Chapter 1: An Old Country Bumpkin Learns of Danger
“It’s been a while. Good to see you all again.”
“We look forward to your guidance!”
Winter had passed, spring had sprung, and the weather was gradually growing hotter. For the first time in a while, I was intruding on the sword magic class at the institute. I’d been on one expedition after another lately, so I hadn’t been in Baltrain a whole lot. And less time for teaching meant I’d missed out on opportunities to show up for sword magic classes.
“Right, let’s warm up with thirty practice swings. Take it seriously.”
“Yes, ma’am!”
Unlike in her first lessons as a teacher, Ficelle instructed everyone to begin with a reasonable exercise. I would’ve considered her a lost cause had she asked for a thousand again, but she’d definitely learned her lesson.
The number of students was largely the same as it had been since right after the incident with Lono Ambrosia—there were a couple of dozen of them. Any more would only be a burden on Ficelle, so this was just about the appropriate limit.
Because of the amount of available physical space, this was also around the most students we’d ever had at the dojo, even in the best of times. We couldn’t fit more than that in the building, and even if we could, I wouldn’t have been able to keep my eye on everyone. The institute had plenty of space out here on the grounds, but there wasn’t much they could do about the number of supervisors.
When both Ficelle and I were present, we could probably handle a few more, but this wasn’t my full-time job. Ficelle also made sure not to rely on me, so that was taken into consideration. You had to teach in order to develop the senses a teacher needed, and this applied to everyone, regardless of how much knowledge they possessed.
Each individual had their own quirks, so it was far harder to guide everyone than you’d think. Still, that was exactly why it was worth doing. People who believed this were very valuable.
In truth, Ficelle’s personality wasn’t currently suited to teaching.Regardless, she seems to be finding some enjoyment in the process. Glad to see it.
“They’re all getting a lot better, huh?” I remarked.
“Of course they are,” Ficelle replied. “I’m sticking to your teachings, Master.”
“Even
