Chapter 33

Despite all the talk, the class was well-received.

As I explained each magic and answered questions from the students, the week seemed to fly by.

The number of students didn't increase, but perhaps the class's reputation might spread by word of mouth next week.

With such a sense of satisfaction and anticipation, I was invited to a celebratory drink with Strass and Eliza.

"Good job, everyone!"

"Good job."

"Good job, everyone."

We exchanged greetings and raised our glasses. Strass had a distilled spirit mixed with carbonated water, while Eliza and I had fruit wine.

"Aoi-sensei, how was your first class?"

When asked, I looked up and thought about it.

"…Well, thanks to the good students, the class went very smoothly. However, I was a bit concerned about the presence of the teachers every time…"

As I answered and returned my gaze, Strass and Eliza averted their eyes.

I laughed and shook my head.

"Just kidding. Since it was my first class, having the two of you there helped me relax."

Eliza blushed and laughed, and Strass seemed to have a slightly more relaxed expression.

Feeling comfortable with their reactions, I spoke up.

"Everyone seemed to enjoy it, so I'm looking forward to having more students next week."

As I said this, the two of them lowered their eyebrows in unison. With a subtle expression, they looked at each other and then at me.

Then, Eliza spoke up.

"…Well, some of the students… they said…"

"Students?"

Tilting my head, Eliza's gaze wandered, looking somewhat sad.

"…Some of the students said that it's inappropriate for a commoner to teach a class…"

"…Commoner?"

Repeating the word, the two of them froze.

"No, I didn't say that."

"Me neither!"

Seeing their unusually frightened expressions, I sighed and spoke.

"I'm not angry."

"Really?"

When Eliza sighed in relief, I nodded.

"Of course. Being a commoner is not a mistake. However, it's illogical to refuse a class based on that."

As I said this, I inadvertently crushed my glass. Ignoring Eliza's strange "Pii!?" sound, I wiped the table.

"…Why would students at a magic academy care about a teacher's background when choosing a class? Clearly, the noble mentality is disrupting the healthy discipline of the academy. We need to implement some awareness reform."

"…Well, there's a rule that individual teachers can't enforce discipline within the academy…"

"Any actions beyond teaching and simple experiments must be discussed with the dean. In some cases, another person might be asked to handle the enforcement, warnings, or reprimands."

After hearing their explanation, I nodded in understanding.

"To prevent favoritism and involvement of noble factions, both among teachers and students. In that case, I'll talk to the dean first."

As I said this, the two of them frowned with an indescribable look.

"…Don't cause too much trouble for the dean."

"Don't push too hard, okay?"

"I can't promise that, but I understand."

After making that clear, the two of them fell silent, as if in a moment of silence.

---

At the beginning of the week, I visited the dean's office early in the morning. It seemed that the dean's office was connected to his living quarters, making it feel like I was visiting the dean's home.

Knocking on the door, I heard Glen's voice, and the door opened automatically.

Sitting on a single sofa, Glen raised a hand, looking quite cheerful.

"Hey, Aoi. Good morning. It's a fine day, isn't it?"

Glen, unusually casual, greeted me with a smile. I returned the greeting and entered, and Glen chuckled and nodded.

"I wasn't sure how it would go, but the king was very satisfied and returned in high spirits. And, the rare Queen Lea took a liking to you. She rarely speaks in public, only smiling, but she personally checks out people she finds interesting, regardless of whether they are good or bad."

As he said this, Glen raised his fingers one by one.

"The current prime minister, who is doing a great job, was recommended by Queen Lea. And a few years ago, she stopped a plot by a group of earls before it could be carried out. Being favored by the queen is quite an achievement."

"Is that so?"

I responded, and Glen nodded and smiled.

"Indeed. Oh, right. What brings you here today?"

"Sir, I have a request."

As I formally began, Glen laughed and shook his head, holding a glass of a light amber liquid in his hand.

"Go ahead, what is it?"

Encouraged by his words, I decided to take him up on it.

"Thank you. I started teaching last week, but the number of students attending is quite low. At first, I thought it was because I'm a new teacher, but I heard that a group of nobles is doing something about it. So, I would like permission to deal with the noble faction."

"Phew!?"

As I said this, Glen spat out the amber liquid he had just taken a sip of.

"Ahem, ahem… I don't think you need to go as far as to crush them!"

Coughing, Glen managed to say this, and I calmly shook my head.

"The problem is this noble mentality. Don't you think it's strange to discriminate based on whether someone is a noble or a commoner in an academy?"

"I do think it's strange."

With his agreement, I continued.

"Of course, I'm not going to crush the ringleaders. If there is harassment, I will stop it. So, I will start with an investigation. There might be someone using their high status to order others not to attend my class."

Smiling, I continued, and Glen made an indescribable face and grunted.

"…No wonder the queen likes you."

"What do you mean?"

"It's nothing, nothing."

As Glen suddenly spoke in a stilted manner, I tilted my head and bowed.

"In that case, I will visit again if there is any progress with the investigation."

"Understood."

Hearing Glen's unusually heavy response, I left the dean's office.

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