Sincerely, Vanessa [EN]: Chapter 19

3:59 PM.

“With this, I conclude the proof of Mate’s equation,” Professor Bombalow announced, striking the blackboard. The massive board was densely filled with formulas and numbers, leaving no space untouched.

Everyone looked utterly exhausted. Simply learning the proof of this equation was more than enough for a three-hour class.

“As I mentioned at the beginning of the class, Mate’s equation is crucial not only for the equation itself but also for its proof. Even the formulas included in the proof are extensively utilized.”

Professor Bombalow clicked his tongue, observing the students with glazed eyes. Of course, he had no intention of being lenient just because the students looked vacant.

“This week’s assignment is to perfectly understand the proof of Mate’s equation! And it would be wise to do so properly, as application problems using it will be given in the next class.”

Professor Bombalow left without looking back, leaving only the students’ sighs in the classroom. Vanessa listlessly packed her bag.

“No… way…. All of that?”

Vanessa muttered dejectedly, scanning the blackboard from left to right, her neck almost completely turned.

Lina rested her chin on her hand and cursed, while Chebati organized his notes, his brow furrowed as well.

“Professors… must not know the level of their students.”

“Will we even be able to finish the assignment?”

Vanessa glared at Lina and Chebati. It wasn’t something the two top students in the class should be saying.

“I’ll just have to memorize it all…. I don’t have the mental capacity to understand it.”

“That’s even more impressive.”

Thanks to the dreadful class, everyone was a bit edgy as they got up.

“I have a meeting at Seogot [a district or area] for a bit today,” Vanessa said, causing Lina to pout.

“With Eugenia sunbae [senior]? I was going to ask you to have dinner.”

“How about tomorrow?”

“Hmm, okay. Chebati! Are you free for dinner tomorrow?”

Chebati rolled his eyes for a moment before nodding. He would have to sleep late since he was having dinner, but well, that was a common occurrence.

“Great! There’s that small restaurant at the very end of the Seogot shopping street. The one Chebati wanted to go to last time! Shall we go there?”

“I heard their soup is really good. They simmer it for a long time with plenty of ingredients.”

Vanessa nodded enthusiastically, as she liked anything her friends recommended.

Lina adjusted the position of Vanessa’s hairpin and straightened the carelessly worn tie, making it neat. After looking at Vanessa from a distance, Lina finally nodded in satisfaction.

“Have a good time, Vanessa.”

As Vanessa stood up, Chebati waved his small hand. Vanessa smiled and nodded.

⚜ ⚜ ⚜

It was a bit chilly in the evening. Even though she wrapped the warm scarf Lina’s aunt had given her over her school uniform jacket, the cold wind seeped in.

Vanessa walked busily along the white stone path of Seogot with small steps.

Seogot was brightly lit by magically illuminated streetlights and, being right next to the Academy, had ample security.

Walking along the well-maintained white stone path, various shops lined both sides, and carefully crafted signs swayed prettily. Each shop’s uniquely shaped sign mostly used sparkling magic, shining with different lights even in the darkness.

“Ugh, it’s cold….”

Eugenia’s meeting was the kind that was good for expanding one’s network. The meeting, mainly composed of upperclassmen, had a very diverse composition of backgrounds, which was a great help to Vanessa, who lacked experience.

The cafe where today’s meeting was held was the largest in Seogot, with flower pots hanging under the large windows, filling the air with a pleasant fragrance.

Vanessa carefully looked at the signboard placed in front of the cafe. She desperately wanted a warm cup of tea.

The bell attached to the bright red wooden door rang as she opened it.

As she stepped inside, Eugenia Alban and Alisa Bolton, who were sitting on white chairs, saw Vanessa and waved.

However, their gestures were very different. Eugenia only slightly waved her fingertips, while Alisa swung her entire arm.

“Hey, junior!”

Their booming voices were also different. It was quite surprising that the two, who were complete opposites in both appearance and personality, were close. Vanessa smiled brightly.

“Hello, sunbaes [seniors].”

As Vanessa greeted them with a bright smile, Eugenia rested her chin on her hand and gazed at her.

Pretty, diligent, and smart….

Ah, what a waste. That man is so lucky. Where did he find someone like that? There are many diligent children, but it’s rare to find one with both talent.

She would be good for enhancing our family’s reputation later on, it’s such a shame….

“Eugenia sunbae…?”

Vanessa tilted her head as Eugenia blankly stared at her. Alisa Bolton clicked her tongue and poked Eugenia in the waist.

“Snap out of it.”

Only then did Eugenia come to her senses and quickly flashed a sweet smile at Vanessa.

“Ah, sorry. Vanessa, there’s no one else today. One of the sunbaes who graduated with the help of a patron is currently in the Magic Department. I thought you might be interested, so I asked her to come for a bit.”

