Chapter 4

The classroom was in an uproar.

Well, I can understand why they’re restless.

If I were on the students' side, I’d be restless too. After all, the admission criteria for this academy start at fifteen years old.

I didn’t enroll as a student; I became their teacher at twelve, and on top of that, I’m supposed to teach them swordsmanship.

(The captain really does things in a strange way.)

I can’t help but think that about him.

He always makes unreasonable requests in our work, and this time, despite being told that a bodyguard isn’t necessary, he forced me into a position where I’m involved with the academy.

Naturally—

“Don’t joke around!”

The girl with long blonde hair slammed her hand on the desk and glared at me and the man standing next to me, Odds. She had a well-defined face and an adult-like aura—indeed, it was Miss Iris Reinfield herself.

“Iris, calm down.”

“Can you expect me to stay calm?!”

Iris responded firmly to Odds, her气势不输于Odds despite her smaller build. She truly is from one of the Four Great Noble Families.

“I didn’t come to this academy to play with children. Is this academy so short-staffed?”

“No, that’s not the case… This Mr. Altha—”

“Exactly! A kid like this as a teacher? Are you kidding me?!”

Odds tried to explain, but his words were drowned out by the students.

Technically, I’m supposed to keep my identity as a knight hidden.

If it were known that a knight was coming as a teacher, Iris might realize it was the knight order’s doing and come to negotiate to have the bodyguard duties stopped.

In that case, wouldn’t it really be unnecessary to have a bodyguard?

But, my cover is that I’m a young genius swordsman who trained in a distant country—a character straight out of a book. I’m also supposed to be a relative of the principal, a convenient setup.

I didn’t have the chance to explain all that.

“A kid like this teaching swordsmanship…?”

“Mr. Volk was better, at least.”

The last student’s comment might hurt Volk’s feelings, but I can understand why the students are dissatisfied.

If I were in their shoes, I’d protest and wouldn’t be convinced either.

However, I’m now on the side that’s doing the unusual.

If I’m here as a teacher, then it’s up to me to make them recognize me as one. ...I should ask for a raise.

Putting that aside,

“Alright, I understand what everyone is saying.”

I clapped my hands to gather the students' attention.

I kept a smile, as I need to maintain a peaceful atmosphere with the students I’ll be responsible for.

(…Is being a teacher actually easy? It seems more troublesome… but for now, let’s just see how it goes.)

“So, let’s have a match.”

“…A match?”

Iris said, her expression puzzled.

I nodded. The easiest way to convince someone who isn’t convinced is always the same.

“Let’s have a mock battle. If I lose, I’ll step down as a teacher.”

—Showing my strength is the quickest and most straightforward method.