"Good morning."
I headed towards the academy and greeted everyone I passed. About half of the students return the greeting.
It made me feel that the education here wasn't particularly good. Greetings were a basic courtesy.
As I thought about this, Shenley, who was walking beside me, looked up at me. "Ah, um... Sensei, are you going to teach senior section classes?"
"I'm not sure yet. It's my first day today."
"Huh? First day?"
Laughing at Shenley's confusion, I entered the castle-like school building and headed towards the principal's office.
Since there was still time, I brought Shenley along with me.
As we walked through the building, the people we passed by gradually became adults. While proceeding down the hallway, I greeted everyone, but most of them gave me strange looks.
Finally, I reached that luxurious door. I knocked and waited for a response. "Excuse me."
"Ah, um, Aoi-sensei..." Shenley, looking anxious, tugged at my sleeve while calling my name, but I heard a response from inside the door, so I opened it.
As soon as I opened the door, Glenn, who was sitting comfortably in his chair, raised a hand in greeting. "Oh, it's you, Aoi-kun. Good morning."
"Good morning, Principal. I thought I'd observe the classes today."
"Hmm, I see. Though it would have been nice to spend the day touring the academy, if you're okay with it... Hmm? What's the matter with this child?"
Glenn noticed Shenley hiding behind me. When I placed my hand on Shenley's back and had her stand beside me, Glenn raised an eyebrow.
"Oh, Shenley Lu Rosenstiel, a rare beastkin who skipped a grade. Good morning. Do you know Aoi-kun?"
Although Glenn's tone was gentle, there was a hint of complex emotions in his eyes. Shenley lowered her head timidly.
I glanced sharply at Glenn. "... Since I have become a teacher, there are a few requests I would like to make."
Glenn leaned back with an overtly displeased expression. "Ugh... I don't want to hear it... I have a terrible feeling about it. Yes, back when I was young, during the dragon subjugation when I was summoned by the king of the Karvan Kingdom, Owen fought alongside me in the throne room---"
"First."
"So, you won't even let me finish... Aoi-kun, you have inherited your master's troublesome traits. No, I apologize, so please don't look at me like that. I'm a frail old man with a kind heart but a timid spirit. Please be kind."
Seeing Glenn so annoying and unwilling to listen to me, I crossed my arms and glared at him, prompting Glenn to sit up straight and listen properly.
I uncrossed my arms. "I despise discrimination. Whether it's racial discrimination or class discrimination based on noble ranks, such things have no place in school. Students should purely learn magic, skills, knowledge, and how to live. Teachers should be good understanding guides and role models for the students."
"Y-yes... Ideally, that's correct." Glenn nodded in agreement.
I took a step forward. "For that reason, if I see any discrimination or bullying, no matter who the perpetrator is, I will reprimand them. If it's too severe, a mere scolding won't suffice."
"Eek." Glenn let out a strange shriek at my words. It seemed he understood.
"Then, the second matter."
"Oh... My heart is still unsettled."
"It might be difficult in an academy with many students from other countries, but I would like to hold classroom observations. I will inform the students' parents that I will scold the students if they do anything wrong."
"Oh." Glenn put one hand to his head and looked up at the sky.
After thinking for a while, I exhaled and said, "For now, that should be all."
"No, that's more than enough. I'm filled with anxiety." Glenn laughed wryly.
I smiled at him and confirmed once more. "Is that alright?"
Glenn burst into laughter and let out a big sigh. "That's right. In the past, I had that kind of spirit too, but recently I've been avoiding troublesome matters. It might be good once in a while. Alright, Aoi-kun, let's have you correct the atmosphere of the academy."
Glenn stood up and walked towards us. He knelt before Shenley, who was standing beside me, and placed a hand on her small shoulder.
With a kind smile, Glenn said to the confused Shenley, "This is the first time we've spoken directly. I am the principal, Glenn Molt."
"Y-yes! I-I know. It's an honor to speak with you..."
Seeing Shenley so nervous, Glenn furrowed his brows sadly and bowed his head. Her eyes widened in surprise. But at the following words out of his mouth, she froze.
"I apologize... I had heard rumors about bullying from some teachers. However, considering the families of the bullying students, I couldn't intervene."
His apology was sincere and full of remorse. Shenley was moved by his words. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she bowed deeply. "No... Just the fact that you know about me and said that to me, I..."
Shenley, unable to form words, sobbed. Glenn raised his head with a sad expression and nodded slightly.
After seeing this conversation, I said to Glenn, "Is it enough just to apologize? That will still make you guilty, Principal..."
"Guilty?!" Glenn let out a scream-like voice and jumped up.
Shenley, still tearful, looked surprised.
"A-am I guilty...?"
I gave a firm nod at the anxious Glenn and embraced Shenley's shoulders. "I'm sorry, but knowing about the bullying and leaving it alone makes you just as guilty. If you think apologizing to Shenley means you've earned forgiveness, you're mistaken. As an adult, you must clearly state how you will prevent similar situations from happening in the future. That's the true meaning of sincerity."
"Oh..." Glenn, dejected, drooped his shoulders.
"That being said, even if I go too far, Principal, please don't betray me."
"I-I understand... Really, Aoi-kun, you've inherited all of your master's troublesome traits..."
Seeing Glenn's bitter smile, I smirked.