30
Chapter 30
White snow is falling heavily outside, and a cold wind rattles the window.
It felt like midsummer when I first entered Belliard Academy, but it's already winter. Time really flies.
I washed up quickly and left the dormitory.
It's been a month and a half since I was promised I could leave the academy; a lot has happened since then.
"Hello, Instructor Bio."
"Good morning, Instructor Bio."
The first thing I noticed was the change in the trainees.
It's only natural; since I put my best effort into teaching, the trainees changed as well.
From greeting me first to their overall attitude in class, everything had improved significantly.
With a better attitude toward learning, their grades naturally improved.
In the final evaluations ten days ago, not a single student failed the theory section.
This was despite the exam being more advanced and difficult than the midterm.
Well, they were all students with a genuine desire to learn in the first place.
Since they made it into Belliard Academy, a prestigious school in the Capital, they all possessed a basic level of intelligence.
I reached the dining hall, grabbed my food, and took a seat.
Come to think of it, I only have a few academy meals left.
Today is December 14th.
Tomorrow, the 15th, is the closing ceremony for the first semester.
I think I'll miss the food here even after I return home.
Whatever else I might forget, the food here was among the best I've ever had.
As I was dipping my bread in the soup, I felt someone's presence and looked up to see May beaming at me.
"Can we sit here?"
"Just sit down. Good morning, Instructor."
"Right. Enjoy your meal, everyone."
It wasn't just May; other trainees from the Ranger Class were with her.
It felt like it had been a long time since I'd seen May smile like that.
Was she feeling better now?
May didn't win the Greeta competition held last month.
She placed third in the Ranger division.
Honestly, while the overall championship—where winners of each division compete—might have been a stretch, I thought she could easily win the Ranger division.
Setting everything else aside, she had already reached the level of a Sword Expert.
But there was a variable.
The First Seat of the Eight Swords of the Empire, who served as both the Commander-in-Chief of the Central Army stationed in the Capital, Kashant, and the Commander of the Royal Guards.
It was because of Duke Dylan Andres, the strongest Sword Master in the Empire.
There are many titles for Duke Dylan, but the most famous one is Perfect Master.
Many argue that Duke Carlos of the South is superior in swordsmanship, but Duke Dylan is often ranked first because he is proficient with every weapon.
No, saying he's simply "proficient" doesn't quite do it justice.
For starters, his swordsmanship is such that he could fight Duke Carlos for three days and nights without a clear winner, and he has even reached the 7th class in magic.
Furthermore, Duke Dylan holds the titles of the Empire's greatest Archer and Spearman.
Of course, Duke Dylan himself didn't participate in the Greeta competition, but May's opponent in the semifinals was his granddaughter.
Jane Andres.
Even though she was his granddaughter and not his daughter, her talent seemed hereditary, as she possessed incredible skill.
There was no way around it when she began rapid-firing Magic Arrows like an artillery barrage the moment the match started.
Although our May held out longer than the eventual finalist, defeat was inevitable.
Despite the immense mana consumption, she showed no sign of fatigue, perhaps because she had practiced the ducal house's Mana Cultivation Method and received the best nutrition since childhood.
Honestly, with that level of talent, I think she would have succeeded as a knight or a wizard.
However, after doing some digging, I found out that Jane's older sister and brother had even more overwhelming talent for the sword and magic, which is why she deliberately chose the Ranger path.
I was speechless when I heard that.
To have talent that eclipsed even the person May was up against.
I told May, who kept apologizing repeatedly after her defeat, that it was alright.
I reminded her that since she was only a first-year, there would be more opportunities in the future, so she shouldn't be too discouraged.
It was a shame, but there was nothing that could be done about it.
I usually place a high value on effort and will, but that kind of talent... yeah, it's practically a natural disaster.
Furthermore, her opponent was a second-year from Rightea Academy in the Capital, so while next year might be difficult, the year after that would be plenty promising.
Other trainees and instructors also congratulated her, saying that reaching the semifinals on her first try was an impressive feat, but she remained depressed for a long time after the competition.
