Chapter 51: Today’s Tea Party at the Hysterm Estate

[To S:

Thank you so much for the ointment you sent. The wound that had refused to heal finally began to improve the day after I applied it. By the third day, I no longer needed bandages. Its healing properties are truly remarkable.

It helped me successfully complete my entrance exam, and now I can fully enjoy school life. Oh, and speaking of school, I’ll be diving into campus life soon, with many classes every day, so my replies might be a bit slower.

I originally wanted to repay you with money, but you’ve rejected my attempts to send funds multiple times. Instead, I’ve included some historical manuscripts I copied from our school library. These books are exclusive to our library and span dozens of pages, detailing the history of dungeon development. I hope they’ll be useful for your dungeon exploration research.

Recently, I’ve also met a knowledgeable teacher who specializes in magical experiments. With her guidance, I believe the data I send you in the future will be even more accurate.

P.S. While you’ve refused direct monetary compensation, if you ever need expensive materials and find yourself short on funds, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’ll do my best to help.

From : W]

Will finished writing the letter. He reviewed it twice, nodding in satisfaction before sealing it in an envelope.

Stretching his arms, he relished the rare, completely relaxed Sunday morning.

He had considered whether he should be more discreet about his school details in the letter. After all, he had always used the anonymous alias “W” to avoid exposing his identity as a Hysterm family young master. Revealing his identity could lead to preferential treatment from the Adventurer’s Guild or unwanted attention from opportunistic adventurers, hindering his quest for genuine information.

But…

Since S had reached out to him, perhaps there was no need for excessive secrecy.

S seemed solely focused on research, uninterested in the identity of the person behind the letters.

That said, S himself was incredibly secretive, refusing to share any personal information or even allow Will to send money. Will respected his choice.

Could S be a slightly socially anxious recluse with unparalleled expertise?

“I’ll send the letter out after breakfast.”

Then…

Will glanced at the open Task System in front of him. It was turned to the chapter on Witch Leah.

[Task 38: Block one attack, intimidate the witch, find an opportunity to negotiate, coerce, and gain her trust to enter Leah’s storyline.]

[Series Task up to 41. Reward: Eir’s exclusive ancient magic book—Frozen Ice Array.]

He marked it as complete.

[Task 39: Let Witch Leah experience the benefits of Blood-Red Mint and ultimately make her submit to you!]

[Reward: Perhaps… a compliant witch?]

He marked it as complete but crossed out “compliant witch” in the reward section, replacing it with “adorable mentor.”

[Task 40: Assist Leah with her stalled ancient magic research. Note: Essential item—Blood-Red Mint Essential Oil.]

[Reward: Pending.]

He marked it as complete and wrote “valuable magical experiment course materials” in the pending reward section

.

[Task 41: Help Leah win the research competition and obtain Frozen Ice Array from the vice principal!]

[Reward: Ancient manuscript Frozen Ice Array.]

He marked it as complete. Leah had mentioned yesterday that she would bring the copied manuscript today.

“Hmm…”

Flipping through a few more pages, Will checked off several completed tasks, one by one.

Then…

He looked at the remaining rewards.

[Task Reward: Phase Reward: Desserts from the Belor Family in the capital (don’t forget to invite Eir).]

[Task Reward: Phase Reward: Reserved luxury turkey dinner.]

He marked them as complete!

Yesterday, he had already visited the Belor family to enjoy their desserts and even brought back some exquisite takeaway treats.

As for the turkey dinner, he had reserved it for today’s lunch. And Leah…

Ding-dong.

The sound of the doorbell echoed from downstairs.

“Alright, alright, I’m coming—”

Will rushed down the stairs.

“Young Master, I was just about to finish this salad and answer the door.”

“It’s fine. My teacher is here; I’ll get it myself—”

Will opened the door.

And looked down…

Leah stood there, dressed not in her usual large witch’s hat and magical robe but in an adorable white dress. Even her twin-tails were adorned with small floral hair ties.

She held a thick book, neatly wrapped in a protective cover, in her arms.

“Honestly, your house is so out of the way. I had to circle the area several times to find this alley. But I suppose it’s nice—quiet places are better for studying and writing papers.”

“That’s what makes it perfect for gatherings. Look, the house is three stories tall—plenty of space.”

“As expected of the Hysterm family. Only they could casually get such a large house in the capital…”

“Hehe.”

Will often marveled at the perks of being a rich young master.

Leah stepped inside, sniffing the air with a slight twitch of her nose.

“Is that… turkey?! It’s really turkey?!”

“Of course. Didn’t I tell you yesterday about the turkey dinner?” Will stepped aside. “Come in.”

“So this is the Young Master’s teacher—wait, it’s you?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

Leah fiddled with her twin-tails, feeling a bit tense upon seeing Eir. Even though she had tasted Eir’s tea before (which was unfortunately cold but otherwise good), she couldn’t help but feel a little uneasy.

“N-Nothing… Young Master~ Come in, the food’s almost ready. We can start soon.”

“Yay!”

The dining table was set with not only the turkey dinner but also the desserts Will and Eir had brought back from the Belor family the previous day.

There were also various pantry staples Eir had stocked up on and her freshly made salad, all neatly arranged on the table.

“Wow… can I really eat all this?!”

Leah’s eyes sparkled as she eagerly grabbed a knife and fork.

“Of course. You probably haven’t had a proper meal in days, have you?”

“How did you know?!”

Will hesitated to admit that he had seen Leah subsisting on leaves in the lab for several days.

Considering she had likely spent her money on materials to help him deal with the bullies, he felt it was only right to treat her to a good meal.

After all, he still had plenty of the allowance his father had given him.

“The healers yesterday mentioned it. But you seem to have recovered well today?”

“Hehe, all thanks to you…”

“Oh! So you’re the teacher Will mentioned—the one who fainted during his makeup exam…”

Eir pouted, clearly unimpressed by Leah’s behavior.

“Ah… ahaha… pulling all-nighters for experiments… it’s common for researchers…”

“And you’re the one who often messes up solutions in the lab?”

“Huh?”

“And the one who doesn’t manage her budget well, so you’re always broke and begging for food in the cafeteria?”

“Will—! What have you been telling her?! My reputation as a good teacher is ruined—”

To cover up the awkwardness, Will quickly raised his glass—though it was just filled with juice—and held it aloft.

“Uh… a toast—to Leah’s victory in the research competition and my success in the makeup exam. Cheers!”