The swordsmanship class ended safely—or at least, as safely as one could expect.
Even after the match between Rest and Danila concluded, mock battles continued between the Knight Department and students from the other tracks. However, the subsequent matches didn't result in the one-sided beatings seen at the start of the period.
The Knight Department’s animosity was directed solely at the mages. They seemed to have no particular quarrel with the students from the Civil Official or Priest Departments, and they defeated them without causing any significant injuries.
Ultimately, ninety percent of the knights who participated in the lesson emerged victorious. The remaining ten percent—those from other departments, including the Magic Department—were officially permitted to continue with the elective. Those who had lost would be forced to spend the rest of the term running laps around the training grounds, left to taste the bitterness of their exclusion.
"So that’s what happened... It sounds like quite an ordeal."
Viola let out a sigh that was equal parts admiration and exasperation as she listened to Rest’s account.
The swordsmanship lesson was over, and they were now in the final class of the day: Dance.
Inside the Academy’s grand dance hall, Rest held both of Viola's hands, stepping to the music with stiff, hesitant movements. He recounted the events of the previous period while focusing entirely on not treading on her toes.
"It really was," Rest said. "I never imagined there was such a deep rift between the Magic and Knight Departments."
"Mages and knights have never gotten along. Both sides believe they are the true pillars of the nation. Fortunately, my father and the Knight Commander are close, so it rarely escalates into a serious conflict."
Viola's father, Marquis Albert Rosemary, served as the Court Mage Captain—the highest-ranking mage in the Kingdom. The Knight Commander, Marquis Catreia, was apparently a friend from his student days, and they maintained a cordial relationship.
"Of course, just because they don't get along doesn't mean they actively sabotage one another," Viola added. "Though they certainly squabble over who deserves the credit for any given achievement."
"Ah... I see. I suppose that makes sense."
Rest gave a wry smile as he sifted through the memories of his previous life. Just because people belonged to the same country or organization didn't mean they shared a unified spirit.
Whether strictly true or merely legend, he recalled stories about the American military, where the Air Force and Marine Corps were so often at odds that friendly fire incidents occurred. Even in pre-war Japan, the rift between the Army and Navy was said to have been so deep that they withheld vital intelligence from one another, leading to catastrophic losses. Even under the same banner, people’s convictions rarely aligned perfectly.
From the perspective of a separation of powers, a little factional rivalry might actually be healthy, Rest thought. But I didn't expect to get dragged into it during my school days.
"Well, I’m sure not all knights hate mages... Ah! Rest, your step was wrong there."
"Oops!"
Prompted by Viola's critique, Rest hurriedly corrected his footing. Unlike Viola, who had been trained in the noble art of dance since childhood, Rest was a complete amateur. While he had received some basic instruction at the Rosemary estate, his entrance exams and magic training had always taken priority, leaving his social graces a distant second.
"Sorry, I messed up again."
"It’s fine. Besides, you have good reflexes and a natural sense for it. You’ll improve in no time."
"I hope so..."
"It will be fine. You have plenty of partners to help you practice today, after all."
Viola shot a meaningful glance toward the side of the room. Following her gaze without breaking his stride, Rest saw Primula and Yuri waiting their turn at the edge of the hall. Since more girls than boys tended to choose the dance elective, a single male student often had to partner with several young women in succession.
"Primula is a better teacher than I am, and Yuri is probably even worse than you are, so she might actually be a good person to practice with. There’s no need to rush; just take it one step at a time. And remember—once you’re finished with those two, it’s my turn again!"
"...At least let me have a break. Seriously."
No matter how much he used magic to suppress his physical fatigue, the mental exhaustion was very real. His face twitching slightly at the prospect of the marathon ahead, Rest finally finished his first dance with Viola.