Elite Instructor at a Third-Rate Academy

1 – Another weirdo has arrived ★

The news that a new commanding officer was coming spread around afternoon. It had already been a month since the colonel and the lieutenant colonel disappeared. Kenneth’s last order, who was in charge of the operation, was to surrender without resistance.

“Lieutenant Georg?”

He glanced at the lieutenant who used to serve under him.

“What is it?”

“They say that the princess is included in the new command.”

“Is it just a rumor?”

The lieutenant took out his lighter. As he naturally lit the fire, smoke spread like a fragrance.

“It was mentioned during the morning briefing of the operation department.”

“Damn it. Are they going to give the title of war hero to a princess?”

“What can we do now?”

“Can soldiers do anything other than follow orders?”

The lieutenant also lit his cigarette.

“So, who is coming as the commanding officer?”

“They say Colonel Barus will be dispatched.”

“We’re screwed.”

“Are you insulting a competent officer?”

“A self-righteous bastard. That’s how all the Aristocrat Family’s members are.”

Georg spat out the smoke. The northern region, besides being the border, was also the bulwark that protected the empire from deterioration. If this place fell, the enemy could attack from three directions and spread anywhere.

“Instead of a war hero, we get Barus, and instead of a brilliant negotiator, we get a princess!”

“Do you have a problem with that?”

“I don’t care about politics, but the military is a completely different matter.”

Barus wasn’t someone who would stick to a siege. Even if it meant launching a reckless attack to break free from the shadow of the Rotelon family. After spending the last ten years in the military, he understood well the desires of officers with political positions.

“The large-scale battle is about to unfold.”

“Why do you say that?”

“This emperor’s ascent to the throne wasn’t conventional. Since it’s the emperor’s youngest son taking over, they’ll stir up a war even if just to divert the people’s attention. It would be fortunate if they don’t issue a general attack order, but considering he’s from the Aregg family, a prominent martial clan, it’s obvious even without looking. The princess probably doesn’t have the authority to stop it, and I’ve lost count of how many princesses have come and gone.”

“Rumors say it’s the fourth.”

“Damn, we’re stuck with an eighteen-year-old commander! Does that mean Barus is our direct superior?”

The lieutenant silently extinguished the candle after speaking. The once powerful Northern Front, now devoid of Roteleon and Kelnis, was now down to twelve. Overcoming the insufficient military strength and supplies through the Colonel’s command and the Major’s negotiating skills had become a difficult task. But now, it seemed almost impossible.

“Will Colonel Barus perform as well as they did?”

“I don’t know, sir.”

“I hope we haven’t wasted resources on an incompetent leader.”

“Sir, I already miss Major Kelnis.”

Today was a day when the name of a sinner who couldn’t be uttered even at the tip of the tongue was dearly missed. The two soldiers lit a few more candles. The personal reflections they couldn’t share with the superior officer were now sent high into the sky.

[#01 – First Assignment]

After twenty days of travel, Kelnis finally arrived at the Ryland Academy. The only information he had received was to meet the headmaster, Helon. As he passed through the school gate, he showed the identification made by the imperial palace to the gatekeeper.

“Temulik Stand, lieutenant. Serving on the Northern Front for 8 years. Homeroom teacher, Class 8, Grade C.”

His personal information and role were clearly stated. Nodding, he was granted entry, and a guide joined him.

“I will escort you to the headmaster’s office.”

Ryland Academy here was isolated from the outside for its educational purposes. Like any military academy in the empire, it was especially famous for maintaining a closed ventilation system. Once reputable, it had lost its prestige and declined since the demise of the founder, the Ryland family. In short, for Kelnis, it was no different from exile.

Knock, knock, knock…

As the door creaked open, the voice of a dignified man echoed.

“Who is it?”

“New instructor.”

“Come in.”

After a brief exchange of greetings, the headmaster gestured for him to sit. While maintaining a polite posture, he scrutinized Kelnis. Evaluation time. The one who emerged victorious in this fleeting exploration before the official assessment was himself. Kelnis always sided with the weaker, as it was much more advantageous in planning operations. With a gaze devoid of any expectations, Helon asked as Kelnis sat on the sofa.

“Do you have any experience teaching students?”

It was already informal.

“No, sir.”

“C-grade students are sensitive, so be careful not to scratch their pride.”

“Are these the students with the lowest possibility of awakening?”

“That’s D-grade. If they were like that, they’d have no hope, and their inner peace would have been preserved.”

The headmaster insisted that he take good care of them until graduation.

“Ah, do you happen to be familiar with the curriculum called ‘Responsibility System’ that we operate here?”

“I haven’t heard of it.”

“I should tell you about it. What type of tea do you like?”

“Any tea is fine.”

It was the cheapest tea that the common people drank a lot.

“Just wait a moment. I’ll call the student running errands.”

With the sound of footsteps, a female student who played the role of a duty officer entered. She was delicately beautiful. Even with just a glance, it seemed like she had never experienced romance.

“I won’t say it twice, so listen well and understand.”

It was an unusual method. A system where one teacher was in charge of the entire class and set the curriculum for each student individually. Kens could not help but wonder if he had understood it correctly, as it was quite different from the prestigious academy he had attended.

“Yes, it’s also known as the ‘Infinite Responsibility System.'”

The headmaster, who was already in grade C, added that there wouldn’t be much responsibility for him.

“Just graduate safely. Class 8 has a lot of troublemakers. Most of the students who didn’t meet expectations are there.”

“I understand.”

“The previous instructor caused a problem, and someone, either a fellow instructor or a student, will tell you about it.”

“May I ask a question?”

“It’s not a question I will answer.”

