Chapter 89
Xerath smiled and asked, "Elvin is almost finished with advanced school, right?" She was referring to Diego's eldest son. Diego married Lily shortly after graduating from school, and they had a few children, which was considered a rather ordinary love story. But his classmates, except for Diego, were mostly still single (probably a tradition among advanced mages). So Diego stood out even more.
"Yes, yes, that's right. He's also in Star Song Castle. Maybe the two little ones have met."
"Maybe."
Sensing that Xerath was not very interested in this topic, Diego cautiously returned to the previous subject. "Hmm, you mentioned earlier that you couldn't focus on your studies with her around. What happened?"
Xerath hesitated, even pacing back and forth. "But I couldn't keep her out of my sight. I... I can't always be like this, so I sent her to Star Song Castle. However, after she left, I kept thinking about her, Diego. Every time I look up, I expect her to still be sitting in her seat."
She suddenly looked up at Diego, who looked at her puzzled, "Oh, oh, is that all? I thought there was more. So, what are you worried about?"
"Diego, I... I know I shouldn't always be thinking about her."
"Oh, don't worry, sweetheart. When Gothvin reached school age, Lillian and I were also unsure about what to do at home. It was empty, only the two of us and a few hesitant servants. But actually, this is very normal."
No, this is not normal, Xerath quietly thought to herself, "No teacher would think about their student so frequently."
Diego's hand rested on Xerath's shoulder, and the warm touch quieted the restless elements around her. "But you're not just her teacher, you're also her family. You've been together for... oh, for more than eight years, right?"
"This is the eighth year."
"There's nothing to worry about. It's natural to feel lonely as you get older."
No, Xerath knew very well that she could bear loneliness. Just like during the ten years she lived alone in Aimekotes, she never expected to return to her teacher and continue living with her siblings. But now, she couldn't stand not being able to see Sylas when she looked up.
"Besides, this semester is almost over. You'll be able to see her again soon, won't you? Have you thought about what gift to give her? Children always like receiving gifts, even if they don't do well on exams, you should still encourage her."
"Oh, really? What can be given?"
"Hmm, like toys? When Elvin came first in his grade, I gave him a telescope."
"But Aimekotes already has a telescope."
"Then how about stationery? A silver-dipped fountain pen?"
"I gave her my old mithril one. Anything else?"
"What?! You gave a child such a valuable thing?! What if it gets stolen?"
Xerath looked at him innocently, "Diego... but I already gave it."
"Then let's give her a toy, hmm, what does she like?"
Xerath pondered, "Maybe it's elements."
"There is a popular set of toy elements..."
"I already bought it for her."
"Diego looked a bit discouraged, but still asked with a friendly tone, 'Xerath, what kind of child is she? She must be good at studying, right?'"
When talking about her student, Xerath smiled and said, "She really likes elements, just like you said. When she was young, she was actually mischievous and would often stand on top of Aimekotes and use wind spells to play diving, like a flying fairy. Isn't that great?"
Diego patted his chest and exclaimed, "Oh my, that sounds scary. Luckily, Aimekotes is a barren land. If this happened at my house... I'd probably have to give away all my possessions to compensate for the damage it caused."
"One time, she unleashed a new spell, resulting in a huge storm. No one would believe it, but I saw it with my own eyes."
"It sounds like you really match well with her."
"When she was twelve, she was able to summon the water lord, causing a flood." Xerath's expression became more lively as she talked about Sylas. "Virgil must have told you all about it, right? But he didn't see it himself. Now, there are many beautiful plants growing near Aimekotes, even without needing much water."
"It truly sounds like a miracle! Well... even though it's two years later than you, it's still much earlier than most people."
Xerath nodded and said, "Yes, I spent some time helping her lay a solid foundation. Maybe it's because she's naturally sensitive to elements, she's afraid of me."
"Oh," Diego patted her gently, "That's understandable. It's like when everyone is kneeling during prayer, it's hard for you not to kneel too."
"Maybe so. She fears me, submits to me, and has changed all her careless habits. She studies very hard and is very talented. I... I treasure her."
"It seems like you have found a good student."
"So I..."
"Hey, little one," Diego whispered, "It's just that you miss her, it's nothing to be ashamed of. I know it's difficult for someone as introverted as you to express such emotions, but it's not strange at all. You'll see her once the exams are over. Will you go pick her up?"
"Yes."
"Of course, of course, we can't let kids go through the desert on their own! How about we think of some plans for the holidays? Ah, any ideas on where to take her for a trip?"
