I attended school with my mind elsewhere.
Surely, pick-up lines hadn't been invented yet in this world.
If that were true… would introducing them revolutionize the dating market?
Winning a girl's heart wasn't as simple as people made it sound, especially when she already knew you were interested in her. Once that line was crossed, there were only two reactions.
Either she liked you back…
or her guard went straight up.
It wasn't hatred.
More like instinct.
At least, that's what the endless books, forums, and late-night videos from my previous life claimed.
I glanced toward Miss Erica as she crouched beside a group of children, patiently explaining something while using her fingers to count. The kids laughed, one of them tugging lightly at her sleeve. She smiled so warmly that it felt genuine, not forced, not practiced.
She really enjoyed this job.
If that was the case, then the most optimal way to get close to her wasn't through her directly.
It was through the children.
That was my conclusion.
Thinking about it, I only had a few days left in this class anyway.
I wasn't learning much anymore, which was expected. Preschool was meant to teach fundamentals, and I'd already gone far beyond that. I'd originally planned to drop out early and focus fully on adventuring, earning money, gaining experience, and surviving.
But plans could wait.
What was a few more days if it meant repaying the kindness of my savior?
Besides, I'd already stepped into this mess. Might as well see it through.
(Oh. The bell rang.)
Chairs scraped against the floor as children stood, some rushing to pack their things, others clinging to Miss Erica for a bit longer.
"I guess it's time to go," I muttered.
"Sylvan."
(Ah. I've been summoned.)
I turned and walked over. "Yes, teacher?"
Miss Erica clasped her hands together, looking slightly hesitant. "I'm planning to teach your new methods in math for future classes. Would that be alright with you?"
"Of course," I replied immediately. "That would be no problem at all."
Honestly, it was just addition and subtraction, basic logic anyone could grasp.
Her eyes lit up. She leaned forward slightly, excitement clear in her voice.
"I've already submitted a letter to the capital about your methods. This could revolutionize how children are taught. Learning would become much easier."
She paused, then added brightly, "Don't worry, I'll list your name as the author so you'll be properly rewarded."
My smile stiffened.
"Please don't," I said quickly.
She blinked. "Don't…?"
"I don't want my name to be widespread."
Too much fame was synonymous with trouble.
"Why not?" she asked gently. "Don't you want recognition?"
"It's too much hassle," I said honestly, scratching my cheek. "And I don't want to ruin my simple life here."
Miss Erica stared at me as if I'd suddenly grown a second head.
"Are you sure?" she asked slowly.
"Yes," I nodded firmly. "You can publish it. You can keep the gold too."
Gold was tempting, but freedom was priceless.
I'd read enough web novels to know how this went.
Fame leads to attention.
Attention leads to jealousy.
Jealousy leads to assassination attempts.
Then I'd unlock a hidden bloodline, awaken supreme martial talent, slaughter my enemies, ascend to heaven…
Ahem..
I cleared my throat.
My imagination has gone wild.
I've read enough webnovels to know how this plot goes.
Anyway, the conclusion was simple.
If you want to survive in another world:
Be powerful.
Be low-key.
Sadly, Truck-kun hadn't blessed me with any cheat skills.
"By the way, Miss Erica," I asked casually, "are you married? Or… do you have a lover?"
The atmosphere changed instantly.
Her sharp gaze locked onto me, so intense it felt like she was peering straight into my soul. One eyebrow rose as her eyes scanned me from head to toe.
"Well," she said slowly, "no. And I don't plan to, at least not for now."
"Why is that?" I asked, tilting my head.
She crossed her arms thoughtfully. "I want to help at the orphanage. I'm an orphan myself, you see. I lived at the church."
Lived? Past tense?
That explained a lot why the church bells marked the end of classes, why she stayed late, and why she seemed so devoted.
"I see," I nodded.
Better not push further.
"Thank you, Miss Erica," I said politely. "I'll be going now."
Time for a strategic meeting.
I headed straight to the back of the school, the usual spot, and began practicing magic while waiting for Sebastian.
Since he wasn't here yet, I focused on voiceless incantation.
Water Ball.
Mana gathered sluggishly in my palm, wobbling like an unstable bubble.
Silent casting used nearly twice the mana of chanting, and the result was weaker.
Still, progress was progress.
I flicked my wrist.
The water ball flew… about three meters.
Splash.
At this point, all I could do was mildly inconvenience the enemy by making them wet.
Then I heard footsteps.
"Hey! I've been looking everywhere for you."
Sebastian appeared, hands on his knees, breathing a little heavier than usual.
"I'm always here after class," I said calmly. "Practicing magic. And waiting for you."
He straightened up. "So? Any news? Did you tell her about me?"
I clicked my tongue and shook my head slowly.
"Tsk. Tsk. Tsk."
His shoulders slumped. "What does that mean?"
"You don't rush things when it comes to women."
"What?" he frowned. "Isn't persistence important? That's what the storybooks say."
"Storybooks?"
"Yes. The plays in the theater. The prince kneels, declares his love, and the woman falls for him. Girls in the capital adore it."
"Oooh… great," I muttered, rubbing my temples.
"That's not how it works?"
"No," I said flatly.
Probably because of arranged marriages. Or maybe courtship was just a luxury for nobles.
Either way, I pitied Sebastian.
"Tell me," I said, crossing my arms. "How much do you actually know about her?"
He thought for a moment. "She's an orphan. Lives alone at a nearby inn. She often helps at the orphanage."
I patted his shoulder and grinned.
"Isn't this way too easy?"
"Easy?" he frowned. "She avoids me."
"Because she knows your intentions and your status."
"So what do I do?"
"First," I raised a finger, "you stop pursuing her."
"What? Why?" he protested.
I smiled. "What's more valuable, something given for free, or something rare and sought after?"
He paused.
Then nodded. "I understand."
"Good," I said. "Help the orphanage. Quietly. Without expecting anything. When she notices, and she will. Then getting close to her won't be difficult."
He stared at me. "You think more like a merchant than I do. Are you sure you don't want to be one?"
I shrugged. "Who knows."
At least he wasn't dense.
That made things much easier.