In a certain room belonging to the university division of Mahora Academy, the owner of this room was Chiyuri, from the second year, Class A of the middle school division. Most of the time, very few people other than a limited few were allowed inside. Of course, ordinary people couldn't enter without Chiyuri’s permission; as the strongest intellect at Mahora Academy, she possessed sufficient power to keep people out.

“Oh dear, I’ve run into another difficult problem; this one is proving a bit troublesome,” Chiyuri murmured with a troubled expression as she tinkered with a precision instrument on her workbench. Recently, a particular matter had presented a massive hurdle. She, who was usually so confident in her abilities, now felt completely lost, hitting a wall at every turn.

“Is that thing still proving intractable? It’s been quite some time now,” a bespectacled girl in a white lab coat walked over from beside her, asking with a frown.

This was Sumire Agata, also a student in the second year, Class A, but one who had already completed all the university division courses. She was the genius second only to Chiyuri at Mahora Academy, nicknamed "The Doctor." Together with Chiyuri, they formed the "Invincible Genius Team," engaging in various mechanical research and mysterious experiments. Incidentally, the doll servant of Evangeline, Chao-Chao Maru, was created by these two.

“Yes. Because this exceeds the scope of my current knowledge, it’s difficult to make any concrete judgments. I can only proceed by performing experiments to analyze each element one by one. However, even if I say that, successfully completing even one such experiment is extremely difficult,” Chiyuri sighed, something rarely seen even from someone who was rarely stumped by problems.

“It seems our laboratory has encountered its greatest challenge yet, but if we can break through this, we will surely create an even greater miracle,” Agata said excitedly.

“That is, if we can succeed. Our progress is less than one percent right now,” Chiyuri replied with a wry smile.

Agata immediately scratched her head awkwardly. “Heh, that’s true.”

Swish

Just as the two were talking, a figure suddenly materialized in the room, where there had been no third person moments before. The door hadn't opened, nor was there any teleportation device; with a mere flash, a cool young woman dressed in professional teacher attire stood in the center of the room.

Yet, the two girls inside showed no surprise at all. Chiyuri continued her work on her research, not turning around, and said, “Teacher, couldn’t you choose a more conventional method of entry?”

“Yes, such a sudden appearance would startle even us,” Agata added.

“But you weren’t startled, were you?” The cool young woman waved her hand dismissively, walked over to a machine in the room, poured herself a drink, and said as she sipped, “Speaking of which, your defensive measures are quite impressive. Even I couldn't find an exit, so I had to resort to a special method to get in.”

“That’s because the research is quite critical right now, so I implemented a full lockdown. Otherwise, if any outsiders saw even a glimpse, it could cause trouble. Even a minor accident could completely ruin this delicate engineering,” Chiyuri stated solemnly.

“So, Sakuya-sensei, please try not to appear so abruptly in the future. It would be disastrous if you startled us during a critical moment,” Agata adjusted her glasses and instructed seriously.

“Mmm, I can understand that,” the cool young woman, naturally Sakuya Izayoi, nodded. She then walked over to the two girls. “How far along is your research now?”

“It’s just getting started, as there are still some technical issues,” Chiyuri explained while manipulating the machine. “The information you provided, Teacher, isn't extensive; much of it requires me to re-immerse myself. Although I can build a time machine, spacetime and time itself are different concepts; even pinpointing a location is incredibly difficult.”

“Is that so? That sounds troublesome.”

“It’s not overly troublesome. Once the concepts are clear, it’s manageable. After all, the materials you provided are comparable to the technology of my own era,” Chiyuri turned back and winked at her.

“I see. While you say that, I don’t fully grasp it. But on another note, I’m thankful my memory is still decent enough to recall everything the Young Mistress and Yuuko discussed when they chatted; otherwise, I truly couldn’t offer any assistance,” Sakuya remarked with a hint of relief in her tone. “So, is there anything you need my help with right now?”

“Teacher, are you free? With final exams approaching, shouldn’t you be very busy?” Agata asked, surprised.

