Chapter 27: Finn-sensei, I miss you so much!
[May 22.]
[Eight days remain until the midterm exams.]
[You see Aesc off and greet the new day with a refreshed heart.]
[You're not sure whether Morgan still remembers the events of yesterday, but clearly after waking today, she has become gentler and more affectionate toward you.]
[Your relationship with Morgan has grown closer.]
[Though Morgan wants to linger with you a bit longer, it's time for you to go to school…]
[You already took a day off for Morgan, so at least you can't be late today.]
[Morgan's mood seems very good this morning; she neither complains nor objects, though you can clearly feel her relying on you more.]
[Morgan drives you to school.]
[You make it just in time for the first morning class.]
...
Morning, Chaldea Academy.
"Class, I—Finn—have returned!"
Eikou slung his bag over one shoulder, deliberately flinging open the Britain Class door with an exaggerated flourish, imitating Finn-sensei's tone on purpose.
"Sir Eikou!"
His two sworn friends of the Round Table Knights waved to him.
"Where'd you sneak off to last night? Lately you never seem to come back to the dorm."
"Nothing much, just keep running into unexpected stuff these days…"
"So how's your homework coming along?" Tristan asked.
"Don't ask, not a single word—starting today I'll buckle down!"
Eikou suddenly remembered the promise with Baobhan Sith.
When the long break after midterms arrived, he still had to keep a day free for that date with Baobhan Sith. But if he failed the exam, that route was basically doomed… at the very least, Baobhan Sith's route wouldn't be easy to trigger again.
No matter what, he had to score at least above the grade average.
So for now, burying himself in study was a must.
"Speaking of which… while I was gone yesterday, did anything happen?" Eikou asked. "Why do you two look so worn out?"
"What else could it be? Obviously the new Homeroom teacher—Scathach-sensei… It truly breaks my heart. Scathach-sensei is clearly a dangerously enchanting beauty, but in this life I only wish to stay as far away from her as possible."
Tristan spoke with a face full of misery.
"Even I've started to miss Finn-sensei's sloppy yet generous teaching style…" Gawain couldn't help but chime in.
Uh… is Scathach really that terrifying?
For the unshakable Round Table Knights to sigh like that, it seemed they'd truly suffered heavy damage yesterday.
"Never thought the day would come when we'd long for Finn-sensei… this class is finished."
Eikou shook his head and sighed.
Then he slowly stood.
"As his students, let's honor our departed teacher with a little imitation to liven up the class." He cleared his throat, deliberately mimicking Finn's raspy theatrics. "Glorious Fianna Knights, step forth!"
Gawain sprang up: "Present!"
Tristan: "Present!"
"Oh! Guardian of Erin, the one who defeated Nuada, I—Fionn mac Cumhaill—am both splendid and noble! Where is the graceful married woman? Fianna Knights Potato Gorilla and Sadness Chicken, let's go court the widows next door in the Japan class—onward to Tomoe Gozen! (Actually just going to buy drinks at the cafeteria.)"
"At your command, My King! (laughs)"
The three young men struck mock-serious poses of departure and, under Eikou's lead, marched out in perfect step.
"One, two, one…"
Their footsteps grew distant from the classroom.
But the very next second—
BANG!!!
Suddenly, two sharp crimson spears hurtled in, viciously smashing through the Britain Class window.
The technique of those twin crimson spears was exquisite: one pinned Gawain's collar, the other Tristan's, nailing the two Round Table Knights straight to the classroom wall.
"..."
Eikou instantly fell silent, cold sweat breaking out as he shrank his neck and slipped back into the room.
He slowly retreated and obediently sat back down.
From the hallway came firm, ringing footsteps—like spear-tips tapping armor—each step warning everyone that their owner was not to be trifled with.
Moments later, a striking figure in violet appeared at the classroom door.
Long glossy purple hair, crimson eyes like fresh blood, a tall and seductive form, and a beautiful yet stern face.
It was the Queen of the Land of Shadows—Scathach!
Her lithe, battle-honed body stood proudly before the students, clad in a neat teacher's uniform, purple hair tied at the nape. One look and you knew she was the strict, harsh type of instructor.
A crimson spear materialized in her hand.
"..."
Cold sweat drenched Eikou. Had he not reacted fast enough, he too would have been pinned to the wall by that spear.
"What were you boys just planning to do in class?"
The new teacher, Scathach, spoke in an icy voice.
Eikou swallowed nervously and answered meekly:
"Ma'am… we were just heading to the cafeteria for drinks."
"Is that so?"
Her crimson-violet gaze swept over him.
"Student, you're quite skilled at dodging the real question when asked. The correct answer is: 『You left class on your own during morning self-study, loudly causing a disturbance that disrupted others, seriously ruining the class atmosphere and reputation.』"
"…I'm really sorry."
Eikou blurted out, thinking: Thank goodness she doesn't know I was just imitating Finn-sensei, or the charges would pile up.
"But that Finn impression was pretty accurate, so I'll overlook it this time," Scathach added.
So she saw it! And that counts as a plus!?
While Eikou observed Scathach, she was in fact sizing him up as well.
"…Seems there are still students here who haven't met me, so I'll introduce myself once more."
Scathach looked straight at him, voice cool yet firm, and wrote on the chalkboard with strong strokes:
"I am the temporary homeroom teacher, from the Land of Shadows—Scathach. My tenure may not be long, but I will give my all until I have forged you into warriors capable of standing alone."
"It's clear your previous teacher was far too lenient. I will compensate for the education he neglected. Are you prepared for a resolve to fight to the death?"
"..."
At that moment, only one thought filled Eikou's mind:
Finn-sensei, I miss you so much!