Xerath shook her head and then nodded, "I have actually planned a summer internship project, taking her to explore the Earth's energy veins."
"It's also possible to make new friends at school and go out to play with your little friends during the holidays, not caring at all about their old father waiting for them at home. Sigh..."
After hearing these words, Xerath appeared visibly sad. Diego hurriedly comforted her, saying, "Don't worry, don't worry. There will always be time to spend with you."
"I didn't..."
"Holidays pass by quickly, and soon the little rascals will be back to school, leaving the house empty."
"Uh..."
Diego observed her fluctuating reactions with relief, sighing, "I really didn't expect it."
Xerath raised her head in surprise.
"Well, because none of you are married, I have no one to share these experiences with... I never thought it would be you."
Instead, Xerath didn't know what to say.
However, Diego didn't pay attention and suddenly lowered his voice and said, "You made the right choice by choosing Star Song Castle. In fact, next semester I will also transfer Luna to Star Song Castle."
"Is Luna your ... second daughter? Where does she go to school?"
"She used to go to Blue Star Castle."
Xerath was a little puzzled. "Don't you want your children to go to the same school?"
"Hey! I know my children too well. If all three of them are together, they will definitely bankrupt me."
"Oh, why did you transfer Luna then? Won't she run into Elvin there?"
Diego glanced around and whispered to Xerath, "There was a scandal at Blue Star Castle. Although it was hushed up, news travels fast."
"What happened?"
"There was a teacher at Blue Star Castle who had a ... private relationship with a student."
Xerath looked confused and furrowed her brow, "Personal relationship?"
"Yes, that means they have... romantic relationships between individuals, besides being teachers and students."
"Hmm... not good, right?"
"Yes, not a simple, violent, you know, illegal infringement, but a relationship that both parties claim to have together."
"Oh, it's terrible." Xerath's expression became complicated as she spoke words that didn't match her true feelings.
"Of course! Oh my, just imagine what kind of person would deceive even a child!"
"Diego... wait, how are you certain that this is a 'deception'?"
Diego said, "Okay, let's talk about the reasoning: first of all, my dear Xerath, how can you be sure this is not 'deception'?"
"Hmm... how do we determine who should prove it first?" Xerath slightly furrowed her brow.
"This is very simple. Because of differences in life experiences, students find it difficult to detect when teachers lie. Similarly, because of differences in life experiences, students think teachers are impressive and their evaluations of them may be higher than what is objectively true. Do you think so, Xerath?"
"That makes sense. So we have no way to prove that there is no deception here. So, what if we have testimonies?" Xerath slowly nodded.
Diego slightly raised his voice, "First, let's assume that the teacher didn't lie. He genuinely believes that he loves his students and the students are indeed adorable."
Xerath naturally took over the conversation, "But, as onlookers, we have no way of judging whether she truly loves her teacher or if she has simply fallen for an exaggerated perception."
"Um... if by 'exaggerated perception' you mean 'infatuation', yes, we have no way to judge."
When they were studying in Emerson the Mage's tower, they had a period where they studied Gu Gaoboren's poetry. The phrase 'infatuation' roughly refers to a state where one imagines the other person to be much better than they actually are in love.
"When you strip away the identity of 'teacher', the associated charm disappears. What remains? As a teacher, you also have no way of determining whether the student is in love with an illusion or with the real you."
"Yes, don't mention how great teachers are in the hearts of students! Especially those who are good-looking and have a humorous teaching style. Oh, I've seen it a lot. But when you grow up and look back, you'll realize that the teacher you admired back then might just be an ordinary person with average academic skills. I think you must have experienced it too, right?"
"Yes." Xerath nodded coldly, "So, for the second assumption, let's assume that the teacher lied and that he doesn't truly love his students, but... she suddenly raised her head, looking confused, and asked, "Then what does he... What does he want? Um, don't look at me like that, I'm not that naive. Physical relationship? Monetary gain? Or just a sense of superiority over someone inferior? Did I miss anything?"
Diego thought for a moment, "I guess there is at least one more option: enjoying a sense of admiration."
Xerath expressed agreement, "In the first assumption, its immorality lies in..."
Diego chimed in, "The teacher takes advantage of this student... what should we call it?"
"I guess... 'amplification effect'? Just for now," Xerath casually mentioned a similar concept.
"Alright, in short, this is a kind of deception because we can't prove it doesn't exist, so we can only assume it does."
