30 Years After Reincarnating, It Turns Out This World Was A Rofan?! novel Chapter 83

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.”