Lately, she seemed to have improved a bit, perhaps because the break was drawing near.
"Oops, my bread!"
"That's what happens when you space out and just stare at the instructor."
"When did I ever...?"
Seeing her bicker with another trainee with soup smeared all over her mouth, it seemed she had finally shaken off the aftereffects of the loss.
"No playing around while you're eating."
"Sorry."
"I'll be heading out first. Enjoy your meal, everyone."
I left the dining hall and made my way to the faculty office.
"Good morning, Instructor Bio. Have you eaten?"
"Good morning. I just finished."
"Good morning, Instructor Bio."
Every instructor I encountered on the way to the faculty office greeted me first.
I hadn't specifically changed how I treated the other instructors, but as my reputation among the trainees grew, it felt like they had started seeing me in a better light as well.
Well, it wasn't as if I'd have any business with them after tomorrow anyway.
That was why I had asked the Dean not to inform the other instructors that I was quitting.
If they knew, they might insist on a farewell party, and the idea of spending such a time with people I wasn't even close to was an absolute chore.
It was the same with the trainees.
I felt bad for having taught them so sloppily at first, and I was grateful that they had all followed my lead so well after I changed.
I had grown somewhat fond of May and a few other students, but my decision to leave the academy remained unchanged.
Once the break ended and a new instructor arrived, they would all find out naturally.
I stepped into the faculty office and took my seat.
The atmosphere was brighter than ever; everyone seemed to be in a great mood because tomorrow was the closing ceremony.
I felt the same way.
Especially since, for me, it wasn't just a break—it was my resignation.
I left the faculty office again earlier than usual.
Since the final evaluations were over and this was the last class, I planned to wrap things up by chatting over some refreshments.
I considered going straight to the classroom but decided to head toward the dormitory instead.
I had intended to buy some snacks and drinks at the school store yesterday, but I couldn't because the clerk had gone home early.
"Excuse me, Instructor Bio, could I talk to you for a moment?"
I turned around at the familiar voice and found Amelia.
Yes, that woman had changed significantly since that explanation.
I thought she would hate me even more, considering I'd used a wish to force her testimony and exposed her habit of looking down on students to everyone.
But that wasn't the case.
For the past month and a half, she hadn't picked fights like she used to, nor did she ask for help during the final evaluations.
Then again, she hated me in the first place because she disliked how I taught the trainees so sloppily.
Anyway, I felt like she'd been keeping her distance since then, so what's this about?
Her cheeks look quite flushed, too.
****
I was a bit flustered when he asked me to testify about our bet in front of everyone.
While it wasn't exactly easy to admit I'd bet over a trainee, I figured that mean-spirited man would probably demand something even worse.
I barely slept, worrying he'd make me do something absolutely ridiculous, so I was truly relieved.
My biggest concern was solved surprisingly easily, but the overall situation wasn't great.
The way the trainees looked at me had shifted slightly.
Their attitude in class didn't suddenly become poor, nor did they start ignoring my instructions, so maybe I was just imagining it....
The way I'd pushed them during the makeup lessons....
The way I'd refused to acknowledge May....
Regret washed over me, and I grew exhausted in both body and mind.
On the other hand, Instructor Bio, who had bet with me, had changed his attitude and was gradually becoming popular.
His reputation improved as well.
If he'd just acted like that from the start, we could have gotten along without any trouble; I just don't get why he was the way he was....
Lost in thought, I soon reached my destination.
I knocked twice and opened the door.
I planned to come back if he wasn't in, but fortunately, the Dean was busy processing a stack of papers on his desk.
"Instructor Amelia?"
"Hello. Do you have a moment?"
"What is it?"
The Dean, who had been looking at his documents, looked surprised to see me.
"I've come to discuss a pressing matter with you."
As I spoke, I pulled the resignation letter I'd prepared from my robes.
"What is this?"
"It's my resignation. I intend to step down as an instructor at the end of this semester."
I expected him to be shocked, but the Dean's expression remained surprisingly indifferent.
