I was a teacher at Galgard Academy.
My specialty was magicology.
As for my name... well, just call me "Teacher" or something of the sort.
Recently, the academy had been dealing with a bit of a situation. The root of the problem was quite simple: our graduates refused to return to their hometowns.
At a noble academy, it wasn't exactly unheard of for students to stay away from home after finishing their studies. Lately, however, the numbers had spiked. And with that increase came a new set of headaches. The parents of these graduates were up in arms, demanding we return their children at once.
In principle, the academy didn't track its alumni. While a few diligent graduates might send word about their new careers or whereabouts, the vast majority simply vanished into the world. We didn't even know they hadn't gone home, let alone where they were.
The only people who might have known were the leaders of the factions the graduates had belonged to. But even then, there was no requirement to report faction ties to the school, so the administration remained entirely in the dark.
Despite our lack of information, the complaints kept pouring in. When we told the parents we had no way of contacting their children and that our responsibility ended at graduation, some decided to express their grievances through force.
It was a nuisance, to be sure, but at least martial prowess was a language we understood. Whenever such a group appeared, the teachers—led by the Academy Director—stepped out to handle things. We couldn't very well let the students get involved; it was a matter of professional pride.
"The enemy count stands at two hundred across three allied groups," someone reported. "We have fifty."
"Hmph. Half of their side are just soldiers dragged along against their will."
"Even so, a hundred of them are battle-ready. That's double our numbers."
"That may be true, but..."
"Report! Instructor Gol, Instructor Sil, and Instructor Bron have arrived!"
"Perfect! We’ve already won!"
"Move the Academy Director to the rear! Put Instructor Gol and the others in the vanguard!"
"What about the flanks?"
"The right will be covered by the Production Class. The left goes to the Military Strategy Class."
"Are you sure about Military Strategy? All they do is pore over old history books. Actual combat experience is..."
"They'll be fine. A mysterious strategist has stepped in to assist them."
"Mysterious? Wait, isn't that General Gratz of the Four Heavenly Kings? Is he even allowed to be here?"
"He's wearing a mask, so technically no one knows. It'll work, trust me."
"If it'll work, shouldn't he be commanding the center?"
"No, that's a position the academy must hold itself."
"I suppose you're right... Oh, it’s time. The Academy Director has raised the colors."
"Alright! Combat begins! Move out!"
"Drive back those meddling parents!"
The battle was a bit more of a struggle than I’d anticipated, but we managed to secure a victory. My thanks to the "mysterious" Lord Demon King as well; his intervention was a massive help.
Now then... you, graduate. You were Linden of the House of Medicament, weren't you? Yes, you. Step over here. I have a few questions that need answering.
Today, your family stormed our gates claiming the academy was holding you against your will. Ah, no, quiet. I’m not asking how you lied to them. What I want to know is why you were part of the force attacking your own school.
...So you're saying your father tried to raise a private army of fifty men, but most of them went sightseeing in Shashato City, leaving him desperately short-handed? And when he put out a local call for mercenaries to fill the gaps, you were the one who applied?
...
You applied?
Because you were struggling with living expenses. I see. I see.
Then why didn't you just talk to your father! Joining a siege against the academy—what were you thinking? The moment you realized it was your own family, the entire reason for the attack should have vanished!
You say you did try to talk to them? But they wouldn't back down because they'd traveled all this way and insisted on an attack anyway?
............
Then you should have made them back down! Do not bring your family drama to the academy's doorstep!
Furthermore, there were several other graduates among the attackers. Did you invite them? You reached out to them because they were also broke? I appreciate the spirit of mutual aid, but you really need to consider the context. The academy is in an uproar because of your parents. We had to cancel classes! The Academy Director is still in a combat-induced frenzy!
I wish our graduates would show a bit more consideration for the current students. You say you do understand? Is that why you didn't involve any of them? Were there actually students who wanted to join the attack?
I realize their budgets are tight, but... perhaps we should start teaching a class on how to earn a living. No, if we do that, even fewer students will return home. What a mess.
Regardless, now that you've reunited with your family, are you going back with them?
No? You took a job from them instead? A job to attract a branch of Maruura to your hometown?
It’s true that Maruura has been expanding, but your home is quite a distance away. That seems like a steep mountain to climb. You plan to work at Maruura first and aim for a position as Shop Manager? It’s possible, I suppose, but you’re a noble. Can you really handle working in a commoner’s shop? Besides, I hear their hiring process is incredibly rigorous.
Wait... you’re saying that place is run by Instructor Gol and the others’ father? And you’re hoping to use faction influence to get your foot in the door?
Hold on. Instructor Gol’s old faction was taken over by Alfred-kun, and now it’s the academy's largest faction, led by his younger brother, Torain-kun. I highly doubt they’d lift a finger to help you. It’s not a personal slight against you, but a faction of that size has to be careful. If they grant a favor for one person, they have to do it for everyone. That’s the burden of leadership. I don't think they'd risk it.
Unless, of course, you've made some massive contribution to the faction.
Ah, no, don't look at me like that. I have zero influence over them. In fact, they help me out so often that I'm usually the one who can't say no to them. I can't help you.
...You want me to introduce you to Torain-kun? You graduated just as he was arriving, didn't you? Why not ask Instructor Gol? You’re already acquaintances.
...
True, Count Pugyal and Count Glitch are often seen with Instructor Gol's group. But don't assume Torain-kun is unguarded. He’s a remarkably sensible young man, which has made him a favorite of the Academy Director. And rumor has it the Lord Demon King himself gave Torain-kun his name.
Whatever the case, it’s impossible for me to introduce you. Don't look so shocked. An introduction carries the weight of personal responsibility. I cannot, in good conscience, recommend someone who just participated in a siege against this school.
It’s too late to panic now. I wish you the best of luck in your future—whatever it may be.