Let’s set aside evaluations of my performance for now.
Finally, a proper classroom has been completed.
I gathered the children right away and began the lesson. I cleared my throat to hide my nervousness and then started speaking as slowly as possible.
‘Now, let’s start by discussing the structure of society…’
No matter what they pursue in the world, it’s important to understand its structure. With that in mind, I began with the bigger picture.
Of course, as everyone knows, learning and teaching are entirely different things… No one is paying attention.
At first, they looked interested, but kids like Regin and Stay quickly got bored and started dozing off. Seeing this, Filoe scolded them, leading to a little squabble.
Ah, how powerless I am.
After spending so much time bent over my desk planning this lesson, it’s all turning out to be just theoretical nonsense.
While the classroom was getting noisy, Tirara came up to the podium.
‘You’re hopeless, Teacher.’
‘Ouch…’
‘But, well, I thought your talk was interesting. I could tell how knowledgeable you are.’
‘Tirara…’
‘That’s all!’
Turning on her heel, the book-loving girl returned to her seat.
Thank you. I realize now how much I lack experience and skill. I’ll have to keep trying for the children’s sake.
But for now, I’ll set my pride aside.
‘…Mitera-sensei, I’ll leave the rest to you.’
‘Leave it to me. Don’t worry, Isto-kun; you’ll get the hang of it in no time.’
I swapped roles with Mitera. Her experience managing the Elpida Orphanage and caring for the children came in handy, quickly calming the classroom.
The children became strangely quiet when dealing with Mitera—especially the boys.
I later heard that they all shared a fear of Mitera’s wrath. Apparently, Regin, who once bore the brunt of her anger, couldn’t bring himself to challenge her.
Indeed, her voice has a commanding presence. Perhaps it’s even her natural skill.
‘Well then, Redelia.’
‘Y-yes, right away!’
Leaving the lesson to Mitera, I called Redelia. There’s supposedly one more space we can expand.
Standing before another plain wall, separate from the classroom, I explained.
‘Master, have you decided what kind of space you want to create next?’
‘Yes, help me with it.’
‘Gladly!’
Holding the excited Redelia close, I focused on expanding my imagination.
The new space would be even larger than the classroom. Safety and security would be crucial. I carefully visualized each piece, feeling sweat gather on my brow.
—I was so absorbed in the process that I forgot the passage of time. When I came to, the children had gathered around me.
‘Wow! Teacher is creating another new room!’
‘I see, so that’s why you swapped with Mitera-sensei.’
‘Whoa, it’s huge!’
Peeking through the entrance, the children buzzed with excitement.
Filoe tugged on my sleeve.
‘Isto-san, what’s this?’
‘It’s a training hall.’
Indeed, this time, I’d built a space for the children to strengthen their bodies.
The entrance has a large, sturdy metal door reinforced to prevent any damage from affecting the orphanage, even if we unleash elemental magic inside.
The hall is even bigger than the classroom. A spacious center with white lines in square and circular patterns, serving as a mock battle ring.
Along the walls, I set up partitions, adding training equipment and practice weapons.
‘Wow… it looks just like a training facility for a knight’s order.’
The knowledgeable Tirara said with admiration. I must admit, I think I did pretty well.
I looked back at the children.
‘This is a place to build strength for combat. So, younger kids can’t enter unless Mitera or I say it’s okay.’
‘Eh?!’
‘No objections.’
‘Boo!’
Miti pouted adorably, but it’s too dangerous for her.
Instead, Regin eagerly raised his hand.
‘Me! Isto-sensei, can I use it? Can I?’
‘Yes, Regin and Nag too. You guys, train hard so you can protect everyone.’
‘Yes! Let’s go, Nag!’
‘Hmph, I’m going to be stronger than you!’
Boys will be boys… Watching the boys dash into the training hall was so like them.
Guys, what happened to training?
‘Um, Isto-san.’
‘Do you want to use it too, Filoe? Of course, you’re the ace of Elpida Orphanage.’
‘Ehehe. Isto-san praised me.’
Filoe shyly scratched her cheek, then quickly straightened up.
‘The open space in the center, we can use it for mock battles, right?’
‘Yes. If you want, I can create a stage too.’
‘No, that’s fine as is. It’s better this way since everyone can see.’
I tilted my head. Is she nervous?
Filoe looked up at me.
‘Isto-san, may I choose my opponent for the mock battle?’
‘Sure, go ahead; it’s just us here, so no need to hold back.’
‘Then… Almoa-san! I challenge you!’
Filoe pointed confidently.
Almoa, looking less than enthusiastic, pointed at herself and said, ‘Huh… me?’
