Ch.132Episode 28. MT (3)

The pension in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi-do, where we arrived by bus.

After looking at the row of pensions available for accommodation, I glanced around. Given our numbers, it seemed like we had rented out an entire pension. There were no outsiders in sight.

For me, this was a satisfactory situation.

Renting the whole place would prevent contact with outsiders who could potentially be villains.

Of course, it would be difficult to control students if they went out during their free time, but with Ha Yuri here today, there shouldn’t be any major issues regarding the students’ safety.

“Ugh. I feel like throwing up… It made me even more nauseous that the person sitting next to me didn’t say anything…”

“This is all because I couldn’t sit next to the instructor…”

“Yeah. This is all the instructor’s fault.”

I watched in disbelief as Gu Yeonhwa and Bin Yuni made their comments while getting off the bus, followed by the other kids.

“Urgh… Crowded places are really…”

“Ah… I shouldn’t have come…”

Yu Ari and Yeon Muhui chimed in with their complaints. Only Jeong Iyeon got off with a refreshed expression on her face.

“Ah~ We finally arrived.”

Jeong Iyeon looked around, examining the pension.

Besides the pension itself, there was a spacious outdoor area suitable for sports or sparring, and even a swimming pool. Though it might be a bit cold for swimming in October.

“The air is nice. It seems like a good place.”

“You think so?”

“Yes. It would be perfect if I could take pictures with you, Instructor, to keep as memories.”

Looks like she’s planning to take lots of photos again today.

“Can I refuse?”

“No, you can’t.”

As if I don’t already have enough energy-consuming activities like recreation and talent shows…

Since I couldn’t sigh in a place like this, I just nodded appropriately.

“Come to think of it, the first time you saved me was in front of a pension too, right? Do you remember?”

Of course I remember. That was when I first met Jeong Iyeon after coming to this world.

I nodded in affirmation, and she playfully whispered in my ear.

“If you save me again, I might fall for you.”

Hmm. So she’s playing this kind of joke? Then I should play along.

“…Aren’t you already fallen for me?”

“W-what?”

I looked at her intently as I spoke. Caught off guard by my counterattack, she just blinked repeatedly.

She stared at me blankly, forgetting to refute my words, making it seem like my joke might turn into something serious.

“Why are you so surprised? I was just responding to your joke with another joke.”

“…What if I wasn’t joking?”

The playful atmosphere suddenly disappeared, leaving me feeling a bit perplexed.

But knowing she wouldn’t confess here, I didn’t show any signs of confusion on my face.

“What would you have said then, Instructor?”

“What do you think I would have said?”

“I’m the one asking the question here.”

So she wants to test me properly now. Fine, I’m up for this too.

“Then… you should confess properly.”

I stepped slightly closer to her and spoke in a murmur.

“If you’ve really fallen for me, that is.”

“…Are you willing to accept?”

“I wonder.”

“That’s quite an ambiguous answer.”

I had promised not to date anyone until Yu Ari and the others graduated from the academy, and I wanted to see them debut as heroes, so I couldn’t accept her right now.

Moreover, I had to be careful because of the romantic feelings I had cultivated among the special class students, which could cause them to fight over this issue.

Instead.

“I may not be willing to accept… but I can treat you like a lover. If you’re satisfied with that.”

“That’s basically…”

Jeong Iyeon stopped mid-sentence and blushed, seemingly lost in some imagination.

Could she be thinking we would have that kind of relationship too? Well, if she wants, I wouldn’t mind.

“Then—”

“Conversation ends here. It’s time to gather.”

She let out a small sigh, as if all the steam had gone out of her.

“But… that means there’s still a possibility.”

“Huh?”

“That’s enough for now.”

“…I see.”

She’s quite formidable indeed. If it were the others, they would have just blushed and been unable to say anything.

Is Jeong Iyeon the most forward in this area? Or is it Yu Ari, who occasionally makes bold moves?

Either way, it’s troublesome.

I wonder if the kids will start hating me for being a Casanova at this rate.

* * *

“The headcount is correct, right? And you’ve confirmed the assigned pensions?”

“Yes.”

After transporting the supplies provided by the academy, we were having a brief meeting among instructors about student headcount and sleeping arrangements.

For reference, the pension for the special class was located in the innermost area, a place that would likely feel quite secluded at night.

Considering the personalities of the special class students, they were assigned to stay together to avoid potential conflicts with other classes.

