Chapter 27: Point of Compromise

Chapter 27: Point of Compromise

On the third floor was a relatively small room called Seminar Room F, in which I usually hold practice sessions with my apprentices.

Two of my apprentices were already waiting for me inside after the heavy door was opened.

Ah, Teacher. Hello

Hello, Teacher.

Hey, you two.

Greeting me with a beaming expression were Arti and Eto. They were the only two students with whom I had a mentor-apprentice relationship until now. For other teachers, having two apprentices would be regarded as a small number, but for a mediocre new teacher, it would be about standard. Plus, both of them possessed excellent features and had faith in me. Having a special relationship with these two students imposed an additional strain on me, but it was not a load I was averse to.

Teacher, you said Fina would be here today, but Kaguya is officially on leave following yesterdays incident, right? Is Fina not showing up after all?

Thats possible, but shell probably come.

Truth be told, her attendance wasnt ideal for me.

Right along with answering Artis question, the door behind me opened softly.Cheêck out latest novels at novelhall.com

Arti and Etos faces lit up with awe, looking at the sight behind me. Indeed, my prediction seemed to have come true.

I apologize for the delay.

Turning my attention to the figure that entered respectfully with that remark, as expected, there stood Fina donning the uniform of the Selbeth School of Magic as if it were a natural thing to do.

You did well to attend the practice session is what I would like to say, but all the students of Kaguya are supposed to be on official leave today, right?

Yes. As such, all of my classes today have been canceled. But this promise I made with Teacher Kanaki is a personal one, and is irrelevant with absences that are purely professional, I suppose.

Well, I figured your response would be that.

With a smile that carried a hint of bitterness, I shrugged my shoulders.

I apologize for being so abrupt, but I have a favor to ask of you, Teacher.

Abrupt huh? What is it?

Please instruct me on the way to protect Lady Karen.

Each word that was delivered without a pause was emphatic, and her own ferocious will was evident.

This too was a rather predictable turn of events

? What do you mean?

Not only Fina, but even Arti and Eto, who were observing uneasily from close by, were perplexed by what my remarks signified.

But I was unfazed by that. Because I had just found a way for Fina to be protected and have a high chance of survival.

Even this plan involved risks, of course. Fina might end up dying. Nevertheless, the probability of survival undoubtedly outweighed clashing with Matthias and Xenia, and because of her nature, I was convinced that Fina would accept this proposal.

Fina. You can first watch over Karen while remaining by her side. But do you dare leave Karens side when Hunter attacksor, more concretely, when he fires that invisible arrowfor her sake?

Huh What does that mean?

As I previously stated, the attack of the invisible arrow of Hunter may or may not be thwarted with your learning potential in this brief period. The question I have for you is this: after you have knocked down the invisible arrow, are you prepared to track down Hunter in the vicinity of where the arrow came from, approach him, and kill him?

It goes without saying.

Stressing the last part of the word, I questioned Fina about her resolve, to which an immediate and dependable reply was given.

No matter who they are, Lady Karens adversaries will succumb to me. I will act without hesitation, even if it means taking their lives. Ever since I was appointed Lady Karens knight, I have been preparing for such a scenario.

I see. Then there is one more thing. While you are off to eliminate Hunter, it is obvious that you will not be able to be with Karen. In the meantime, can you entrust her to your companions?

Yes.

This time, the response flew back to me more swiftly than before.

Even though I havent been in Kaguya for a month, all of them are incredibly strong individuals. Lady Karen is clearly not far behind, but Luis and Andrei are also dependable companions It pains me to admit it, but Senior Aldar is an even greater magician than I am. With them, I can trust that they will protect Lady Karen while I am away.

I see.

The words that Fina just uttered would have been the very essence of her future.

I can trust that they will protect Karen, huh?

The word trust may sound alluring, but harboring unwarranted hopes can occasionally lead to betrayal.

I wondered how the trust that Fina had just expressed would play out

A soft smile formed on my face as Finas demeanor grew more grave.

Yeah, your tenacity has won me over. I wont stop you now. I will also put all my effort into helping you to protect Karen.In return, you must show up at school tomorrow with a cheerful face. Thats my condition. Is that clear?

Yes! I am counting on you!

A wave of relief surged through the room from the girls, and the scent of that gardenia stimulated my nostrils.