Chapter 9

"Teacher, Schweitz-sensei! Wait for me!"

A voice calling out to me came from behind.

A girl was chasing after me from behind as I walked down the hallway—this kind of youthful scenario was something I had never experienced in my life, and perhaps it was a precious experience.

—If it were an ordinary girl.

"Teacher, please fight me!"

Iris, known as the "Sword Saint Princess," said this as she chased after me. It was a rather unappealing invitation.

Even though there were still students around, she didn’t seem to care about appearances.

"...Ah."

I sighed softly and turned around after opening the window in the hallway.

Iris's expression was as serious as ever. It would be easy to simply say, "I don't want to because it's troublesome"... but it was easy.

The person I was supposed to protect was the only daughter of one of the Four Great Noble Families, Reinfield. I was a knight serving the kingdom, and it wouldn’t be right for me, as both a knight and a teacher, to ignore a student's request.

...Well, I didn’t intend to fight, anyway.

"I want to fight you at your full strength."

"I already showed you my full strength yesterday."

"That's not true. You were holding back, even then."

...She is strong. Even I can see that.

At her level, she can probably tell whether her opponent is holding back or not.

I thought that the level I showed was just right for her class.

"It's a misunderstanding. Besides, I still have work to do."

"I'll help you!"

"Wait, really—no, I can't let a student do that."

For a moment, I was almost tempted. In fact, today’s tasks were just paperwork, and even if I were a real child, I could handle them.

—But even if she helped, I couldn’t just fight her.

"Please, I'll do anything."

"Anything... No, that's not right. What if I asked you to do something inappropriate?"

"!"

Iris looked surprised at my words.

She blushed and put her hands up as if to protect herself, which meant she understood what I was saying.

"If you understand, then don't say such things—"

"It's, it's fine..."

"Huh?"

"I, if that's what you want, T, Teacher, I, I have that much resolve."

Iris answered hesitantly, with tears in her eyes.

—No, is she serious?

She’s saying that she’s willing to do anything to fight me. ...In terms of appearance, I look younger, but that’s beside the point.

I don’t know what’s driving her to this extent, but when I gently placed my hand on her, Iris shuddered.

I placed the document I was holding on her head.

"That’s not resolve, but rather giving up. I apologize for bringing it up, but you shouldn’t say such things lightly."

"I, I’m not saying it lightly!"

—That’s right. She’s being serious.

That’s why I’m troubled...

(Being a teacher isn’t easy...)

I thought it would be enough to teach at a level appropriate for the students, but there’s a possibility of having a student like this.

It’s especially difficult because she’s one of my protection targets.

"...Alright. If you insist, I’ll set one condition."

"Y, yes!"

Iris’s expression brightened. She seems to think I’m finally willing to fight, but... I can’t just fight so easily.

"Starting now, let’s say... if you can catch me within thirty minutes, I’ll fight you seriously."

"...Catch you?"

"Yes. If you can’t, then give up this time. That’s the condition."

"...I’ll do it. Please let me."

Iris’s response was unwavering.

She will undoubtedly chase after me with all her might.

"Alright. Let’s start now—"

I kicked off the floor as I said those words.

I jumped out of the window in the hallway that I had opened earlier.

"Eh...!?"

"I’ll run anywhere within the school grounds, too!"

I set the condition because I had no intention of being caught.

The meeting room is on the third floor—by jumping down from here, I should be able to buy a considerable amount of time even if she chases after me.

...It might be childish, but I’ll run with all my might.

"—I won’t let you escape!"

"...Huh?"

Following me, Iris also jumped down.

Without caring about her skirt, she jumped down from the third floor without hesitation.

At her level, she can do that much.

"Thirty minutes might be a bit too long..."

Even as I regretted my words, I ran without looking back.

Thus, the chase with the Sword Saint Princess began.