Honestly, I could understand this concern.

Until now, Yeon Muhui and Yu Ari’s attitudes had been poor, beyond what an instructor could properly control. Even Gu Yeonhwa and Bin Yuni, though they hadn’t caused major incidents, were troublemakers.

However, the special class had changed a lot since my arrival.

In the second semester, none of them had missed a single class. Even considering my threats, it was clear they had started to follow instructions willingly.

Moreover, they had become less stubborn lately, and their grades were improving. It was a shame that their image remained unchanged despite their day-by-day progress.

“Anyway, Instructor, you should drop off your luggage at the pension where the special class will be staying.”

“Yes, I understand… Wait, what?”

I almost gave the wrong response while lost in thought.

What is this about? Are they saying I should sleep under the same roof as the special class students?

Are they crazy? Has the student dean finally lost his mind?

“…Why? This is the first I’m hearing of this.”

“Well… the special class students already have a personal relationship with you, don’t they? Wouldn’t it be better for you to be nearby in case something happens?”

“We may be comfortable with each other, but I maintain boundaries with the students. It’s not the kind of relationship you’re thinking of.”

“Is that so? Even so, there should be plenty of rooms in the pension, so sleeping arrangements shouldn’t be a problem.”

It seems like it would be a problem. A huge one.

I’d rather sleep with the other instructors.

“Wow~ You’re really living up to your reputation! Impressive skills, having multiple women in this era…”

“Would you shut up?”

I frowned at Ha Yuri’s mocking interjection. She blinked a few times at my words, then smiled ferociously, baring her teeth.

“Oh~? Telling me to shut up? Not many people have been able to say that to me. Do you know why?”

“…”

“Most of them got beaten up by me one-sidedly.”

“…So?”

“I heard Instructor Yujin recently became S-rank… I suppose you have the skills to back up your boldness in telling me to shut up?”

Look at her provoking me. Her original personality hasn’t changed a bit.

As much as I’d like to crush her right here and now, I decided to hold back.

I didn’t want to ruin the MT atmosphere because of me.

“My tone was a bit harsh. I apologize.”

“…Hmm. I wasn’t planning to demand a match right now. But your response has killed my interest.”

This must be the arrogance that comes from having skill.

A different kind of irritation from Lee Bangsil was welling up, but teaching her a lesson could wait.

I should call Lee Bangsil later to vent some stress. Despite her occasional jabs, she’s surprisingly good at listening.

“Well, let’s settle the accommodation matter then.”

The student dean quickly wrapped up the conversation, reading the atmosphere between us.

“After dropping off your luggage, please gather at the outdoor cooking area. Everyone knows their groups, right?”

“Yes.”

The special class was grouped together. This was for the same reason they were assigned their own pension.

“Our place is in the farthest corner? It’s also a bit small.”

“It’s just going to be you guys and me anyway.”

“…I see. Just us… Wait, what?”

I opened the pension door and went in. After securing the door to keep it wide open, I took off my shoes and looked around.

There were two rooms on the first floor. The second floor had beds for sleeping but wasn’t a separate room.

If I slept on the second floor, the remaining five could divide the two rooms between them, so there shouldn’t be any problem.

“In-In-Instructor!”

Yu Ari approached and grabbed my sleeve.

“Yes?”

“Weren’t you supposed to stay with the other instructors?”

“That was the plan. But it seems things changed.”

“Then—”

“You guys take the rooms. I’ll sleep on the second floor.”

I preemptively blocked any suggestion of sleeping together.

If I allowed someone to sleep next to me, it was obvious they would argue over who gets to do so.

Of course, this might be my self-consciousness, but at least Yu Ari would try to do that.

Despite her timid personality, she doesn’t hesitate when it comes to her desires.

“First-years should stay together…”

I was about to suggest dividing rooms by grade level, but remembering yesterday’s conflict between Yeon Muhui and Yu Ari, I hesitated.

“Yeon Muhui and Jeong Iyeon in one room. Yu Ari, Gu Yeonhwa, and Bin Yuni in the other.”

Jeong Iyeon should be able to get along with Yeon Muhui somehow.

“We need to go right away, so just drop off your luggage and let’s go.”

They went to their assigned rooms as I directed. Meanwhile, I went upstairs and placed my crossbag next to the bed.

After quickly dropping off our luggage, we immediately headed to the location the student dean had indicated.