Chapter 333 - The Demon Instructor of the Maiden's Garden
This Academy is full of delinquents who act tough but are, at the end of the day, just pampered girls. They're spoiled brats with nothing but money and power behind them.
They think they can get away with anything. A street thug with nothing but guts and determination is far more admirable and has more heart.
Even if the majority of students lead normal lives, the presence of such delinquents can still have a negative impact. If this is what a prestigious school for young ladies has become, it's a real problem.
"Finally, I understand. This isn't a job for just anyone; it needs someone like me, an irregular element, to set things right."
These girls, still naive despite their wealth and power, are even more dangerous. The worse the situation, the more a competent teacher would want to throw in the towel.
In fact, the repeated failures of proper teachers have led to the need for someone like me, a wildcard.
After all, in the world of nobility, power struggles and underhanded dealings are inevitable. While it's good to learn about such things in school, the level of misconduct here is low and more like mimicry of real delinquents, which is pointless.
I can understand why it's hard to correct a situation that deviates from the ideal. After all, delinquents are delinquents because they don't listen easily.
"If things are this bad, I can't afford to be elegant anymore."
I'm starting to think that a strict, no-nonsense approach is the only way. A beautiful, kind, and elegant new teacher would just be laughed at.
I'm done thinking of this place as a prestigious or traditional school. I don't need to deal with the good students, so I'll focus on the troublemakers. I'll accept that this is a bottom-tier school.
Yes, I need to keep things simple.
A bottom-tier school needs a presence that matches its status—someone who looks intimidating.
I'll be that presence. What else can I do?
Once I've decided on my approach, I'll inform the Headmistress. But first, I have some business to take care of.
I threw a warning iron ball at some students who were having a fight in the woods. They were surprised and looked around, then ran off. Weapons are generally not allowed in the Academy, so they probably feared getting caught. I'll need to address those fools directly later; they always repeat their mistakes.
After memorizing the faces of the fleeing troublemakers, I headed to the Headmistress's office to discuss my new approach.
"Evilbanshee-sensei, is something the matter?"
"Headmistress, I've been observing the Academy this morning, and I must say, the situation is deplorable. How much are you aware of?"
"How much, you say?"
She's not feigning ignorance, is she? Is she testing me?
"I've seen assault, extortion, theft, drinking, and even drug possession. It's only a matter of time before someone dies. It's a miracle nothing worse has happened yet."
Even with the resources of a wealthy school and skilled healers, there are still risks. If something truly scandalous happens, it could be hushed up with the right influence. This Academy is a treasure trove of scandals, and the cover-up system is likely well-established.
"You've already investigated this much... As expected of someone the Leader has chosen. How do you plan to address this?"
"I'll use any means necessary. Is my approach acceptable? If you trust me, I'll get results. But I ask that you not interfere."
"I understand. I'll leave it to you."
She accepted it so easily. Maybe she had no choice, or perhaps she expected this outcome. The Leader must have told her plenty about me.
But now I have more freedom. I'll do things my way.
Playing the part of a beautiful, elegant new teacher is over. It's only the afternoon of my first day, but it's time to get serious.
"Thank you for your understanding. I'll go to the dorm to change before I start my guidance."
"Change... What do you mean?"
"I'll start with my appearance. I want students to understand the kind of presence I am just by looking at me. I'll have a more intimidating style, so please be prepared for that. Also, it would help if you could inform the other teachers to avoid any misunderstandings."
"Of course. Could you describe your new look?"
"Well, let's see. With the clothes I have—"
I'll show them, not just tell them. I'll make it clear that I'm someone not to be crossed.
I returned to my car in the parking lot, retrieved a large suitcase, and carried it to the dorm. The staff dorm, located away from the Main Building and Student Dormitory, has many empty rooms due to low occupancy.
After a brief orientation from the dorm matron, I entered my assigned room. It was unnecessarily large, like a 2LDK apartment with a full bathroom. It felt more like a regular apartment than a dorm room. I could explore and unpack later; for now, I needed to change.
I closed the curtains, stripped off my clothes, and transformed!
I changed from a refined navy flared shirt dress to a purple, shiny tracksuit with a red T-shirt underneath, and slipped into flip-flops.
My gentle, egg-shaped glasses were replaced with gold-rimmed teardrop sunglasses.
My half-up hairstyle was simplified into a single ponytail.
And I gripped an iron rod instead of a pipe.
I had transformed from a beautiful new teacher to a formidable Demon Instructor. The change was drastic.
When I stepped out, the dorm matron froze.
"It's me, Yukareed Evilbanshee. I just moved in. I'll be dressing like this from now on, so please bear with me. Oh, and I don't need dinner; just breakfast will do."
"Y-yes..."
I didn't plan to stay cooped up in the Academy, even though I had come to Belriza. I intended to take evening walks and explore the town at least for dinner.
For my sister's protection, I needed to patrol the area around the Academy and gather information from local shops. I also doubted that the delinquent students would stay in their rooms quietly. Even non-dorm students might be out causing trouble, and I'd need to address that.
