Chapter 63
Chapter 63
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 63
Chapter Title: Unexpected Problem (3)
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“Let’s try switching classes for a day.”
Saying that, a day passed.
As promised, we barged into each other's classrooms without prior notice.
I don't know how Victor's situation was, but my side was a complete mess.
Originally, these students wouldn't be able to take my class until the semester ended, around summer.
Everyone seemed startled by the appearance of an unexpected person.
Some of them stood up and started clapping right away.
"Are you personally giving the lecture, Professor?"
"Yes. Just for today."
"Ooh!"
"Whoa!"
I wonder if Victor got this kind of reaction.
Probably not.
There's a rumor that for some reason, the Capital Academy is being called the Anton Academy by the public.
It's not wrong, so I'll let it slide.
Anyway, for that reason, my position here is beyond imagination.
It feels awkward to say this myself, but everyone is desperate to listen to my lectures.
Because of that, Victor and I had already agreed to swap our assigned students after the semester ends.
I should probably introduce a course registration system soon.
No.
Thinking about it, that probably won't work.
Enough with the digressions.
"I will be teaching you all today. Just follow along comfortably, just like you did with Professor Korsolin."
Actually, there's another reason, but I didn't mention it.
Just like yesterday, I corrected their posture first.
After handing out printed copies of the musical score, I had them practice individually.
At the same time, I observed the classroom atmosphere.
It wasn't bad, but it was quite different from the other class.
It felt somewhat stiff.
To put it bluntly, it was like watching children who are too scared to press three piano keys for fear of making a sound.
The difficulty of the scores I handed out was at a level that even a five-year-old could play.
Anyone who can read sheet music should be able to practice it without difficulty.
Originally, this was a time to correct their posture, so there was no need to give them difficult music as homework.
Yet, everyone is hesitating and fidgeting with their stiff fingers, which suggests there's another reason.
Is it because of Victor's personality?
That can't be it.
I've seen his behavior before.
He's the type who gets along with everyone without conflict.
‘I'm pretty sure that's the cause.’
Crossing through the students who were burying their faces in the piano, I stood in front of two people.
Dirk and Beatrix.
Just as Victor said, Beatrix at least seems to be trying hard.
Just the fact that she's striking the keys is a relief.
In contrast, Dirk.
He's sitting on his chair, flipping through the score with a bored expression and yawning.
He doesn't seem to know that I'm right in front of him.
"Dirk Bendelin."
I called his name.
"Professor?"
He answers well.
"Try practicing. It's not that difficult, is it?"
"I've already finished it all."
"All of it? It's been less than five minutes since the lecture started?"
"I can tell just by looking at such a simple score. I don't need to play it."
That's a way of speaking that leaves me with nothing to say.
Probably, this was the part Victor had a problem with.
It's something Dirk could certainly say.
But for now, this is a class.
Isn't this just him being arrogant about his own skill and rebelling against the Academy's way?
Well, there were guys like this in my past life too.
Guys who would say they already learned the material at a cram school and just sleep at school.
From a teacher's perspective, there's no way to look favorably on that.
Originally, that side is practically surpassing public education, so in a way, it might be natural.
Of course, there's no room for argument when it comes to the downsides.
On the other hand.
Even if you look for an art academy in the Empire, this is the only one.
Meaning, if it's not here, there's no place to learn music properly.
So what on earth is he basing his refusal to attend class on?
There's no school or academy that will teach him in his place once he leaves here.
Still, well.
I can't just scold him right away.
What is an educator?
Even for a hopeless student, you must think of them as your own child, coaxing and comforting them.
You have to raise them with all your heart.
‘Dammit, Anton.’
It's not like I came here knowing it would be this kind of path.
Let's give it a try.
I asked Dirk in the most friendly tone possible.
"Do you dislike the Academy's way?"
The tone was friendly, but the content was quite direct.
Even so, Dirk answered as if he had expected the question.
"It's not that I dislike it. I just have my doubts about whether it will be of any 'help' to me."
"So my class doesn't seem to suit you?"
"To be honest, that's correct."
I don't know if I should call this insolent or confident.
Of course, there is no right answer in art.
If he thinks it's better to only learn what he wants to learn and only play what he wants to play.
What can I do? That's what he should do.
Everyone is different.
It's not something I can dictate.
But this is clearly a school, and a set curriculum exists.
My ultimate goal is to train everyone to the level of a professional performer.
