know how that’s even possible, but dark magic often deals with souls and life. It’s not entirely surprising.”

Lynne’s calm voice and analytical approach reassured Reina.

“I’ll do my own investigation into Professor Yujin. Alchemy has its own methods, so I might find clues you missed. Perhaps even something about the princess’s seal.”

“I’ll talk to the headmistress about requesting a meeting with the princess. Since she’s not fully healed, we could justify it as a status check.”

“That sounds like a good plan. Can I count on you for that?”

“Of course. But...”

Reina hesitated, then gripped Lynne’s hand tightly.

“Be careful not to let him find out. He’s unpredictable. If he realizes you know, who knows what he might do?”

“...I’ll be careful.”

Lynne nodded, her gaze steady. Reina looked at her friend for a moment, then lowered her head.

“...Thank you, Lynne. Really.”

“Don’t mention it. That’s what friends are for.”

Lynne patted Reina’s back reassuringly. After a long moment, Reina stepped back.

“I should go. Things are going to get busy again soon.”

“Alright. If you need anything, let me know.”

“See you, Lynne.”

With that, Reina left the lab. Lynne stood still, watching the door long after it had closed.

“......”

Finally, she murmured quietly, her voice tinged with genuine curiosity.

“...How strange.”

Her usual languid tone now carried a sharp edge of intrigue.

“A dark magician... Hmm.”

She moved toward her desk.

“I didn’t hear about anyone being sent here... I’ll need to verify this myself.”

Lynne picked up a crystal orb from beneath her desk, her expression calm and composed.