Chapter 29: “The Victors’ Banquet and the Teacher’s True Feelings”
(Academy Festival Arc: Senryo Festival ⑥)
A few hours after the Senryo Festival finals.
The academy’s grand auditorium had been transformed into a glittering banquet hall, adorned with dazzling decorations.
Lavish dishes lined the long tables.
When Class Cross — the victors — entered, applause and cheers erupted throughout the hall.
“Everyone from Class Cross, splendid victory!”
“For the magic department to win in swordsmanship… this will go down in history!”
Teachers and nobles alike came up one after another to offer their praise.
The students, bashful but proud, smiled and laughed together.
Then the headmaster, standing on the stage, raised his voice.
“The victory of Class Cross has brought a new wind to this academy! You have proven that both sword and magic can be strengthened through reason!”
Thunderous applause followed.
Among it all, Lutia puffed out her chest and declared boldly:
“Of course! Because we’re Professor Cross’s students, after all!”
“Oi oi, you really went and said it out loud…”
Kai scratched his head, but couldn’t hide his smile.
◆◇◆
The banquet continued, and one by one, students gathered around Kai.
“It’s all thanks to you, Sensei!”
“I never thought I’d be able to wield a sword…!”
“I wasn’t scared — because I could hear your voice, Sensei!”
Their eyes sparkled as they spoke their thanks.
Kai, a little embarrassed, spread his hands and smiled gently.
“Thanks, but all I did was teach you the formulas. The ones who swung those swords — that was all you.”
At his words, the students’ eyes grew misty again, and applause spread through the room.
Later, during a lull in the celebration, Lutia sat down beside Kai.
A faint blush on her cheeks, a glass of wine in her hand, she smiled playfully.
“Hey, Kai. You’re feeling proud right now, aren’t you?”
“Well… seein’ the kids shine like that, it does warm the heart.”
“Hehe… same here. After all, I’m your student too.”
A soft smile crossed her lips.
Kai looked at her face and exhaled quietly.
“…Truth be told, I was worried. Didn’t know if I could really keep bein’ a teacher in this world.”
“But after seein’ them win with their own strength today… I finally thought — I’m glad I became a teacher.”
Lutia’s eyes shimmered with emotion at his quiet confession.
The next moment, she threw her arms around his.
“Then you don’t have to doubt anymore! You’re our pride — and mine, too!”
“Oi oi, that last part just jumped in intensity!”
“Intensity? No — I’ve hit my boiling point!”
“What kinda state is that supposed to be!?”
Their back-and-forth, like a married couple’s comedy act, made both students and teachers burst into laughter.
◆◇◆
At the end of the banquet, the headmaster raised his glass high.
“To Class Cross’s victory — and to the dawn of a new era!”
“Cheers!”
Their voices echoed through the hall, and the curtain finally fell on the Senryo Festival.
Late that night.
Back in his dorm room, Kai looked up at the two moons hanging in the sky and murmured softly:
“…I wonder if I’ve really become a good teacher.”
On his desk lay a card filled with the students’ handwritten thank-yous.
In the center, in large, lively handwriting, was Lutia’s message:
“Professor Kai is the best teacher ever!”
Seeing it, Kai let out a small, helpless laugh — but couldn’t stop the smile spreading across his face.
