Chapter 26
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Volume 3 + Chapter 26: Heart Flutter
Hill had quietly observed everything from the beginning.
Cases where applicants made mistakes on their forms due to nerves—like choosing the wrong department—were rare, but not unheard of. It had happened before.
As a school known for its human-centric approach, Laurel Tree Academy would, under reasonable circumstances, allow the applicant a chance to revise their submission. It wasn’t a big deal.
At first, Hill hadn’t paid much attention to it.
But when Xia Yi used swordsmanship to defeat Anthony—her expression completely changed.
Others may not have seen it clearly, but Hill had.
If she had to evaluate it, she would say—
That was a fast sword!
From the moment the black-haired loli assumed her stance, drew her sword, struck, and resheathed—it was all done in one fluid motion, smooth and without a single wasted movement.
To be able to perform swordsmanship like that at such a young age showed an exceptional talent.
A student with remarkable talent for swordsmanship—there was immense potential.
Of course, there was another important point.
She hadn’t noticed it at first, but when Xia Yi used her sword, Hill felt a strange sensation in her heart—
A flutter.
She couldn’t quite describe why she had that feeling.
Especially upon closer observation, Hill kept having the uncanny sense that she had seen Xia Yi somewhere before.
So when Xia Yi requested to leave, she didn’t think much—she immediately stepped forward and blocked her path, saying:
“Wait. I don’t approve.”
“Eh?”
Xia Yi was stunned to suddenly see Hill appear before her.
The proctor beside them was a little confused. “Teacher Hill, is something wrong?”
The other students nearby were also surprised, all turning to look at them.
Only then did Hill realize that her words might have been a bit too abrupt. Looking at Xia Yi’s dazed reaction, had she just scared her?
“Ahem… My apologies. What I meant was—Miss Xia Yi, about your request, I’d like to take a bit of your time to understand things in more detail,” Hill said. “If there’s any difficulty, you can tell me—I’ll help you sort it out.”
“…Huh?”
Xia Yi didn’t get it—what was Hill trying to do?
Did she figure her out?
No way—she had intentionally used that “stinky redhead’s” sword style. There was no reason Hill should recognize her.
The proctor added, “Miss Xia Yi, Teacher Hill is a senior instructor at Laurel Tree Academy and one of the main administrators of this entrance exam. Her authority surpasses mine. If I were to handle your request, it could take some time and cause delays—you might miss the magic department exam.”
Xia Yi had no choice.
Even though she desperately didn’t want to meet her own student in loli form… for the sake of enrollment…
“…I understand. Hill… teacher, I’ll go with you.”
Xia Yi reluctantly added the word “teacher” after Hill’s name.
Agony. Utter agony!
To survive, she had to call her own student ‘teacher’?
What a cruel twist of fate!
“Alright then, Miss Xia Yi. Please come with me,” Hill said.
…
Hill brought Xia Yi to a private office and even made her a cup of coffee.
“Miss Xia Yi, would you like anything added to your coffee?” Hill asked gently.
“I want three sugar cubes and milk!” Xia Yi replied immediately.
“Oh, alright.” Hill chuckled.
Only then did Xia Yi realize—did that flavor preference make her seem like a child?!
If she’d known, she would’ve asked for a strong black coffee!
“It’s ready.”
Hill placed the milk coffee with sugar in front of her.
“Thank you, Hill… teacher.”
Despite how wronged she felt inside, Xia Yi could only call her that.
She took a sip. Mmm~ sweet is the best~
Xia Yi couldn’t help but smile.
Hill sat down, picked up Xia Yi’s form, read through it carefully, then asked, “Miss Xia Yi, you’re from the Lawrence family?”
“Mm. Keith is my uncle. I lived in the countryside when I was little and only recently returned to Bellen to live with him.”
“I see. You originally intended to apply to the magic department?”
“Yes.”
“And the mistake marking swordsmanship—was that really an error?”
“No.”
“Oh?”
Hill’s eyes lit up—there was hope!
But Xia Yi’s next words left her speechless:
“It was Norma who changed it on purpose.”
“Norma…”
“You know her, don’t you, Teacher Hill?”
“Yes. She’s one of my students in the swordsmanship course—I remember her well.” Hill massaged her forehead. “Norma always acts without thinking. She’s too impulsive. She’s even received disciplinary action at the academy for this before. I’ll have to reprimand her again later.”
“Ahahaha…”
Xia Yi forced out a dry laugh.
She took back everything she said earlier—the Lawrence family really is hopeless. Doomed!
“Miss Xia Yi, do you have any interest in the swordsmanship department?” Hill asked, getting straight to the point. “I believe your talent is outstanding. If you’re willing to apply to the swordsmanship department, I can offer you a special direct admission—no entrance exam needed. You’d even receive a scholarship, and I’d personally instruct you in swordsmanship.”
“Uhh… is that okay?”
“This isn’t favoritism, Miss Xia Yi. Every senior instructor at Laurel Tree Academy has one direct admission slot each year. I haven’t used mine. And I think you’re a perfect fit.”
“I don’t think I’m suited for swordsmanship,” Xia Yi tried to dodge the topic.
But this time, Hill was exceptionally persistent. She stood up and walked to Xia Yi.
“Miss Xia Yi, I don’t believe that. I don’t think outward characteristics should ever be a reason someone can’t become a great swordsman. What matters most in swordsmanship… is the heart.”
Good!
Well said, Hill! You really are my student!
Xia Yi was secretly proud—Hill was finally showing the demeanor of a real teacher, no longer just the clingy follower from before.
But she couldn’t openly praise her—that would be the same as accepting the offer.
She absolutely did not want to become Hill’s student. What if one day her “occupational disease” kicked in and she couldn’t resist correcting Hill?
She might blurt out something that would blow her cover.
And once Hill realized her teacher had turned into a loli…
Xia Yi didn’t even want to imagine that.
All her dignity as a teacher—gone.
“Thank you for the encouragement, Teacher Hill, but… pursuing magic is my true calling. Swordsmanship is just a hobby for me right now.” Xia Yi averted her gaze.
“But you truly have talent, Miss Xia Yi. You’re the most gifted student I’ve ever seen. I want… to keep you by my side and nurture you.”
Hill suddenly said this with utmost sincerity.
Xia Yi’s heart skipped a beat.
Hill… are you trying to seduce your teacher?!
“Miss Xia Yi, I mean this seriously. Can you give me a heartfelt answer?” Hill stepped closer.
“I…”
