Chapter 46 - "I Know"
A few days must have passed since then. Don't ask why I can't remember exactly. Once you become a wage slave like me, you don't live counting every single day. You just stretch your neck waiting for the weekend, basically surviving week by week and day by day. So I don't know precisely how long it's been, but I do know it's been quite a while.
But, surprisingly and fortunately, Tiel had returned to normal.
Thank God, thank God.
As I've explained at length, I was worried something might happen the moment I properly approached her. But those fears turned out to be groundless. Tiel, having regained her stability, returned to being the model student she'd always been. If anything, that wary gaze she used to have—the one like a wild little animal, subtly different from the other students—had softened a bit.
"Tiel."
"...Yes!"
When I called roll like this, she no longer stammered sneakily and even met my eyes properly, showing that her tension had eased considerably.
Of course, that didn't mean I'd fully earned her trust yet. The fact that she showed no sign of opening up to me about anything was proof of that.
But one thing was clear: she didn't seem to think badly of the helping hand I'd extended at just the right moment. If anything, she probably thought it was good.
And as I thought back then, I had no intention of pressing her. Tiel could come to me at her own pace. That's all.
Having thus restored peace to our class, I was living these days hoping this tranquility would last a while longer.
And today might turn out to be a little special.
...Phew, finally. It took forever.
The document I was fiddling with was none other than the official approval for our club, Isaac's Sword.
Last time, I'd boldly declared I was submitting the application, but there had been quite a few hurdles after that. There were already plenty of swordsmanship instruction clubs with similar purposes and vibes, so they tried to reject it outright the moment I filed the paperwork.
"Professor Joseph, this won't work..."
"Huh?"
"Other clubs are already doing this kind of thing."
"Well... yeah, I guess. It's swordsmanship."
"Just off the top of my head, there's the Steel Lion led by Sir Ludwig of the Empire's Shield. And Sir Ballak, the practical swordsmanship professor, runs Demonic Sword Corps..."
"What? Old man Ludwig's in on this too? I thought he retired to the countryside about seven years ago due to aftereffects from his advisor days."
"He's here as a guest instructor. Still going strong."
"Ugh..."
Anyway, the planning office clerk was adamant. But I'd come this far, and backing down now would be too embarrassing to face Sion and Zikrinde. So, though I hate pulling rank, I ended up doing it unintentionally.
What was it? Obviously, my life's greatest achievement.
"But there's no elite swordsmanship club led by the Demon King Slayer."
"Ah... true enough. I knew that. You're not really the type to be here anyway, Sir Joseph. You could be the crown prince's teacher without issue."
"Then hurry up and stamp the approval."
"But it's not that simple. The budget office hates overlapping departments. My heart's with you, but this won't convince them."
"Damn it. What am I supposed to do then?"
"Normally impossible, but someone of your stature might get it with a recommendation from any academy institution. Especially from a department head—that could override the budget office."
"Wait, are you helping me?"
"Just my personal opinion, but I don't dislike you, Professor. I owe you a favor."
"I-is that so... Glad to hear it. But you don't need to tell me what the favor was."
Even so, I'd already turned most central nobles and professors against me, so I wasn't in a position to ask for favors from related departments.
But as I was chain-smoking my worry cigs, a certain group came to mind.
"The Security Force."
From the grunts to the brass, they didn't seem to hate me. Maybe I could grab a drink with their chief and snag a recommendation.
"Sir Joseph, why didn't you come to me sooner with this!"
"Pardon?"
"If it was something like that, you should've come straight to Security Chief Pascal."
Our Security Force chief, Pascal, whipped up the recommendation the moment he heard my story.
"I've wanted to repay you for protecting my men. Glad for the chance."
Honestly, if I were gay, his boldness might've won me over. I didn't help them expecting this, but damn, it was helpful when I needed it. I resolved to be nicer to the Security Force from now on.
With that, there was no more excuse to block it. And today, the notice finally came down.
So I rushed first to my dear Sion.
"Oh dear... terrible timing."
"What's up after classes?"
"Yes, I have important business, so I can't clear my schedule today."
Is that so. But it's a bit odd. She's been so busy lately, my lady.
For our revered first lesson, she passed due to "urgent business." Naturally, I had to go to the remaining one.
