Elite Instructor at a Third-Rate Academy - Chapter 42



42 – Why did I fall in love with my sister-in-law ★

As expected.

Raven sat in the office and read the report Barus sent from the border.

“(Strategy)… Engelard’s Gaudin denies all these allegations and says that he will not negotiate with anyone other than the former commander. He does not believe in the death of Kenis Rada, so he will decide whether to conquer or compromise according to Your Majesty’s judgment. He urgently moves the troops, and the available food will last for about ten days, so please respond immediately.”

Since becoming emperor, if there was a border he cared most about, it was the north.

-There is no replacement for Rotlon and Kenis.

But if it was Barus, he was also a competent soldier in the empire. It is clear that he would move the troops strikingly to surround Engelard when there was an opportunity, as he remembered his orders. He could continue to trust the northern army. The problem was Panati. Although he had expected such a situation and prepared for it, he made a mistake faster than he thought.

“Everyone grows up like that.”

She resembled the young Rotlon. A specimen of an arrogant person who trivialized everything in the world by being intoxicated with her own talent and charm. So she was more suited to being a war hero. She could give unfounded courage to the people with her endless self-confidence. However, such confidence inevitably brought about great sacrifices.

-Rotlon wiped out the First Corps he led.

And that was thanks to Kenis’ objections that the Second and Third Corps were preserved. If he had the actual power like he does now, it would have been a reckless assault operation that would never have been forgiven. If it wasn’t for the protection of his brother, who was the crown prince, he would have lost the title of war hero long ago and wouldn’t have become a sacrifice of this war.

Is it any different from Panati?

She, who has always succeeded, is not afraid of anything in the world. So she will try various things and only regain a sense of reality after a tremendous failure. In a word, it is to awaken the truth that she is not the center of the world and that others are just as smart as she is.

“Kenis, it’s time to stop.”

He was the only one he considered on an equal level. Because their way of handling things was exactly the same.

Barus identifies and resolves problems quickly, while Rotlon faces the problems head-on. They are both excellent soldiers and heroes who receive the belief and cheers of the people. Ordinary people often talk about them being the saviors of the empire, but Raven knows that it is not the best strategy.

Kenis contemplates and prevents problems.

Like himself, he diagnoses unmanifested dangers beyond appearances and prevents them through negotiations. No one knows how competent he is, and no one understands what he is doing. Ordinary people only criticize him, saying that they don’t understand why he is so successful, just considering him as a diligent person. And then suddenly, when he disappears, they realize.

“The true hero does not reveal themselves.

“Your Majesty, are you still not sleeping?”

As she toyed with the royal seal, the Empress entered. She was ambitious, adorned with both intelligence and ambition. Chosen deliberately from the Hanmihan family, she was more focused on expanding her in-law’s power than bearing an heir to continue the lineage.

“I have something on my mind.”

“People are already concerned that you’re overworking yourself.”

“A person like Nana Kenis falls ill if they’re not busy.”

“And the sister-in-law?”

Raven brought up an awkward topic to divert his wife’s scrutiny.

“I don’t know. Her day and night seem to be reversed. It seems she spent the whole day in the garden today.”

As expected, her complexion darkened.

“Since she might be greatly distressed, let the Empress visit her frequently.”

“Since Your Majesty says so, it feels like I’m playing a role in a drama.”

Considering he had killed his brother with his own hands and disposed of his wife in the palace, it wasn’t an inaccurate statement. However, he was someone who should have died before becoming Crown Prince. If he were to be held accountable for his crimes, it was a matter of his own judgment. Even the current sister-in-law wasn’t originally the woman he should have taken, but he abandoned her for unreasonable desires.

“She needs comfort.”

“Your Majesty, if you keep saying that, people might misunderstand.”

Raven concealed his true feelings with a faint smile.

—An unfortunate woman.

The sister-in-law resisted the arranged marriage and ruined her own purity. It was a provocation to the older brother who would only accept a virgin. Throughout their marriage, she endured habitual abuse, and the imperial family tightly sealed any rumors. Now, liberated from the younger brother’s rebellion, she wandered aimlessly, living like a plant.

—Why did someone like Kenis love the sister-in-law?

What was she thinking as she tended to the flowers? Did she know that the man she loved was still alive? Even knowing, was she pretending not to, waiting for salvation whenever it might come? Raven didn’t know the answer, but he believed Tetradia would wait for something, whatever it might be. She was that kind of woman—enduring and enduring, like a docile animal, better off enduring and enduring.

[#42 – School Refuser]

In the classroom after the ceremony, Kenis sat Grasnok and Galterius down for a counseling session.

“Both of you are combat support.”

The silent Galterius was overshadowed by Grasnok, who responded instead.

“We’re not taking it seriously.”

“Have you decided on your career paths?”

“I’m thinking of working for the military or the church.”

—With your skills, you won’t pass the officer’s assessment.

