Side: Yuki
For now, we've arrived at the school.
Alright, what's done is done regarding my previous blunders. They were practically unavoidable "force majeure" events. From here on out, I need to focus on work. If I show her that I'm sincere and dedicated to my job, my overall evaluation should go up.
"Oh, Yuki-sensei. Good morning. You're late today."
"Hello, good morning. Starting today, I've been assigned a newcomer. This is her."
"Hello... my name is Ria."
"Yes, nice to meet you, Ria-san. I am Mimia, a teacher here at the school."
The introduction went smoothly.
Honestly, if she stumbled here, I don't know what I'd do.
"When you say she's Yuki-sensei's new recruit... does that mean she'll be helping with various tasks, not just at the school?"
"Ah, yes. Eventually, that's the plan. My wives have been saying they're worried because I'm too busy, so it's about time I got some proper help."
"That makes sense. Considering the amount of work you do, Yuki-sensei, it's simply impossible for one person to handle it all."
"I know that, which is why I've asked you and the other teachers to handle the school and the classes."
"But we only handle the school. Everything else mostly relies on your skills, doesn't it? To be honest, the students get worried when you push yourself to the point of collapsing, so please don't overdo it."
"I'll keep that in mind."
I try to organize my schedule so that I don't collapse from overwork, but I suppose I must look incredibly busy to those around me.
"Anyway, Yuki-sensei has a tendency to push himself. I can only support him within the school, but since it seems Ria-san will be accompanying him from now on, please take good care of him. He is one of the pillars of Weed."
"Y-Yes."
Oh, it looks like Mimia-san's passionate onslaught has actually made Ria look flustered for the first time.
"Yes, of course. But is this her first day? I thought the training center graduation wasn't for another two days?"
"Ah, she came through the slave trader recruitment we've been considering. It's only her second day, but she's a talented girl with skills like Arithmetic and Oratory. We decided it would be better for the representatives to mentor her directly rather than leaving her at the training center."
"I see. If she already has Arithmetic, then direct instruction by the representatives is indeed appropriate."
"However, since she hasn't gone through the training center, she's a bit unfamiliar with Weed's common sense. Please look after her in that regard as well."
"Understood."
After speaking with Mimia-sensei, I notified the other teachers in the same way.
We call it a "school," but the student body isn't actually that large—somewhere in the high 200s, not quite hitting 300. Furthermore, the curriculum currently only goes up to the 4th or 5th-grade primary level.
I handed Ria a simple summary of the curriculum and had her look it over.
The contents were as follows:
Weed Curriculum
1. Social Studies: History of Weed, unique local rules, explanation of Dungeon Cores, etc.
2. Arithmetic: Multiplication, division, fractions, area calculations, etc.
3. Language: Literacy, reading comprehension, understanding legal and contract terminology, etc.
4. Magic: Theory of magic, basic mana control, aptitude testing, learning beginner-level spells, etc.
5. Adventuring: Physical conditioning, weapon handling, monster knowledge, trap identification, guild procedures, camping basics, etc.
6. History: National histories, geography (locations of villages and cities), etc.
7. Science: Basic principles, electricity, elements like oxygen, etc.
In addition to this, most of the teachers also act as guardians at the dormitories, since the majority of the children are orphans.
"So, as you can see, if they study all this, they won't have any trouble finding work in the future."
"I-I see."
Arya... is she surprised by the content as well?
"Ria-san, it's okay. We teach slowly, and we're also learning along with everyone."
"What do you mean?"
"Most people can't read letters or do calculations. We teach the general public as well."
"Yes. This is a place opened to the public thanks to Yuki-sensei's idea. Thanks to that, in the past three months, the number of people who can read has increased significantly, and many can now do simple calculations."
"T-That's amazing."
"Is it?"
"Yuki-sensei's ideas are often quite unconventional, so it might be hard to keep up at first. But it will definitely benefit you, Ria-san. Please do your best. But don't push yourself too hard, okay?"
"Yes, understood."
Honestly, isn't her affection for Mimia-sensei rising faster than her affection for me?
But since this is work-related, it's probably better for Mimia-san to handle it than for me, who isn't at the school very often.
...Well, there's no need to rush.
Since I'll basically be with Ria most of the time, it should be fine... That's right. Even though Seraria and Eris were pushing me, there's no way I could become her lover in just a day or two. I should take it slow and steady.
"Alright, let's find an empty desk..."
"In that case, shouldn't she sit next to Yuki-sensei?"
Before I could decline, Raiya spoke up.
"I don't mind moving."
Raiya and Kurse were in charge of Adventurer Studies and Magic Studies. Mobu handles the newcomers at the Adventurer's Guild.
Then Raiya comes closer and quietly says—
"I heard about the Hero thing. It's for the people of Weed. Do your best. I'll help however I can."
"Want to switch places?"
"No."
You bastard.
He walked right past me and spoke to Ria.
"I'm Raya, in charge of Adventurer Studies at this school. I'm also an active adventurer. If you have any questions about adventurer-related things, feel free to ask. We'll be working together, so let's do our best."
"Yes, nice to meet you."
Saying that, he casually cleared his desk and moved to an empty seat.
Damn, is he trying to put a hole in my stomach?
While I was explaining how to use the desk to Ria and gathering her supplies, the bell rang.
"That sound signals the start of class. We're a bit behind. Follow me—you don't need to bring anything today."
"Okay."
We entered the classroom I'm in charge of.
I've been away a lot lately due to the festival and meetings, so I need to make sure I show up when I can to reassure the kids. I can't neglect the children just for Ria's sake. After all, the children are the ones who will build the future of Weed.
"Morning! Everyone doing well?"
"""GOOD MORNING!!!"""
"Hya!?"
Man, that energy really hits you in the morning. Kids should be like this.
Ria seemed startled, though.
"I'm introducing a new teacher today."
"""WAAAAA!!"""
"This is Ria-sensei, who will be teaching you Arithmetic. Let's greet her."
"""NICE TO MEET YOU!"""
"Yes... n-nice to meet you, too!"
Yep, she's totally overwhelmed by the children's momentum. It's hard to stay unresponsive when faced with that kind of energy—children have a power like that.
Setting aside the romance for a moment, I just hope Ria's heart can find some peace here.
"Ria-sensei, these are the students of Class 3-1. They are the most advanced class and have been here since the school was founded."
"As Yuki-oniisama—I mean, Yuki-sensei says, I don't know about our grades, but it's true we've been here since the start. I'm Viria, the class representative. It's a pleasure to meet you, Ria-sensei."
"Um, yes. Nice to meet you."
Vilia is very reliable for her age; that's why I brought Ria here. She can handle any issues that might arise. Plus, Aslin and the others are here.
I looked over at Aslin's group, they nodded as if saying "Leave it to us."
"Since today is Ria-sensei's first day, please listen to my class together with the students and use it as reference."
"Ah, yes."
"Ria-sensei~ There's an empty seat next to me~"
Aslin waved and pointed to the desk next to her.
Nice one, Aslin. I'll give you plenty of headpats when we get home.
"Today's lesson from me is Arithmetic. We're going to go back to basics to see if you've been studying properly."
"""KAY!"""
I nodded at their energetic response—and kept it a secret that I started with simple addition and subtraction just to make them complain.
When the children laughed, Ria couldn't help but smile along with them.
Yeah... there's no need to rush.
(And for the record, it's definitely not because I'm terrified of blowing up.)
