Chapter 22 - Anyway, Because That's the Kind of Guy He Is
I felt like I'd become a faithful original-work destroyer. Well, of course, that didn't mean I hadn't known it all along.
From the start, a guy like me didn't belong in this world of Rose of the Imperial Family. My very existence was a walking bundle of plot destruction. If I hadn't shown up, Laval wouldn't have survived. Sion wouldn't have grown up so sweet and pretty. Orlan Count Alfred wouldn't have scammed me, ruining both my life and Alun's. None of that would've happened.
So there was zero reason to go waving around some Nobita mindset like, "Wahhh, I wrecked the original story— what do I dooo—."
But still. It was intriguing, and intriguing it remained. One of the mother-daughter duo who should've been killed off early in the original story had survived because of me. And get this—of all things, the illegitimate child of the emperor and a succubus, a being that absolutely shouldn't exist, was inexplicably taking classes in my room? Sure, I'd changed a ton of lives, but this was a particularly bizarre case. It had my instincts perking up.
If Lurua's mother had wrecked the harem as I remembered, the imperial family I knew would've just executed her whole line for conspiracy. They wouldn't have turned her into an assassin.... Why go to such lengths?
…….
….
….
Eh. No point stewing over it.
There must be some story behind it.
Honestly, I wasn't a god. I couldn't possibly account for every ripple my arrival had caused. So I dropped the thought early. If she were someone I needed to gut right now, or if she was gunning for one of my kids, sure. But if that were the case, she wouldn't have been dumb enough to flash assassin vibes at me.
Besides, she was one of my students now, and we'd made a promise before. No prying into personal lives. I'd learned her family background by accident, so that was unavoidable. As for the rest, if she ever trusted me enough, she'd tell me herself.
Anyway. One silver lining: I'd successfully wrapped up my chat with Principal Adelheit, so I could dive straight into today's task.
Swordsmanship lessons to prep for the rematch.... Never done it properly before, but if I just teach her what Lord Laval taught me, it should be fine.
It was a principle ingrained in me since my Hero Party days: when your thoughts start piling up, the answer is to move your body. So I straightened my tie and hurried to the training grounds.
* * *
The after-school training grounds were quiet. With classes over, only the occasional sounds of other classes' self-study sessions drifted in from the hallways. The cool sunset bathed everything in a generous glow, and a gentle breeze promised a mood boost after just a few laps.
And sure enough.
"……."
My desired guest had arrived early and was soaking in the atmosphere. God knows what she was thinking, but before I got there, she'd just been standing stock-still with her sword, her northern-brand emotionless gaze freezing the distant mountains.
Thud—.
"……Ah, Professor Joseph!"
"Good to see you."
The moment she heard my footsteps, all that vanished. She turned into an eager puppy, tail wagging as she greeted me.
"I've been waiting. I thought maybe you wouldn't come today…."
True to her grand duchess status, her greeting was just a polite bow with eyes closed. But her flushed voice gave it away—she was thrilled.
"Sorry, Irina. I told you it might take a while and to come slowly, but the meeting with the principal dragged on longer than expected."
"No, no. I only just got here after hearing that from you, so no need to apologize!"
I chuckled inwardly at her modest deflection.
Just got here, my ass. It was early March, still chilly out. Anyone lingering outside would show it clearly—and she did. Her ears and nose tip were bright red, her body shivering faintly now and then. And she was still in her academy uniform, no change of clothes. She must've bolted here right after class and waited.
Cute, maybe. It meant she was that excited for my lessons.
Well, duh. You know how she's grown up, Joseph.
So, respecting her enthusiasm, I started to shrug off my coat in a habitual chivalrous gesture—then cut straight to it.
"Let's get started."
"……Ah, r-right now? Understood, Professor. But—."
"Yes?"
"Well, before we begin, there's something I'd like to ask…."
But the second I said go, Irina started fumbling, her mouth working awkwardly. It seemed like something she really needed to clear up first.
"By any chance, Professor, how much do you know about my twin brother, Ropf Pernov?"
It was about her twin brother, Ropf.
"Class rep of the Violet Class next door. Next in line for Grand Duke of the North. Pride of the North. Symbol of strength. The North's greatest swordsman.... Something like that, yeah."
"Ugh, as expected.... You know well. Of course you would."
"But why bring him up out of nowhere?"
I had my guesses, but it felt right to let her say it herself after mustering her courage. So I held back.
She fidgeted with her sword, looking sheepish.
"Y-you saw me get carried off after fighting Zigrinde, but this is the first time I'm showing you my skills directly, right?"
"That's true."
"So I was a little worried. What if you were disappointed…."
Ah. That.
Everyone knew Irina was subpar, so no surprise there. But how badly did she want to impress me?
"To be frank, compared to my brother, I can't even touch his toes. People assume twins means equal skill, but.... That's a total misconception…."
"Honest, aren't you."
"Shouldn't I be honest with you, Professor…?"
Her voice trailed off smaller and smaller. Her fidgeting hands showed no sign of stopping.
There it was. Her signature move number one: fearing rejection, desperately trying to dodge it.
So right now, Irina was clearly drawing a preemptive line—afraid I'd be disappointed, deem her unteachable.
I wasn't some armchair Freud, so no firm diagnosis. But it was blatantly obvious: a textbook defense mechanism.
"……."
"Ah, wait a sec…."
I tried locking eyes with her, but the instant our gazes met, she looked down, cheeks flushing.
But I wasn't stopping.
"Hey, Grand Duchess Irina."
"……Yes, Professor?"
"Have you ever been dismissed or ignored by previous instructors?"
She said nothing. But her downcast face bloomed with the answer. Yes. A lot. Way too much.
They always compared me to my perfect brother. 'You won't inherit the North anyway, so just stay comfy in the back.' 'As half a Ropf Pernov, assisting with northern affairs is your life's purpose.' No one ever really looked at me. And now, I'm scared of disappointing you too.
Poor kid. Like a drowned rat.
—But.
What she overlooked was that I had zero intention of writing her off or badmouthing her.
If I draw a sword, I cut weeds. This student I'd taken on had boldly demanded a rematch despite knowing she might lose, showing real guts. As her teacher, I had to back her up.
"I don't know the details, but I doubt the North had anyone properly qualified to teach you."
"──."
"Not dissing the North."
Irina stiffened slightly, then flicked her eyes up to meet mine again.
"Your father marked Ropf as heir ages ago, right? So whether for skip-generation reasons or whatever, maybe you never got real investment."
"B-but.... Everyone said I had no talent for swordsmanship? They all agreed."
"Pfft, over something that trivial? Just ignore 'em. Those idiots wouldn't know talent if it bit 'em."
She swallowed hard.
"I don't brag about my feats or act arrogant, but I've still lopped off the Demon King's head with one sword."
"I still can't believe it sometimes. That you're my professor."
"Good. Then think about it yourself. To me, you kids—all of you, Irina included—look about equal in front of me, don't you think?"
"…P-Professor!"
"So in my eyes, it's all small-time drama. Who're they to call you talentless? …I don't care what they think—I'll teach you properly, come hell or high water."
Her expression visibly softened. Hunched shoulders relaxed, and though I couldn't see clearly, a smile tugged at her lips.
"……Professor."
"Yes."
"I've felt it all along, but why are you so kind to me?"
"………."
"You've only been here a few days, but talking to you always makes me happy. You affirm me."
"Do I?"
"Why treat me like that?"
Simple answer.
I was the guy protecting his steady paycheck—
"Because I'm your professor."
"……."
Then Irina beamed, bright and sunny.