Vanessa was slightly surprised by what Eugenia said so gently. To go out of her way to call a sunbae who was in a similar situation just for her.

“T, thank you.”

“Don’t mention it. The book you told me about last time was quite helpful for the pop quiz,” Alisa laughed heartily.

“She said she had something to do around here anyway. Feel free to ask her anything you want. Alisa and I will sit a bit away.”

Eugenia, smiling brightly, was the very image of a ‘kind sunbae with an angelic face’ from any angle.

Vanessa’s eyes sparkled. I have to become someone like that!

The teacher told her to be wary of the name ‘Alban,’ but Vanessa had already completely fallen for her.

“Here it is. Sunbae-nim [term of respect for a senior]!”

“Oh, hello.”

Soon, the graduate who worked in the Magic Department appeared. The woman, who had faded gray hair tied back and wore a coat that reached her ankles, was named Munia Tran.

She explained in detail how the Magic Department was divided.

“It’s more segmented than you think. Although they only pick those with magical abilities, the presence of the ability itself is important, not the size of it. Because you have to understand magic.”

Munia was explaining with fire in her eyes to entice even one more junior to the Magic Department.

Overwork! More wizards had to come in to escape from overwork.

However, ambiguous wizards who were not powerful often went into business, so the Magic Department was always short of manpower.

“Do you have any more questions?”

Munia Tran asked cheerfully. Vanessa carefully opened her mouth, worried it might be a rude question.

“Um, I heard you had a patron.”

“I did. But it’s all over now that I’ve graduated.”

“Do you happen to know who your patron was?”

“No, my patron didn’t reveal who they were.”

Munia shrugged and took a sip of her coffee.

“I have no way to contact them now. They didn’t want to. Well, they were a good patron. They had no intention of suppressing a young wizard. I’m just grateful that they helped me graduate.”

Vanessa somehow became gloomy. I see, that’s what a good patron is. But there’s no way to contact them… Will I be like that when I graduate?

I won’t be able to write to the teacher again. Somehow, her stomach churned.

“It was really hard after graduation, but it’s manageable now. There’s always a way to find a place to live… and the Magic Department pays well. Don’t worry.”

In the end, I’ll be alone again. No, when I think about it, I’m alone now. The teacher isn’t my family.

After Munia Tran left -If you want to know anything, contact me anytime! Don’t forget the Magic Department!- Eugenia and Alisa opened the cafe door and were waiting in front.

Vanessa sighed softly and tried to follow them out. If it weren’t for a note on the cafe bulletin board.

「Job Posting

Saturday, Sunday 5 PM – 9 PM

Simple drink preparation, cafe cleaning, and closing

Inquiries to the owner.」

Vanessa stared at the note as if possessed.

“Vanessa, aren’t you coming?”

Vanessa was startled and turned her head as Eugenia spoke softly.

“Yes, I’m coming.”

Vanessa closed the cafe door. But even so, she glanced back.

⚜ ⚜ ⚜

Vanessa kept thinking about the note even after returning to the Academy. If Eugenia and Alisa hadn’t been there, she might have inquired right away.

Even while washing up, changing into pajamas, and arranging the bedsheets to bury herself inside, she could only think about the cafe job posting.

“Vanessa, is there anything you want? Saint Barando’s Day is coming up soon!”

Lina asked, humming as she prepared for bed. Only then did Vanessa shake off the thought of the note.

Saint Barando’s Day. It was the biggest holiday in Priba, which was also celebrated in the orphanage.

On that day, there was a battle for the gifts sent by sponsors even in the orphanage. Vanessa had never received a gift just for herself.

“Not really. What about you?”

“It’s a secret. Barando is a saint who kept secrets.”

Lina playfully stuck out her tongue and giggled.

The noble Barando was a child beloved by God. He hid the blessings given by God well, preventing the destruction of the world.

But one day, a demon appeared and begged him to show him what the blessing was, offering him anything. Fearing that he would weaken himself from the constant temptation, Barando covered his eyes, blocked his ears, and closed his mouth.

He kept the secret until he died, and God made him the brightest star in the night sky to honor him.

It is the most visible star in November, and because he died on the last day of October, November 1st is widely known as ‘Saint Barando’s Day,’ the day Barando was reborn.

“I want to give gifts to you and Chebati, as well as the teacher….”

“You can just give them, what’s the problem?”

Vanessa slowly blinked at Lina’s simple answer.

But she didn’t want to give the teacher a gift with the teacher’s money. Then there’s only one way left.

Vanessa smiled slyly.

⚜ ⚜ ⚜

「To Vanessa Rose.

Is there anything you want for Saint Barando’s Day?

From your teacher.」