Chapter 41
Kalus nodded in satisfaction as he watched Yuri effortlessly lift the practice sword.
‘My instincts are rarely wrong.’
He chuckled, recalling the objections from the other teachers when he proposed using the outdoor training ground and real swords for the first-year students.
They needed to witness this firsthand to avoid any future issues.
That’s why he suggested observing the session from inside, where they had a clear view of the training ground. A considerable number of teachers were present.
Their expressions spoke volumes.
‘A first-year lifting that sword with ease! Even some upperclassmen struggle with that weight!’
Envy filled their eyes.
Yes, he knew how they felt.
But it was too late.
Kalus was the first to discover Yuri’s talent at the academy.
And he had no intention of sharing her with anyone.
“Alright, let’s try some swings. Remember the stance I taught you? Give it a go.”
“Yes, sir.”
Yuri effortlessly lifted the sword, charged forward with incredible speed, and sliced through the straw dummy in a blink of an eye.
Her speed, precision, breathing, unwavering gaze, and even her footwork were flawless.
There was nothing to criticize.
‘She’s improved significantly since our last class. Could it be that she’s a real-combat specialist with this monstrous skill?’
She effortlessly cut down the remaining dummies, her skill far exceeding that of a typical first-year.
‘She’s talented enough to skip grades.’
Of course, he had no intention of letting her skip grades.
If she were to advance, he would request to be transferred to the second-year swordsmanship class.
Yuri was a highly coveted talent, a disciple he wouldn’t let go of easily.
“I’m done.”
“Impressive. Were the dummies too easy for you?”
“No, sir.”
He had encountered all sorts of people during his time with the Imperial Knights.
There was a female knight who possessed considerable skill, but…
She had a terrible personality and was a constant source of trouble.
She even seduced male knights into doing her work, causing him endless headaches. That’s why he was particularly drawn to Yuri’s personality.
Her concise answers and sociable nature.
There was a reason why she was universally praised.
And he could sense the trust she had already earned from the student council members, despite only joining a day ago.
“I’ll prepare some monsters for our next training session.”
“Excuse me? Live monsters?”
“Not live ones. There’s a device the second-years use for their practical training. We’ll use that.”
“I understand. So that’s all for today?”
“Yes, just finish your cool-down exercises and then we’re done.”
As Yuri nodded and began her exercises, Kalus swept up the scattered straw.
He smiled, looking at the decimated dummies, reduced to mere dust.
***
I spent the entire day in swordsmanship class.
And just when I thought I could finally rest, it was time for more swordsmanship training.
I don’t even know how many straw dummies I’ve destroyed.
“Master Yuri! You’re late! Busy with student council work, huh?”
I return to the dormitory, and Lia greets me enthusiastically, as if she’s been waiting.
“Why are you here? Why didn’t you go inside?”
“Celia’s not here, so I couldn’t get in. She said she’ll be busy with research for a while.”
So only Celia has a spare key.
Well, she was the one who arranged the single rooms in the first place.
“You could have waited in your room instead of standing out here like an idiot.”
Or she could have gone to the student council room.
Dustin’s there.
That would have been a better option.
“Come to the student council room next time.”
Well… I won’t be there, but…
“Oh, speaking of which, I just got rejected from the student council!”
? Why would he reject Lia, the idiot?
“He said first-years aren’t allowed to join. Master Yuri is amazing. You joined even though you’re a first-year. I wanted to join with you, but it’s a shame.”
It’s ridiculous that they would reject a talent like Lia.
Well, I don’t think she’s good with paperwork, but…
She would be a good sparring partner.
“Should I talk to him?”
“Wahaha! It’s okay! It’s because I’m not good enough. Don’t trouble yourself, Master Yuri!”
Hmm, it’s a shame.
It would be nice to have another sparring partner.
“Class has been so boring lately.”
“Even the practical classes?”
I understood her boredom during the first semester when we had nothing but theory classes.
But to find even practical classes boring…
Ah, I guess it’s because…
She’s already mastered everything and is bored with learning things she already knows!
“It feels like I’m just repeating things I already know. I’m only attending because of the quests from my status window.”
Lia always exceeds my expectations.
It would be an annoying statement coming from anyone else, but she somehow manages to make it sound endearing.
If it were Dustin, I would have rolled my eyes.
Wait…? Is this gender discrimination?
Am I judging him more harshly because he’s a guy…?
Ugh, I guess I can’t escape my male instincts!
