Book Eater

Chapter 5 - What Does This Book Taste Like? (1)

Ding-dong-dang-dong...

The lively bell sound announced the end of the second semester, and the end of Bergen Academy's school year. Every student's final report card would be distributed in one week.

Students, who were dressed in anything but their school uniforms, ran out the doors, already forgetting their professors' advice to not play around during winter vacation. Generally, except for some young students, the academy's students avoided staying in school.

"Huu, what an uproar. They can still run around like this in the cold. Truly, I think being young is the best."

"Who doesn't? Ah, maybe a lich?"

"Hahaha, I'm afraid that a lich will just be more bones."

"Aha, that is a pretty nasty point!"

Even the professors were in a good mood. They enjoyed a cup of coffee and chatted with their colleagues as they quietly enjoyed their freedom from their mischievous students. Some talked about their students, while others talked about what to study during the holiday. The professors were planning to go home a few days later too.

One professor asked Vince, "Professor Vince, are you staying at school during winter break?"

"Yes, I am," Professor Vince's emotionless voice matched his blank expression.

His fellow professor couldn't help flinching.

However, due to the fact that they had spent a few years together and had adjusted a little bit, he didn't stutter when he spoke again. I heard that you were focusing on a research project. Is it because of that?"

Professor Vince's eyes grew cold. Naturally, it was rude for magicians to spy on each other's research.

His low voice revealed his irritation. "That isn't something to be talked about here."

"Ha, haha. That's right. Forget that I asked."

"......" Vince glanced at him for a moment before turning his gaze out the window.

The atmosphere of the room suddenly grew chilly. Professor Vince was famous for not being very friendly. He was a first-rate magician dispatched from the capital to Bergen Academy, and his position as a senior magician in the 5th Circle put him above the other instructors. In other words, he was a dispatched lecturer and was difficult for the other professors to deal with.

"Oh! You were here, Professor Vince."

At that moment, a professor entered the office. The professor was, to put it mildly, rather stout, but he was always dressed in a suit that strained at the seams, which reminded onlookers of a balloon. Thus, the students nicknamed him 'Balloon'.

The so-called Professor Balloon, spoke in a giggly voice, "Can I ask you something?"

"... Yes." Vince couldn't spit on a grinning face.

He stared at Professor Balloon with an annoyed expression. Vince didn't like this pig who liked to chatter on. Unsurprisingly, the words which emerged from Professor Balloon's mouth didn't fail to irritate Vince.

"Did that boy not graduate again this year?" Professor Balloon's eyebrows wriggled in an obvious taunt.

Theodore Miller... Professor Vince's eyes flashed as he recalled the student. Theodore Miller was a student who was betrayed by his talent and wasn't rewarded for his efforts. The fact that Theodore had received a repeater letter three times meant he became a notorious celebrity.

Other faculty professors approached them.

"Aha, is it that Theo child?"

"Isn't this year his third repeater letter? After next year, we won't see him anymore. I'm sorry... Should I not say it? Hahaha!"