“Well then, let’s begin today’s class.”
“……”
Hmm, as expected, the atmosphere is incredibly heavy.
The reason is simple: this S-Class originally had 15 students, but as of today, 5 of them have been expelled, reducing the number to just 10.
The classrooms at this academy resemble university lecture halls from my previous world, with long rows of connected seats where students can sit wherever they please. As a result, there aren’t individual desks like in elementary schools. If there were individual desks, the sudden absence of five students would leave the room feeling eerily empty.
“Professor Geek, may I ask you a question?”
“Go ahead.”
Right from the start, Eliza, the third princess of this country and the most influential figure in this S-Class, raised her hand.
With the expulsion of Gariel from the Marquis of Marseno, the only marquisate in this year, Eliza’s influence over this grade has likely grown even stronger.
“…As of today, Gariel from the Marquis of Marseno and four others have been expelled. First, may I confirm whether this information is accurate?”
“While this has no direct connection to the lesson, I don’t mind addressing it. Yes, the information is correct. They were expelled for acts of violence against other students and the misuse of magic. These actions were deemed egregious and persistent, warranting expulsion without prior suspension.”
“……”
The students of S-Class murmured among themselves.
It seems they were struggling to believe that someone from a marquis family had been expelled.
“…Additionally, I’ve heard that Gariel was disowned by the Marquis of Marseno and exiled from the country. Is it true that you were involved in this, Professor Geek?”
Hmm. While I had contacted a major merchant guild using my name and relayed the conditions, I had also instructed them to keep the details confidential. I had anticipated some leakage, but this was incredibly fast.
The head of the Marseno family agreed to the terms only last night. As expected of the royal family, their intelligence network is impressive.
“That decision was made internally by the Marquis of Marseno. I have no knowledge of it and cannot comment. However, it is true that I was the one who expelled him.”
The murmuring among the S-Class grew louder. Well, it’s natural to be surprised when a temporary teacher expels students from prominent families like marquises and counts.
I had taken steps to discreetly thwart Gariel’s attempts to strip Bern and Melia’s families of their jobs by involving the merchant guild under an alias. This should prevent attention from being drawn to that matter.
In fact, spreading the notion that Gariel was exiled for retaliating against me would help divert attention away from the two of them.
“Let this be a warning. If anyone else is engaging in foolish actions like Gariel’s, I advise you to stop immediately. Alternatively, if anyone is currently suffering from similar actions by others, please consult me. I promise you will not be mistreated.”
The expulsion of a marquis family member would likely make it easier for other students to come forward.
In a way, Gariel served as an example. This precedent of severe punishment for bullying or magical abuse will act as a strong deterrent.
“Now then, are there any other questions?”
“…Thank you. I have one more question. Professor Geek, what kind of work were you doing before coming to this academy?”
Hmm. That question implies they may already be investigating my background. The royal intelligence unit truly works fast, even with such a short turnaround.
That said, they will never uncover that I am the Great Sage. After graduating from this academy, I spent my time conducting solitary research. I interacted with very few people during that period, making it nearly impossible to trace my activities.
The fabricated persona of “Geek” is supposed to be a wandering magician scouted by Headmaster Anon. Since such a person doesn’t actually exist, tracking him is impossible.
“Sorry, but that’s a private question. I can’t answer.”
“What?! How dare you refuse to answer the princess’s question!”
“I’m under no obligation to answer. And, kid, even if it’s just for show, address me as ‘professor,’ as I’ve told you.”
Sophia, the maid and bodyguard seated beside Eliza, stood up and shouted, but I brushed her off.
“You, a mere substitute teacher, dare act so high and mighty…”
As she spoke, Sophia moved her hands behind her back. Perhaps she was reaching for a weapon.
Considering I had already expelled Gariel, her actions seemed either impressively bold or just plain reckless.
