"How did it come to this..." I said quietly, sighing.
Ahead of me were a little over twenty students, looking at me, waiting for the lesson to begin.
It all started when some pompous nobleman wanted Clare to marry him. I don't even know where he's from, I mean, definitely not in Clare's group; most likely, he's from another group. Anyway, Clare, as usual, ignored him, and instead of giving in and retreating, he grabbed Rae's arm, which greatly angered Clare. She ended up challenging him to a duel, and within ten seconds, she defeated him, humiliating him by shredding his clothes, causing everyone watching to burst into laughter.
Soon enough, the principal approached Clare and began questioning her about what had happened, and she even mentioned me as the one who taught her everything.
Finally, he offered me the position of teacher, and I reluctantly agreed, teaching one lesson every Monday and Friday.
And now it was time for my first lesson as a teacher...
With a sigh, I looked at the students again.
"Okay, class, many of you know me, and those who don't, I'm called Miyabi, but when you're in my class, you will address me as Teacher Miyabi! Is that clear?" they all nodded.
"Very well. Today is our first lesson, and it will most likely be an introductory one. The first thing you should know is that a sword, or other weapon, is always drawn only to defend yourself, your dignity, or those you love, but it should never be drawn against innocent people, with the intent of senseless killing," I said, then noticed one boy raise his hand.
"Ask your question," I said.
"You said the sword is drawn for defense, not for killing. But what about war? What should we do?" he asked.
"Well, if you've joined an army and a war breaks out, the first thing you need to understand is that you must be prepared to kill or be killed. And wars happen over a variety of things. Land, resources, different views, and a host of other things. The main thing here is that in war, there are no innocents. Every soldier knew what he was getting into, and only if ordered to kill the innocent should he consider whether he's serving the right country," I said.
"But in any case, this lesson isn't about politics or war. It's to teach you fencing. Although I'm sure some of you already know something, it will be much easier for them," I said, looking at Clare, who noticed my glance and waved at me, to which I simply rolled my eyes.
"Okay, and the first thing you need to know..." I said, drawing my katana. "The sword in your hands shouldn't be a separate 'limb,' but an extension of your arm," I said, swinging my katana tangentially.
"Does anyone know what to pay attention to in combat?" I asked the class.
"Pipi?" I said, seeing her raise her hand.
"Sword?" she asked rather timidly.
"No. If you constantly focus on the sword, you'll be killed. In combat, you must pay attention only to the enemy. Otherwise, if you get distracted, even for a second, it can be a fatal mistake that can lead to death," I said.
"Also, swords come in different varieties, like one-handed and two-handed. Like my katana, I can use it with one hand or two. You could say it's a versatile sword," I said, demonstrating how I held the katana with one hand and with both.
"Also, each sword has a certain weight, which for an untrained person will be too noticeable, but never pay attention to the weight. Otherwise, the sword will feel even heavier," I said.
"Okay, now come and pick up a wooden sword," I said, pointing to the wooden swords I had prepared.
Each student in turn came up and picked up a sword.
"Now you need to strengthen your muscles to be prepared for a real fight. Here, I want you to do this exercise 500 times, with or without a lunge," I said, raising the katana and bringing it down sharply.
"Now begin," I said, and all the students began to do the exercise. I walked around, checking that they were doing everything correctly and pointing out any mistakes.
Pretty soon, the lesson came to an end.
"Okay, enough!" I said loudly, and everyone stopped.
"The lesson is almost over. And since this is your first lesson, I won't give you homework, but I want you to do this exercise every day to strengthen your muscles. Now, everyone's dismissed!" I shouted, and the students went to put down their wooden swords and share them with the training field.
"So, Teacher Miyabi, how did you like your first lesson?" Clare asked with a smirk, approaching me.
I just rolled my eyes.
"Clare, if I remember correctly, you already called me 'teacher' ten years ago... So I'm used to it," I replied, in response to the teasing.
After class, we went to the cafeteria, where we had dinner and went to our rooms. Of course, Clare dragged Rae into her room, slamming the door behind her. My room is right next door, though, and the walls are pretty thin... So I heard everything..."
Damn!
I'm going crazy so soon!
Maybe I should go to the brothel...
No, I better not do that, otherwise Kriss will kill me...
The next day, I decided to go into town, not to find a brothel, but to distract myself, because lately I've been flooded with memories that make me miss Kriss.
I'd give anything to see her smile again, hear her voice, and hug her...
Sigh...
I'll definitely find a way, just wait for Kriss.
About how I want to hug you, kiss you, and tell you that I love you, and also apologize for being a complete fool for hiding it all.
Heh-heh, as many say, only death can change a person...
I died, and I hope I've changed...