In this situation, the thing I should do is to directly approach the other party and try to glean their thoughts from subtle details.
Okay, correction. The thing I should be doing most is going back to that damn endless pile of books! — I don't even know if I can find any concrete information in them! Those damn mages always have this habit of creating a silencing barrier before discussing anything important!
This is like wrapping a listening device in a thick layer of cotton and burying it underwater. Even if it still functions normally, its final sound reception efficiency is worrying. And some confidential information, even if it's just a half-word difference, can easily be misunderstood.
However, as I hesitated, pondering what to say as my first words, Professor Adrian, who had been surrounded by Gray and her followers, seemed to suddenly notice our presence. His eyes narrowed behind his glasses, revealing a few slightly deeper crow's feet at the corners of his eyes: "Ah, could this be Yumi, the only disciple of the legendary [Omniscient Witch]? It's a pleasure to meet you. And also, Arie, the only monster research scholar in the academy."
"It seems I'm really lucky today, to meet three celebrities among the many students in the academy all at once."
“You’re joking, Professor Adrian.”
Standing up, I finished his sentence in the most appropriate manner, while putting on my usual business-like expression: "It should be said that we are honored to meet you here. However, seeing that you were chatting happily with your fellow students, we did not want to disturb you. Please forgive our impoliteness in not greeting you in advance."
"You have devoted yourself to the study of astrology and illusion for many years and have made many remarkable achievements. You are a highly respected senior. As your student, I deeply respect you and hope that you will guide more younger generations to a brighter future."
Adrian also had a businesslike smile on his face: "I am really ashamed. I didn't expect that the future star of the academy had heard of my name and research direction."
"It's not that I'm being modest, but I have indeed only made some small achievements, which are nothing compared to the other teachers in the academy. Being able to serve as a mentor for you future stars often makes me feel apprehensive and fearful, for fear that I might make a mistake and cast a dark shadow over your otherwise bright future."
"Professor Adrian, please don't say that!"
Princess Grey chimed in, making a cheering gesture: "Your course is actually excellent, explained in a simple and easy-to-understand way, and full of fun! It's one of the few courses that makes me feel it's such a shame I can only take it once!"
He seemed to genuinely enjoy such flattery; even though he tried to hide it well, a fleeting glint of delight flashed in his eyes before he quickly concealed it.
After thanking the young woman, Adrian, following the atmosphere, expressed his views on the future direction of his research. Then, the waiter brought over the food cart, and he was naturally invited to sit down at a table.
The conversation flowed freely at the dinner table. Grey and the others were generally lively by nature and didn't care about table manners. They asked questions freely and enthusiastically, and occasionally raised their juices as a friendly gesture when they got excited.
On the other side, the elderly gentleman, as if observing his own lively grandchildren, kept casting a gentle gaze. He ate very little of his meal, spending his time patiently answering questions, even in areas he was not very familiar with, trying to offer possible suggestions and inspirations as a pioneer.
Only when faced with my casual question, "Why did you leave the academy today?" did Adrian's face pause slightly, twisting unnaturally for a moment, before he replied with a smile, "I just suddenly wanted to go for a walk outside."
He did indeed conceal his inner thoughts very well, but in that instant, I still caught a faint trace of suspicion and hostility.
Near the end, after Grey and the other three had devoured most of the food on the table, Adrian suddenly turned to me, smiling as he asked, "By the way, Yumi, it may be a bit presumptuous, but I still want to ask you, have you heard anything from your mentor or the headmaster?"
They've arrived.
I understood, but still responded with a questioning look and tone, while casually stirring the steaming millet porridge in my bowl: "May I ask what you mean, Professor Adrian?"
"Hmm... For example, information about the upcoming practical activities organized by the college, things like that..."
Adrian seemed to be carefully observing the changes in my facial expressions; I could clearly feel his gaze on my face.
He paused for a moment, then seemed to realize that his words might have been abrupt, or perhaps he wanted to put pressure on her, and added, "I'm sorry. You might think my question was abrupt, Yumi, but I just happened to hear that you were near Her Majesty the Omniscient Witch's workshop today, and that you left shortly after the headmaster..."
"No, that's not quite right. I should say that I've heard that the headmaster discusses some important matters concerning the academy with Her Excellency the [Omniscient Witch]... I just happened to run into you here, so I thought I'd ask around to see if you knew anything extra."
Adrian's words sent a chill down my spine.
He clearly had a plan in place before he appeared here; perhaps even my appearance was within his expectations.
If we think about it even worse, there might be accomplices hidden within the academy keeping a close eye on specific individuals for him.
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