#EstAffection

[dream-meister-translations]

EST AFFECTION #1

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It was late one night--

I'd borrowed a large number of books from the library and started reading them in the living room of the Laughing Cat House.

EMMA : ………

EST : Oh, Emma-Kun? You're still here.

EMMA : Oh, hello, Est-San.

EST : You're reading? Maybe you should take a break… You look to be having a hard time with it.

EMMA : Ha-ha-ha… Yeah it's been tough for me to wrap my head around it.

EST : --A book on the basic theories of witchcraft. You're studying this?

EMMA : Yes, I am. I wanted to learn a little more about magic and sorcery… I just thought…

EMMA : I thought it would help me better support everyone here…

EST : …A great ambition to be sure. So, that's why you're wrinkling your brow.

EMMA : Did I look that grim?

EST : Mmhm… I couldn't help but notice. It makes me happy to see everyone in my guild being so studious, however.

I sighed inwardly under the weight of the thick book in my hand, thinking of the faces of Kai and the others.

EMMA : (Oh, I know. I wonder if Est-San would be willing to give me some study tips?)

EMMA : What do you do when you're learning new things, Est-San?

EST : When I'm learning new things?

EMMA : Yes. Like, what do you do when you learn magic?

EST : Hmmm, I don't think I do anything in particular.

EST : If I had to say, I guess I read books and practiced. Sometimes I failed, and sometimes I almost died.

EMMA : You almost died? …What were you doing that was so dangerous!?

EST : Haha, I guess I scared you. My case was a bit unique.

EST : But if you learn the magic arts step by step like everyone else, they're not scary at all. So don't worry.

EST : Hm. Yes… I think the quickest way for you to learn is not to rush in the first place. Learn the basics and take it slow.

EST : On such a foundation, a big tree will surely grow!

EMMA : I see. The more you try to rush it, the harder it'll be.

EST : Yes. Work through it steadily, step by step. Of course, I'll help you, too.

EMMA : Thank you!

EST : Hmmm… Also. I have something I use to reward the kids for their hard work.

Slowly, Est's face edged closer, and my heart began to race.

EST : Something sweet always helps stimulate the brain. Here, open your mouth.

EMMA : Ahh.

As I opened my mouth, Est-San picked up a candy ball and his fingertips gently brushed my lips.

The sweet taste hit my tongue as soon as he pushed the candy in.

EST : Don't work too hard. If you collapse, I'll be sad, and so will my students.

EMMA : Y-Yeah… I'll be safe.

He patted my head as if to soothe me, before leaving me to my studies.

EMMA : (I haven't been praised like that since I was a kid…)

The sweetness of the candy ball yet lingered in my mouth, and I couldn't help but feel strangely… Ticklish…