The day after my meeting with Akane-san, I went to see Fia-sensei. My reason was to tell her about the introduction I’d mentioned to Akane-san—even if, technically, I was asking for her permission after already giving my word.
"Oh? A trading company run by an otherworlder child? That sounds quite interesting."
"Yes, Akane-san herself was a fascinating person. Oh, regarding the injury to her subordinate..."
"I can't be certain until I see them in person, but I imagine it’ll be fine. It would be a hassle if the injury involved magic formulas like Recovery Interference or Causality Fixation, but if not, I can heal it in an instant."
"That’s a relief. I’ll check Akane-san’s schedule and bring them by soon."
"Sure."
Fia-sensei nodded with a smile as she set out some herb tea and cookies. I took a sip of the delicious tea and let my eyes wander, noticing a bundle of papers on a separate table. At first, I thought they were medical records, but they looked more like an essay or a thesis.
"Fia-sensei, what's that over there?"
"Hmm? Oh, that? I’m planning to present some medical research... well, 'research' might be a bit grand. I was just drafting a paper."
"Is it a new form of treatment?"
"No, not exactly. It’s more of a byproduct of Noah-san’s treatment—I suppose I have you and her to thank for it."
Fia-sensei stepped away from the desk toward a shelf, taking out several bottles and lining them up in front of me.
"You see, while Noah-san’s anemia has improved dramatically, her pickiness has only gotten worse. Honestly, it’s reached the point where she won't even drink blood unless yours is mixed in. For a vampire, finding blood with such perfect compatibility is a blessing, but if I let her drink it straight, no amount of blood in your body would be enough."
"I see..."
"So, while experimenting with different ideas, I managed to create a medicine that replicates the taste of a specific blood source using only a single drop, while still allowing the recipient to absorb magic power. I figured I should present the findings and share the knowledge. It’s rare to find someone who struggles with drinking blood as much as Noah-san does, but it could be useful for vampires who can’t easily source compatible blood. Plus, it’s inexpensive to produce, which helps conserve the supply."
"That makes sense."
The demand might be niche, but it certainly sounded like a lifesaver for those who needed it. Publishing her findings would be a huge help to anyone suffering from symptoms like Noah-san’s.
"It’s really admirable. Seeing you like this reminds me all over again that you truly are an incredible doctor, Fia-sensei."
"Ahaha, you’re exaggerating. But thank you. Anyway, moving on..."
"Hmm? Why are you moving a chair next to mine?"
I tilted my head, confused by her sudden movement. I was already seated, and the position of the new chair was too awkward for a casual chat. It was practically touching mine.
Fia-sensei sat down with a beaming smile, then leaned against me, wrapping her arms tightly around mine.
"Fi-Fia-sensei? What are you doing all of a sudden?"
"Hmm? Whatever do you mean?"
"I mean suddenly grabbing my arm and leaning on me like that!"
"Oh? Do I need a reason other than wanting to be lovey-dovey with my boyfriend when he finally comes to visit?"
"...No, I suppose you don't."
It was a complete surprise attack—mostly because she did it with such casual confidence, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Fia-sensei didn't seem to have a care in the world, nuzzling her head against me like a spoiled cat. To be honest, it was incredibly cute, and her following up her sneak attack with such persistence sent my heart racing. She smelled wonderful, and the arm she was clutching felt so warm and soft.
"The only shame is that I have consultations this afternoon, so I can't stay like this for long."
"Right, there isn't much time left."
"Mhm. So... what do you think? I was hoping to get a bit of energy from Miyama-kun so I can power through my work!"
"And how exactly would you get that?"
"...Do you really want to make me say it?"
My face flushed as I watched her trace her lips with a faint, sultry smile. Fia-sensei was remarkably forward when it came to romance, and her sudden words and gestures never failed to make my heart skip a beat.
I couldn’t very well let her down when she was looking up at me with such expectation. I leaned in slowly and pressed my lips against hers.
Serious-senpai: "Guaaaaah!? A—A sugar feint...!? Did she... read my every move!?"
???: "Senpai, Senpai... look, it says 'Part 1' at the top."
Serious-senpai: "Nooooooo!"