Chapter 12: Jill-Sensei

It was the day after the end-of-year tournament (for second-year students). 

My classmates felt relieved and free from the intense competition, and according to them, the feeling was exhilarating. I wasn’t really sure how that felt, my heart didn’t feel particularly heavy or light. All I thought about was why I had to participate in the tournament again.

Anyway, I’ve been entered into the tournament for fourth-year students that will be held tomorrow, so I might as well take it easy today. Cepharis says that I am always laid-back, but that wasn’t true. After learning how to use mana, I’ve become much faster. Speaking of my sister, she still hasn’t left her room. She seems to be unable to get into a good mood either.

For now, I’ll try to resolve the question that’s been on my mind while taking it easy. I went to the training grounds and asked Jill-Sensei for some of her time. 

Today was the tournament for third-year students, so Jill-Sensei was very busy, just like yesterday. But she said she could spare some time for me during her lunch break.

I had expected Jill-Sensei and I to have had lunch at a stylish cafe. But we ended up eating croquettes in the park for some reason.

“What’s wrong? Don’t you like croquettes?” Jill-Sensei asked.

“No, I like them. It’s just that they’re not quite what I had in mind…”

“In your mind, am I some sort of high-class young lady?”

“Well, yeah… Don’t read my mind with empathy.”

“You’re correct in that I come from an old and noble family. My family has been hunting divine beasts for generations. I traveled all over the world as a child because of our nomadic lifestyle. At the same time, I learned various types of combat skills, including sword fighting and magic. I’m not a typical noble lady.”

“That’s why you’re stronger than other knights. Why did you tell me this?”

“You wanted to know what kind of person I am, right? I am answering your questions.”

The moment I turn around to see if that was the case, a croquette hit my mouth. Jill-Sensei gave me some tea to accompany it. 

“Take the croquette.”

Jill-Sensei, even though she was thin, ate a lot. I wondered what we’d do with all the croquettes, but she ate them all up.

‘Was it a hunter’s habit?’

“Oh, the continuation of the story.”

“What do you mean?”

“I and the princess have a master-servant relationship, but we are also partners. Tremina-san, you are the existence we have been waiting for.”

“But… I’m just a potato farmer’s daughter.”

She glanced at her pocket watch and quickly stood up. 

“It looks like it’s time. Tremina-san, do you still eat croquettes?”

“No, two are enough.”

“Then I’ll do away with the rest. Anyway, there’s no need for you to pry any more. Don’t worry, I’m not devoting everything to you. While working as a teacher, I’m also properly performing the duties of the deputy commander. Otherwise, who knows what stupid things idiots like Lezeille will do.”

Jill-Sensei started walking at a brisk pace. She then turned around. 

“Tremina-san should be more focused on tomorrow than anything else. As the princess said, the fourth year is not an opponent you can easily beat.”

“First of all, I don’t know how to concentrate. Also, I don’t want to participate tomorrow.” 

*A few hours later*

‘Ah! Since when was Jill-sensei the deputy commander of the Knights?’