Chapter 331 - Mission for the New Instructor
"Five hundred and twenty-two years ago, this Academy was founded by Saint Emeralda, a woman passionate about women's education. It began as a private school teaching etiquette and general education. With the support of the Berliza Royal Family, it has continued to thrive, boasting a long and storied history that is among the best on the continent. It would not be an exaggeration to call it world-renowned."
I had been summoned to the Headmistress's office, only to be greeted with a lengthy speech about the school's history.
I had done my research before coming here for work. From what I understood, most church-affiliated schools aimed to provide faith-based education, but Saint Emeralda was a trailblazer who ignored the church's methods and forged her own path.
The Berliza Royal Family appreciated the Academy's focus on education beyond faith, which likely contributed to its enduring legacy.
"Furthermore, this Academy is known for producing women who support esteemed figures. Almost all of the past queens of Berliza, as well as many upper nobles, are graduates of this Academy. Most of the renowned researchers and prominent business partners in history are also alumnae. The success of these men is undoubtedly due to the support and teachings of Saint Emeralda. Additionally—"
The speech was getting a bit long.
In essence, the basic educational philosophy was to equip women with the knowledge and culture needed to support their husbands and children, filling in the gaps where they were lacking.
I couldn't help but think that if someone had that much ability, they should stand on their own rather than support others. But in this old country, traditional thinking had seeped into everyone, from the nobles to the commoners. It wasn't just here, either.
The Kingdom of Brenark had been rebuilt and ruled by the formidable Rosmerta after its collapse, leading to a significant shift in thinking. With time, the differences in perspective between a country with a long history and one that had undergone such changes became apparent. In Exembra, for instance, the Kikyo Society, a women's organization, held considerable influence.
Sigh. I really wish she would wrap up her long speech. If I just listened quietly, she might get carried away... but I decided to interject with a nod of agreement.
"That's quite impressive, indeed. As a temporary instructor, I feel a sense of responsibility. By the way, Headmistress, have you heard the details from the Grand Master of the Anastasia Union?"
I interrupted just as she was about to start another anecdote about some noble lady's support.
My mental fortitude for enduring such a boring speech without yawning deserves a lot of praise.
"Of course, I am aware. This is a request from the esteemed Grand Master. I expect you to do your best in protecting Sigurdnaught-jou. Additionally, I have a request for you. I am counting on you."
"Huh? A request from you, Headmistress... I haven't heard anything about that."
What's going on? This is the first I'm hearing of it.
"Perhaps there was a miscommunication. You will be the assistant instructor for Foundational Magic Theory, but that's not the main point."
"The main point?"
"Exactly! The Grand Master has high hopes for you."
Her enthusiasm was overwhelming, but I had no idea what she was talking about. What did she mean by a recommendation? The way she said it made it seem like my role as a guard for the young lady was unrelated to her request.
It seemed that my role as an instructor was secondary, and she wanted me to do something else. After our conversation, I was introduced to the faculty and given a small office.
I was a dangerous figure targeted by the Medek-Legisamo Empire and a notorious criminal in the underworld of the eastern continent. The Academy's faculty and staff were all of noble blood, making me stand out. Therefore, my background was entirely fabricated, and only the Headmistress knew my true identity.
However, the unstable situation within the Anastasia Union had become public knowledge, so the faculty was aware that we were here on a mission from the Grand Master to protect the young lady. They also knew I was a special appointment instructor, handpicked by the Headmistress.
The faculty, being no fools, probably had their suspicions about my background but didn't voice them because the Headmistress was actively pushing for my appointment.
In their eyes, I was likely seen as a regular member of the Anastasia Union. It was a reasonable assumption, and my true identity didn't matter much.
Here, I would be the new instructor, Yukareed Evilbanshee, and do my job.
I hadn't revealed the Kikyo Society's emblem in Berliza, as I wasn't here to start trouble or show off.
While looking at my spartan, small office, I thought about the days ahead.
"Well, that's fine. As an assistant, I would have had to be mindful of the main instructor's lessons."
When introduced to the faculty, I greeted the main instructor, who told me to focus on my other duties and not worry about the assistant role unless specifically asked.
It wasn't that they were being cold; they were prioritizing my guard duties and the Headmistress's request. They also seemed to be considerate of my inexperience as an instructor, given that I was seen as a member of the Anastasia Union.
If I had to avoid contradicting the main instructor's theories and content, it would have been a complicated and tedious task. Being mostly exempt from assistant duties might have been a blessing. Still, I felt a bit let down, as I had been eager to teach.
The faculty seemed tense, likely due to the mission given by the Headmistress.
I sensed a mix of anticipation and unease from them. The anticipation was probably because the Headmistress was pushing for something significant, while the unease was due to the unknown nature of the new instructor. I couldn't blame them.
"Maybe I should see this as a more fulfilling role than just being an assistant."