Suppressing his inner thoughts, Kenis approached the counseling seriously. The more they talked, the more it became evident that Grasnok, without a clear goal, was merely babbling about various desires. Though he spoke of various plans, it seemed he hadn’t seriously considered anything. After listening for a while and witnessing Grasnok uttering worse words than Jeffrey, Kenis slammed the desk with his hand.

“So, you’re saying you don’t know exactly what you want to do?”

When he asked the crucial question, Gresnok nodded obediently.

“To be honest, I don’t even know what it could be.”

“You little sh*t, you’re becoming quite the impertinent bastard, aren’t you?”

Gresnok narrowed his eyes at Galtarius’ tantrum.

“I know it’s hard to admit, but both of you are troublemakers.”

Galtarius laughed in response to Kannis’ declaration, while Gresnok resisted.

“No, what academy did troublemakers like you attend?”

“That’s why you refused to come to school.”

“It’s only been a few days off.”

“Judging by your smart mouth, you’re a third-rate troublemaker.”

Galtarius’ laughter grew louder.

“Well, it’s easier if you put it that way. So, what do you expect from us, third-rate troublemakers?”

“Tell me.”

Gresnok looked puzzled by Kannis’ demand.

“What do you mean?”

“The guy you want to beat.”

If not that, Kannis suggested that he at least reveal someone he wanted to get revenge on.

“No, if you have something to do for us instead.”

“The homeroom teacher is not your father.”

“Then why are you asking?”

“Didn’t I say I’ll teach you how to win?”

“Did you really mean that?”

Instead of words, Kannis thought it would be better to show it, so he told Galtarius to stand up. However, instead of listening, he reached out and lifted Gresnok up instead. Gresnok was terrified, so he quickly extended his hand and grabbed his collar until he was almost turned upside down.

“Ugh, I surrender!”

“Teach me that.”

“What do you mean?”

Finally, Galtarius spoke.

“The martial arts.”

Even if it’s called Yusu, very few people know what it is. It is a secret technique passed down from Avargah, and it requires a tremendous amount of money to learn. Therefore, the young noble warriors must inevitably remain ignorant even if they join.

Honestly, Kannis didn’t even have the confidence to teach it. Rotelon is more inclined to demonstrate through sparring, so it is difficult to systematically convey what is learned through the body alone. Therefore, it will ultimately be determined by the talent of the apprentice whether they succeed in learning it or not.

“Greensnock, take it easy.”

“But I’ve been beaten up all day, every day. It’s impossible.”

“Galterius, get up and face your duty.”

“I don’t want to either.”

“Instead, give him a chance to grab your throat.”

Kennis gestured to have it done. Galterius stood up from his seat. When he grabbed the collar of his shirt and turned, he immediately grabbed his hands and pulled them away. The guy’s eyes widened. Although he was confident in his strength, it was impressive how easily he shook off his grip. Even without saying anything, it was clear that this guy had the potential to grow because he had fighting spirit.

“This is a technique.”

“How did you do that?”

“Yanma, you look more like a bastard!”

After teaching a few more techniques, they laughed and repeated grabbing each other’s throats and pulling them away. It seemed they were very close to each other. Both of them had bruises on their faces, so it seemed like they needed some nourishment. Kennis asked if they wanted to have a m

“Is it true that winning is allowed?”

Both showed interest, and he told them to write down their reasons on napkins. Unknown names were written. A-3 and A-5 classes. Each had different reasons for wanting to win. Galterius wanted to prove himself, while Gresnock had been bullied before. As the class ended, Kenis, the homeroom teacher of Class C-8, set a very simple and clear rule.

“Both of you.”

The disciples, who were tearing apart duck meat, stopped eating and looked at him.

“If you come back beaten by students from other classes, know that you’ll be dead to me.”

Rather than being oppressed by others, he conveyed the message to challenge themselves and improve their skills in a cheeky way. Gresnock smirked, and now even Galterius chuckled. Kenis felt a comfortable feeling after a long time. Clearly, men were better than women. Even if they quarreled as if they were going to kill each other, once they let it out, it became a thing of the past, and it was enjoyable.

“Sir, we’re not weak enough to get beaten up by students from other classes.”

“We don’t plan to attend school, but if you teach us that thing earlier, we’re willing to learn.”

Kenis nodded approvingly.

“Fix the doorknob for me tonight.”

“Fine.”

Gresnock refused.

“If we’ve gained something, we should do the work.”

With that, they would take care of it themselves, whether it was their own lodging or not. There was no apology, but the reconciliation between men ended with this. Without further delay, they stood up, and Galterius grabbed him.

“Do you know who turned over the chamber pot that day?”

“What does it matter even if I know?”

There was no point in asking whose responsibility it was, and besides, even if you knew, you wouldn’t attend school. What was the use of asking that?

“Hmm.”

“It’s different from dealing with Ivon.”

“If you want more, order it in my name.”

Gresnock asked while reflecting on later payment.

“But how are you going to teach us?”

Since they were already having grammar and correction lessons, it was about additional tutoring.

“No time for that.”

Kenis told them to sign up for the class taught by Friede in Class C-5 and left.