Chapter 429 - Fresh Beginnings, a Revitalizing Return from Break
The first day back after summer break.
Today, I'm returning to Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy as a temporary instructor once more.
I never used to pay much attention to it, but the start of a new semester always feels good. There's an exciting sense that something new is just around the corner.
I never expected to feel this way as a teacher, but here I am, walking through the academy grounds with a lighter step.
"Ugh, it’s hot, but what a lovely day, isn’t it?"
I can feel the intense sunlight gradually easing up. Summer has been long and eventful, but it’s late summer now. It’ll probably cool down before we know it.
After a long break, some students will no doubt have grown and matured. Not just the weather, but many things have changed.
Though it’s unrelated to the academy, the lineup of our Kikyo Society has changed dramatically.
Yesterday, Gradena and her group left Belliza. Their absence makes the place feel a bit lonely.
Those who stayed are the original academy group, the four from the Intelligence Bureau, and two of Gradena’s combative followers. Everyone else has returned to Exembra, but once they’re back, we’ll reassess and bring in many new members to replace them.
While our numbers have decreased for now, we don’t anticipate any major issues that would require a large force, and it’s not like such problems arise every day. With the academy restarting today, I want to focus on that.
Beneath the surface, Belliza is in a state of war, but on the surface, it remains peaceful despite the undead.
No influential nobles or wealthy merchants have fled the capital, and the academy is set to resume with students returning as expected.
A few nobles have been purged, but the numbers are minimal. Any flashy moves would bring the hidden conflicts into the open. Even cleaning house must be done carefully to keep everything under wraps.
Only a select few, those who held the most critical roles, were eliminated, and their deaths were made to look natural. Outsiders wouldn’t suspect assassination. Others have been made to atone through deals, maintaining the facade of peace. This is how a great nation operates.
As a result, the academy, attended by daughters of influential families, has not been significantly affected.
The enemy’s plans to plunge the city into chaos have been thoroughly thwarted. The current situation, where everything appears normal, is a clear victory.
There’s no immediate threat to reverse this victory, and if the undead extermination progresses smoothly, Belliza will return to normal.
"The undead, huh. It worries me, but it’s none of my concern as a temporary instructor."
That’s right, it’s no longer my concern. Being free from those unsettling entities has lifted a weight from my shoulders.
I can focus on the resurgence of the Magic Doll Club. Thinking about the potential rewards in the future lifts my spirits even more.
The faculty has gathered early to prepare for classes. Unlike the students, teachers start preparing before the break ends. As a life guidance instructor, my role has been mostly formal greetings and meetings with the headmistress. I’ve mostly been pondering club activities.
Until the students return and club activities resume, I have some free time. But that won’t last long; soon I’ll see the energetic faces of my club members.
Since I don’t need to prepare for classes, I’ve decided to stand by the entrance of the main building. It’s fitting for a life guidance instructor to welcome back the students and refocus their attention.
I’ve already met the boarding students, but there are also many day students. It’s important to reorient those who might be out of practice after the break.
At an elite girls' school like this, I don't expect to see students with sloppy attire or flashy makeup, but there will always be a few troublemakers. My imposing presence alone should help straighten them out.
I’m glad to be able to remove my eye patch, but I find it annoying when people ask about my left eye. To avoid it, I’m back to wearing sunglasses.
However, at the headmistress’s request, I’ve made some changes to my casual attire.
I’ve traded my tracksuit, T-shirt, and sandals for a more subdued and practical ensemble.
I’m now in a dark combat jacket and pants, paired with combat boots for a cohesive look. Inside the jacket, I wear a red shirt with gold vine patterns for a touch of style. I leave the jacket open to show off the shirt—it looks cool, after all.
I’ve also switched my sunglasses from dark brown teardrops to a softer, oval shape in a light gray. The oval shape is less intimidating and should be less controversial.
I’ve tied my longer hair into a simple ponytail at the back of my head. It’s hot, and complicated hairstyles are a bother.
With various tools hidden in my belt, jacket, and waist pouch, I’m ready for any unexpected situations. While the academy seems peaceful, it has faced intruders before. I won’t neglect my role as a bodyguard for my little sister, even with Anastasia Union handling security.
Overall, my appearance is no longer casual, fully meeting the headmistress's requirements. I’ll stick to this look for the academy and switch to a more demure outfit when going out.
"Yeah, this works."
I stride confidently through the academy and reach the entrance of the main building. I offer a cheerful greeting to the gatekeepers, who no longer see me as a threat. They respond in kind, and we maintain a good rapport.
The late summer sun is still intense, and prolonged exposure isn’t good for my skin. I position myself in a shaded area near the entrance to greet the students. It’s almost time for the early arrivals.
I breathe in the crisp morning air, relaxed and ready to wait. A luxury car soon appears from down the hill.
I idly watch as the guards check the vehicle with magic devices to ensure it’s registered and free of suspicious elements. It’s manageable now, but it will get chaotic during peak times.
Once cleared, the car parks in the covered lot, and a familiar student steps out. Dressed in a neat gray uniform and carrying a black handbag, she walks gracefully, a vision of elegance.
"Good morning, Evilbanshee-sensei. What are you doing here?"
"Good morning, Student Council President Ruth Cleados. You’re early. Is there a council matter?"
I don’t bother answering a silly question.
"Yes. The student council has to prepare for the opening ceremony and greet the teachers."