For that, there is a path that must be taken and skills that must be mastered.
"I won't stop you from practicing freely in your free time. Rather, I encourage it. There are limits to stimulating individual artistry with just the Academy lectures. However, it's better to attend class diligently. We aren't teaching anything absurd."
Dirk tilted his head back as if fed up with my speech and averted his gaze.
"Honestly, I find the time spent on basics to be a waste. Why do I need to learn things I already know?"
"I see. Understood."
"Pardon?"
If he's still refusing to listen after saying all that, there's no need to say more.
I'm not talking to an elementary school student.
Dirk is an adult and has the freedom to choose for himself.
"I won't force you. You don't have to attend class starting tomorrow."
Only now does his expression brighten.
What is with this guy?
At this point, a question I had forgotten comes to mind.
If he hates the Academy's classes so much, why did he enroll?
Did his family force him to come?
That also makes a certain amount of sense.
If I were to make a reasonable inference otherwise.
At first, he was satisfied because he could enter a advanced class that matched his skill level, but he got bored when he was told to learn the basics from scratch again.
‘You're the one who caused this in the first place.’
If he had been humble, not ignored the other students, and stayed quiet, this situation would never have happened.
Why did he have to take the test twice.
Why did he have to make the students who were just attending school quietly question the system.
Anyway.
After looking around the classroom one last time, I went outside for a moment.
Then, I closely observed Dirk's actions through the window.
Just as I expected.
He was striking the keys however he pleased.
From his large movements, it seems he's playing a rather loud piece.
The other students behind him glance back, but he pays them no mind.
‘So that's what it was.’
I was wondering why everyone was so lukewarm even when I had them practice.
It was because this Dirk guy was making a scene in the back row.
If he so openly makes his own statement in the middle of a lecture, of course everyone else would have to be conscious of it.
Beatrix, sitting next to him, is busy rolling her eyes and glancing around with an awkward expression.
What should I do with this hot-blooded friend.
***
“Could Dirk have some powerful backing?”
I met Erdi after coming into the break room.
I had asked him to do a bit of investigation for me.
"I looked into it, and the family they serve is Count Herring's house."
"I've never heard of them."
"They are famous in the south for producing renowned knights. The Eins you met before, Young Master, is also from the Herring family."
"Aha."
So that's what it was.
He was so boastful, I thought he might be a hidden child of the Emperor or something.
"Anything else you found out?"
Erdi began his explanation.
First, it's a family that produced the Crown Prince's guard knight.
Count Herring, the head of the family, is, as I suspected, very close to the Emperor.
They say whenever he has business in the south, he always passes through the Herring household.
But here's the strange part.
"Wouldn't that be Herring's honor, not Bendelin's? I heard the Bendelin siblings are from a fairly unknown family."
"I thought so too, but..."
The next thing he said was quite shocking.
"I hear that Dirk is in talks for a marriage with the young lady of the Herring house. They plan to hold the ceremony as soon as he graduates from the Academy."
"...Why on earth?"p>
It's not that common for a daughter of a Count's house to marry into a vassal family.
"There's a rumor that the young lady in question has taken a liking to Dirk."
"You've got to be kidding me."
By the way, how did he find out such detailed information?
Thanks to that, the clue has been solved.
"They say Count Herring has also given his permission, and their relationship is already well-known in the south."
Now I understand.
A guy with a backing like that would look down on other students, and probably even on Erdi and Victor internally.
Whether it's a blessing or a curse, not many children from famous noble families enrolled in our Academy this year.
Most seem to have decided to stay with the legitimate Valcaress for now.
So Dirk can act like the top predator.
Because there are no rivals.
"Dirk, along with his younger sister Beatrix, has been receiving music education since he was a child, and he has a considerable pride in his skill. It seems that's why he doesn't want to mix with the other students."
"Where did you hear all that?"
"I contacted Count Seneca, who is in the south."
Aiolin?
I find that even more surprising.
Anyway.
The somewhat legitimate background check is over.
Since Dirk hates basic education, he probably won't show up to class starting tomorrow.
I wonder what will happen from now on.
I'll say it again, this is what he brought upon himself.
No matter how great Dirk's skill is, the Academy's goodwill doesn't extend to coddling a student who outright refuses to attend class.
Especially not to a friend with a rotten personality who acts arrogant because of his backing.
‘I have a plan for this.’