The Villain Professor's Second Chance

The sun was beginning to sink behind the towering buildings of the capital, its fading light casting long, golden shadows across the marketplace. Sophie stood with Sharon, Maris, and the other three knights from her squad, their patrol finally coming to an end. The air was alive with the sounds of the city winding down—merchants calling out their last-minute deals, children laughing as they chased each other around, the clatter of carts and hooves on the cobblestone roads.

"Alright, everyone," Sophie said, clapping her hands lightly to gather the knights' attention. Her smile was warm, though a hint of weariness showed in her eyes. "Our shift is over. You've all done well today. It's time to disperse and rest." She paused, glancing at each of them. "Stay alert, even off duty. We've had quite a day—I want you all ready for anything."

Sharon let out a groan, stretching her arms above her head. "Finally! My feet are killing me!" she complained, but there was a playful smile on her lips. "Though, I have to say, I'm still curious about that Draven. We didn't find anything, but… I don't know. He's too mysterious. I just don't like it."

Sophie sighed, shaking her head. "We agreed he wasn't doing anything suspicious, Sharon. He may be secretive, but we saw nothing that pointed to wrongdoing. Let it rest." Her gaze then moved to Maris, who seemed lost in thought. "Maris? You alright?"

Maris blinked, pulled from her thoughts. "Oh, yes, Lady Sophie. I'm fine," she replied, offering a small smile. In truth, curiosity still lingered in her mind. She couldn't let go of the image of Draven in that secluded alley, meeting Sir Galahad with that stack of documents. She knew it was probably harmless—evidence of his ongoing work for the kingdom—but a part of her still wondered what drove the man beneath his cold exterior.

Sophie studied Maris for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. If you're sure. Let's head back to the barracks, everyone." She then turned to Maris, her expression softening. "You said you needed to pick up some supplies for your university classes? You can head off, Maris. Just be careful, alright?"

Maris smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Lady Sophie. I'll be careful." She hesitated, then added, "And... the intern payment will be next week, right? So I should probably be careful with my spending."

Sophie chuckled, the warmth of a sisterly figure in her eyes. "Yes, don't overspend, alright? Make sure you have enough for your studies."

Maris nodded, a surge of gratitude filling her chest. Sophie had always been a supportive figure—almost like an older sister, ever since Maris had joined the royal knights as an intern. She suspected it was because Sophie knew about her loss—the tragedy that had befallen her family at the hands of the Deadly Hollows. Sophie understood her pain and had always made sure Maris was doing well. It was comforting, but it also reminded her of the emptiness she carried.

Bidding her comrades farewell, Maris turned away, her heart still heavy with curiosity. The rest of the knights headed back towards the barracks, their laughter and banter fading into the distance as Maris made her way into the winding streets of the city. She had no intention of buying supplies. Instead, she retraced her steps, her eyes scanning for any sign of Professor Draven.

As she walked, Maris couldn't help but reflect on her current situation.

What am I doing here?

She had lost her family, and she had entered Magic Tower University because it was what her parents had wanted for her.

But what about her own wants?

Did she even know what she wanted anymore?

"What do... I want...?"

Her days were filled with tasks—classes, homework, assignments, projects, exams, her duties as an intern, and the impending thesis proposal. She barely had time to breathe, let alone think about something as fundamental as her purpose.

She absentmindedly toyed with her wand, her fingers brushing over the smooth, polished wood. The only reason she was here, following Professor Draven, was because of her lingering curiosity. He had saved her once, given her a purpose when she had none—helped her exact her revenge against the Deadly Hollows. But now, she felt adrift. Was she just following him because she had nowhere else to go?

Maris shook her head, forcing those thoughts aside. She wasn't going to get any answers standing around feeling sorry for herself. She took a deep breath and focused, channeling her illusion magic to blend into the shadows. Her form shimmered, her presence becoming almost ghostly as she moved with practiced stealth through the winding alleys. The streets grew darker as she ventured further, the buildings more decrepit, and soon, she caught sight of a familiar silhouette.

