A few days later, a letter bearing an eagle crest arrived at the lab. It seemed the investigation around the Reton Temple had finally concluded. The investigation report contained verbose sentences that seemed designed to obscure understanding. But the conclusion was singular.

The shadow Priest Karl saw that day was not from a magical creature.

They stated that after searching the entire forest, they found no traces of magical creatures, let alone any habitats nearby. With the Imperial Investigation Team officially declaring it wasn’t a magical creature, my mind felt somewhat relieved.

However, strangely enough, the true identity of the shadow remained unsolved until the end. Surely someone on the investigation team must have suspected it might be the work of magic. Yet there wasn’t a single mention of magical power.

Moreover, the report’s final line emphasized avoiding unclear speculation and warned of consequences if rumors spread. Whether in that world or this one, controversial matters get buried first. Though simply covering things up doesn’t solve anything.

While news from the investigation team arrived, I finally completed my first assignment.

“Is it done?”

“Ah, yes! I’ll just organize it and show you right away.”

I stacked the pile of papers together, tapping them on the desk to align their height. As I set them down neatly, the clean writing on the first page caught my eye, reading ‘The Sainur of Bivrint Forest.’ This was my first report as a graduate student in this world.

“…Good.”

I checked for typos one last time while flipping through the thin pages. Though it wasn’t as important as a conference presentation or career-related report, knowing it would be shown to none other than Asrein made me unconsciously tense up. Even the simple act of handing him the draft made my heart pound like a freshman.

“Here it is, Professor.”

“Hmm.”

Upon receiving the assignment, Asrein immediately put aside other work and focused on the report. He didn’t just read it but occasionally made notes with his pen. Unable to see what he was writing, cold sweat formed on my politely clasped hands.

Just as I was swallowing dry saliva from nervousness, Asrein raised his head and met my eyes.

“Though there are some parts that need work, it’s clean and pleasant to read overall. Didn’t you say this was your first report?”

“Haha… I must have picked up something from watching over others’ shoulders.”

While it was my first in this world, I had written various reports to the point of exhaustion in my previous life. Experiments, internships, field studies, and even unrelated liberal arts classes – it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say I attended university just to write reports. I had worried I might die just typing like a pianist pressing keys their whole life, but it seems it was all groundwork for this moment.

“Good work. I’ll read it again, organize the parts that need revision, and return it to you.”

Just as I was feeling happy about Asrein’s more positive than expected reaction, his next words nearly made me faint.

“After some polishing, would it be alright to show it to the researchers in the greenhouse as well?”

“…Pardon?”

Show my inadequate report to others? Not to students or graduate students, but to proper professional researchers?! After gaping at the surprising proposal, I finally managed to speak.

“B-but Professor. This is just a report written by a mere graduate student. They must know far more about Sainurs than I do…”

“Of course they know more about Sainurs than you do.”

“Then why on earth do you want to show it?”

Are you planning to publicly execute my poor report by hanging it on the bulletin board? As I covered my gaping mouth in shock, Asrein let out a small laugh.

“Tae-oh. You probably know best about the characteristics of ‘that Sainur we rescued from Bivrint Forest that day,’ not any other specimen. So even the researchers in the greenhouse won’t have a report quite like this one.”

“Is… that so?”

I certainly know that the report from the person who conducted the research is most accurate. But having never received such a proposal before, I felt dazed. As I scratched my cheek with an awkward smile, Asrein said, “Didn’t I tell you before? Don’t undervalue yourself too much.”

“…Yes, Professor.”

For the first time, I felt recognized. It’s funny, but I had never received praise for a report throughout my graduate studies. There were continuous days without even receiving evaluations of whether it was well-written or lacking. My advisor delayed feedback on thesis drafts citing busyness, and at worst, I would find my carefully written reports in front of the shredder.

I had endured, looking only toward graduation while all my efforts were ignored. So I didn’t know receiving recognition from someone I respect could be this sweet.

“Thank you! I… I’ll work really hard. So please don’t hold back on your critiques.”

“Did you think I would go easy on you?”

His thin lips curved up mischievously. Would it seem a bit perverted if I said I welcomed the promise of harsh feedback? Once again, I thought I had made the right choice following Asrein.

While I was immersed in emotion, he checked the time and stood up with his book.

“Sorry, but it’s time for my lecture. I’ll finish reading this later.”

“Ah, of course. Have a good class!”

I closed the door after seeing off Asrein, who kept his appointments with precision. After confirming his footsteps had completely faded away, I clenched my fists in the middle of the lab.

“The Professor… will read my report… Hehe…”

Though I wanted to let out a cheer of relief, I barely held back worried it might be heard outside. Just as I was letting out a silly grin, that’s when it happened.

Crash! Suddenly there was a sound of something falling outside the lab. The noise made my shoulders instinctively jerk, and I immediately opened the door to look outside. There I found Jin standing dumbfounded among books scattered on the floor.

“Jin! Are you okay?”

“Yes… I’m not hurt but these books must be quite sore.”