“I’ve already taught everything I needed to; what comes next is no longer my concern. Besides, I took this teaching position precisely to facilitate working alongside you two,” Sakuya replied with a nonchalant expression. “Speaking of which, if I hadn't stumbled upon your research back then, I might have already gone to investigate that strange cherry tree, or simply left this place.”

“Wow, Teacher is bringing up the past! That’s dangerous! Back then, Chiyo and I were nearly killed by you!” Agata patted her chest, looking genuinely frightened.

Even Sakuya felt a flicker of awkwardness upon hearing that. “I was a bit hasty back then.”

“Enough of these topics. Since Teacher has kindly made time to visit, let’s work together to resolve this current issue,” Chiyuri suggested.

“Indeed. With your abilities, Teacher, combined with our knowledge, we’ll surely achieve twice the result with half the effort,” Agata agreed, looking excited.

Sakuya smiled. “Well then, let’s get to it. Regardless of success, I won't forget your efforts. If you ever need help in the future, just ask.”

“Oh, Teacher, you’re being too formal! And that kind of talk doesn't suit someone as dashing as you.”

“But, perhaps in the future, there will genuinely be a time when I need your help, perhaps concerning my plans…”

Lin Luo had arrived at Mahora Academy for over half a month. Since Evangeline hadn't issued any main story quests, these two weeks had been spent peacefully acting as a teacher, occasionally teasing the cute students. Life had been quite amusing.

Although his first day of class had been a slight embarrassment, most of the students were simpletons, and with his silver tongue, he managed to fool them quite effectively. Furthermore, due to his personality, the students didn't dislike him, and within a few days, he had become familiar and friendly with the entire class… with the exception of a few unique individuals.

As for Konoka and the Head Maid, Lin Luo hadn't made any moves on the two hosts yet, simply following a step-by-step process to build rapport with them, managing to become what could cautiously be called friends.

Meanwhile, Mikoto had also quickly integrated into Class 2-A. After all, the students in that class were all good girls; unlike other places, things like jealousy, bullying, or backstabbing simply didn't occur in 2-A. With Mikoto’s straightforward nature, she meshed perfectly with them. If one only looked at the surface, one would never guess she was a transfer student who had only joined 2-A half a month ago.

The only source of frustration for Lin Luo was Evangeline. Over the past half-month, the two had barely spoken. Even when they encountered each other, Evie would just haughtily toss her head and pass by with an attitude.

Lin Luo truly didn't know what he had done to anger her. Was it because he often called her "Evi-chan" while at school?

At noon, taking advantage of the afternoon break, Lin Luo intentionally headed toward Evangeline’s residence. He felt it necessary to have a good talk; otherwise, when would the main quest ever arrive?

“Yo, Chao-Chao Maru, where’s Evi-chan?” Approaching the not-so-unfamiliar little wooden house, Lin Luo saw Chao-Chao Maru playing with a small bird outside and greeted her enthusiastically.

Because she was a robot and exceptionally friendly towards animals, the little creatures were also very fond of her. It was common to see many birds or small cats and dogs gathered around her, creating a scene of perfect harmony.

“Teacher Lin Luo,” Chao-Chao Maru gave a slight bow to Lin Luo and replied, “Mistress is taking her afternoon nap inside.”

“Napping? How many hours does she sleep a day?” Lin Luo felt a slight headache coming on. Outside of mandatory class time, Evangeline mostly kept herself locked in her room sleeping, as if her sole purpose for existence was slumber.

“Mistress says the weather is getting hotter, which she dislikes, so she passes the time by sleeping.”

“Well, that makes sense. Hot weather isn’t pleasant,” Lin Luo nodded and walked toward the door of the cottage. “I’ll go inside and see your mistress.”

“Mistress said she doesn't like being disturbed when she sleeps,” Chao-Chao Maru shook her head and blocked Lin Luo’s path.

“It’s fine, I’m here for a home visit; I don't count as an outsider.”

