Chapter 7

Since it wasn't originally scheduled for the first period, adjustments were made in the form of a class swap, and I was officially recognized as a homeroom teacher and swordsmanship instructor.

Naturally, the students, who were at a complete loss, didn't raise any objections, but I would also need to take care of other classes for swordsmanship.

In other words, something similar might happen again.

Well, if the fact that I beat the "Sword Saint Maiden" spreads, such talk might not come up anymore.

"So, you ended up sending the students flying on your first day of school, huh?"

"I'm a teacher, so it wasn't a school day for me, and I didn't send anyone flying. I just did what was necessary to be recognized as a teacher."

In the school's reception room, Remiel had come specially on the first day.

As the head of the knight order, he probably entrusted his duties to his subordinates and came here.

This person is quite busy, after all.

"Did you come specially to hear my story? If you had called me, I would have come."

"Hehe, checking on my subordinates is also part of my job."

"You mean you came to slack off."

"Checking on my subordinates. So, did you also clash with Miss Ilyse?"

"Well, she was the one who argued the most strongly."

---

Ilyse Reinfield. It's clear that she doesn't think highly of me.

After all, she has to be taught by someone younger, like me.

Being one of the four great noble families, she might feel humiliated by this.

"Hmm, how was it? The 'Sword Saint Maiden.'"

"Well, the match was short, but I think her level is far beyond that of a student. There aren't many people in the knight order who could beat her. In short, it's understandable why she doesn't need a bodyguard. If we're talking about student level, she could be considered the strongest without any exaggeration."

"If you say that, it's enough. So, do you think she actually doesn't need one?"

Remiel asked again.

Somehow, I understood what she was getting at.

"It depends on what level the captain is referring to. If it wasn't just that I was available, but that I was the only one who could be entrusted with this, then I think it's necessary."

When I answered that, Remiel nodded in agreement.

"I see. It seems I made the right decision by entrusting this to you."

"By the way, you mentioned some suspicious movements. Is that related?"

"Yes, that's right. First of all, she is being targeted for her life."

Remiel's expression became sharp.

It seems we're moving on to serious business now.

"Is she being targeted because she is a prominent candidate for the next 'King'?"

"The possibility is high. There are other candidates, but for now, she is the clear front-runner. In that case, there will be people who think she is an obstacle."

"If the current king acknowledges her, that could be considered outright rebellion."

"Yes, that's correct. We are still in the investigation stage, but I will keep you informed of any developments."

With that, Remiel stood up.

Being the bodyguard of the Sword Saint Maiden—initially, I thought it would be an easy job, but the atmosphere suggested otherwise.

***

During class, Ilyse couldn't concentrate.

Sitting in her seat, she clenched her fists tightly.

She had lost—against someone younger than herself.

Even though the match was close, Ilyse knew that Alta had not tried to avoid the time limit because he knew it was coming.

Even if Aria had been attacking in coordination, Ilyse couldn't see a way to land a hit on Alta.

(There was someone so strong...)

Even after being called the "Sword Saint Maiden," Ilyse had never stopped training to become stronger. She had never lost since then—until today, when she met someone who was definitely stronger than her.

(No, I wasn't at my full strength either.)

It was a mock battle with wooden swords—neither Ilyse nor Alta had given it their all.

If that's the case, what she was curious about was his full strength.

Alta, who was younger but had become a teacher at the academy—his true capabilities were what Ilyse couldn't stop thinking about, making it hard for her to focus on the class.