Transferred to Another World and Became a Teacher

Chapter 45 - The Students' Play Expanded

The number of students did not increase as much as expected.

In the next class, only two more students attended. In the class after that, only one more. In total, just these three new students joined the classes.

"Why is that?"

Hearing my question, Eliza shook her head so vigorously that it made a sound. "I-I don't know! It seems the number of students is decreasing in all classes lately!"

Strass nodded after finishing chewing the bread in his mouth. "That's true. My class also has fewer students than usual."

Eliza turned to Strass, who agreed. "I thought so! Look, it's the same for everyone! In fact, it's amazing that the number of students increased under these circumstances!"

"Is that so?" Hmm… I felt like I was swayed. Well, whatever. "But why are the number of students decreasing?"

Both of them crossed their arms and tilted their heads.

"I don't know."

"I wonder why?"

A deep sigh came from my left.

I turned my head and saw Speyside walking towards us. He was quite a striking figure. Strangely, I had the impression that everyone in the dining hall was looking at me as well.

Speyside let out another sigh, distorting his handsome face. "I wish you would show more interest in the students' behaviors. As teachers, we shouldn't only think about magic."

It was a sarcastic remark.

Eliza bared her teeth and glared at him, but I ignored it and asked him, "Do you have any information?"

Speyside shrugged slightly. "For now, I've heard that some groups are hanging out in the city. Also, it seems Rox-kun is investigating on his own. However, he didn't tell me anything directly."

"I'll find Rox-kun. Let's get some information from him." I decided and stood up.

"Wait, wait, wait."

"W-wait!"

The two stood up and protested.

"It's not certain that he's the mastermind."

"That’s right! It might be a false accusation!"

I frowned at their excessive reactions. "… I guess I put it poorly, but I don't intend to treat Rox-kun as a suspect."

I narrowed my eyes at them, and they quickly looked away with such force that they made a loud noise. How unsatisfactory.

"… Well, that's fine. For now, I'll track down Rox-kun's."

With that, I began my search.

Since Strass and Eliza both had classes after lunch, I was the only one free to move. They both told me not to overdo it, but I didn't reply.

There were few people walking in the hallways.

Occasionally, students and teachers passing by took a step to the side and bowed when they saw me.

Although I felt something was amiss, I returned their greetings.

Among them, there was one person who didn't keep his distance. Instead, he widened his eyes in excitement upon seeing me and came running over.

"Y-you! No, Aoi-dono! I need to talk to you!"

The man who suddenly appeared, Balvenie, knelt down in front of me, pleading in a half-prostate position.

"What is it all of a sudden?"

Balvenie quickly looked around, took my hand, and pointed down the hallway. "I-I can't say it here! Sorry, but please come with me!"

This was what it meant by acting without question.

Before I could respond, Balvenie dragged me to the courtyard.

After confirming there was no one around, Balvenie grabbed my shoulders with both hands and brought his face close to mine.

Something was about to be taken from me.

Thinking that, I reflexively bent my elbow sharply and swung my palm upward, making an uppercut-like palm strike.

"Guha."

Balvenie let out a strange sound as his neck tilted thirty degrees. He lost his balance and fell to the ground.

Looking down at him, I said, "It was an unexpected ambush. However, you're still naive if you think I can't fight in close quarters…"

"Wh-what are you talking about?! I didn't ambush you! I swear!" Balvenie tried to explain with blood trickling from his mouth.

I looked at him suspiciously, but seeing his desperate state, I lowered my guard a bit. "… I apologize for hitting you due to a misunderstanding. So, what can I do for you?"

Balvenie had a sudden realization and knelt down again. "… Aoi-dono, I heard that you teach weather manipulation magic. I wanted to confirm…"

"Yes. Everyone can create temporary rain clouds now."

"Wh-what…?!" Balvenie’s eyes widened so much they looked like they would fall out, and his mouth opened and closed like a fish.

His pupils seemed slightly dilated. Was he okay?

As I watched the flustered Balvenie, I recalled our previous encounter.

Come to think of it, we talked about something similar back then.

If I recall correctly, Balvenie was researching rain magic…

"… I'm sorry. I'm in a bit of a hurry. Let's talk again next time," I hastily said and turned to leave.

Balvenie seemed to want to say something, but I didn't have the courage to look back.

Perhaps I had unintentionally interfered with Balvenie's research.

If rain magic became widespread, his achievements would be remarkable. Otherwise, he probably wouldn't have researched it for years.

In that case, he must resent me greatly.

"… What should I do? Maybe I should bring some kind of apology gift later… perhaps dragon scales or skin," I muttered.

Then I slapped my own cheek. Trying to resolve things with money or gifts would be inappropriate for a teacher.

I had to apologize sincerely.

But right now, I wasn’t ready for that.

As I walked down the hallway while thinking, I encountered a group of five, a male student leading four female students, walking towards me while laughing joyfully.

The male student in the center noticed me. It was Hiram.

"Oh, Aoi-sensei! It's been a while! How have you been?"

"Oh, yes, I'm fine. Thank you."

"Really? You look a bit tired. It's a shame for such a beautiful person not to smile. I'm happy to give you some advice if you need to talk."

He responded with a light-hearted attitude. But this was Hiram’s usual demeanor.

Although he was the third prince of the Maple Leaf Holy Empire, was it really okay for him to act like that?

I had a lot of thoughts about this, but for now, I decided to ask my question first so as not to disrupt the pace. "I need to ask you something."

Hiram smiled happily. "What is it?"

"Recently, some students have been acting strange, and I’m curious about Rox-kun's actions."

Hiram narrowed his eyes for a moment and then smiled again. "You’re asking me? Well, I don’t want to lie to you, Aoi-sensei. If I say anything, it might put Rox-kun in a difficult position. You should ask him directly. I think Cote-kun knows a lot too, but he probably can’t say anything for the same reason."

"… Rox-kun's… position?"

I repeated some of the words, but Hiram only shrugged with a wry smile.

Reluctantly, I continued my search for Rox.