“Now then, let’s begin the after-school practical training.”
The weekend’s classes had successfully concluded, and after school, a portion of the training ground was rented for volunteers from all the first-year classes.
This week, we had gone outside the academy for combat training with monsters, so there were also students who usually don’t participate in the regular study groups. Most of the participants had combat experience with monsters, likely because they want to pursue careers related to such activities after graduating from the academy.
On the other hand, for the S-Class, aside from Eliza and Sophia, there was only one male student. As expected, many students in the S-Class have noble backgrounds or high abilities, so it’s possible that most of them will pursue careers unrelated to combat.
Since there were no other students wishing to join the off-campus practical training, it was combined with Class A. Class A is relatively composed of more reserved students, so there were no particular issues.
That said, with both Eliza and Sophia participating, it’s hard to say how things will go.
“As with our usual defensive magic lessons, there won’t be any assignments. You can practice any magic you like or engage in mock battles; you’re free to watch too. If you’re using dangerous magic or engaging in mock battles, please make sure to inform me, as we’ll be using the field for those activities.”
This training ground has two special fields that prevent injuries, but only one of them could be rented. Naturally, the academy doesn’t only have the four first-year classes; second-year students also have club activities, so there are other people who use this field after school.
The field will be divided into areas for mock battles and for practicing larger or more dangerous spells. Since more people will be in the field, it will be harder to spot when someone is knocked out, but we’ll have to bear with it.
“Mr. Geek, this spell of mine isn’t activating properly…”
“Hmm, it seems like the spell’s structure is incorrect. Your magical power seems fine, so once you correct the structure, it should work.”
“Y-Yes!”
In regular classes, there are assignments, and with so many students, they don’t always have the freedom to learn the magic they want. So in this time, I’ll let them practice the spells they like or those they’ve been wanting to try.
“Melia’s magic is impressive as always.”
“I-Is that so~?”
Cyril and Melia were practicing large spells in one part of the training ground. During our regular study sessions, the research room is too small for practicing large spells. Both of them had been debating whether to join the after-school practical training after the recent battle with the monsters, and it seems they decided to participate.
Eliza, Sophia, and Bern were also participating, and they wanted to engage in mock battles with me, but I was answering student questions first, so they were waiting for a bit.
There were about 15 students participating today. After taking the defensive magic and basic magic lessons, it seems the students have started to acknowledge me. As expected, most of the students here genuinely want to learn magic.
“Princess Eliza, I am Gale from the Earl Carlisle family. Would you please engage in a mock battle with me?”
In the meantime, Gale approached Eliza, placed his right hand over his chest, and bowed respectfully.
As expected, since he always mentions nobility and commoners, he seems to know how to act appropriately around Eliza, the third princess, which made me feel somewhat relieved.
I had predicted that his attitude would be completely different from mine…
“Hmph, it’s ten years too soon for you to challenge the princess! In that case, I’ll take you on instead.”
Of course, Sophia stepped forward, cutting in. Gale’s companions, Hazen and Kuner, looked unsure of what to do, clearly flustered.
Well, Gale probably wants to challenge Eliza not because of her royal status but because she’s the top student in the year, and he simply wants to fight her.
He doesn’t usually interact with the S-Class students in regular classes, and since Gale is the strongest in terms of combat ability in Class B, he likely wants to test himself against someone like her.
“Thank you very much. It is an honor to challenge the great Sophia of the S-Class.”
Gale also respectfully bowed to Sophia. Since Sophia is among the top in combat ability in the S-Class, this will be a good experience for Gale.
…But still, is this really the same guy who always picks fights with me?
“Sophia, please step back. If it’s alright with you, I’ll take on Gale.”
“Really!? It’s an honor!”
“Princess!?”
“It’s fine, Sophia. …So, this is the person who spoke disrespectfully about Mr. Geek, as I’ve heard from Cyril and Melia?”
“H-Huh, Princess…”
“It’s nothing important.”
…Is Eliza going to be alright with this?
Eliza, having heard from Cyril and Melia about Gale’s bad-mouthing, was upset. As for his attitude, he had started taking classes more seriously lately, so I told Eliza that she didn’t need to worry about it, but !
