Chapter 12

Following the teacher introduced by Glen, I came to observe a class in the advanced department.

The class is intermediate-level fire magic in the advanced department.

Famous Glaus, the teacher in charge of fire magic, is apparently a faculty member with a noble-centric mindset within the academy. He is a man in his forties with short blonde hair and an elegant demeanor, but when mentioned, he exudes a distinctly aristocratic appearance and attitude.

Perhaps having me accompany this teacher first is a challenge from Glen.

It might be to make me feel the world of noble superiority and the academy's inability to break free from it firsthand.

As I was thinking this, Famous entered the classroom first, said a few words, glanced at me, and then spoke.

"Well, we have a special guest today, another teacher. Amazingly, despite being a new teacher today, she has been appointed as a senior teacher, Aoi Konominato. Everyone, pay attention."

Famous introduced me with a rather loaded tone. I sighed and stepped into the classroom.

Until now, the smell had been of wood, stone, and cloth, but the classroom was filled with a complex aroma of incense and herbs.

Moving to the lectern and standing next to Famous, I turned sideways and saw the classroom with its tiered seating and the students filling the seats.

There were about twenty of them. Since most were nobles, both boys and girls appeared composed.

Looking at each student's face in turn, I began to speak.

"From today, I am Aoi Konominato, a new teacher. My specialty is water magic. Please feel free to talk to me."

It was the first day, and I thought it would be safe to give a simple greeting and observe the situation. However, for some reason, Famous turned his palm toward me and said,

"At the prestigious Fidic Academy, it is very rare for a new teacher to be appointed as a senior teacher from the start. Moreover, she is of commoner origin. She must have achieved her current position through blood, sweat, and tears. Everyone, give her a round of applause!"

With his unhidden hostile explanation, the students gave sparse applause. Only Famous, who clapped enthusiastically, prompted a student in the top row to speak.

A small but sturdy-looking blonde boy, with a youthful appearance but likely around fifteen years old, as he is in the advanced department, looked at me for a moment as if sizing me up, then turned to Famous.

"Is this some kind of mistake? Senior teachers are special positions reserved for the head of the department or the most outstanding teachers of each magic. I don't think a commoner could ever hold such a position."

The boy said this with a mocking tone. As if he had expected it, Famous dramatically shrugged and shook his head.

"Indeed, senior teachers are awarded to the most outstanding magicians from the upper nobility, who have produced many excellent magicians."

At this, about half of the students nodded vigorously. Smirking, Famous looked at me.

"In other words, she must have the ability to surpass the most outstanding upper nobility to become a senior teacher. Wonderful! I would like to see that power, and what about you all?"

When Famous said this, several students clapped and cheered with interest.

Nobles, who have incorporated talented individuals into their bloodlines from both inside and outside the country, are indeed rich in magical talent. Conversely, families that have been commoners for generations rarely produce talented magicians.

This has likely fueled the nobles' elitist mindset and unnecessary dignity.

Therefore, my existence as a commoner in a key position is not interesting, and some may even suspect that I am falsely claiming my abilities.

I sighed deeply and raised my head.

"First, there is something I should say. I believe that titles such as noble or royal are unnecessary in the academy. I also dislike creating hierarchies based on race."

Looking around the murmuring classroom, I raised my voice.

"Therefore, I will reprimand anyone who treats others unfairly for such reasons."

I announced this important policy. Immediately, the blonde boy from earlier clicked his tongue and looked at Famous.

"…This delusional woman is saying something. What do you think, Mr. Famous?"

He said this with a frustrated look, and the middle-aged man standing next to me also had a somewhat frustrated expression, with a strained smile.

"…Barr, no matter how true it may be, the other party is a teacher. Such a way of speaking can be seen as lacking in dignity. However, I will properly explain the concept of position to Ms. Konominato."

His face was smiling, but his eyes were burning with anger.

I looked at Famous with a serious expression and asked,

"Are you referring to the position of a general teacher like Mr. Famous and me?"

The moment I asked, the emotion drained from Famous's face.

He pulled out a cane from his waist, pointed it at my face, and began to chant a spell.

It was a fire spell, and an offensive one at that.

"In the academy, in front of students, and against another teacher with an offensive spell… in a normal academy, you would be fired without complaint. Movement Restriction."

Just as Famous was about to finish his incantation, I cast my own spell.

Immediately, Famous was restrained as if tied up with invisible ropes. From head to toe, he was fixed in a straight position, looking like a stick, and he stared at me in shock.

With Famous still frozen, I turned to face the students.

The students looked at each other, unsure of what had happened, and some directed hostile glares at me.

I met their gazes straight on and spoke.

"Magical ability does not determine everything. Without comparing titles or abilities, I hope students will cooperate to become better magicians. Of course, teachers will also help you sincerely without regard to titles or positions. If you have any concerns, please seek help from the teachers. You will likely achieve better results than by struggling alone."

My voice echoed in the silent classroom.

The students seemed unsure of how to react, but I believe my message was conveyed.

"Restriction Release."

I released the spell, and Famous was freed from his restraint.

"Wh-What did you just…!"

While he was confused and pointing his cane at me, I glared at him without hesitation and spoke.

"Please proceed with the fire magic class. I expect you to give a lesson that is easy for everyone to understand. Of course, if students can't keep up, it reflects poorly on the teacher's ability."

I emphasized this to eliminate bias and discrimination based on rank and race.

However, Famous clicked his tongue and looked away from me.

"…This is the world's top magic academy, Fidic Academy. Those who cannot keep up with my class are simply not suitable."

With that, Famous began his lecture on magic.

I had wondered what kind of class he would give, but it was relatively easy to understand.

Perhaps because he was teaching intermediate-level fire magic from the basics, or maybe he had listened to my words carefully.

I stood behind Famous, crossed my arms, and nodded.