It would be a lot of trouble, but I seemed to enjoy it. I might as well embrace it.
"Well, no time to dawdle. Let's get to work."
I wandered the campus alone while classes were in session. The young lady and Valeria were likely in class, and I felt a bit like a delinquent skipping on my first day, despite being an instructor. It had been a while since I was in a school, and I couldn't help but feel a bit giddy.
"Focus, focus. I need to get to work."
Right. Valeria and the others would be more excited, so I needed to stay grounded.
I would observe the campus with both my magical senses and my eyes. Combining both would give me a much better understanding. My first priority was to familiarize myself with the entire campus to protect the young lady.
Our top priority was to protect the young lady, but I also had to fulfill the Headmistress's request. It was an added bonus, but as someone planning to establish the Kikyo Society in Berliza, I saw it as an opportunity to build connections.
Even if it was extra work, it would be worth it if it brought benefits.
"Mission one: Discipline and Order! Let's give it our all."
I didn't know what the Grand Master had told the Headmistress, but she seemed to have high hopes for me. One of the tasks she wanted me to handle was student guidance, including maintaining campus discipline.
It was ironic that she expected me to take on such a role, but I was actually well-suited for it.
The faculty and staff of this prestigious institution were all of noble blood, making it impossible to completely avoid the politics and connections of the noble world, even within the school.
There were always differences in status between faculty, students, and even between faculty and students. While mutual respect would prevent problems, such an ideal world didn't exist. There were always problematic individuals.
The Headmistress, who had ties to a ducal family, found it difficult to be strict with nobles from rival factions. It was a sad situation, but everyone had their reasons. It wasn't as simple as others might think.
While a country or institution with a long history might sound impressive, old traditions were often problematic. Entrenched privileges and connections intertwined, leading to a sense of entitlement that could rot the system. This was true in any country or organization, and it was inevitable in a strong and well-regarded country like Berliza, which couldn't escape corruption.
Adult faculty members, being more mature, were careful not to draw attention when they misbehaved, but the bratty students were different. Their bad behavior was often exacerbated by their noble status, making them even more difficult to handle. Even if their parents were decent, the children often reflected their parents' flaws.
With the added complications of bloodlines, factions, and substantial donations, even the faculty had to tread carefully when dealing with students. Their noble backgrounds often took precedence over their roles in the school, leading to a corrupt system.
But I was different. I was from another country and a temporary instructor recommended by the Grand Master of the Anastasia Union.
The Grand Master, being a powerful figure, had connections even within the Berliza Royal Family. As a top-tier combatant who transcended social status, I had a unique advantage.
By leveraging the Grand Master's authority, I could act with a level of impunity. It might seem a bit pathetic to rely on someone else's influence, but I was a woman who used whatever resources were available. I would use them to the fullest.
This meant I could act as an untouchable presence, wielding the authority granted to me.
Hehehe, this was more interesting than just being a regular instructor.
I explored the main building, the Special Wing, the Club Wing, and the Training Grounds, noting the locations of magical devices, the layout of buildings, and the routes and doors.
The students I encountered were polite on the surface. Not all of them were troublemakers, and many were curious about the new temporary instructor and exchange students.
"Good afternoon, are you the new instructor?"
"Yes, that's right."
This was the umpteenth time I had this exchange.
My oval glasses and overall appearance gave a soft and approachable impression. Normally, I wouldn't be approached so easily by strangers.
The young, curious girls gathered around me, which was quite endearing.
Most of the students were from prestigious families and were well-mannered, but the school had a diverse mix of personalities. There were bright, serious, quiet, and even gloomy students. Some of the troublemakers kept their distance, watching me with disapproval from afar.
I exchanged pleasantries and enjoyed the brief social interactions during the break. It was nice to have a break from the serious work.
Each time someone spoke to me, I responded politely while continuing my observations and heading to the areas I had yet to explore.
It was around the last class of the morning. The rooftop of the Special Wing, with its lush garden and several gazebos, was a pleasant spot, except for the strong sunlight. The gazebos were equipped with elegant tea tables, and a cool breeze circulated through the garden. The school's wealth was evident, with magical air conditioning even on the rooftop. It was likely used as a café-like space during breaks and after school.
It was a nice spot, but it was also a perfect place for troublemakers to skip class. The high hedges made it difficult to see through, and some students were hiding in the more secluded areas.
I approached them without hesitation, making my footsteps loud. When I reached the problematic gazebo, I found the troublemakers lounging with a tea set and snacks. Despite their preparation, it was almost cute.
This was my first act of student guidance. Let's get started with some discipline.
"You shouldn't be here during class time, should you?"
My first words were a bit too gentle. As Yukareed Evilbanshee, I needed to be polite to the young ladies.
If it were up to me, I would have started by giving them a good beating to show them the difference in strength and authority. But my gentle approach was more appropriate for students who would listen.