Dorm students have permission to go out but must return by curfew, which applies to both the dorm and the Academy grounds. The grounds curfew is enforced by Anastasia Union. Even staff members can't enter or leave after hours.
But someone like me can easily slip in and out of the Academy. It's not hard to avoid detection, even from lesser guards.
I might need official permission for necessary movements, but I don't want Anastasia Union's team to know about our guard activities. Maybe being conspicuous could work to my advantage.
With that in mind, I resumed my patrol of the Academy.
Shouldering the iron rod, I headed to the Club Wing, where many students were likely slacking off. I'd start there.
As I was thinking about how to deal with the delinquents, the school bell rang, signaling the end of classes. Students poured out of the Main Building.
"After school means club activities."
In this prestigious and traditional Academy, club activities are encouraged to foster deep relationships among students and to develop autonomy and public spirit.
There are many clubs, ranging from academic to sports, and some are quite unique.
I stood out in my Demon Instructor outfit, drawing a lot of attention. It was bound to cause a stir.
Well, it's understandable that students would be curious at first. My appearance was so different from theirs.
The students, especially the younger ones, looked at me with wide eyes. One student ran up to me.
"Are you the President? What's with that outfit?"
"I'm just getting more serious. By the way, Layla, call me 'sensei' from now on."
"What are your plans after school?"
"I need to guide the club activities. Oh, and your sister mentioned joining a club. Has she decided which one yet?"
"I haven't heard. I've been investigating the grounds all day, leaving her protection to Valeria and Harriet. We haven't had a chance to talk."
Layla, as an assistant in the Intelligence Bureau, has been focusing on investigations more than protection. I'm impressed by her efforts on the first day.
"The Academy is more suspicious than we thought. It might take time for just the two of us. During the day, Valeria and Harriet can handle the protection, while Roberta and Violante can focus on investigations."
"I'll finish my current tasks today. Moving around alone might draw too much attention, so I plan to interact with other students starting tomorrow."
"Good idea. You should join a club too. It's a good opportunity to blend in as exchange students."
"Understood. We'll discuss our plans after dinner."
"I'll be out tonight, so if I don't return, proceed without me."
I might be late due to guiding misbehaving students. It's more likely that I won't be back at all.
"Understood. Goodbye."
Layla walked away, moving more like a regular student. The other students seemed to understand that I was part of the Academy, though they still looked at me suspiciously. It wouldn't turn into a big commotion.
Well, it's time to pause the life guidance and move on to the next mission.
Mission two: Revival.
I've been tasked with reviving a club's former glory.
The Academy's academic performance and club activities have declined. The club I'm heading to is known for a major student competition in the northern continent. It used to be a powerhouse, but now it's a shadow of its former self.
I need to show results in both life guidance and club activities. It's a tall order, especially since I have no experience in this area. But I'll meet their expectations.
Ignoring the curious gazes, I walked slowly to the Club Wing. It's a grand building in the same Romanesque style as the Main Building, originally an old school building that was converted.
The Club Wing is designed for various indoor sports and has multiple halls, making it suitable for club activities.
After school, the Club Wing was bustling with students changing into sports uniforms, creating a lively atmosphere.
The students must be wary of a strange and dangerous figure entering the Club Wing. But they probably assume I have permission, given my confident walk.
"Wait! What are you doing here?"
I glanced at the voice through my sunglasses. It was a serious-looking girl who must have been heading to the Club Wing at the same time. She had the courage to confront me, which I appreciated.
But I'm the Demon Instructor now, and kindness is not in my vocabulary.
I ignored her question and continued walking.
"You, stop! You suspicious person!"
Another girl appeared, this one with a boyish charm. The two seemed to know each other.
Sigh. There's no point in arguing here. These girls, who are quick with words but won't believe me, won't accept a normal introduction.
I'll make a strong first impression. They need to understand who I am.
"Watch your mouth."
I stopped, glared at them through my sunglasses, and slammed the iron rod on the stone pavement. The impact was so powerful that the stone shattered, even in a world with magic.
The serious girl flinched, and the boyish girl let out a cute scream.
In the silence, I continued my demonstration. I wanted to make an impression on as many students as possible.
I bent the iron rod, which had been damaged by the impact, into a pretzel with my bare hands and tossed it aside. It landed with a heavy thud on the stone floor.
The iron rod, about five centimeters in diameter and ninety centimeters long, weighed around fourteen kilograms. Even with Physical Enhancement Magic, it was a significant feat to handle it like a twig, showing my abnormal strength.
In the silence, I introduced myself. I'd do it once, and it would spread.
"Listen carefully. I'm Yukareed Evilbanshee, the new life guidance teacher and advisor for the Magic Doll Club."
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Welcome to Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy!
E-M-E-R-A-L-D-A. I fixed a few typos from the previous chapters. Sorry about that.
This time, we'll delve into club activities, but the troubles are far from over.
I plan to unfold the story boldly and without holding back!
Summary of the Academy arc:
- Top priority: Protecting my sister from the Marquis Ribbonstrat's daughter.
- Mission one: Discipline and order.
- Mission two: Revival.
- Notable characters to watch: Edith Ribbonstrat, a curly-haired delinquent.