#47
“Teacher! I don’t understand! Why have demons been attacking humans all this time?”
Unable to contain himself, one student raised his hand high. For students raised with the teaching that demons were unconditionally enemies, Yaksi’s words were too shocking. It was enough for him to overcome the intimidating atmosphere emanating from Yaksi and ask a question.
“Did you attend last week’s class?”
“Pardon?”
“I asked if you attended.”
“Y-yes, I did.”
“Then why are you asking such a question?”
I wonder why Yaksi became a teacher. She teaches well, focusing only on the essential points, but she lacks the inclusiveness to be considerate and embrace students. Couldn’t someone ask a question even if it had been discussed before? Of course, it would be good to say something to a student who asks questions too frequently, but still.
“What did I say last time? Even humans attack other humans. How are demons any different? They’re the same.”
“Well, that’s true, but…”
“If you can’t agree with what I say, you shouldn’t have taken this class. Didn’t you know last week was the class adjustment period?”
“I did.”
“Then don’t make me repeat myself. Keep your mouth shut and sit down.”
Thinking about it again, she’s really not a good teacher.
The student who had bravely spoken up was immediately intimidated. The students, now fully aware of what kind of person Yaksi was, held their breath and kept their mouths shut. It was unclear what kind of response they would get if they raised another objection in this situation.
“From now on, I’m going to teach you about well-known magic that demons use with mana. We need to know what our enemies use in order to counter it.”
It was another statement causing ripples. Teaching regular students the magic used by demons? It wouldn’t be strange if someone stood up and shouted, “Are you trying to turn us into demon accomplices?” Before the students could say anything more, Yaksi once again made a statement that silenced them.
“If you don’t like it, leave. Don’t worry. I won’t fail you. I’ll give you a decent grade. Only those interested should stay.”
After saying that much, no one dared to say no to Yaksi’s words anymore. Yaksi nodded and tapped the blackboard. A drawing I had never seen before appeared on the board. It looked like the magic circle that had caused problems during the entrance ceremony.
“Let’s start with the basics. Copy this drawing.”
The students took out their writing tools and began to copy the drawing on the blackboard onto blank paper.
Every time I moved the quill pen that Kara had prepared for me, the tip of the feather fluttered and brushed against my skin. I felt an itch somewhere on my body. I thought it might be because of the feather brushing against my skin, but it felt different somehow.
Frowning at the strange feeling, I continued drawing. There was a sense that something was infusing into the lines as I drew them. Feeling strange, I tried my best to draw only simple lines. As I finished the final line with such concentration, I discovered Yaksi standing in front of me.
I had been so focused that I hadn’t noticed Yaksi approaching. Had I done something wrong? As I couldn’t say anything, fortunately, Yaksi passed by me and headed toward other students. Only after she moved away did I feel like I could breathe properly.
“Good. Everyone seems to have finished. This is the most basic. You learn basic magic through drawings like this.”
I wonder how Yaksi discovered such magic.
“Now, what you need to do by next class is memorize this drawing. I’ll call on each of you. Memorize it properly. That’s all for today.”
When Yaksi ended the class, the students ran out of the classroom like bullets. Judging from their disgruntled expressions and muttering about watching and waiting, it seemed they intended to tell their parents about what had happened today. Although no noble could touch the court mage, it wasn’t a bad idea to try.
I carefully gathered the drawing I had just made and got up from my seat. There was still some time until the next class. Just as I was thinking about going to my room to rest a bit, Yaksi, standing at the podium, called me.
“Hey, Young Master. Come here.”
Since I’m a student now, I wish she would call me by my proper name. I walked over to Yaksi with a frown.
“Yes. What is it?”
“I’m doing some research now. I want you to help me with it.”
I don’t understand what she’s suddenly talking about. Yaksi spoke to me in a commanding tone, as if I had no choice to refuse. I don’t have time to help Yaksi. Just as I was about to shake my head in refusal, I felt someone standing beside me.
