Chapter 22

【Strass】

Not only among the students, but also among the faculty, the rumors of the terrifying witch are spreading.

Some say she is a just witch who reprimanded an arrogant royal with her power. However, others say that yelling at a royal is deserving of the death penalty, if not worse.

The faculty's opinions were also deeply divided.

Some, fearing retaliation from the Varted Kingdom, advised staying away from the matter, while others tried to teach Aoi about the proper conduct of nobility. Still, there were those who, fearing the possibility of the academy being shut down, suggested handing Aoi over to the Varted Kingdom.

What they all had in common was that those who harbored ill feelings all called Aoi the Witch of Calamity.

"Because of what that witch did, the king of the Varted Kingdom is coming with his royal guards."

"The academy will be shut down...!"

"No, the principal is also a noble of the Varted Kingdom. The academy will probably be fine, but the principal might be held responsible."

Such discussions could be heard throughout the academy.

Most were afraid of or avoided Aoi, but no one seemed to complain to her face.

Perhaps because of the commotion, Rox had been absent for about three days. On the other hand, Aoi continued to attend classes as if nothing had happened.

"…A tripartite meeting. I can't believe she summoned the king."

"Is he really coming…? He won't come, right? A king of a country, such a thing…"

"I heard he's already in the neighboring town."

"Ah!?"

Eliza screamed, and Aoi looked slightly surprised.

"Is the capital that close?"

"Is that your reaction!?"

Eliza stood up and retorted.

Then, Spyside, who had been drinking tea from a distance, stood up and walked over.

"...As I recall, I've said this before, but please be quiet in public places. Do you have a rule that you must be noisy when you eat?"

Spyside said sarcastically, and Aoi immediately bowed her head.

"I'm sorry. I'll be quiet."

Spyside, who had not expected such a quick apology, seemed a bit taken aback.

"W-well, a humble attitude is good. Even the senior faculty member Konominato is trembling in fear, not expecting the king to actually come..."

He tried to laugh but, noticing that Aoi was looking up at him straight, he pulled his chin in and tightened his expression.

Then, he smiled wryly.

"...My apologies. You are not such a meek person, are you?"

He shrugged and muttered, narrowing his eyes.

"...If it seems like I can help, I will use my power as a marquis to assist. Just this once, though."

Uncharacteristically, Spyside left a supportive word for Aoi and left the scene.

Eliza's eyes widened in surprise.

No, Aoi's eyes also widened. She must have been quite surprised, as the sight of her and Eliza looking at each other in silence was rather amusing.

Everyone was on edge about the king's visit, but I wasn't too worried.

Partly because I know the king's character, but considering the principal Glen's influence and authority, I don't think it will become a major issue.

The problem might be within the academy.

While thinking about this, I took a sip of fruit water.

【Shenli】

What should I do?

Because of me, Aoi-sensei... Because I defied Rox-senpai, even Coat-senpai got hurt...

The more I dwelled on the bad things, the worse my thoughts became, and my self-loathing grew.

"If I weren't here..."

I almost cried as I muttered this.

Then, a gentle voice reached my ears.

"Even if you hadn't done anything, Aoi-sensei would have ended up like this. There's no need to regret it."

Coat-senpai stood next to me, saying this.

I was leaning against the wall in the courtyard. How did Coat-senpai find me?

Looking up at Coat-senpai, I saw a smile.

"I think Aoi-sensei cares deeply for her students. She won't hold a grudge against you. So, it's okay."

He said this, but I couldn't be optimistic. I lowered my head and blurted out my thoughts.

"...I'm no good. I shouldn't have skipped grades; I should have stayed in the middle school... Just because I learned magic a little faster... I got excited about advancing to the high school and thought I was really talented... I don't even belong in this academy..."

I felt ashamed and pitiful, showing my weak side to others. I wanted to disappear.

But I couldn't hold it in. I hated myself so much, felt so pitiful... Maybe I just wanted someone to listen.

Would they be disappointed? Would they mock me? Would they hate me? My chest filled with dark anxiety.

However, Coat-senpai's smile didn't waver.

He smiled sympathetically and nodded gently.

"It's okay. Look."

I looked up at where he pointed and saw Aoi-sensei running towards us.

"Is something wrong?"

She knelt in front of me, looking worried.

"A-ah, n-no... I just... felt so pitiful... It's nothing..."

Feeling her genuine concern, I couldn't stop my tears. But then I remembered something important.

"A... I'm sorry...! It's because of me, Aoi-sensei..."

I apologized, thinking I had talked about myself at such a time. But Aoi-sensei narrowed her eyes sharply and shook her head.

"It's not your fault. Rox-kun was just too violent, so I decided to have his parents come."

"But... but..."

"Don't worry about it. It's just a tripartite meeting. Titles like prince or king don't matter. So, it's not something you should worry about."

She said this and gently placed her hands on my shoulders.

Looking into Aoi-sensei's eyes up close, I saw a strong light. Was that what belief looked like?

For some reason, as I listened to Aoi-sensei's words and looked into her eyes, I started to feel that everything would be okay.

Aoi-sensei would overcome any crisis. Aoi-sensei would save me too.

Unconsciously, I thought such things and smiled.

Aoi-sensei is amazing. She's my hero.

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