Chapter 32: Why is Alissa Here?!
As the bell signaling the start of class rang, a young woman with purple hair tied to the side entered the classroom. Despite her youthful features, she wore the military uniform of the Royal Knights Order, which was white with blue lines.
“Attention! Starting today, I’m your homeroom teacher, Alissa Swift! Whether you know me or not, I look forward to working with you all!”
“A current knight as a homeroom teacher…?”
Lily murmured, furrowing her brow. She glanced at me and Rouge, likely checking if this was a scheme from Prince Lucas’s faction. …She’s probably right, but I certainly didn’t expect this turn of events.
I had heard that Alissa was being dispatched due to a shortage of swordsmanship instructors, but I never imagined she would take on the role of homeroom teacher.
“Well, well, well. You all seem surprised that a current knight is your homeroom teacher. Honestly, I was surprised too! At first, I was told I’d only need to teach swordsmanship, but then I heard there was a class with students who have some special circumstances? They said a regular teacher wouldn’t be able to handle it, so they needed a knight. What a hassle, right?”
Alissa spoke while deliberately looking our way.
…I can think of three people sitting with me who fit that description. What a pain.
“You’re quite special yourself, Hugh, don’t you think? I’ve never heard of someone who can melt iron targets with Firekinesis.”
I was called out directly, and she shrugged her shoulders in a way that would annoy anyone else. It’s the number one gesture that irritates me when done by others.
“Now then, let’s get started with the obligatory self-introductions. We’ll go in order of student numbers, so let’s begin with the daughter of Marquis Puridi.”
Lily took a quiet breath and stood up.
“I am Lily Puridi. My skill is Strategist. Please remember me.”
Lily performed a graceful bow with perfect poise before sitting back down.
Strategist. I wonder what kind of skill that is. From the name, it sounds like a professional skill, but I can’t imagine what kind of abilities it holds. Being the top student must mean it’s quite powerful.
Next up is the second-best student.
“My name is Idiot Hautness. My skill is Chevalier. I shall dedicate the power of this skill, bestowed upon me by the gods, solely to you, Lady Lecty.”
With a flourish, Idiot tossed his hair back and extended his right hand toward Lecty. He looked so dramatic that I half-expected him to pull a rose from somewhere and hold it in his mouth.
For Lecty, that was probably unbearable.
“Uh, um… that is…”
Lecty stumbled over her words, unable to respond immediately. The blush on her cheeks faded, leaving her looking pale as she became the center of attention, her mind likely going blank.
I suppose I have to step in and help her…
“Idiot. It’s my duty to protect her.”
I stood up deliberately to draw attention and made my declaration. Idiot must have anticipated my move, as he pointed at me with a smug grin.
“How bold of you, Backwater Poor Noble! If that’s the case, let’s duel to see who is more worthy of Lady Lecty! Idiot Hautness challenges you to a duel!”
The classroom erupted into a buzz of excitement. I suspected this was his intention, but I didn’t think he would actually go through with it…
I glanced at Alissa, hoping she would intervene, but she wore a cheerful smile, clearly enjoying the spectacle.
…I suppose it can’t be helped. I’ll take on some risk, but I might as well resolve the issues Lecty is facing while I have the chance.
“I have a condition. If you accept it, I’ll agree to the duel.”
“A condition…? Speak, then.”
“If I win, you will stop any actions that Lecty has expressed she dislikes. That’s my condition.”
“Hm, is that all? Very well, I accept your condition!”
Idiot nodded in satisfaction and took his seat. What a noisy guy.
As I sat down, Lecty looked down apologetically and spoke softly.
“I’m sorry, Hugh. It’s my fault that you’re being troubled again…”
“It’s fine, Lecty. You don’t need to feel burdened. Just leave it to me.”
“Y-yes…”
Lecty looked up and nodded earnestly.
That aside…
“Hmm. You refuse to protect your personal knight, yet you’re willing to protect Lecty? Interesting.”
How should I handle the sulking princess’s mood…?
“Have we come to an agreement? We have swordsmanship class in the afternoon, so we can have the duel then. Now, let’s continue with the self-introductions. Next up is Rouge.”
“Yes!”
Rouge replied energetically and stood up. It felt oddly unnatural, so I turned my gaze toward her, only to find her grinning down at me.
Wait, what are you planning…?
“I’m Rouge Vect! My skill is Tempest. My dream for the future is to become Hugh’s bride!”
『……………………..Huh?』
Ignoring the shocked atmosphere in the classroom, Rouge sat down, propping her chin on her hand and smiling at me.
“So, that’s how it is. Nice to meet you, okay?”
What on earth am I supposed to do with that…!?
For now, I couldn’t help but feel sympathy for the fourth-ranked student who had to introduce herself in such an awkward atmosphere.