“Even though you hold the title of Great Sage, Gill, things could get tricky if complaints were to come from the royal family. You should be careful.”
“I hate to say it, but I don’t intend to treat the royals any differently from the other students. Worst case, I lose my job. But if that happens, I’ll just go back to my research on magic, so it’s fine.”
“…That’s just so typical of you, Gill. But I went through a lot of trouble to get you into this academy, so try to stick it out a bit longer.”
“Well, considering the favor I owe you, I’ll do my best. But if the worst comes to pass, I’ll make sure to drag some of the rotten teachers and students down with me when I go, so don’t worry.”
“That doesn’t reassure me in the slightest…”
Even if I were to be fired, there would probably be some time before that happened. In the meantime, I’m prepared to root out as much of the academy’s corruption as I can and take it down with me.
“Well, I haven’t heard many bad rumors about the Third Princess, so I think it should be fine… The problem lies with the behavior of some of the other students. I’ve been so busy with my work that I haven’t been able to look into their conduct properly.”
“Sounds tough being the newbie academy principal. There’s the eldest son of a marquess here too, right? If it’s just the kid and not the marquess himself, I can afford to go a little wild.”
“Indeed. Those children need to face some harsh lessons. If they grow up like this and end up in positions of power, it will only lead to disaster. Being pampered and learning to wield only their authority will do no good—for them or anyone else.”
“Yeah, you’ve got that right. Huh, Anon, you might actually make a decent teacher.”
“I am the principal of this academy, you know…”
I’ve known this one for a long time, and somehow, I feel like they’d make a good teacher. Anon should get out into the field more often.
Well, with that youthful appearance, I can easily imagine the students not taking them seriously, though.
◆ ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆
“Well then, let’s begin today’s class.”
Day two of my temporary teaching gig. First, I’ll start with Class B, whom I taught for the first time yesterday. Then, after a break, I’ll hold my first lesson for Class S.
“Hm, it’s impressive that everyone’s here today.”
Surprisingly, even Gale, Hazen, and Cunnel, who slinked away in disgrace from the training field yesterday, showed up. Honestly, I thought those three would skip, but they’re grinning at me for some reason.
Oh, I see. They must have cried to their parents about yesterday and think that I’ll tone it down after receiving complaints.
“Today’s class is theory. I didn’t mention it last time, but my lessons alternate between theory and practical training. Both are designed to teach you techniques to defend yourselves with magic, as well as practical applications for combat against monsters and other humans. I’ll also take any magic-related questions, so raise your hand before speaking.”
“…Professor Geek, may I ask a question?”
“Go ahead, Cyril.”
Cyril, with her reddish long hair, sits up straight and raises her hand. As a noble daughter, her posture is impeccable.
“Yesterday’s mock battle made it clear that you’re exceptionally skilled in combat magic. Regarding your offer to answer magic-related questions, does that extend to all attributes of magic? And does it include questions about magical tools or alchemy as well?”
“Yes, it’s just as I said. Honestly, I’m more of a researcher than a combat magician. So while I’ll answer questions about non-combat magic, I’d prefer those be asked outside of class time.”
“…”
The empty slot for a teacher was for combat magic, but I would have preferred to teach general magic. If I did, I’d likely get carried away and delve too deeply. That’s just how researchers are—we love to talk about what we know best.
“…Heh. Don’t lie, you trash temp teacher!”
“Right, Zyle-sama!”
“Get lost, temp teacher!”
The little brats start acting up. They must think I’ll back down after a complaint.
“Hey, brats. Like I said, raise your hand before you speak. Also, call me teacher. If you don’t, I’ll keep calling you brats forever.”
“Tch, you insolent—! Lightnin—Gah!?”
“Gale-sama!?”
Just as the brat tries to cast lightning magic, the chalk I threw smacks him squarely on the head.
“How quick-tempered can you get…? You’ll get your chance during the next practical class, so wait till then. And while I’ll let this slide since it’s aimed at me, know that using dangerous magic on another student will get you suspended or expelled immediately.”
“You… you dare—! Ugh!?”
“Stop disrupting the class. If you have something to say, wait till after this session. We’ve got a break then, and I’ll hear you out.”
Another piece of chalk lands squarely on the brat’s head.
“Hey, isn’t this corporal punishment?!”
“You’re so getting fired!”
“It’s just chalk, for crying out loud. If you want to see real corporal punishment, let me demonstrate.”
Snap!
“Eek!?”
Using wind magic, I fire the remaining 20 or so pieces of chalk from the box at high speed, stopping just short of their faces. The brats couldn’t even react.
If I had hit them at full speed, their faces would have been blown off. Judging by their pale faces, they’ve realized that too. Finally, they’ve shut up.
