Na-Isekai Ako
Chapter 67: Side Quest: Carry My Bags, Pretty Boy

Chapter 67: Side Quest: Carry My Bags, Pretty Boy

Katherine was surprised with Adolfo’s presence, she gave him a quick nod as greeting then she turned back to the debate, ignoring the way the audience’s attention had briefly flickered toward him.

The debate pressed on, with Katherine countering every attempt to undermine her argument. The scholars and mages before her, who had clearly expected an easy victory, were growing visibly frustrated.

"Magic," one of them declared with an air of superiority, "is an art that has been studied and refined for centuries. A person with no ability to wield it cannot possibly grasp its intricacies."

Katherine gave them a pleasant smile—the kind that preceded verbal destruction. "Oh? And yet, history is full of non-mages who pioneered advancements in magical theory. One of the most celebrated scholars of enchantments, Professor Enoch Valren, had no magic of his own. He developed the first stable conduit system, did he not?"

Her opponent faltered. "Well, yes, but—"

"And let’s not forget the research done by my own brother," she continued, tilting her head. "People praised him as a visionary, even though he never cast a single spell in his life. Unless, of course, you’re suggesting his contributions were meaningless?"

There was an uncomfortable silence. Some of the audience shifted in their seats, while her opponent struggled for a response.

Nearby, Adolfo leaned back in his chair, tapping a finger idly against his knee as he watched. He hadn’t spoken a word, but Katherine could feel his presence—like a shadow at the edge of her thoughts. Observing. Calculating.

Another scholar cleared his throat, attempting to regain control of the discussion. "Even so, Lady Katherine, theories and practical application are not the same. A scholar might devise a formula, but only a mage can truly bring it to life."

Katherine rested her chin on her hand, pretending to consider the point. "By that logic, architects should stop designing buildings since they don’t physically construct them. Physicians should stop researching medicine because they don’t brew the potions themselves. Is that what you’re saying?"

A few chuckles rippled through the crowd. Even Adolfo, seated a short distance away, let out a quiet, amused hum.

Her opponent scowled. "That’s not—"

"But let’s entertain your argument for a moment," she interrupted, voice still light and playful. "If magic is something only those born with it can comprehend, then why do so many mages rely on scholars, researchers, and craftsmen for their advancements? Surely, if mages alone had the ability to understand magic, they wouldn’t need non-magical minds to innovate for them."

Her opponent opened and closed his mouth like a fish gasping for air.

A slow, measured clap broke the silence. It came from the corner of the room, where Adolfo sat, watching her with an inscrutable expression. He wasn’t smiling, nor was he mocking. If anything, his eyes gleamed with something akin to approval.

For a moment, Katherine just stared at him—then, to her own surprise, she let out a small laugh and smiled.

She rolled her eyes and turned back to the debate, ignoring the way the audience’s attention had briefly flickered toward him.

The discussion continued, but by now, it was clear who had won. The scholars attempted to regain ground, but their arguments had lost their bite.

When the debate finally ended, the moderator rose. "A fine exchange of ideas. Lady Katherine, your points were... unexpected. Well-argued."

Unexpected? Katherine narrowed her eyes slightly. She’d won, but the way they phrased it made her suspect they never truly believed she could in the first place.

As she stepped down, Adolfo was already on his feet, brushing imaginary dust from his sleeve.

"You did well," he remarked. "I almost thought you’d lose halfway through."

Katherine scoffed. "That’s because you underestimate me."

"On the contrary." He met her gaze with something unreadable. "I think most people do. I, however, do not."

Before she could come up with a response, he was already moving past her, leaving the debate area.

Why is he here anyway?

She almost mistook his presence for concern, thinking he had come because he heard she was dragged into this exhausting debate by other students.

She sighed and found Ruel appeared, grinning as he walked towards her.

"Not bad, Kat. Looks like you’ve got quite the reputation now."

Katherine smirked. "Oh, please. Don’t start keeping score."

Ruel shrugged. "Why not? You’re a spectacle now." He leaned in, whispering, "Though I think you’ll enjoy the peace now that Adolfo’s gone. He’s got a flair for the dramatic."

