“Hmm, I don’t get it.”
“Come to the empty room after school.”
If this were a scene from a manga or game, it would probably be Cyril confessing her love to me. But I know better. There’s no way that’s happening in real life.
As someone who earned the title of Great Sage at a young age, it’s not as though I’ve never been popular. However, it’s only been two days since I arrived at this academy, and Cyril’s serious expression made it clear that this wasn’t about anything romantic.
“Maybe it’s a serious life consultation, or perhaps she uncovered some misconduct by a teacher or student.”
Earlier, she had asked if I’d cave under pressure from authority, so that might be it. While she mentioned being impressed by my vast knowledge, Cyril’s understanding of magical tools was far beyond the typical student level.
I can only speculate, but perhaps she dreams of a future career involving magical tools—something her family may not approve of. After all, noble daughters aren’t often allowed to pursue such professions.
If that’s the case, I’d certainly like to support her. Status and family aside, no one has the right to trample on a young person’s dreams.
“Well, I’ll wait to hear Cyril’s story tomorrow.”
“Hey, I’ve got 20 complaints about you today! What on earth are you teaching?!”
Later that night, Anon came to my room in the teachers’ dorm once again, just like yesterday. I was enjoying the supreme pleasure of a cold beer and a good meal after a long day of work.
…Does this woman have nothing better to do?
“They’re unbelievably quick to lodge complaints. Don’t worry; all I did was throw chalk at some brats and address the S-Class students without honorifics. It’s nothing serious.”
“Are you stupid? Even the Marquess’s family complained today!”
“Oh, that’s because I called Gariel by his first name. He said he’d let it slide, but filing a complaint the same day? What a petty guy.”
“This might blow over for now, but if this keeps up, even Gill will face some serious trouble.”
“A battle of endurance with those brats, huh? Don’t worry. The classes are becoming more structured, so I’ll start dealing with other issues soon.”
The only unresolved matter is how to handle the S-Class. But I’m getting the hang of the academy’s teaching system and can move around during my free periods. It’s about time I started taking action.
Melia also seemed to have something on her mind. I’ll look into that too.
“Hmm, surprisingly, you’re more motivated than I thought, Gill.”
“Yeah. I think I’m starting to regain the mindset I had when I used to teach. There are students here who genuinely want to learn magic. As teachers and adults, it’s our duty to provide them with opportunities. At the very least, I’ll remove any obstacles standing in their way.”
For Cyril, Melia, and other determined students, I’ll crush the barriers of status and obstructive teachers.
“Your enthusiasm is commendable, but if you lay a hand on any female students, I won’t forgive you!”
“Hey, I’m actually being serious here—”
“SO AM I! Even if the legal marriage age is 15, if you touch a student, I’ll kill you myself!”
“Give me a break, you crazy old hag! Can’t you take this seriously for once?”
Seriously, I’m finally motivated, and she’s spouting nonsense.
For context, this country allows marriage from the age of 15. Some students even marry while enrolled.
But as for me, I’d rather spend my time researching magic than flirting with women!
“Alright, that’s A-Class and C-Class done for the third day. Now the challenge is tomorrow’s S-Class…”
Today’s classes went smoothly.
Just like the noisy B-Class yesterday, a few loudmouths tried to disrupt my lessons. But a well-aimed chalk throw shut them up. For now, no one dares to disturb my class and hinder others’ learning.
However, they’re likely causing trouble outside my class, so there’s still a long road ahead.
“Now, this should be the supplies room Cyril mentioned.”
Following her instructions, I arrived at the supplies room on the third floor of the school building at 4 PM after class.
“What the—? The substitute teacher?!”
“Why are you here?!”
In front of the supposedly unused supplies room, I found two male students.
“Roph and Louis from 1-S, right? What are you two doing here?”
They were the ones hanging around with Marquess Gariel.
“Tch, what now?”
“Nothing to do but follow the plan. Uh, teach, sorry, but this room’s in use right now. Please leave.”
“The supplies room is in use? I wasn’t informed. Either way, I’m just here to grab a few items.”
It’s clear these two are hiding something. It must be related to Cyril’s request.
“Can’t you take a hint, teach? Just leave already!”
“This room is being used by Gariel of the Marceno Marquessate! Do you intend to defy a Marquess?!”
“Seems like there’s something here you don’t want me to see. Sorry, but I’m going in.”
“Hey, stop!”
“Why don’t you act like other teachers and just walk away?!”
The two tried to stop me with magic as I moved forward.
But I’m not the kind of man to back down over magic tricks or the mention of a noble family.
“Arghhh!”
“Please… forgive us already!”
As I approached the door, I heard screams from a male student and the pleading voice of a female student inside the room.
It was then that I finally understood the situation.