“No, he can’t.”
The one who refused on my behalf was none other than Yutis.
“I didn’t ask you. Or is our Young Master unable to answer for himself?”
Yaksi deflected Yutis’s words and spoke mockingly. I thought she had gotten a bit better lately, but apparently not. Is there any need to provoke people like that? She might be hoping I’ll get excited. But I wasn’t hot-tempered enough to get angry at such words.
“Teacher, I’m sorry. I have plans afterward.”
I refused her proposal in a calm voice. I could say this much myself. However, it seemed somewhat surprising to Yaksi, as she didn’t speak for a moment. Her fingers tapping on the podium caught my attention.
She didn’t seem very pleased with my answer.
“Then, when are you available?”
I expected her to push me or tell me to come without any useless talk. I never thought she would ask for my preference. With her being so accommodating, I couldn’t completely refuse her proposal. After all, she was my teacher.
After contemplating, I realized I couldn’t avoid it any longer. Just as I was about to tell her I would help after completing my schedule, another voice was heard from behind me.
“May I help as well?”
Both Yaksi and I were startled by the sudden voice. It was very subtle, but I could see Yaksi’s shoulders, hidden under her robe, trembling.
“Your Highness?”
“It’s Persis, Teacher.”
Apparently displeased by Persis’s sudden appearance, Yaksi’s hand tapping on the podium tensed up. Yaksi concealed her hand that was revealing her emotions inside her robe and spoke in a casual voice.
“Having both of you help would make it easier for me. When do you plan to come?”
“I’m fine with anytime.”
With Persis? I’d rather go help Yaksi right now. However, before I could answer again, Yaksi and Persis were already setting a specific appointment. It was too late for me to say I couldn’t make it.
“I’ll help too.”
“You too, Yutis?”
“Yes. With three of us, it will be finished quickly.”
What kind of combination is this? It was enough to make my head spin. I didn’t expect Yutis to step forward and add his input. Yaksi glanced slightly at Yutis standing next to me. Although her expression was hidden by her robe, she didn’t seem pleased with another uninvited guest who had suddenly joined.
“Such kind students.”
No one present failed to understand that this was said sarcastically.
“Alright, so when will you help? The sooner the better for me.”
I wracked my brain trying to recall times when Persis or Yutis might be unavailable, but I could be available. Even so, I didn’t want to spend a long time in one space with these three people—Yaksi, Persis, and Yutis. My nerves were already at their limit due to the group assignment with Rikin and Iria.
Come to think of it, I heard that Persis and Rikin were going to the library today for some simple research. Also, Yutis has a class late in the afternoon. Yutis had registered for all the classes I was taking and added a few more that he wanted to take.
I was concerned that taking so many classes might be a bit too much, but I didn’t say anything, thinking that since it was Yutis, he would manage well. And I never knew that Yutis’s academic enthusiasm would be helpful like this.
“How about after dinner time today? That’s the only time I think I’ll be available.”
“Then I’ll be there at that time.”
“I’ll come then too.”
Thunderous voices came from both sides. It seemed Persis was going to break his appointment with Rikin. And Yutis was practically declaring that he wouldn’t attend his class.
Can’t anything go as I want? Now it looked like I would be taking these two with me to Yaksi’s research lab.
“Fine. Come then. Eat dinner a bit early and come by 7 o’clock. Don’t be late.”
As if she had half given up, Yaksi said that and then coldly turned around and left the classroom as if her business was done.
After Yaksi left, only Yutis, Persis, and I remained in the classroom. It was truly an unfamiliar combination. I was quietly gathering my things, about to leave the classroom, but Yutis, seemingly having unfinished business with Persis, didn’t move as he looked at him.
“Your Highness seems to have many interests here and there.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Nothing in particular. Just that you seem to be a person with a kind heart.”
No one here was dull enough to take those words at face value.
Author: Hyacinthus B
Hyacinthus