Katherine shot him a dry look. "He sure does."

As the crowd slowly began to dissipate, Katherine leaned back in her chair, feeling a mix of exhaustion and relief. She had survived, and unexpectedly won. But as much as she was glad to be rid of the intense spotlight, a small part of her realized that it hadn’t been so bad after all.

***

The debate had been exhausting, but the world didn’t pause just because Katherine wanted to spend the next week hiding under her blankets.

The next morning, she was up and about, begrudgingly handling responsibilities. With the Symposium Fair fast approaching, she needed to start preparing her booth, which meant gathering supplies. Ruel was busy moving his things into his new quarters—officially settling into his role as her ’attendant’—so she set out for the market alone.

The streets were already alive with merchants calling out their wares, the scent of freshly baked bread mixing with the crisp morning air. Compared to the suffocating atmosphere of the academy, it was a refreshing change of pace.

Katherine adjusted the bags in her hands, carefully balancing the weight as she mentally calculated how much more she needed to buy. The market was as lively as ever, filled with the scent of spices, fresh bread, and sizzling meat skewers. She had almost reached the last stall when—

"Allow me."

She barely had time to react before Florante smoothly plucked several bags from her grasp.

"Uh..." Katherine blinked. "That’s nice and all, but I can carry them myself, you know?"

Florante merely smiled, the kind that could probably charm a court full of nobles into silence. "I insist. It would be improper of me to let a lady struggle with heavy bags while I stand idly by."

Katherine gave him a long, skeptical look. That’s noble code for ’I’m gonna do it anyway, so don’t fight me.’

Before she could protest further, he continued, "Besides, I was heading back to the academy myself. This saves you the trouble of making two trips."

"...That’s... suspiciously convenient."

He chuckled, expertly adjusting the weight of the bags in his arms. "Sometimes things just work out that way."

Katherine wasn’t convinced. This level of helpfulness felt like some kind of event prompt. Did I accidentally unlock the "Prince Charming Route" by agreeing to come here alone? Where’s the skip button?

Still, free labor was free labor, so she let him carry on—literally.

As they walked, Florante made easy conversation, occasionally stopping to buy her small treats. At first, she tried to refuse, but he was persistent.

"You should try this," he said, handing her a piece of candied fruit.

Katherine took it hesitantly. "You’re really set on this ’spoiling me’ agenda, huh?"

"It’s just good manners," he said smoothly. "And I enjoy your company."

Danger. Alert. Something’s not right.

She popped the fruit in her mouth, trying to ignore the feeling that she had somehow walked into a setup.

They were halfway back to the academy, still chatting, when a very familiar, very unwelcome figure stepped into their path.

Oh no.

Adolfo stood there, leaning casually against a stone pillar like he had all the time in the world. His crimson eyes flicked toward Florante, then to Katherine, then to the bags Florante was carrying.

And then, the absolute menace of a man simply reached over and took some.

Without a word. Without a single ounce of hesitation.

Florante inhaled sharply, but instead of arguing, he let out a controlled sigh and let it happen.

Katherine, however, was not about to let this slide. "Excuse me? What do you think you’re doing?"

Adolfo examined the bags in his grip as if he hadn’t just committed highway robbery in broad daylight. "Carrying things. You should be thanking me."

"That’s my thank-you to give, not yours!" she huffed. "You weren’t even invited to this—"

"And yet, here I am," he said with a perfectly neutral expression, shifting the weight of the bags like they were nothing.

Florante, ever the gentleman, merely smiled in resignation. "It’s quite alright, Lady Katherine. Sir Adolfo is only being... considerate."

Katherine shot him a glare. "Oh no, don’t encourage this behavior. You’re just enabling him."

Adolfo hummed in amusement but said nothing, walking alongside them like he had been there the entire time.

As the academy gates came into view, Katherine let out a sigh. First, Florante hijacks my shopping trip. Now Adolfo third-wheels his way into it. Who’s next? Is the king going to come carry my groceries, too?

She had the distinct feeling that this was completely intentional on Adolfo’s part. And somehow, that was even more irritating.