A Rider Doesn't Need a Youth Romantic Comedy [26]

Aside from the initial roll call and the usual nagging, the middle-aged teacher’s class could be described as packed full of substance.

For students aiming for high grades, it was definitely worth paying attention.

Although he didn’t go into very advanced topics, he explained the common formulas clearly and thoroughly, breaking them down so anyone could understand.

The only sounds in the classroom were the rustling of notes being taken and the teacher’s steady explanations.

However, among this diligent group, one particular student felt distinctly out of place.

Should I at least pretend to take notes?

Holding his pen, Rōma glanced down at his blank textbook and notebook, where he’d randomly scribbled nonsense.

He had a strange feeling that by not studying, he was standing out awkwardly.

But the truth was, he really couldn’t summon up any interest.

He didn’t need to study hard for university exams.

Once he graduated from high school, he'd almost certainly move directly into the Institute’s combat unit.

His current uncomfortable, half-student-half-operative situation would finally give way to his true identity as a fully-fledged special agent.

Forget it, might as well take notes.

Sighing, Rōma obediently started jotting down notes.

Even though he knew he’d never look at them again—probably never even take them out—he still carefully copied down the key points.

Looking around the classroom, the middle-aged teacher nodded with satisfaction.

The entire class was earnestly studying. Truly a good thing.

Wait, no—one exception.

Slowly shifting his gaze to Aki Tomoya, a vein bulged visibly on the teacher’s forehead.

With everyone else diligently taking notes, Tomoya’s spaced-out expression was painfully obvious.

He had no idea what was going through this kid’s head, but it definitely wasn’t related to the lesson.

Perhaps it was time to demonstrate a teacher’s authority.

After considering for a couple of seconds, the teacher wrote a somewhat challenging problem on the board.

“Tomoya-kun, please come up and solve this problem.”

Hearing his name called suddenly, Tomoya snapped back to reality instantly.

Seeing the problem on the blackboard, a bead of cold sweat rolled down Tomoya’s forehead.

I… don’t have a clue.

Having ignored the entire lecture, let alone solving it, he didn’t even know where to begin.

Bracing himself, he walked up to the board, nervously tapping the chalk against the blackboard, leaving small white dots everywhere.

It seemed doing this slightly eased the tension in his chest.

“What, can’t solve it?”

The middle-aged teacher calmly asked from beside him.

He didn’t exactly harbor strong negative feelings towards Tomoya.

Having taught for so many years, he’d long since accepted certain realities.

What does your lack of interest have to do with me?

If anything, I'll just ignore you rather than make myself miserable.

Maybe, if carefully guided, such students might have bright futures ahead.

But what did that have to do with him?

He wasn’t some inspirational TV drama protagonist; just doing his own job was enough.

As for Aki Tomoya?

He'd give him a nudge if possible, but if Tomoya was truly determined to slack off, he wouldn’t interfere much.

Wasn't it easier being a laid-back teacher, compared to working himself to death every day?

“Sorry, sensei, I don't know how.”

Awkwardly scratching his head, Tomoya responded quietly.

“Alright, sit back down.”

Without further comment, the teacher simply motioned Tomoya back to his seat.

Picking up the chalk himself, he began explaining the steps and formulas required to solve the problem.

Tomoya returned to his seat, briefly attempting to focus, but quickly lost concentration again.

He’d found yet another heroine who perfectly fit his game’s requirements yesterday.

Wait—

Why did I say “another” heroine?

While Tomoya fell into confused contemplation, Rōma beside him was quietly observing—more precisely, he was staring at the back of Tomoya’s head.

The swelling seems to have mostly gone down?

Rōma nodded faintly, deciding it was probably time to act again tonight.

Aki Tomoya—truly a good person.

Rōma couldn’t help but inwardly praise him.

Every time, Tomoya reliably found all kinds of strange “heroines” for the Institute.

This time was no different.

Suddenly, Tomoya felt a chill run down his spine.

It was like being watched by something sinister.

And… this sensation felt incredibly familiar!

Tomoya couldn’t help but scan the classroom nervously.

He might usually be oblivious, but even he would notice losing his memory two days in a row, wouldn’t he?!

However, even if he sensed it, what could he actually do?

He’d still remain in the dark, making his games, innocently attracting dangerous anomalies.

Rōma shook his head, returning his attention back to note-taking.

Since he’d started, he might as well do it properly.

...

Soon enough, the class ended.

On the podium, the middle-aged teacher reluctantly closed his mouth.

Honestly, from a teacher’s perspective, such a focused classroom atmosphere really felt great.

Everyone had listened attentively, recording every single important point.

Even without asking questions, the students' presence was clearly felt—no self-entertainment here.

If not for his long-standing habit of never running overtime, he might’ve pulled a classic “two more minutes” or “just let me finish this one.”

“Class dismissed.”

Suppressing the urge, the middle-aged teacher left the classroom in big strides.

Instantly, the classroom erupted into chatter.

“Hey hey, about that department store!”

The excited boy from earlier turned around again, enthusiastically picking up the urban legend topic.

Even if they didn’t actually go, just talking about it was fun enough.

His companion, a boy with messy brown hair, clearly lacked interest.

He listened quietly, only occasionally giving half-hearted responses.

“Excuse me.”

Having found his target, Rōma directly approached the pair.

He had some vague impressions of these two boys.

Fukube Satoshi and Oreki Houtarou.

The former was Vice President of the General Affairs Committee, and the latter, while not holding any position, had left an impression with his distinctively “energy-saving” lifestyle philosophy.

Oreki had a certain popularity among girls, too.

Well, fine, mostly because he was quite handsome.

He fit the type that girls nowadays tended to prefer.

“What’s up?”

Fukube asked curiously, looking at Rōma.

Oreki said nothing, but his eyes clearly reflected the same confusion.

They’d never really interacted with Rōma before, so this was understandable.

“That department store rumor you were talking about—where exactly did you hear it from?”

After asking, Rōma quickly added,

“Our club’s been investigating urban legends lately, so I’m a little curious.”

Fukube readily answered, not thinking too deeply about Rōma’s inquiry.

“Oh, we heard about it from the Occult Research Club.”

“I overheard them discussing it last time I went to see their club president.”

“Got it, thanks.”

Nodding, Rōma thanked Fukube and immediately turned to leave.

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This is a fan translation of 骑士不需要青春恋爱物语 by 青琮 All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!