The Retired Supporting Character Wants to Live Quietly

When we returned to the hall, Linus gave me a meaningful look.

“It’s not what you think.”

“I didn’t say anything.”

As I sat down next to him, Linus glanced at Merilda walking away and asked.

“So, what did you two do?”

“It was hot, so we dipped our feet in the stream outside the village and talked. Seriously, nothing happened!”

“I said I didn’t say anything.”

“Damn it! Your eyes are saying everything!”

Linus chuckled quietly and leaned back, avoiding my hand as I tried to grab his collar.

As I retracted my hand, Linus spoke again.

“There’s something you need to know, Dian.”

“What is it?”

“Merilda has turned down numerous marriage proposals waiting for you.”

“That’s her choice. That doesn’t mean I have to do anything.”

“That’s true. But you’re at the age where you should start considering a partner.”

“Not Merilda, though.”

I shook my head.

“Would you marry someone you saved as a kid? Legally she’s an adult, but at twenty, she’s still just a kid. Think about when we were twenty.”

“Well, we were in the midst of war at twenty, so it doesn’t quite resonate.”

“Anyway, it’s a no. If I ever do get married, it’ll be to someone more mature, not someone like Merilda.”

“Everyone has their own values and preferences. I’m not saying you should marry Merilda. I just wanted you to know the situation.”

“Yeah, yeah, you’re so wise.”

“But Dian, Merilda is an impressive young woman.”

Linus continued.

“Despite losing her parents and siblings, she didn’t give up. She graduated with top marks from the public academy and now serves as the village’s acting administrator. I don’t know if you realize, but that’s akin to being a civil servant…”

“Were you trying to set me up on a blind date by bringing me here?”

“Of course not.”

Linus said, smiling and closing his mouth.

Merilda had indeed grown into a fine young woman, but that didn’t change my feelings.

“But Dian, are you just going to leave things as they are?”

Linus gestured with his eyes to a corner of the hall while eating.

As expected, Linus had noticed too.

There, hidden from view using stealth techniques, was Lina.

She was sitting at an empty table, propping her chin with her hands, staring intently at me.

“She’s been watching you like that for a while now. Who is she?”

“She’s a professor in our Combat Department. Specializes in infiltration. Probably a former special force agent.”

“I see. But I’m not interested in her resume. I’m curious why she followed you here and why she’s staring at you like that.”

“I have no idea. Maybe she’s curious about who I am.”

“That makes sense. She’s probably intrigued by the past of the suddenly brilliant Head Professor. So, are you going to leave her like that?”

“It’d be awkward and startling if I acknowledged her. She’ll leave on her own eventually.”

“Alright, if you say so.”

With that, we shifted our attention away from Professor Lina.

# # # # #

“Haa, Head Professor…”

Lina continued to gaze at Dian with her chin in her hands.

Ever since she was captivated by how Dian handled Merilda at the stream outside the village, she had been doing this.

A young, handsome, and capable Head Combat Professor who appeared out of nowhere and quickly restored the academy to its proper course.

And it turns out he was an unsung hero who fought alongside the hero of the continent Sir Linus?!

On top of that, he achieved incredible feats and never mentioned them, embodying humility?!

A noble soul who refused a pure-hearted girl who waited ten years for him to preserve the meaning of his sacrifice?!?!

How could she not fall for him?

Living with such a person would surely bring lifelong happiness.

But that’s just a fantasy.

Lina had encountered many secrets unknown to ordinary people during her time in the special force.

She knew how dangerous and dirty the Imperial Palace could be.

Given the current circumstances, Professor Dian was likely entangled in the complex affairs of the Palace, preventing him from receiving the recognition he deserved.

Acting rashly in admiration could lead to significant trouble.

Moreover, Professor Dian was a noble person and her superior. She couldn’t presume she was suitable for him.

Revealing her feelings could result in one of them having to leave the academy.

And that would probably be her.

After being dismissed and becoming unemployed due to the Palace’s hostility during the war, she had found this job thanks to the Second Princess’s grace.

Still… being kinder and more considerate towards the Head Professor wouldn’t be a problem, right…?

After all, he is a hero deserving of such treatment…

And maybe, slowly opening his heart and naturally getting closer…

So wonderful, Head Professor…

# # # # #

It was late at night when all the events finally concluded.