“But…”

Lin Luo smiled and patted her shoulder. “Don’t worry, even if Evie gets angry, she’ll only be angry with me, not you. Don’t worry about it.”

“That’s not the issue… Alright then, please come in, Teacher.” Although still hesitant, seeing Lin Luo’s determined expression, Chao-Chao Maru let him pass.

“Good. That’s better. But Chao-Chao Maru, you don't need to be so formal when addressing me in the future. I am your teacher, not your master; casual is fine.”

“Casual?” Chao-Chao Maru tilted her head, seemingly unable to grasp the concept.

“Yes, like a conversation between friends. Just try to relax, and occasionally you can even make sarcastic remarks.”

“What is a sarcastic remark?”

“How should I explain that? It’s roughly saying the truth in a very direct manner,” Lin Luo thought carefully for a moment and smiled. “For example, you can try making a sarcastic remark to me right now.”

“Sarcastic remark? Hmm…” Chao-Chao Maru tilted her head in thought for a moment, then pointed at Lin Luo and said seriously, “Teacher, are you here to flirt with my Mistress?”

“…” Lin Luo was instantly speechless.

Patting the girl’s shoulder, Lin Luo stated gravely, “Chao-Chao Maru, perhaps you shouldn't be in charge of making sarcastic remarks in the future.” With that, Lin Luo opened the cottage door and stepped inside.

“Did I say something wrong? Sarcasm… it’s hard.” Chao-Chao Maru looked perplexed.

Swish

The moment Lin Luo stepped inside, he was met with an unexpected attack. A flash of silver shot toward him, like a meteor streaking through the night sky, moving with unparalleled speed. Lin Luo’s expression shifted instantly, and he thrust out his Five Finger Mountain, smack.

“What are you trying to do, you wicked doll?”

“Mistress said if anyone disturbs her nap, I am to drive them out. So let me go quickly, kaka-ka!” What Lin Luo held firmly in his hand was a small wooden doll brandishing a tiny knife, making aggressive gestures.

“If I let you go, will you attack me again?”

“Naturally.”

“Then I can’t let you go. Hmm, to avoid being disturbed by you, I think I’ll just toss you outside.” Saying this, Lin Luo actually opened the door and threw the wicked doll out. “Chao-Chao Maru, catch her, and keep an eye on her for me.”

The small doll followed a parabolic arc through the air before being caught steadily by Chao-Chao Maru.

“Chao-Chao Maru, I am your elder sister! How dare you treat me like this?” the small doll said angrily.

“But Teacher didn't mean to harm Mistress.”

“That’s no excuse…”

Lin Luo paid no further attention to the commotion outside. He casually swept his gaze around the room and spotted a small, slender girl lying on the bed placed squarely in the center of the room—it was Evangeline.

To avoid startling her, Lin Luo tiptoed closer.

This girl really has no sense of caution. She didn't even wake up despite the huge commotion outside. Is it because this is her own home, so she has nothing to worry about? Standing by the bedside, Lin Luo thought to himself, but then again, a completely defenseless sleeping Evie is quite something to behold… though her sleeping posture is hard to compliment.

Lin Luo looked at the girl’s sleeping posture and suddenly felt an urge to play a prank. He reached out and gently poked her smooth, soft cheek with his finger.

“Mmm…” Evangeline instinctively turned over but did not wake up.

She wasn't wearing much to begin with, and this movement exposed even more of her body. If her head tilted just slightly lower, one could even see the flat expanse of her chest. Lin Luo immediately lost his composure.

She’s deliberately tempting me, Lin Luo thought, his heart stirring. He recalled the idea he had as an elementary school student—wanting to steal a kiss from the girl sitting next to him during nap time. Though it never succeeded then, now was a chance to rectify that past regret.

So, he gently bent down, moving toward the girl's face.

Just a breath away from intimate contact, the sleeping girl suddenly jolted awake, staring at Lin Luo with wide eyes. She seemed not to have fully processed what was happening and instinctively asked, “What are you doing?”

“…My contact lens fell out. I’m looking for it.”

PS: For those