OJTTEG-Chapter 14: Don't Worry, I've Already Dealt with the Teacher

What kind of script is this? Who wouldn't be confused by this?

"Perhaps An's current personality is influenced by that heart. She's a bit tomboyish, but with a darker edge. She's also kept her hair short like Dilandra," Ormond says, closing his eyes and finishing his hot cocoa. "An is a good kid. I truly believe that. My greatest hope is that you two can get along."

Ormond sighs, standing up and patting Haunter on the shoulder. "If, and I mean if," Ormond says softly.

"What?"

"If one day, you see An in danger..."

Ormond sighs again. "If you can, please give her a hand. Don't let her die, because she's too impulsive and easily falls into traps."

"She's just a child who's suffered immense psychological trauma. This is a father's request, and though it might be selfish, I hope you'll consider it."

"Go get some rest, young man. I'll do my best to fulfill my role as an elder."

But I've already decided to take her down, and now you're making me feel almost guilty. If my old self heard this, I might have woken up in the night to slap myself.

Haunter reflects. Yet, those feelings of guilt, remorse, and regret, which he thought had been eliminated, seem to be gone, including any psychological burden.

Haunter reluctantly shuffles his feet. "This isn't exactly a good thing."

"By the way," Ormond suddenly adds, "there's something very important I need to tell you. An's heart is the heart of the Vampire King's daughter. If that heart loses its vitality, the Vampire King will come looking for you, and I might not be able to help you then."

"..."

Well, now I definitely can't let her die. She's my precious one.

Just arrived and already piling on the pressure, huh?

Haunter immediately shows a bitter smile.

……

……

February 2021.

In the southern city of Doraine City within the Arkham Federation, spring has finally arrived in full. Though the breeze still carries a chill, hints of green are beginning to appear on the branches.

"It's that time when warmth starts to tease but cold lingers," Haunter muses, casually grabbing his backpack. Taking advantage of the orange tabby's nap, he gives it a good pet before preparing to head out the door.

Through the window, he can see the noisy sparrows chirping away on the cherry branches. The seed he planted three years ago has grown into a small tree. Seasons change, and many things evolve, yet some things seem to remain the same.

He expected some mysterious events to unfold over these three years, but none came to pass. Everyone has their own tasks to attend to. Apart from Ormond taking an archaeological assignment for nearly three months two years ago, nothing new has happened. He thought An might make a move against him during that time, but she didn't. It's as if she's completely ignored his existence, with their daily routines never overlapping.

Whenever An seems about to break the norm and act, the orange tabby always wakes him up. Truly, my lucky orange cat.

"Grabbing breakfast on the go again today?"

"Yes, Uncle Ormond." Haunter replies, taking a bottle of milk and a sandwich, stuffing them into his backpack. He opens the door, letting the cool morning air flow into the room.

"It's been three years, hasn't it? Why haven't you two made any progress in your relationship?" Ormond sighs, looking over his newspaper with a hint of frustration.

Haunter has been living with them for three years now. This year marks his college graduation. Although he's often elusive at school, his grades are decent. Over these years, he's developed a habit of leaving for school 20 minutes earlier than Ormond's daughter, An, and returning 20 minutes later. This means the two hardly ever cross paths. Ormond has tried asking them about it, but both remain tight-lipped.

If you say they get along well, aside from necessary interactions, they hardly speak. Yet, when it comes to tasks requiring cooperation, they can complete them with just a glance at each other. According to teachers at St. Delrick University during parent-teacher meetings, during group cooking assignments, these two can bake a cake together without exchanging a single word, showing incredible teamwork.

If you say they don't get along, they seem to understand each other's routines perfectly, always managing to avoid each other's activities. For instance, if one is taking a shower, the other ensures they never pass by the bathroom corridor.

So, despite having studied each other so thoroughly, why won't you two just have a proper conversation? Is it shyness? Probably not. They're like two parallel lines that never intersect.

"Not heading out with me today?" Haunter asks, casually wrapping a scarf around his neck. "I remember today's Thursday. You should have a full schedule in the morning."

"Oh, no need. My students are off on internships now, so I just need to check on them in the afternoon," Ormond replies, lifting his head to reveal a rather tired expression.

"Why do you have such dark circles under your eyes?"

"You think I'm an early bird?" he sighs deeply. "I actually haven't slept yet."

"What were you up to?"

"With fewer classes, I pulled an all-nighter watching a TV series."

Still so energetic at his age.

"Well, make sure to rest. I'll handle lunch at school."

"Yes, I'll send you a 50 shilling allowance."

"Alright, get some rest then. I'm heading out." Satisfied with the answer, Haunter turns and leaves without hesitation.

"The moment you heard about money, your level of concern for me dropped significantly," Ormond mutters, covering his face in exasperation.

"With the parent-teacher meeting coming up, I hope I won't hear any more stories about you shoving someone into the washroom and kicking their testes to the point of injury, right?"

"Of course not, that was back in freshman year. I'm a senior now."

I've already sorted things out with the teachers. I believe he won't have any further objections to me unless he wants to see some bullets.

"You should really get some sleep. If you keep pushing it, I'm worried you'll end up in the hospital."

Haunter rolls his eyes, shuts the door, and walks down the main street of Doraine City. At this hour, the street is still quite empty.

It's like this—every 20 minutes in the morning marks a different phase, with people of varying routines waking up. Right now, at 7 AM, most people on the street are elderly or night shift workers just off duty. Those with regular classes are only just waking up, while Haunter is nearly at school. This time gap allows him to accomplish many things.

Occasionally, he hears hymns drifting by, likely from Andrew Church nearby, where early morning mass is already underway.

"Good morning, Mr. Haunter," Sister Ernest greets him while tidying up the church. Her name sounds rather masculine, but she's been on friendly terms with Haunter. For the past year, he's been helping out at the church every weekend.

"Morning, Sister Ernest. You still look as worried as ever—it's quite reassuring," Haunter replies with a playful tone.

"Though I'd like to argue with your choice of words, things are genuinely a bit troubling this time," Ernest admits.

Sister Ernest is a striking red-haired beauty, rumored to be just in her early thirties. Her figure, hidden beneath her robes, has been the subject of much speculation. Once, Haunter caught a glimpse of something metallic peeking through the folds of her robe.

Best not to dwell on it—perhaps she's secretly a ninja or something.