The villagers urged us to stay until the next day, but that was difficult.

Linus had no intention of staying out overnight, leaving his wife and child, and I wanted to get home and rest.

“Dian…”

Merilda, tears streaming down her face, came to see me off.

“When will you come again…?”

“I’ll come when I get the chance.”

“When will that be…?”

I gave an awkward smile as I didn’t know when that would be, and Merilda grabbed my hand.

“I’ll wait for you here, however long it takes. Until you come to me.”

“Alright…”

This was getting burdensome. I couldn’t tell her not to wait for me right to her face.

“Goodbye, everyone!”

As the carriage started moving, the villagers cheered or cried as they saw us off.

“Dian! I mean it! I’ll wait for you!!”

Merilda shouted, running after the carriage.

“Yes, Merilda! See you again someday!”

I leaned out of the window and waved until Merilda stopped and was out of sight.

Just before I pulled back inside, I glanced up to ensure Lina was still hidden on the roof of the carriage.

Having no other way to return, she had secretly climbed onto our carriage.

Linus, with a faint smile, spoke.

“Dian, let’s attend such events together more often.”

“It’s tiring.”

“I’m not asking you to participate in all events. But there are many who honor and await you. At least show them you’re alive.”

“Occasionally, it might not be a bad idea.”

Waving to Merilda and seeing the night view of Tatanok Village honestly moved me.

Our reckless decision ten years ago laid the foundation for this large village on the verge of becoming a city.

This is quite a fulfilling episode. I didn’t expect events like this after the ending.

I’m glad I chose to support the protagonist rather than disrupt the original story with my knowledge.

If I had been a typical web novel transmigrator, hogging all the opportunities and heroines and spouting idiotic lines like ‘Something’s wrong. The protagonist’s specs are significantly lower than in the original.’ And said some stupid line like, ‘I must intervene, blah blah blah.’ Would I have experienced a day like today?

It’s impossible to know.

# # # # #

“Goodbye, Linus.”

“Rest well.”

After parting with Linus at the academy gate, I walked alone towards the faculty quarters.

Lina, who had just jumped off the carriage, ran ahead without making a sound.

Her stealth skills were truly remarkable.

Usually, no one would notice her, and even if you knew she was there, you’d only see a slight distortion in the air.

Linus and I could see her faint form, though.

Was she really curious about what I was doing and followed me all the way to Tatanok Village?

How much did she hear? There wasn’t anything problematic that I said, but…

As I continued walking, Lina suddenly appeared ahead of me.

“Oh? Head Professor? Where are you going?”

“Home.”

“Really? Perfect timing. I was just heading to the dormitory.”

I chuckled at Lina’s clumsy act and asked.

“So, what were you doing wandering around the campus so late?”

“Me? Just doing some overtime. Let’s go together!”

Lina, avoiding the question, linked her arm with mine.

She often did this because of her naturally lively personality, so it wasn’t unusual.

Lina, clinging close to me, started chatting about various things in her usual gentle manner.

Of course, Lina wasn’t foolish and didn’t mention anything about what happened at Tatanok Village today.

Eventually, Lina suddenly asked.

“By the way, do you have someone special?”

“What? You mean like a girlfriend? No, I don’t.”

“Really? At your age, shouldn’t you start thinking about serious relationships?”

“I don’t want to.”

“What…?”

Lina looked up at me, slightly bewildered.

“Why not?”

“I’m comfortable being alone. It’s hard to find a woman who suits me.”

“Oh, I see… But you should at least try to find out if there’s someone suitable…”

“I don’t know. Right now, ensuring the students graduate safely without any complaints from the Palace is the priority. Romance and marriage come after that.”

“Then I guess I’ll have to work hard too!”

Lina exclaimed loudly.

“Of course, you should. Don’t state the obvious.”

# # # # #

“Then I guess I’ll have to work hard too!”

Hearing the loud voice from outside, Kirrin got up from her bed and went to the window.

Who’s making such noise at this hour? As the headmaster, she had to sternly address this…

“Eeek?!”

Professor Dian and Professor Lina were walking affectionately, arm in arm, in the dark night.