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Chapter 50: She Really Dares to Believe

Tonight, the Mage’s house was even more lively than usual.

The fire crackled, music floated through the air, and in the middle of the dance floor, young men and women twirled together.

Whether they were teachers from the Academy or wizards from the association, or both, they gathered together to drink merrily, forgetting the fatigue of their daily lives.

Xue Nuo usually disliked this noisy environment and didn’t care for letting loose under the influence of alcohol. Every time she attended, it was mainly to gather intelligence.

So, she always sat alone in a corner of the bar, holding a glass of never-ending water.

Of course, whether out of utility or mere decorum, even when they knew she wasn’t interested, people would still approach her symbolically, just to go through the motions.

Hey, asking doesn’t cost anything, right? Who knows, maybe one time she might actually agree!

Though most of the time, these so-called invitations were just punishment games for those who lost at cards.

“Hey, Teacher Xue Nuo, wanna come chat with us for a bit?”

Today happened to be Barbara’s defeat.

Finding that too bland, Barbara weakly added, “Hey, you took Roy as an apprentice, right?”

“How about sharing some insights on apprentices? We could learn from each other!”

“Agreed. I actually have something to ask you.”

“Ah, sorry to interrupt, I knew Teacher Xue Nuo… Hmm??”

Barbara never expected that her casual comment would lead to the Silver-Haired Girl slightly nodding, rarely agreeing to this request.

In reality, Xue Nuo wasn’t proud; she simply disliked noise and commotion.

She knew very well that as a mentor with limited experience, consulting other seniors wouldn’t be a bad thing.

Especially since she felt recently that Roy seemed a bit down, not as enthusiastic as before…

Did she do something wrong?

Was it that her knowledge and ability couldn’t impress him, or was her learning plan too simple to satisfy him?

Maybe she should hear how others interacted with their direct apprentices.

Thus, the Silver-Haired Girl joined the teachers’ table for the first time, drawing a wave of surprise.

Especially when she humbly expressed that she had questions, it drew everyone’s eager attention.

Anyone who could answer questions about the “Ice Rose” certainly had bragging rights.

“This is my first time taking a direct apprentice, and I still have much to learn. Here is my recent learning plan, and I hope seniors and colleagues can guide me.”

However, after listening to Xue Nuo’s explanation, the table of over ten people fell into silence.

To keep this promising talent, everyone was trying their best to be agreeable, afraid to offend.

What they had promised Roy about going abroad and plenty of beers was no joke.

Especially considering Roy’s status, shouldn’t they pamper him like a prince first before focusing on training?!

Direct mentorship is more of a close relationship; but here you are, genuinely wanting to mold him into a pillar of the community?!

Even Xue Nuo started to feel uneasy at this moment: “Is there something wrong with my plan?”

Barbara’s smile was a bit forced: “Rather than saying there’s something wrong…”

“How about saying there are loads of problems, huh?!”

One mature female teacher slammed the table, looking at Xue Nuo with the same judgmental eyes people reserve for nuns, burning with jealousy: “You rare catch, you took such a cute boy as your apprentice, and you make him study and work every day? Don’t waste such a treasure!”

Seeing Xue Nuo looking increasingly bewildered, Sado sighed: “Seriously, you’re being a bit too harsh on that kid.”

You should know, elite Sado is known for her strictness, with students often changing mentors mid-term because they couldn’t handle her rigorous training.

If even she couldn’t stand it, you can imagine how stressful Xue Nuo’s learning plan must be.

As she looked around the table full of teachers shaking their heads and sighing, Xue Nuo said earnestly, “I don’t understand.”

“As a mentor, shouldn’t I do my utmost to develop my apprentice into the best?”

“That being said, everything should balance effort with relaxation.” Sado chuckled bitterly, “Can’t believe I’m saying this to someone else now.”

“Balance…”

Xue Nuo pondered for a moment, feeling a bit lost: “What exactly should I do?”

Once this topic arose, nobody felt sleepy anymore!

For a long time, being a direct mentor didn’t always mean sharing hardship, but it certainly involved sharing joy.

Though the people there might have lacked some teaching skills, when it came to indulging and having fun with younger students, they were absolute pros!

Barbara smiled and eagerly chimed in, “It’s simple! First, be a bit softer; don’t be too stern like a boss!”

“Got it.” Xue Nuo immediately began taking notes.

A drunken bunch of teachers started sharing their experiences one after another.

“Isn’t the Thanksgiving festival soon? Take him out for some fun!”

“As a mentor, shouldn’t you buy your apprentice some little gifts to celebrate?”

“Or take him to a fancy restaurant for a meal!”

“There are performances at the Thanksgiving Square, and you could take him to watch a show!”

The mature female teacher got excited, pointing at Xue Nuo’s curvy figure, praising her chest with genuine admiration, shouted: “Yeah, right! Finally, on snowy days, make use of your advantage and splash some snowball right at his face! Just a little kid, and you’ll definitely strike gold!”

Xue Nuo frowned, feeling something off.

“I think mentor-student relationships shouldn’t be too intimate…”

“Oh, you still don’t get it. It’s precisely because you’re being too cautious that your apprentice ends up disliking you! At this rate, one day Roy might just run off with another teacher!”

Disliked…

Xue Nuo’s pupils narrowed, her heart sinking.

Roy was a good student; that much was indisputable.

If this mentor-student relationship truly couldn’t be maintained, then it had to be her issue.

With this thought, Xue Nuo’s expression grew serious as she sincerely addressed the mature teacher: “I’m sorry. It’s my immaturity; please continue to guide me.”

The tipsy mature teacher felt so flattered by this compliment, she became even more hyped.

“Hahahaha! It’s not that complicated! Just smile more, get closer, and have a bit of physical contact! Like I said, nail it with a snowball at the key moment and you’ll have him in the bag! I mean, these naïve little boys just love that stuff!”

The mature teacher’s wild theories received applause from her peers, both male and female.

Serious types like Barbara and Sado felt their scalps tingle, lamenting the state of the magic academy.

But they didn’t bother to advise Xue Nuo against believing it.

Just like you wouldn’t specifically advise someone not to drink hot sauce as if it were water.

What normal person would actually believe such outrageous nonsense?!

However, with her humble eagerness to learn, Xue Nuo found herself a bit confused.

Even though she didn’t really understand what “snowballing” meant.

But a simple hug…

Roy probably wouldn’t mind, right?

Xue Nuo hesitated for a long time, ultimately recording the mature teacher’s suggestions.

 

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