Academy’s PTSD Chaplain

54 – Grade-Level Combat Training (3)

The entire conference room was abuzz, except for Esther and me.

“It seems like a good alternative.”

“I think so too. But…”

Esther’s words aside, President Damian’s proposal seemed straightforward and reasonable.

The annual event, grade-level combat training held every June at the Royal Academy of Chaldea, cancelling it was unprecedented and delaying it was not appropriate.

The cause of this difficult situation, the oppressive heat, suggested a simple solution: go to a place less affected by the weather.

Yes, it was a very straightforward solution. However, no one had mentioned it, and the reason was…

“This is unprecedented!”

Yes, it must be because it was unprecedented. I turned to the source of the loud voice.

It was Professor Armstrong, the senior professor of the third year. His intense eyes, like a fierce beast, caused the other professors around him to subtly distance themselves.

“President, please reconsider! It’s an important event to showcase the determination and skills of the students at the Royal Academy of Chaldea! Holding such an event externally…”

“Isn’t that a better idea?”

“Yes, yes?”

“Being able to showcase the proud skills of our academy students to the public, it is not suitable to prove the determination and abilities of the academy students.”

“……..”

Professor Armstrong became as silent as a spoiled clam. His lips, visible through his bushy beard, were constantly pursing, but he had no words to refute with.

“Do you need further explanation?”

“…No.”

“Then please take a seat. The people in the back are getting uncomfortable.”

In the end, Professor Armstrong had no choice but to weakly sit down. His sagging beard was impressive.

“Well, does anyone have a different opinion?”

No one moved willingly. Even Professor Armstrong, who had authority among the professors, had no one to argue on his behalf in this miserable sinking situation.

“Then….uh?”

I slowly stood up from my seat. I felt the gazes of everyone in the conference room, including Professor Esther, who was sitting beside me, focusing on me.

“Professor Lucio…?”

Professor Esther looked at me with surprised eyes. It seemed like an unexpected event to her.

“I am Lucio Antonelli, the professor in charge of Theology for Class A of the first year. Chairman Damian, please allow me to speak.”

When I requested the right to speak in a calm tone, Chairman Damian, who had been staring blankly at me, twitched at the corner of his mouth.

“…Surprising. I didn’t think Professor Antonelli would step forward in this kind of situation. Yes, please speak.”

“Actually….”

“Actually?”

It was quite burdensome to have everyone’s gaze focused on me. However, someone had to say it. That’s what I thought.

“By any chance, has the location for the competition been selected yet? If it has, I would like to know in advance.”

A heavy silence hung in the tense conference room.

“….Professor Antonelli. Is that all you wanted to say?”

“Yes. That’s it.”

“Hmm….”

Chairman Damian made an absurd expression. Professor Esther, sitting next to me, had the same expression.

I don’t understand why everyone is reacting like this. Isn’t this something that someone has to ask?

“It is not certain yet, but the port city of Bruteen is a strong candidate. If the location is confirmed, we will announce it again.”

“Thank you.”

Until I sat back down, the gazes that were staring at me didn’t waver.

The grandly named emergency meeting ended more abruptly than expected.

There was no disagreement against President Damian’s words, and ultimately, it was decided that this year’s inter-class competition would be held outside the academy.

The subsequent agenda items were all trivial. They ranged from the faulty cooling pump to the extension of the contract with the academy’s textbook supplier.

Most of the agenda items were smoothly passed. There was no particularly special matter to discuss.

Seeing the professors at the meeting stand up one by one, I also grabbed my bag and stood up from my seat.

“Professor Lucio… You seem a bit peculiar when I occasionally see you.”

There was definitely something to Esther’s remark. I looked at her discreetly.

“What do you mean?”

“Oh, it’s nothing.”

Although I felt uneasy, Esther never revealed the meaning behind her words. I let out a sigh and started walking, intending to return to my office.

“Excuse me.”

If his eerie hand hadn’t gently wrapped around my shoulder, I would have said something. I naturally turned my head.

“…Professor Armstrong?”

It was Sylvester Armstrong, a man with thick muscular arms resembling tree trunks. When I mentioned Professor Armstrong’s name, he appeared slightly taken aback.

“Um… do we… have a connection? How do you know my name?”

“I’ve heard about your reputation.”

“Oh…”

Doesn’t praise make even a whale dance? He didn’t blatantly show it, but Armstrong’s mouth twitched upon hearing my words.

“I see… Now that I think about it, even among the new professors, my name seems to come up frequently. I am Professor Antonelli.”

“Do you know who I am?”

“No. I’ve only heard your name during the meeting, I don’t know the details. May I ask for a formal introduction?”

He was a bit shameless. I stared blankly at his hand resting on my shoulder and then spoke.

“…I greet you. I am Lucio Antonelli, the professor in charge of Theology for Class A of the first year.”

“Alright. Nice to meet you. I am Sylvester Armstrong, the professor in charge of the Combat Department for the third year. And what about you?”