"As expected of the student council president, you’re well-organized."
"...By the way, Sensei, what’s with the unfamiliar outfit?"
"Hm? Got a problem with it?"
I narrow my eyes and glare at her through my light gray sunglasses. She’s questioning my style? What a cheeky kid.
"No, it’s just that the students are used to you, but I think the parents and staff might find it a bit too bold. Our driver was concerned about how you look."
"You don’t like my outfit?"
"They’re not used to it, that’s all."
After changing from my tracksuit, I’m still getting complaints. There are too many stick-in-the-muds in this world. I don’t need the hassle, and it ruins my good mood. I’ll take this as constructive criticism.
If standing outside isn’t an option, I can wait inside the building, but it’s not as enjoyable without the fresh air and light.
"I see. That makes sense. By the way, Ruth."
"Yes?"
"If you have any more concerns, feel free to bring them up. I’m off now."
"...Thank you for your guidance."
The student council president, looking solemn, watches me leave. Well, I have some free time again. I think I’ll take a morning stroll.
I take a seat on a chair by the wall, watching the students gather in the auditorium. For a troublemaking teacher like me, the opening ceremony is nothing but boring.
Even the most serious students probably find such events tedious.
I half-listen to the obligatory speeches and words of encouragement, just going through the motions.
After the ceremony, the students have a homeroom period before being dismissed. Meanwhile, teachers who don’t have a specific class to teach, like me, will attend a meeting. Once that’s over, the club activities can resume.
The ceremony ends, and the students disperse. Next up is a meaningless meeting I have to attend. I mentally prepare for the most tedious time, trying to make the best of it with some subtle magic practice.
The meeting finally ends, and I head to the club building, feeling elated.
Freed from the excruciating curse and with the troublesome case resolved, I’m in high spirits. No more worrying about the young master’s stalking.
My attachment to the Magic Doll Club’s students plays a part in my enthusiasm. The boarders have only returned yesterday, and we’ve barely had a chance to catch up. I’m looking forward to this renewed interaction.
"I wonder how much their self-practice during the break has paid off. Will I be impressed?"
The students of Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy come from wealthy and influential families. Summer break means no club practice, and the club building is off-limits. Without consistent practice, their skills likely rusted.
Other schools, on the other hand, would have been practicing intensively. If our students haven’t shown significant improvement, our comeback will be challenging. We need to focus and step up our game.
While walking through the building, I catch a conversation with my keen ears.
Curiosity piqued by the familiar voice, I sneak closer to listen.
"—Are you not regretting quitting the club?"
"No, I’m not. I never would."
The questioner’s voice is firm and warm, while the responder’s is cute but strained and rigid.
"Really?"
"...Yeah."
"Interesting. Normally, someone might pretend they don’t regret it. But I’m different. I’m the president of the Magic Doll Club. We need more members, and I can’t let anyone who wants to join slip away. So, come back."
"But, I said I don’t regret quitting—"
"That’s not the point. Do you want to do this?"
"I..."
"Do you want to do it or not? Yes or no?"
Despite her pushy approach, her tone remains gentle.
It seems she’s recruiting for the club. I’m impressed by her dedication and reassured by her commitment.
"Even if you say you want to, the teacher won’t approve it."
"Why?"
"Because you quit so arrogantly. Now you want to come back just because you think you might be able to produce results..."
"I don’t think Evilbanshee-sensei will care. She probably doesn’t even remember the students who quit."
No, I do remember. I remember all the students and their basic profiles. But it’s true that I don’t care.
If someone is enthusiastic, I’ll welcome them, whether they’re returning or new. It really doesn’t matter to me.
"Even if she doesn’t care, the other members won’t be happy."
"I’ll say it again. There’s no one in the Magic Doll Club who would think that way. We aim for the top. Every additional member is a plus."
President Hermira’s voice is clear and confident, showing no hesitation. She speaks her mind straightforwardly.
Indeed, we need the numbers. The new rule in Magic Doll battles allows up to fifty participants, but we only have half that. To aim higher, we need to address this disadvantage. Even if we can’t reach the full quota, we need as many members as possible.
We won’t accept defeat just because we’re outnumbered. We won’t use it as an excuse.
Still, we need to work harder to overcome this disadvantage, especially given that many members quit due to their initial resistance to me.
I don’t regret kicking out the unmotivated, but I’m open to those who want to return. They can come back anytime.
"...Let me think about it."
"If you’re unsure, see how today goes."
"Today’s results?"
"I’ve been reaching out to girls during the break. We expect both former members and new recruits, so you’ll see how it goes today."
Impressive. I didn’t know she had been doing all this.
If this level of commitment is not just from the president but also the other members, I have nothing to worry about.
"During the break?"
"I planned to reach out to you too, but you were abroad."
"Yeah... But if things are that serious, I can’t just watch from the sidelines."
"It would feel awkward to join later than everyone else. Everyone is waiting. So, let’s start today."
"That’s too sudden. I haven’t prepared at all."
"In these situations, momentum is key!"
"Hermira, you’ve really changed."
"Have I?"
"Ha ha, definitely."
I can’t see the girls, but I imagine they’re smiling warmly.
I wonder who this enthusiastic recruit is. I can’t tell just from the voice.
I considered sneaking a peek, but then the student council president appeared from down the hall, clearly with something to discuss.
Before she could catch me, I decided to leave the area.