Professor Draven was moving towards the slums, his cloak wrapped tightly around him, his steps purposeful. Maris hesitated for a moment, wondering what business he could possibly have in such a place. Before she could make up her mind, a voice cut through the quiet evening air.

"Keep it coming! Refill! And bring me your best food—the finest you've got!"

Maris's head snapped towards the sound, her eyes narrowing.

The voice was unmistakable—it was Amberine.

She spotted her in a corner restaurant, one that was tucked away and looked like it had seen better days. But Maris knew it well; it was one of those hidden gems, a place where the food was surprisingly good despite its shabby appearance. Amberine sat at a table, her face flushed, a wide grin plastered across her features.

Maris sighed, her curiosity wavering. Should she continue to follow Draven or go check on Amberine? Before she could decide, she felt a hand grab her shoulder, and she let out a startled, "Eh?"

"Maris! What are you doing here?!" Amberine's voice was louder than necessary, her tone carrying an uncharacteristic cheerfulness. She looked at Maris with bright eyes, her cheeks still flushed. "Come, come! I'm kind of stressed out from all that emotion orb stuff, so I'm eating a lot today! I'll treat you!"

Maris opened her mouth to refuse, but Amberine was already dragging her towards the restaurant. "No need to worry about money—I'm loaded! Huahahaha!"

But I want to search for the professor... I guess I can't say that, huh...

Maris sighed again, though there was a hint of a smile on her lips. "Amberine, are you sure this is a good idea? Ordering so much? You might overspend."

"It's fine, it's fine!" Amberine waved her hand dismissively, her grin growing wider. "I have enough money to buy ten houses! Besides, today I want to enjoy myself. So sit, and eat with me!"

Maris took a seat, her eyes catching sight of the half-empty cup in front of Amberine. She sniffed the air—it was strong liquor. Amberine was already tipsy, her head clearly in the clouds. Maris shook her head, her smile widening slightly. "Alright, alright. But don't blame me when you're regretting it tomorrow."

Amberine laughed, her voice echoing through the quiet restaurant. She ordered more food, her excitement unabated, while Maris simply sat back and watched, her curiosity about Draven slipping to the back of her mind. She spent the next half-hour keeping Amberine from getting too carried away, though it was a losing battle. Amberine's energy was infectious, her laughter genuine, and for a little while, Maris found herself forgetting her worries.

As Amberine finally slumped back in her seat, her laughter fading into a content sigh, Maris helped her pay for the food. The coins clinked as Amberine fumbled with her purse, and Maris reached out to steady her as she nearly fell over. "You're going to regret this tomorrow," Maris muttered, shaking her head. "Come on, let's get you back to your dorm."

Amberine grinned, her eyes half-lidded. "You're the best, Maris. Always looking out for me." She leaned against Maris as they made their way out of the restaurant, her steps unsteady, her laughter now a soft, drunken giggle.

Maris sighed, her arm around Amberine's shoulders as she supported her. The alley they walked through was dark, the shops around them mostly closed for the night. It was a shame, really. The restaurant was a good one, but the location wasn't ideal. As they walked, a figure brushed past them—a beggar, his clothes tattered, his face obscured by the shadows.@@novelbin@@

Amberine suddenly gasped, her hand flying to her pocket. "Wait! My wallet's gone! That beggar—he took it! There are gold coins inside, you know! Gold coins!"

Maris blinked, her eyes widening as she turned to look at the retreating figure. Before she could say anything, Amberine pushed herself away from Maris, her face flushed with anger. "Hey! Wait! Give it back!"

Without another word, Amberine took off after the beggar, her steps clumsy but determined. Maris let out an exasperated sigh, running after her. "Amberine, wait!" she called, but Amberine was already several paces ahead, her voice echoing through the empty alley.

"Wait!!!" Amberine shouted, her fiery temper fully ignited. Maris could only shake her head as she followed, wondering how she always ended up in situations like this. Supporting Amberine, chasing after beggars in dark alleys—it was all part of her unpredictable life now, and somehow, despite everything, she wouldn't have it any other way.