Ha, ha. His stiff, choppy laughter showed no sign of wanting to pick up the books. Though it was fortunate he wasn’t injured, Jin’s condition didn’t seem good at all. He resembled a student facing an exam, or perhaps a planning team approaching a project deadline…

I quickly rolled up my sleeves and started helping pick up the books while asking,

“What are all these?”

“Looking for thesis material while running Professor’s errands.”

“Finding a thesis topic is really tough, isn’t it…”

Though I just threw out one sympathetic comment, Jin immediately voiced his grievances like he’d been waiting.

“Don’t even mention it. Just when I think I’ve found a decent topic… someone has already researched it without fail. There should be a limit to overlapping with previous research. When conclusions are already drawn, I have no idea how to squeeze anything more out of it.”

It seems people facing theses think the same in any world. I felt dejected remembering my past self who spent months just deciding on a topic. When I patted his increasingly hunched back, Jin rubbed his gaunt face.

“By the way, did something good happen to you, Tae-oh?”

“Ah… why?”

“You’ve had this smile on your face for a while now.”

I guess it shows completely on my face. Touching my strangely flushed cheeks, I said,

“Actually… Professor said he would evaluate my report strictly.”

As soon as I told the truth, Jin deeply furrowed his brows.

“W-wait. Is that… something to be happy about?”

“What? Of course!”

Even though I nodded vigorously, he didn’t seem to easily believe my sincerity. Standing up with books in his arms, Jin’s lips twitched unnaturally.

“Well, if it makes you happy, that’s what matters. Anyway, I’m glad to see you’ve adapted well to Angelus University.”

Have I adapted? But I feel something beyond comfort in this lab. Yes. I recalled an expression that precisely captured this peculiar feeling.

“I think I’ve grown attached already.”

“We live on attachment, don’t we? When you’re attached, you can endure even difficult times, right?”

“That’s true. Honestly, I never developed any sense of loyalty while working at House Ameli.”

“That’s quite a wrong comparison.”

“Haha, you’re right. Back then, I was satisfied just taking care of myself.”

As soon as I entered the book, I arrived at House Ameli like I had been sold there. An employer who ignored me, people around who hushed it up, and me gradually getting used to it. It was a space no different from my previous life. Perhaps that’s why I had no desire to go back.

But Angelus University… no, this lab with Asrein is different.

“But since coming here… I don’t want to lose even the smallest parts of daily life.”

Jin with whom I can share common ground, Sezan who kindly asks after my well-being. The warm air felt when entering the greenhouse and Dandel and Nur who welcome me. Agnus watching from the shadows. And Asrein who always stays by my side.

I don’t know since when, but I feel myself becoming complete as a whole person within this society. Only the occasional ominous wind makes me uneasy.

“Sometimes seeing you work so hard motivates me too.”

Jin, wearing a content smile, entered Professor Beinhart’s lab. After helping move books for him who was short-handed, I asked,

“Are you going back to research now?”

“No. I have somewhere to go.”

“Where are you heading this time?”

Jin let out a long sigh.

“Haah… A transfer student came, so I need to show them around.”

“A transfer student at this time?”

“Yeah. Apparently recommended by the great Professor Beinhart himself. I heard they’re a commoner.”

A student from ordinary background admitted on professor’s recommendation. Quite a few points in common with me. Having just submitted my assignment, and with time to spare until Asrein’s lecture ends, I wanted to see this transfer student.

“Could I perhaps come along?”

“Really? Haah… Thank goodness. I was worried about what to talk about with just the two of us.”

Jin actually welcomed my company. The entire walk to the main building, he kept sighing.

“At least with you, Tae-oh, we could communicate as fellow graduate students. I don’t know how to get friendly with a student I have nothing in common with. Really now.”

Jin, who had been waving his hand in the air, suddenly lowered his voice and whispered,

“Besides, I met them before with the professor, and… something felt off.”

“Why?”

“I can’t explain it fully but… there was this strange feeling of being looked down upon?”

Surprisingly, I could grasp what he meant despite the vague explanation. As I let out a bitter smile, we arrived at the main building, and Jin pointed to the clock tower, saying they agreed to meet there. Since it was lecture time, there weren’t many students roaming the hallways, making it easy to spot the student standing under the clock tower.

“Ah, there they are.”

The first thing that caught my eye was the deep purple hair. When Jin cleared his throat lightly, the young person who sensed our presence slowly turned around. The moment those dark gray eyes like cloudy skies turned toward us, I was momentarily speechless.

“Did you wait long? Sorry I’m late, I was running an errand for the professor.”

“Not at all. My class just ended too.”

Unlike them exchanging conventional greetings, I couldn’t utter a word. A large stone seemed lodged in my throat, and I could only breathe through my slightly parted lips.

“This is Tae-oh. They study under Professor Asrein.”

No matter how many times I looked and examined the details, there was no mistake.

“Ah. I’ve heard about you.”

A name given because the purple hair slightly covering the nape of the neck resembled an iris.

“Hello. I’m Iris Dillen.”

She was the protagonist who graced the cover of <Curse is a Blessing>, the novel I had entered.