It had already been more than two weeks since the so-called "Demon Subjugation" incident ended. The ongoing power struggle between the academy head and the royal inspectors continued, causing various problems, but now it was merely an extension of politics. It was not something for subordinates to get involved in.

Classes and the atmosphere in other departments had long since returned to normal, and the lingering effects of the attack were gradually fading from memory.

Humans are creatures of forgetfulness, and perhaps this assessment couldn’t be more apt.

However, there was one reason why people were enjoying the peace so much; after the midterm assessments, there would effectively be a "summer recess," meaning a two-month break for both cadets and instructors, allowing everyone to relax a bit.

A break. How sweet that word sounds. No matter how driven a person is, no one truly dislikes taking time off.

There were already plenty of excited cadets, some even making detailed plans on how to spend the break.

In the Swordsmanship Department, the atmosphere was similarly loose, just like in the other departments—

“—After class today, we’ll be holding one-on-one meetings.”

-??

Their instructor made this sudden announcement, snapping everyone to attention.

Could it be…?

“No, it’s not going to be a sparring session, so just relax. Still, as your instructor, I have to conduct some form of counseling before the break. It’s a bit of a nuisance…”

-…Phew.

Thank goodness. At least their teacher wasn’t a total hardliner.

…They had wondered if they’d end up hospitalized in a temple for the entire break.

“You little punks! Anyone would think I send people to the hospital every time we spar!”

-…….

…Did he lack a conscience?

“Eyes front and center.”

-Ahem.

They obediently looked down.

 

‘What is this? Did they all plan this before coming here?’

The counseling was conducted one-on-one, and Ihan genuinely wondered if they had all conspired.

Somehow—

“I plan to return to my estate and train with the knight order. But, personally, I’d like to continue learning from you, Instructor. If I were to invite you, would you come to my estate?”

These were the young lords.

“I’m thinking of taking on some jobs from the guild. Light exploration, odd jobs—earning money while gaining real experience. Also… if it’s okay, could I come find you for additional training?”

These were the bears.

“With the debutante season starting in the fall semester, I’ll likely be spending my time practically living at the salon I belong to, preparing for the season. So, um, Instructor, would you… partner—, I mean, never mind! Forget I said anything!”

…Even the chicks.

These were the three teams Ihan had deliberately divided them into for easy distinction, and what each group said was practically the same.

The young lords would go back to their estates for training. The bears would take on guild jobs to support themselves. And the chicks would focus on aristocratic activities suited to noble ladies…

It couldn’t be planned, yet each team gave responses almost identical to their teammates, leaving Ihan with the impression that the students were so diligent it was almost awkward.

In response to his reaction—

“Even if it’s a break, how many cadets will actually be resting? Even though no one was expelled this year, there’s no guarantee they’ll survive the next year. It’s only natural to work on improving our abilities. Honestly, if anyone does slack off, I’d love to meet them just to see how they can afford to.”

This was the response from Slave—no, Assistant Number 1.

There’s a saying that only a fellow cadet truly understands a cadet’s hardships. It was a well-organized explanation.

Ihan couldn’t help but think that, aside from his personality, his assistant was pretty much perfect.

“But aren’t you going back to your estate?”

“…Are you rubbing salt into my wounds? I’m currently disowned, remember?”

“Oh, right, I forgot.”

“……”

He couldn’t help scratching at the wound habitually.

He knew it was a bad habit, but it wasn’t easy to fix.

“It’s just satisfying.”

Ihan muttered to himself that it was better than using a punching bag, while Demian Follet could only make a pitiful expression.

Anyway! Aside from such special cases, most students were focusing on their own growth, and Ihan was once again reminded of how different their duties were depending on their status and gender.

“So, what about you three?”

With most of the cadet meetings concluded and only a few left, Ihan called over the trio to ask them about their plans for the break.

“Why did you call all of us together?”

“Wasn’t this supposed to be a one-on-one meeting?”

“Instructor, even we have our own private lives…”

The three voiced their complaints at being summoned together. Why weren’t they getting private meetings like the others?

But Ihan didn’t care to listen.

There was no harm in calling this particular trio together.

After grumbling for a bit and seeing it had no effect, they quickly moved on to answering.

“Kunta invited me.”

“I heard it’s a long journey back to his hometown, so we decided to study together at the family estate. He’s a good sparring partner, and it’ll be a strong motivator for the family’s disciples.”

“I was invited too, but unfortunately, I’ll be visiting my old man instead. Sigh, just the thought of seeing him tires me out.”

Their schedules fit them perfectly, and Ihan nodded in agreement.

“Hmm, how about a serious sparring session before the break? I’ll go three-on-one.”

Ihan made a generous offer, as if to make up for the break.

The look in his eyes seemed to say he’d help them reach their peak form.

So the trio…

“K-Kunta doesn’t want to return to nature just yet… the Instructor is scary…”

“Your aura seems much more aggressive than before. You must have grown significantly… if we clashed, one of us might end up crippled.”

“What did you do to get stronger? Tell me your secret too.”

They paled, displaying a strong desire to decline. Unlike other cadets, they had a knack for sensing Ihan’s exponential growth and decided to flee before they got caught in his trap.

With the speed of cheetahs, the three disappeared, and Ihan—

“Tch, sharp little brats.”