Had he already expected this?
"This wasn't a hasty decision; I've given it a lot of thought, and I feel that I am simply not qualified to be an instructor. I am sorry for failing the trust and opportunity you gave me."
I bowed my head in apology, but the Dean remained silent, as if he were in shock.
"Instructor Bio was right. For now, forget that and take a seat over there."
Wait, why is Instructor Bio being mentioned here?
I was bewildered, but I followed the Dean's instructions and sat on the sofa.
"You look surprised that I mentioned Instructor Bio. Are you two still on bad terms?"
"..."
"I suppose so. Don't hate him too much. Instructor Bio is actually a very decent person."
"Ah... I know. But why... why was Instructor Bio mentioned all of a sudden?"
"Instructor Bio told me that you might come by and say you're quitting."
What?
I hadn't said a single word to Instructor Bio since that day.
No, I hadn't told anyone at all that I was thinking of quitting....
"He asked me to make sure I stop you if you came to resign. He said there is no one more suited to be an instructor, or who cares for and puts in more effort for the trainees than you."
I'm even more confused than before.
I was certain he thought poorly of me, so why on earth would he say such things....
I simply cannot understand it.
Could he actually have been sincere?
When he explained himself before all the trainees, Instructor Bio said he made the bet to help me realize something.
I naturally assumed it was just a lie to save face...
"I..."
"My thoughts are no different from Instructor Bio's. Didn't I let you go through with your duel against him in the past without stopping you?"
"...You did."
"Everyone makes mistakes in life. Some people fail to learn from them and keep repeating them, while others take the lesson and grow. You are the latter, are you not?"
I didn't know the Dean viewed me so positively. I'm a bit... no, I'm very touched.
"Those were all Instructor Bio's words. He said you would be the latter."
Bio... Instructor Bio said that?
"Amelia, do you think I favor Instructor Bio?"
"Ah... no, sir."
Honestly, I had thought that for a moment, and now I feel embarrassed that my thoughts were read so easily.
"I trust you as much as I trust Instructor Bio."
"Th... thank you."
"I believe you'll become an even better educator since you've learned from this, so take this back. I can't afford to lose you when Instructor Bio is already leaving."
Wait, Instructor Bio is leaving?
"Dean? What do you mean Instructor Bio is leaving...?"
"Oops, he asked me not to tell anyone. My mistake. Well, since I've already mentioned it, please keep it a secret."
"Yes. I understand."
"He mentioned he's deeply wounded by recent events."
"No, I don't think he's the type of person to be wounded by things like that..."
"One may look tough on the outside, but the inside can be different. Besides, you know his health isn't great, right? He apparently pushed himself too hard while teaching May."
"Ah... I see."
Considering how much May's skills have improved, it makes sense.
I heard he passed on a Secret Technique to her; even if I don't know the details, it couldn't have been easy.
"That's why I had no choice but to agree. He said he didn't want to show any weakness, so make sure you protect that secret."
I answered that I would and left the Dean's Office, taking my resignation letter back.
I hadn't been at peace before entering the office, but now that my resignation was rejected, I was in a state of total chaos.
Just who on earth is that man, Instructor Bio?
****
"Yes. I'm fine."
I didn't particularly want to talk, but she didn't seem to be picking a fight, and since the nightmare of this academy ends tomorrow, I decided to show some ocean-like generosity.
"Shall we move somewhere a bit quieter than here?"
Somewhere quieter?
That sounds like something thugs say when they're about to rob an innocent citizen.
"I was on my way to the school store, and since there shouldn't be any trainees around at this hour, let's go have a cup of coffee. It's on me."
Her cheeks were red, which seemed to be from the cold, so I figured I'd buy her a hot cup of coffee.
'Why are you buying coffee for someone like her?'
'Who cares? I'll never have to see her again after tomorrow.'
A cup of coffee is a very cheap price to pay to shake off a bad connection.
But why isn't this woman answering?
Her cheeks seem to have gotten even redder.
"Instructor Amelia?"
"Yes? Yes. Let's go."