**Chapter 69: Attending Swordsmanship Class**
The next class would be separate from the Rosemary Sisters. Rest had come to the Knight Department’s grounds to attend the “Swordsmanship” class. Although he was a student of the Magic Department, he could take classes from other departments as elective subjects. “Swordsmanship” was primarily a Knight Department course, but it was also relatively popular among students from the Magic Department.
“Next is a physical education class… I need to be careful not to get injured,” Rest muttered to himself.
“Ugh, this is exhausting… The sunlight is burning my skin…”
As Rest stepped onto the field in his gym clothes, he noticed his classmate, Ruido Jistal, who had just become a friend, slumping his shoulders in fatigue.
“Aren’t we aspiring magicians? Why do we have to engage in swordplay?” Ruido complained.
“Well, that’s just a noble’s pastime, isn’t it?”
Many students from the Magic Department who took “Swordsmanship” were the children or heirs of nobility. As noblemen, they were expected to wield a sword to protect their territory and people in times of crisis. This old-fashioned belief was prevalent in noble society, leading many students from other departments to choose “Swordsmanship” as an elective. About a hundred students had gathered on the grounds, half of whom were from the Knight Department, while the other half came from various other departments. Among the latter, fifty percent were from the Magic Department, thirty percent from the Civil Official Department, and twenty percent from the Priest Department. The lack of students from the Arts Department was likely due to the risk of injuring their fingers, which would hinder their activities.
“Honestly… Even without learning swordsmanship, we could just shoot magic from behind and end it there,” Ruido remarked.
From behind Ruido, another male student spoke disdainfully.
“You’re… Maurice, right?”
“Just Maurice is fine. Rest, the candidate for the Rosemary family’s son-in-law,” Maurice Louis replied, adjusting his glasses.
Maurice had the appearance of a brilliant student, but his slender frame and lack of muscle made it clear that he was not athletic.
“Swordsmanship is just a pastime for those who can’t use magic, right? It’s quite lamentable that such a thing is considered a noble’s pastime,” he scoffed.
“Hey, hey… that’s a bit too much, don’t you think?” Rest hurriedly admonished Maurice.
Maurice’s viewpoint was certainly not a minority opinion. Many magicians regarded weapons like swords and spears as inferior tools meant for those who could not wield magic. Naturally, this was an unacceptable notion for those aspiring to be knights or warriors. In fact, a Knight Department student nearby shot a glare at Maurice.
“Even magicians may find themselves in direct combat during a chaotic battle. I think it’s wise to be prepared for close combat,” Rest argued.
“Oh? That’s quite an unexpected perspective for a candidate from a prestigious family of magicians. Are you suggesting that swords are superior to magic?” Maurice retorted.
“It depends on the situation. It’s best to be proficient in both,” Rest replied.
After all, Irish Rosemary, the legitimate heir of the House of Marquis Rosemary, was skilled in hand-to-hand combat. Diable, a former Court Magician, was also adept in martial arts, proving that being a magician did not exempt one from needing combat skills.
“Hmm… I see. Well, that’s one way to think about it,” Maurice said, snorting dismissively.
It seemed Maurice was a proponent of magical fundamentalism—the belief that magicians were superior to others. While this viewpoint was somewhat typical for a student of the Magic Department, it was not particularly rare.
“Hey, what’s going on? The atmosphere seems rather tense,” a cheerful voice chimed in.
“Yuri!”
Yuri Cattleya appeared on the grounds, her face beaming under the sun.
“Y-Yuri Cattleya…”
The moment Yuri arrived, Maurice’s face flushed bright red. Ruido’s eyes widened, and Rest let out a bitter laugh.
Yuri had also changed into her gym clothes, but it seemed they were a size too small. Her ample bosom caused her top to ride up, exposing her navel. It was evident that she had a figure that looked better in loose clothing.
(Oh right, when she got soaked before, she had a nice body… No, that’s not what I meant to think!)
“What’s up, Yuri? You seem unusually cheerful,” Rest asked.
“Of course I’m cheerful! It’s finally time for the long-awaited swordsmanship class!” Yuri exclaimed, making fists with both hands.
“I’ve always wanted to learn swordsmanship, but my father wouldn’t allow it! So, I’ve been really looking forward to today!”
“That’s great to hear,” Rest replied.
The House of Cattleya was a renowned family of knights. It made Rest curious as to why a noble lady like Yuri was attending this class.
“Since it’s a special occasion, Maurice, let’s give it our all! It doesn’t matter if we’re from the Magic Department or the Knight Department. If we’re going to do it, let’s do it with everything we’ve got!”
“Ugh… y-yeah…”
Maurice averted his gaze from Yuri’s gym outfit, reluctantly agreeing.
“Class is about to begin! Gather over here!”
The instructor called out, signaling the start of the lesson. Rest and the others hurriedly made their way to the center of the grounds to assemble.