"What's wrong? Was there something you didn't understand in class just now?"
"No, your class was very easy to understand and very educational, Geek-sensei. I apologize for my rudeness yesterday, including during the mock battle."
It seems to be Cyril first.
"No, there's no need to apologize. It's true that my predecessor teacher was terrible, and it's natural to doubt the abilities of a newly hired temporary teacher."
Yesterday, I asked Anon, and apparently, my predecessor was a teacher who got the job through connections and had no achievements. I believe the principal Anon will hire proper teachers from now on, but it seems there are still such teachers at this academy.
"That's good to hear. Um, I have a few questions about defensive magic, unrelated to the class. Could you spare some time after class?"
"Ah. I don't mind until 5 PM. Please stay in this classroom after class."
"Yes, thank you."
By the way, my working hours are until 5 PM. Just like in my original world, public school teachers don't get paid for overtime. In this world, academy teachers receive a pretty good salary, so it's not too bad, but in my original world, teachers definitely didn't get paid enough considering their salaries and actual working hours.
On top of that, if you take on club advisor duties, you have to come to work on holidays for a meager club activity allowance. Furthermore, nowadays, parents of students often make complaints about trivial matters, so there's no time to rest mentally.
Teaching is a tough profession. Frankly, I think the salaries of teachers in my original world should be doubled.
"What about you, Melia? Don't you have another class? If you have any questions, please wait in this classroom after class, just like Cyril."
"N-no! It's not about magic... "
Melia shook her head vigorously. Being small, she looked like a small animal and was a little cute.
However, contrary to her appearance, she had a somewhat dark expression.
"If you have any urgent matters, I can postpone my questions to another day, Melia-san."
"Um, actually, it's fine! Excuse me!"
With that, she bowed once and ran off.
"What was that about? I don't think I said anything strange..."
"Is it because Geek-sensei was scary?"
"That's a rude thing to say out of the blue, isn't it?"
"If you think so, you should probably take better care of your appearance. Your hair is messy, you have stubble, and your lab coat makes you look a bit scary to female students."
"...Your honesty is commendable, but it's a hassle. Well, I'll try not to let it interfere with my classes."
I never paid much attention to my appearance even when I was researching magic. I used to spend a week straight in the lab.
"Well, that's about 20% of it is a joke."
"So, 80% is serious... More importantly, if you know anything about her, please tell me."
Besides, she closed the distance with me so quickly. Perhaps she's begun to acknowledge me as a teacher somewhat over the past two days.
"I'm sorry, but I can't say. If I do, it might cause trouble for my family."
"... Hmm, I understand. Well, I'll keep an eye on her."
"That's surprising. I thought Geek-sensei was indifferent to students' private matters."
"I'm not going to meddle in family disputes or problems, but Melia seems to be motivated and taking her classes seriously, so I naturally want to support students like her."
She attended classes seriously both yesterday and today, and she's a scholarship student from a commoner background, just like me. It's only human to want to support her a little. Of course, I don't intend to play favorites with her grades.
"I see. So, you mean Geek-sensei is a lolicon?"
"... Were you even listening to me?"
"You said you personally wanted to support small and cute girls like her."
"Don't twist my words with malice! I'd support Melia even if she were a boy!"
And stop using the word "support" like that, it's full of ill intent!
"I see, so you're into guys too."
"... Are you serious?"
"It's a joke. I'll see you later."
Cyril left, saying that.
Honestly... I've never yelled at anyone since coming to this academy.
"I am Geek, your new temporary teacher for Defensive Magic starting today. I look forward to working with you for this short period. Now, let's begin the class."
After a break, the next class is for the special class, Class S.
Unlike the other three classes, this class seems to actually be sitting in their seats and listening to me.
"In this class, we will learn defensive magic intended for fighting monsters and combatting other people. Generally, we will alternate between practical training in the practice field and lectures in this classroom. First, I want to see what you're capable of today, so let's move to the practice field."
As I said that, murmurs spread through the room. It's the same lesson as the other classes, and I don't think I said anything strange.
"... Professor Geek, may I ask a question?"
One female student raised her right hand.
She had long, silvery hair, rarely seen in this world, and fiery red eyes. She's the only student in this class whose face and name I haven't yet matched.
"You are Bounce Eliza, aren't you? Of course, please go ahead."
Yes, she is indeed the third princess of this country.
"We do not need defensive magic."