Teacher

Since that lunchtime, the following days had been utterly peaceful.

Orca, who came to the counseling room to sleep as usual, and Leo, who began visiting the counseling room periodically.

And other students coming for counseling.

It was so peaceful that it was hard to believe just days ago Leo and Orca had been fighting in the streets.

Yet my heart wasn’t at ease.

Though it seemed peaceful, that didn’t mean nothing was happening.

Rumors had begun spreading.

“That’s too much of an exaggeration…”

“Haha…”

Of course, rumors had been circulating before too.

Stories about me rehabilitating Orca and such.

…But these rumors, if you could even call them that.

Among students who never miss major gossip, the stories seemed to have gotten severely distorted.

“This is going too far, don’t you think?”

Apparently absurd rumors were spreading – that I might be a distant relative of a Demon Possessor, or that I’m actually plotting to rule the world.

The imagination of students…

“Well, they’ll probably die down soon? They must know these stories are ridiculous.”

“I hope so.”

Everyone must find the appearance of a new teacher interesting.

Especially one appearing with the previously nonexistent title of counseling teacher.

I didn’t really mind these rumors spreading.

They’d disappear soon anyway.

…Though I was surprised by the rumor about me hypnotizing Orca.

When Leo mentioned it while saying most rumors were too absurd to last, I almost reacted visibly.

Orca has no friends to share gossip with.

It was sad that she literally has no one to tell her own rumors.

“What? Why are you looking at me like that?”

“No, it’s nothing…”

Still, now that she has Leo as a friend, it would be good if she went out more.

Maybe because she’s lived her whole life without friends?

She seemed more comfortable alone.

Well, if you’re happy that way… This teacher is just glad you have at least one friend…

“Teacher, if you get the chance, maybe we could have another meal sometime…”

“Ah, yes. Next time. I’ve been a bit busy lately.”

“O-oh, is that so…”

That’s a lie.

Of course I’m much busier now than during those nostalgic Salary Thief days right after joining the Academy.

More students than expected were bringing serious concerns.

I couldn’t just brush them off when they looked so desperate.

I ended up consulting books and materials about how to handle things, and counseling students based on that research kept me busier than anticipated.

Naturally, since counseling rarely ends in one session, my workload increased with each visiting student.

…Of course, I’m not so busy that I can’t eat meals.

Then why refuse?

Because Leo’s intentions are too obvious…

He still seems bothered about that time I secretly paid and ran away.

Maybe because he understands how ridiculously expensive that meal was, he’s been desperate to give me something in return.

…If you’re a student, act like one and let the teacher treat you!

Anyway.

If I lied outright, I might get caught in Leo’s debt repayment scheme, but fortunately I already have plans today.

No chance of the lie being exposed!

“Well then, I have something to attend to…”

“What is it?”

“Nothing important. Just need to discuss something with other teachers.”

Yes.

No point hiding it.

It’s time to prepare for the first event after the prologue.

The practice match preparations.

…Never imagined I’d be in charge of preparing such things.

***

“Ah, hello. Teacher Ophelia.”

“Hello.”

This feels awkward.

The atmosphere is completely different from the warm, luxurious counseling room or the lively Academy classrooms.

It’s like experiencing another side of school life I’ve never seen before.

“…Why are you so nervous?”

“Ah, haha…”

I could only smile awkwardly under the teachers’ puzzled gazes.

Well… The faculty room always felt like… you know?

That place you go when you’re in trouble?

Even though I’m now a counseling teacher, my only experience with faculty rooms was as a student.

I understand people visit for various reasons besides punishment, and that I’m here as a teacher not to be scolded… but…

Call it soul-deep conditioning? I can’t help flinching at faculty rooms.

You know when they specifically call your name over the school speakers to come to the faculty room?

Even when it’s nothing serious, that inexplicable fear never fades…

Fortunately, I wasn’t alone in this reaction, as the teachers chuckled understandingly.

“This must be your first time in the faculty room, Teacher Ophelia. The atmosphere’s a bit stiff, isn’t it?”

“Yes, well…”

“Please understand. With students from various backgrounds gathered here, appearing weak would be dangerous.”

“I’m well aware.”

Aware indeed.

Just reading the playable characters’ backgrounds makes it clear – the Academy attracts all sorts.

The Church’s Watcher, the Empire’s Princess, some nameless orphan boy, and the notorious Demon Possessor rumored to be a ticking time bomb.

And that’s just off the top of my head.

If the atmosphere were too lenient, it would have already become a playground for noble and royal students.

The reason diverse backgrounds can coexist here is the distance between teachers and students.

…Partly due to laws protecting teachers, partly due to their esteemed reputations.

Since the principal vets all teachers, students show them respect.

If their authority wavers even slightly, they’d be looked down upon immediately.

This formal atmosphere must be maintained for that purpose.

“Glad you understand. Honestly, we’ve always felt a bit guilty toward the students.”

“Guilty indeed. Having to push them when you see them struggling.”

“So many give up midway… We’d love to guide each one personally, but there are just too many students.”

True.

Few would volunteer to teach at the Academy.

Teachers come solely to nurture future talents.

While the principal does prioritize teacher welfare and salaries…

Those already successful in their fields have little need to teach.

They could earn far more elsewhere than teaching at the Academy.

Yet filling teaching positions with mediocre candidates isn’t feasible either.

Why do nobles and royals send their children here?

For high-quality education. Social experience is just a bonus.

If teaching quality drops, they’d just hire private tutors.

Hence the principal personally scouts teachers.

Who’d willingly take less pay to simultaneously mind princesses and orphans?

Few talented individuals would abandon their established careers for this.

And those before me are precisely such people – teachers who left their comfort zones to educate.

“We’re grateful you came, Teacher Ophelia. The atmosphere’s brightened lately – that stiffness seems to be easing.”

“Just days ago, the Ober family heiress confessed to a commoner boy.”

“Oh my, really?”

“Yes. Apparently she consulted Teacher Ophelia.”

“…What happened? How did it go?”

“What do you think? That boy’s social status skyrocketed. Sweet as honey. Tsk. Even during class…”

Ah.

That student. So the confession succeeded.

Hearing unexpected news about an unexpected student surprised me momentarily, until the teachers expressed their gratitude.

“Please keep looking after the students. It always pains us to see children falling behind.”

“Seeing promising students lose heart… *sigh* You can’t imagine how hard it is.”

“We apologize for burdening you, Teacher Ophelia. Please take good care of them on our behalf.”

They understood their position perfectly.

They knew showing weakness would make students take control, creating an unmanageable situation.

Thus they asked me.

To help struggling students.

They would be the whip, if I could offer the sweet carrot.

Answering their request wasn’t difficult.

“Don’t worry. That’s exactly why I came to the Academy.”

“…What a relief.”

The faculty room’s stiff atmosphere no longer felt intimidating.

I realized it was artificially created for the students’ sake, and that these teachers cared more about students than anyone.

“Now then… shall we move on to work matters?”

The meeting began in the newly softened atmosphere.