Well, I am a guy, even though I’m a girl… No, I’m a girl… a guy…
Sigh…
“My swordsmanship has been… ugh, never mind.”
“I heard the former Commander of the Imperial Knights joined as the first-year swordsmanship teacher.”
I’ve gotten used to these casual chats.
I munch on some snacks and chat with Lia.
Celia would have been here too, but she’s busy working on another research project.
I feel a bit lonely, knowing I won’t see her for a while.
***
Time flies, and the quarter ends before we know it.
Which means…
I can finally escape those dreadful one-on-one swordsmanship training sessions.
This quarter, I’ll have actual student council duties to attend to.
“Good work, everyone. You all handled your tasks diligently, as always.”
Dustin praises the council members, and they finally relax, releasing sighs of relief.
“Ah, we managed to get through this quarter without any rejections.”
I smile, seeing Council Member #1’s happy expression.
“You’ve all grown. As you know, this next quarter will focus on practical training, so the paperwork won’t be as heavy.”
Huh? The next quarter will focus on practical training?
I glance at Roa, who’s sitting next to me.
“Ah, you didn’t know, Yuri? The student council’s main duty is to act as bodyguards during practical training.”
Body… guards…?
“That’s right, Master. We’re safety officers. We ensure the students’ safety during training and handle any emergencies.”
I feel like I’ve been doused with a bucket of cold water.
No one told me about this!
“But I… I don’t think I can do that.”
“Ah, if Master has other commitments, we won’t force you to participate, so don’t worry.”
Well, I don’t really have any commitments…
“Of course Yuri should participate!”
Kalus, who was dozing off next to me, suddenly jumps to his feet and declares my participation.
Why is he winking at me?
That’s creepy.
Ugh.
“As the student council advisor, I’ll be participating as well, so there’s no need to worry! And with Yuri on board? Safety is guaranteed!”
This guy is spouting nonsense.
He’s the one who’s witnessed my skills firsthand…
I’ve been training with the former Commander for an entire quarter, so my swordsmanship must have improved.
Even though I don’t really feel it…
But I’m still not capable of handling a real battle.
How can I be a safety officer?!
A half-assed safety officer? That’s ridiculous.
“But Yuri, will they even approve it? There’s no precedent for first-years participating.”
Roa looks at me with a worried expression.
But I’m actually relieved.
If there’s no precedent, they’ll probably object, and I’ll get to stay here and do paperwork!
Hehe, yes!
“Don’t worry about that!”
Ugh… why do I always feel a sense of foreboding whenever this guy speaks?
And my premonitions are always right.
“I’ve already secured approval from the other teachers!”
My life…
“Oh! It seems they’ve recognized Master’s exceptional abilities.”
“Of course, someone like Yuri could easily obliterate monsters with a single finger.”
No, no…
That’s not true, you idiots…
“I prefer paperwork…”
“Then it’s settled! Practical training starts after the Harvest Festival break, so everyone get ready!”
“But I want to do paperwork…”
“Teacher Kalus! Will you be offering swordsmanship training during the Harvest Festival?”
My preference for paperwork is completely ignored.
“Oh, I’m always happy to offer training to those who are interested! Right, Yuri?”
“I’m going home for the Harvest Festival.”
“Hmm, then there won’t be any training during the break.”
“Aww, that’s a shame…”
They can stare at me with puppy-dog eyes all they want, but it’s not going to work.
I’m going home to relax.
The thought of participating in practical training is already giving me a headache. I don’t want to add training to that.
Ugh, whatever…
If anything happens, our protagonist, Dustin, will swoop in and save the day.
….Wait, that makes me sound like a damsel in distress. How annoying.
“Master, are you going home for the Harvest Festival?”
“Me too! I want to go to Yuri’s house…!”
“…I want to go too…!”
Roa, looking desperate, shoves Kalus aside and interjects.
“Can I go?! Please?!”
She looks like she’ll kill me if I say no…
“Uh, s-sure…”
“Me too…!”
“You should go to the Imperial Palace.”
The Harvest Festival is the busiest time for the Imperial Knights.
Which means Dustin, a member of the Knights, will be busy too.
It’s absurd for him to abandon his duties and follow me.
“…Yes…”
Hey, don’t look so dejected.
You’re not a puppy who got scolded by its owner…
“I’ll… write you a letter.”
It’s just a week.
Why would he need a letter?
“…Yes, Master…! I’ll be waiting…!”
But I can’t say no after seeing that pitiful expression.
Thank for the chapter