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Armstrong’s eyes turned towards Esther. As Esther flinched and tightly grabbed onto my sleeve, she replied.

“I… It’s nice to meet you. I am Esther Garrett, the professor in charge of the Illusion Magic Department for the first year.”

“Alright. Professor Garrett and Professor Antonelli, I’ll remember it.”

Releasing his hand that was resting on my shoulder, he now extended his large hand towards me. I grabbed his hand and shook it lightly.

Just as I was shaking hands, Professor Armstrong, who was also shaking hands, looked at me with slightly surprised eyes.

“I just noticed, but you seem to have a stronger physique than I thought. Do you usually train your body?”

“I don’t engage in separate training.”

“Oh, well… Building the body is not the end; it’s essential to maintain and manage it thoroughly. I’ll help you with your training later.”

“Thank you.”

I nodded reluctantly, thinking his words were just a superficial offer like, ‘Let’s have a meal later.’

Even after a casual exchange of greetings, Professor Armstrong continued to stare intensely at me. At this point, I became curious about his intention in striking up a conversation.

“Professor Armstrong, excuse me, but do you have any business with me?”

“Hmm? No, nothing special.”

While clapping his hands, his eyes continued to scrutinize my body. It felt like facing the eyes of a wild beast.

“Just curious, that’s all. I apologize if it’s intrusive.”

“It’s fine.”

“Oh, Professor Armstrong?”

At that moment, a languid voice reached us from the side. Professor Armstrong and I turned our gazes simultaneously.

“Are you bothering other professors again? You really are low-class.”

“…Professor Underwood.”

Approaching us with a seductive smile was Scarlet Underwood, the professor who had raised her voice in an argument with Professor Armstrong a while ago.

Though Professor Armstrong was the only one who had raised his voice, anyway.

Professor Armstrong’s expression stiffened. I didn’t know what had happened, but their relationship didn’t seem amicable.

Professor Armstrong spoke bluntly.

“Why are you here again? And I wasn’t bothering anyone; we were just exchanging greetings.”

“Professor Armstrong, your objectivity seems a bit lacking.”

“…What are you talking about?”

Professor Underwood smirked provocatively. I grabbed Esther Professor’s arm and subtly distanced myself from them.

“Professor Armstrong, suddenly appearing and criticizing someone else’s body is not proper etiquette, you know? Other professors are quite intimidated by you.”

“What exactly is intimidating about me?”

“Take a look in the mirror. Your entire body screams thug; there’s no denying it.”

“Have you finished talking?”

“Hehe. I apologize if you felt offended.”

Professor Armstrong’s face turned progressively redder. Esther Professor, standing close beside me, seemed lost in thought.

Underwood Professor, who had been casually dealing with Armstrong Professor’s gaze, finally turned her attention towards me.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Scarlet Underwood. I handle the third-year Destruction Magic Department.”

“Yes. Nice to meet you. I am Lucio Antonelli, the professor in charge of Class A, 1st year theology.”

Professor Underwood, who had been staring at my face intently, suddenly smiled.

“Professor Antonelli, you are more handsome than I thought.”

“…Thank you.”

“Heh… It would be even better if you dressed up a bit more.”

“…Professor Underwood, I remember you telling me earlier that it is impolite to criticize someone’s appearance.”

“Is my manner of speaking similar to Professor Armstrong’s, or is it as elegant as mine? It’s a little confusing.”

When Professor Armstrong grumbled, Professor Underwood countered without hesitation. They began bickering once again.

I grabbed Esther Professor’s arm and quietly walked away. The two professors didn’t even realize we were moving further away.

“Phew…. I was so tense….”

As we distanced ourselves, Professor Esther wiped her cold sweat and sighed. I glanced back at them. The fierce expressions of Professors Armstrong and Underwood were still visible from here.

“Why are those two fighting like that?”

“Well… I’m not really sure….”

“They’re aiming for the position of the next dean.”

“What?!”

Esther Professor screamed. I silently turned to the direction where the noise came from.

It was Professor Andres who had handed over the duties to me when I first took office. I nodded respectfully to him.

“Professor Andres, isn’t it?”

“Haha…. Long time no see.”

Since I last saw him, a single strand of hair was faintly revealing its presence in his glistening mustache. Where has he experienced a miracle?

By the way, the position of the next dean?

“Do you mean the position of the next dean?”

“Yes. Professors Armstrong and Underwood have the most seniority in the academy. Therefore, they are considered as candidates for the next dean.”

So, in the end, it’s a power struggle. Is that so?

“There is also some division among the professors. They are approaching Professor Antonelli to have him on their side.”

“Thank you for the explanation. However, I’m not interested in that.”

“Well, there are some people who aren’t interested. I am one of them.”

After a brief explanation, Professor Andres disappeared like the wind, saying we’ll meet again.

While walking out of the conference room with Professor Esther, I still watched the two professors who were still engaged in conversation.

“Let’s really work together!”

“Are you scared by any chance?”

In my eyes, it didn’t seem like a constructive conversation.