"Sophia, stop that!"
"Y-yes, Princess!"
As Sophia glared at me, about to pounce, Eliza stopped her.
"Professor Geek, Sophia apologizes for her rudeness. Thank you for answering my question."
"P-Princess!?"
Eliza bowed her head in Sophia's place.
I feel like there are various problems with Eliza being more composed than her attendant, Sophia...
"You don't need to apologize, and I don't mind. Now, can we start the class?"
"Yes, of course."
"...Hmph!"
Sophia glares at me with a murderous intent, but it seems she won't do anything more. Honestly, she's a failure as an attendant.
Well, even if she had attacked me, I would have forgiven her, just like those hot-headed guys in other classes, by throwing a chalk.
...And besides Sophia, there's another female student glaring at me. Apparently, she was dating Loff, one of the hangers-on of Gariel, who was expelled.
She must hate me because her boyfriend was expelled. I don't know how many students were close to Gariel, but it's possible I'm being resented by them as well.
By the way, Eliza was never involved in the matter of Bern and Melia.
I was a little relieved that Eliza wasn't being called the mastermind behind Bern and Melia being bullied. Well, if she had been the mastermind, I would have made her take responsibility, even if she was the third princess.
"Now, regarding this class, I think some people will require practical training in defensive magic, so we'll proceed as planned. However, participation in the practical training will be voluntary. We will alternate between practical training sessions in the training ground and lectures in this classroom, so those who don't need training can self-study here."
This was something Eliza had proposed before, and indeed, some students have excellent escorts or don't need mock battles or practical training.
Also, even though pain will be reduced to one-tenth, using magic can be somewhat dangerous, so the decision was made that it's not necessary for students who aren't motivated.
It might be a bit lenient, but it's true that some students aim for research careers and don't need practical training.
Thinking about it, a selective class system where students can choose the subjects they need, like in my previous world, is a good idea. I'll consult Anon about it again.
"Those who self-study will not be marked absent. However, the end-of-term exam will include practical defensive magic training as scheduled. I have no intention of distinguishing between students who participated in the training and those who didn't, so be aware of that."
This academy is divided into the first and second semesters, and there are exams for all subjects at the end of each semester. Of course, the defensive magic exam will be a practical exam using magic, not just a lecture. Those who attended the training classes regularly will have an advantage in that exam.
It's up to each student to skip half of the classes and dedicate them to self-study. Of course, if their exam scores are poor, I intend to give them the lowest possible grade without mercy, even if they are the third princess.
Well, Eliza apparently got top marks on the academy entrance exam, so I don't think that will happen to her.
"In addition to combat with monsters, the training will also focus on self-defense techniques, so I believe there will be plenty for you all to learn. Those who wish to participate in the training, please move to the training ground. By the way, you can join the training ground midway through the class."
However, as I mentioned before, Eliza will be self-studying as she doesn't need the training.
As expected, the other students followed Eliza's lead and didn't move from this classroom.
"...Hmm, they didn't come after all."
The class ended, but no students from Class S came to the training ground.
Originally, most of Class S followed the third princess Eliza and Gariel of the marquis family. With Gariel and his five followers expelled, it seems the entire class acted the same as Eliza.
Eliza, who probably thinks I was the one who got Gariel expelled, might have participated initially, but it wasn't that lenient.
Hmm, it's possible she's monitoring my movements. She didn't seem that close to Gariel, so it's unlikely to be a retaliatory action.
"I had hoped at least one would participate, but there's nothing I can do about it."
Of course, I intend to do the same for other classes as well. I have no intention of giving Class S special treatment.
However, I don't think it's possible that not a single student will come from other classes. For someone like the fifth son of a baron, many might choose to become knights protecting their territories without inheriting them, or become adventurers.
Moreover, the students' reactions were not bad during the first practical training lesson, so at least more than half of them should participate. Well, I won't know for sure until tomorrow's class.
After school.
Starting today, I was given a small room as my research lab. It's a small room that can only hold about ten people with a blackboard, but it's sufficient. I'll bring in some research equipment that suits my taste later.
"Cyril, thank you for your help the other day. I'm truly grateful."
And this evening, as before, Cyril came to my lab with a question. It was a good opportunity for me to thank her regarding the matter of Bern and Melia.
"I'm the one who should be thanking you. I never thought Professor Geek would actually expel someone from a marquis family and save Ms. Melia."
Cyril bowed her head in return for my gratitude.
It seems Cyril knew about their bullying and wanted to stop it.