The headmaster rang the bell again, and then called the female student who had brought the tea.

“She will guide you to the instructor’s quarters.”

Kens gathered his belongings, straightened his messy clothes, and saluted. The headmaster’s eyes sparkled. He had requested a somewhat disheveled soldier to take care of the troublesome students, but Kens turned out to be much more presentable than expected.

“Did he say Temulic Staind?”

“Yes.”

“Your appearance is excellent, and you seem modest. What have you been doing on the front lines?”

“I served under a Lieutenant in the Operations Department. He emphasized military discipline, or at least, it seemed that way.”

─ In reality, he was addicted to loosening military discipline.

“I see. You may go now.”

Kens saluted again, pushed the door open, and left. The female student from earlier was standing somewhat awkwardly.

“Can you guide me to the instructor’s quarters?”

She nodded without saying a word and led the way. Judging by her avoiding eye contact, she might not be of noble birth. Kens followed her with each step, displaying a dignified military demeanor. When they stepped outside, he called the poorly dressed female student.

“Yes?”

She turned around. With her bangs covering her eyes, she seemed a bit reserved.

“I am Temulic Stained.”

The female student seemed to understand after stating her own name.

“Oh-chia······yo.”

─It means the blood of savages is mixed.

It was easier to be condescending in situations like this. They would probably appreciate such an attitude without reservation.

“Thank you for guiding me.”

“No······ It’s only natural. I am also getting paid. Temulic instructor······ No······ Teacher?”

Unable to meet her eyes, it felt a bit tender and pitiful, like looking at a naive country girl.

“You can call me casually.”

“Yes······ Then······Teacher.”

Silently following, they arrived at the accommodation used by newly appointed instructors. It was a two-story townhouse, giving a sense of male and female instructors sharing it. Ochia licked her lips nervously as she kept staring.

“C-grade instructors use this kind of accommodation. If you take charge of B-grade later… No, forget what I just said.”

“Thanks for the information.”

When Kenis joked, Ochia bit her nails in response.

“I’ll go b-b-back soon.”

“I’ll escort you.”

“Oh, no, it’s not necessary.”

Waving her hands, she couldn’t refuse the habit of escorting a junior. Planning to just put down her luggage and return, Ochia stubbornly hid under the porch. It was a sunny day. Kenis, after placing the heavy luggage rack with a thud, turned back.

“Take it.”

“You don’t have to do this…”

As they walked, the sound of Ochia’s reluctant steps echoed. Kenis paused for a moment and looked down at her. Her sharp gaze seemed intimidating, so he played the role of a somewhat kind instructor.

“Am I walking too fast for you?”

This time, she silently shook her head.

“I’ll adjust my pace to yours, so if it’s uncomfortable, let me know.”

With a gentle tone, she hesitated, then followed. One step at a time. Finally, their steps synchronized. Considering Kenis’s taller stature compared to others, such a small consideration was necessary.

“Um, Teacher… We can part ways here.”

Arriving near the faculty office, Ochia hesitated, speaking awkwardly.

“You can feel relieved here.”

Lifting his hand casually, Ochia stood awkwardly, then performed a clumsy salute, as if she had never done it before.

“Teacher…!”

Now trying to part ways, Ochia called out to him. Pivoting on one foot, she neatly turned around, brushing her bangs aside with her hand.

“I, too… C grade… Class 8. Nice to meet you!”

Kennis was always warm and trustworthy to those he had to take responsibility for. Since Ochia didn’t know him, at this moment, she couldn’t comprehend her own uncharacteristic actions.

“Ochia, if it’s not too forward, may I ask what your surname is?”

“Uh… about that.”

“Since you’re my student, I think it’s better to know.”

Unable to give a proper answer, Kennis was convinced that she was an ordinary person.

“Well then, shall I call you Ochia Yeong-ae?”

“Oh no… that would be awkward.”

“Lady Ochia is a bit awkward for me too, what should I do?”

“Student… that would be better.”

“If it’s okay, I can call you Ochia student or simply a disciple.”

He didn’t raise the end of his sentence. There was no need to seek the student’s permission. As Kennis turned around, a persistent gaze stuck to the back of his head. He headed towards the bank after turning the corner. Upon checking his account, the silver coins sent by the palace had piled up to more than a thousand units.

“Raven, I don’t work for you.”

Suppressing his inner voice, he requested to the teller.

“I’d like to exchange a promissory note.”

Kennis handed over the securities he received from Oberon. To exchange them all would take a few weeks, and he pleaded for an immediate 1%. He received the remaining amount in silver coins, 98 units. It was more than enough for immediate use.

“Are you a new instructor?”

The female teller asked, and Kennis nodded.

“Do you need anything else?”

“As a rookie, I plan to explore the area.”

Politely declining, the woman smiled warmly.

“I can recommend a nice place.”

“What if you take away the joy of finding it on my own?”

At the gentle refusal, the teller’s eyes narrowed. Kennis knew well what that expression meant.

“When we get to know each other better, I’ll ask for your recommendations.”

As the conversation dragged on, the eyes of the superior looking from afar became sharper. Realizing even that, Kennis wiped away his expression, took the money, and left.

“Should I go back?”

Kennis immediately returned to his lodging. There, for the first time, a woman he had never seen before was standing in front of his door.

“Are you?”

It’s our first meeting, but her tone is confrontational.

“Yes.”

“The new instructor who entered the upper room, right?”

Without introducing herself, Kenis pointed towards the center of her blouse.

“The buttons.”

Hastily, she fumbled with the hem of her blouse and shot a glance at Kenis. As Kenis chuckled, Freida muttered loud enough for everyone to hear.

“Another pervert has arrived this time.”