What a shame.

They would have been perfect for him to test his improved physical condition on.

He dwelled on his regret for a moment.

“Ah, you’re here. Assistant Number 3.”

“…Just call me ‘Blackie’ instead.”

A rare look of irritation appeared on the face of the person he was supposed to monitor—the regressor furrowed his brow as Ihan tilted his head in confusion.

Why did everyone hate the idea of becoming his assistant?

“What’s wrong with being an assistant that makes everyone hate it?”

“I’ve seen how you treat Demian Follet. Do you think anyone would want that?”

“…What’s the problem?”

“The fact that you’re asking that question is the scary part.”

“??”

Ihan was genuinely puzzled.

To be fair—

“Compared to my time as a non-commissioned officer, I’m actually treating them like humans…”

Compared to what he’d endured, what Assistant Number 1 was going through was nothing. It almost hurt that they didn’t appreciate this.

 

“We’re still investigating the ones who summoned the Demon King the other day. I hear that ‘His Esteemed Highness the Grand Duke’ has already found a lead.”

“Uh… it’s not really my place to say, but are you not on good terms with your father?”

The conversation took a sudden noir-like turn, and Ihan didn’t particularly want to explore the dark aspects of other families.

He tried to change the mood with a light-hearted comment, but the response dashed his hopes.

“What relationship could there be? Especially when I’m just an illegitimate child.”

“Yeah, I get it. Your father-son relationship sounds terrible.”

Ihan fell silent out of respect.

“That guy seemed decent when I met him… he treats his people well, but as a father, he’s a complete failure?”

There were those kinds of people sometimes. They acted like saints in public but neglected their families.

Seeing how openly Blackie showed disdain, Ihan figured his guess was probably right.

“I heard you met His Highness the Grand Duke.”

“Well, sort of.”

“Be careful. The Grand Duke does as he pleases. On top of that, he has no sense of ‘duty.’ It’s best to avoid entangling yourself with someone like him.”

“…Would you stop bringing up your family drama around me?”

Though Ihan didn’t have children himself, he felt he would be hurt if his own child openly showed contempt for him.

…Then again, that cold-hearted man probably wouldn’t feel anything.

But his empathy for fathers lasted only a moment.

“So, you said you found a ‘lead’…”

A lead on the ones who summoned the monsters.

Recalling that incident, Ihan felt his blood turn cold as his voice lowered.

“It seems quite reliable.”

Loen pushed aside his personal feelings and confirmed the credibility of the information the Grand Duke had uncovered. Though the Grand Duke was a heartless father, he was far from incompetent.

He likely had valuable information.

“I’ll need to go in person for the details, but if you want, I’ll share what I find.”

“…It’ll be hard to pass information discreetly. I’m swarmed by rats lately.”

“Luckily, I have more than capable subordinates.”

“……”

Ihan finally understood why this guy could openly discuss such sensitive information within the academy.

Jack.

That guy who clung to Loen like a right-hand man.

A guy who would have made a better assassin than a knight.

It seemed he was currently dealing with any suspicious activity nearby.

“That ordinary guy seems talented at dealing with rats?”

“It should be quiet for a while.”

“Thanks. I’ll make sure to reward him personally.”

“He’ll be pleased.”

Ihan and Loen shared a faint smile and a nod.

Though their backgrounds and appearances couldn’t have been more different, both had lived fiercely and shared a certain atmosphere.

It was a strange yet solid trust.

“I’ll be going. I think I’ve conveyed everything.”

“This was supposed to be a counseling session, but it turned into a secret briefing.”

“Neither of us is the type to lead a quiet life, are we?”

“…I’d really prefer a peaceful retirement.”

“That won’t be easy. The world isn’t kind enough to let the capable rest.”

“…Damn it.”

“Haha.”

With a light chuckle, Loen turned to leave, signaling the end of their conversation.

…He paused.

What was he feeling?

He himself wasn’t quite sure, but somehow, at that moment…

“I didn’t think meddling suited me…”

Had he learned this tendency to meddle from the first person he’d accepted as a mentor?

In the past, he would have dismissed it as a foolish, purposeless feeling.

“I don’t want to live as I did before.”

If he lived the same way, the ending would be the same.

Loen, the man who defied time, decided to take a different path.

“Revi Folt. She’s likely still in the capital.”

“……”

“I know I’m sticking my nose where it doesn’t belong, but I thought I’d mention it just in case.”

“Meddling doesn’t suit you.”

“I thought so too.”

Loen gave a slight bow before turning to leave. No more words were needed.

The look in Ihan’s eyes told him he wouldn’t sit still.

“There was no need to push him.”

Loen chuckled wryly, realizing he’d done something uncharacteristic.

 

“……”

After watching Loen leave, Ihan opened his desk drawer.

“Hmm, the headmaster’s going to scold me for this, huh?”

By school rules, he should take immediate action, but…

“Something like this should be handled face-to-face, don’t you think?”

Rrrip.

Ihan tore up the envelope labeled [Withdrawal Form] and stood up.

All to go after a “troublesome bear” who had skipped classes for five days and hadn’t even come in for her counseling session.

Honestly.

“Good kids always manage to get into trouble.”

Ihan felt, once again, the burdens and joys of being a mentor.