"..."
When I opened the door, there was a girl with blonde hair and blue eyes. It was Anon, the head of this academy. She was wearing a normal dress, not her usual robe and pointed hat.
"Hmph, what's with that face! Are you really unhappy to go on a date with a cute me!"
"No, it's not that I'm unhappy, but frankly, I just want to spend my day off leisurely researching the magic I like..."
And besides, what kind of 100-year-old elf calls herself cute?
"...You magic-obsessed fool. Since it's about Gil, you probably haven't even gone into town on weekdays yet. I thought it would be a good change of pace to explore this town that you've visited for the first time in a while, so what do you say?"
"Hmm..."
Now that I think about it, I haven't been to this town in a long time, having moved to a different city after graduating from this academy. I'm a little curious about how the town has changed in the past 10 years.
It's been a little while since I became a temporary teacher, and Anon, despite being busy, must have invited me out of consideration for me.
Come to think of it, these past five days have been quite busy. Unlike the busyness of being cooped up in research, it was mentally demanding. In my previous life, I interacted with people quite a lot, but in this other world, I was more focused on research and didn't interact with people much.
"You're right, it might be good to explore the town again after a long time. Okay, I'll get ready, so please wait a moment."
"Mhm, I understand!"
"I'm ready. Shall we go then?"
"Are you really going out in that outfit...?"
"Yeah. After all, when I go out, it's a lab coat, right?"
I put on a lab coat over my casual clothes. It really feels calm when I wear a lab coat.
"Who on earth goes on a date wearing a lab coat!"
"No, dating is..."
Even walking next to Anon, I think people would only see us as a parent and child walking together...
By the way, not all elves are in the form of young girls. Elves grow like humans in their youth, and when they reach their individual growth limits, they spend long years in that form. Then, after a certain period, they gradually become aged.
Anon is just in a form with a smaller growth limit than an ordinary elf. Despite her appearance, her combat ability alone is stronger than mine.
"Oh, this street is certainly nostalgic. Ah, that bakery is gone..."
I walk along the streets of the academy city with Anon. This area is where I often came to relax when I was a student at the academy. Unfortunately, the bakery I frequented seems to have closed down.
By the way, I wasn't allowed to wear my lab coat after all. It's just that I don't feel settled without wearing it...
"This academy city has changed a lot since those days. Most of it is thanks to the magical devices invented by Geek."
"Hmm, that's good to hear. Convenient magical devices do make life more comfortable, after all."
In the city, people call me Geek. I don't think there are many acquaintances from my past, but it would be troublesome if it became known that I'm a temporary teacher at the academy.
"Oh, this magic stone is quite cheap. The prices of things really do fluctuate a bit in 10 years. Oh, that shop over there is selling rare materials!"
"...It's very Geek-like to go around shops like this on a date. Well, I'm just glad you're enjoying yourself."
Today, Anon is basically guiding me to places I want to go. After walking down nostalgic streets, we're now visiting shops that sell various materials. This academy city also has an adventurer's guild, where monster ingredients and materials are displayed.
In my case, I buy materials needed for research and magic device creation in bulk from familiar shops, even if they're a bit expensive, but it might be fun to look for hidden gems by visiting various shops like this.
"I'm sorry for enjoying myself so much. It was fun exploring the town again after so long."
After visiting various places in the academy city, we are now having lunch at a restaurant recommended by Anon. Anon, who has only recently become the head of the academy, seems to have work even on holidays, and will be returning to the academy after eating.
"I'm glad to hear that. Geek, you've already gotten some work done, you know. This is my treat, so eat as much as you like."
"No, I'm the one who's indebted to Anon so quickly. I'll pay today."
It's only been three days since I became a temporary teacher, and five students were expelled at once. And one of them was from a ducal family. Even though I was the one named, Anon, as the head of the academy, handled all the processing.
Of course, neither Anon nor I are short on money, but such gestures are important among close friends.
"Besides, it's a date today, right? In that case, it's natural for me, the man, to pay. Just accept the treat obediently."
"...Gil, you're so sly about things like that."
"Hey, use Geek here!"
Anon calls me by my name while blushing and turning away. Even though she was the one who suggested the date.
Well, despite everything, it was fun to explore the town again after a long time. After all, a change of pace is important.