"Zikrinde."
"Nya? Oh, it's the professor."
"I've got good news that'll make you happy."
"Heh, what if I'm not happy?"
Isaac's Sword has finally been officially approved."
"Ooh... Oh, hell yeah!!"
As expected, our crazy silver-haired furball was over the moon.
"I'm thinking of starting instruction right after classes today, but Sion has prior commitments."
"Huh? So that means... just the two of us?"
"That's how it shakes out."
"Awesome! Love it—!"
Seeing her usually eerie, sometimes downright insane expressions turn to pure innocence like this was a rare treat.
"Can you make time after classes today?"
"No need to ask twice. I'll be there. I'll clean the training ground—take your time!"
She was this thrilled. No way I'd disappoint her. It started as a promised apprenticeship, but kids with real drive love it. So as much as Zikrinde expected, I headed into the day with my own expectations, just waiting for it to end.
* * *
After wrapping up work, I headed to the training ground and saw Zikrinde warming up alone.
Honestly, for reasons I can't explain, her beauty was off the charts. Unlike her usual perfectly fitted uniform—prettiest among the students—this moment, she'd deliberately changed into training clothes that bared her abs, heating up in the spring weather.
Feels like with Irina. Both excited for my class...
But this girl. Didn't care about showing abs? By romance fantasy standards, even a sliver of skin was supposed to be shameful.
The sunlight made them glisten alluringly—a guy couldn't help but look.
What the hell am I doing ogling a student. Die, you perv...
I consciously ignored it and waved to Zikrinde.
"Zikrinde."
She didn't stop warming up, just turned her head, flashing her signature crescent-eyed grin.
"Thought I'd age a year waiting. What kept you?"
"Professors aren't that free. This is as fast as I could make it."
"...Heard from Irina. You're always late."
Oof. Irina. You said it was fine then, but thought that behind my back? She's picky about that stuff. Scary...
But with no Irina around, it wasn't important. I praised her ready stance, hands on hips.
"Whatever. No big deal."
"Right? If you're late, I wait. I'm the eager one."
"Then, to the main point."
She nodded.
"I assume you know, but what do you think our club, Isaac's Sword, will teach going forward?"
"Oh, the overview from before. It's Sir Joseph's unique swordsmanship, incorporating Lagrange-style, right?"
"That's part of it. But more essentially."
"Ah, right. I remember. Faithful basics through that training."
"Good. Great stance. I love enthusiastic students."
Zikrinde. You rock. Here's a mental gold star.
She chewed her lip briefly, then smiled happily.
"Heh."
Our modern genius swordswoman with her feral charm showed me respect. Made me want to reward her.
"But jumping straight in first session would be no fun."
"I'd enjoy it. Teach me anything. I'll absorb it all and beat you for real someday."
"We'll see. Anyway, with just one student, we can skip ahead. How about Zikrinde's personal time today?"
Her ears practically perked up.
"Just me?"
"Watching you over time... you rate me pretty highly."
"Busted, huh? Can't help it. The Muser Sword Emperor's right here."
Still clinging to that title. Fine by me. Last time's talk suited my taste.
"So, anything you've wanted to do with me? Speak up. I'll indulge today."
"Oho."
"But limited to stuff we can do here. I trust you won't suggest something lame like a picnic during sacred instruction time."
"Why would I waste this on something pathetic? Not kicking away a precious chance."
But hearing that, Zikrinde scratched her head, hesitating to speak.
"Hmm..."
True to form, though, she decided quick.
"Alright. Got it."
She grabbed a few wooden swords from the rack at the far end, handing me one with both hands.
"Not my style to ask favors, but there's something I've wanted to see."
"What?"
"Only fought you once, with Irina. But I was... off then. Couldn't focus, just got dragged around."
I took the wooden sword in my right hand, staring blankly.
Her point was easy to grasp.
"So... let's clash hard once."
"Bad choice."
"I know. I'll lose. Hate admitting it, but I'd die a hundred times before touching you now."
"Reckless for you."
But then, her amber eyes gleamed like a sunset over the plains, hesitation gone, voice firm.
"I know."
"...What?"
"I know."
Look at this girl. Staring down an adult with those dog eyes?