Chapter 7
‘The Faceless Hero’… My expression stiffened at the long-lost name.
That name evokes memories of a particularly tormenting and difficult time even amidst the hellish war. Moreover, the fact that Ion Graham is The Faceless Hero is something not publicly known. Aside from my superior, Kalstein Marquis, only a select few within the Empire are aware of this fact.
I composed myself and calmed my heart. Considering the situation, Heinkel Headmaster is a member of the only two ducal families in the Empire and is also the head of Philion Academy, the continent’s premier educational institution. It wouldn’t be strange if he received a letter from Kalstein Marquis beforehand, knowing that I am The Faceless Hero.
I relaxed my stiff expression and spoke.
“I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t refer to me by that name.”
“Ah, my apologies. I must have gotten a bit carried away with excitement at the thought of actually meeting one of the continent’s seven famous heroes. I shall be more mindful from now on.”
“……”
“Now, don’t just stand there. Come sit here. I’ll get you some tea.”
“I’m alright for now.”
“We can’t have the Empire’s hero standing like a statue. Or do you not wish to drink the tea I’m offering?”
“…Alright.”
It was hard to refuse after being addressed so insistently. The headmaster’s office had a table and sofa for entertaining guests, and Heinkel Headmaster half-forced me into a seat and brought out the tea.
That doesn’t mean he brewed it himself. With a slight flick of his hand, the black tea brewed itself, and the teapot flew to the table without needing a touch.
Heinkel Headmaster handed me a cup emitting a rich aroma and asked.
“So, Ion. What are your impressions of the academy?”
“It’s large and spacious. Other than that, I’m not sure yet.”
“Well, it’s still the first day. This academy has many good points beyond just its size. The students are great, and so are the teachers. I hope you gradually come to realize those good points.”
As he spoke, Heinkel Headmaster raised his cup and took a sip of the black tea. Feeling a subtle pressure to drink as well, I hesitated for a moment before raising my cup.
“……”
“Oh dear. Do you dislike black tea?”
Heinkel Headmaster seemed to sense my hesitation and inquired softly.
Staring at the swirling red liquid, I slowly shook my head and took a sip of the black tea. I set down the cup with a complicated expression.
Charlotte loved black tea.
Black tea on the battlefield suited terribly, but Charlotte believed that mental relaxation was crucial in the grueling war. Healing magic can mend physical wounds but cannot heal emotional scars. She always brewed me a cup of black tea with great care after fighting monsters and returning.
I had no way of knowing if Charlotte was a good tea brewer. After all, the only black tea I ever drank was the one Charlotte served me, so I had no basis for comparison. However, after nearly 15? 16 years, I tasted black tea brewed by someone else and realized belatedly.
Charlotte. She really didn’t have the skills to brew tea.
But even without knowing the taste, I enjoyed the black tea she made. That’s why ever since she left, I haven’t touched black tea that reminds me of her. The reason I hesitated just now was because I thought I couldn’t cling to the past forever.
Now, even when I think of Charlotte, it doesn’t particularly bother me. I can reflect on it calmly as just how things were back then. The black tea brewed by Heinkel, while differing in aroma, was similar in color and tasted much better.
“It’s delicious.”
“I’m glad to hear that. I was considering switching to coffee if the black tea didn’t suit your taste.”
“It’s fine. Tea is enough for now; I’d like to get to the main point.”
I couldn’t just keep talking about tea. I didn’t come here to engage in idle chatter with the headmaster. Heinkel Headmaster set down his cup and smiled warmly.
“Get to the main point… It seems you think this interview is an evaluation of you, Ion.”
“Isn’t it?”
Instructor Rilya had assured me that I had already been accepted, so I should relax, but I couldn’t just take that at face value. This is Philion Academy, the continent’s top educational institution. No matter what paperwork I passed, it seemed unlikely that they would just hire me without a proper meeting.
I had never received formal education. By the time I finished academy, I felt like I had learned even less than the students currently enrolled. I’m not one who can teach students with genuine heart like Instructor Rilya, who is articulate and easy to converse with. I’m confident in my strength, but that’s about it. A soldier and an instructor are distinctly different.
To be honest, I was suspicious of Heinkel Headmaster’s true intentions. Of course, he had been an educator for 30 years, so he couldn’t be evil. But if he meant to leverage the reputation of ‘The Faceless Hero’ for something, I would have no hesitation in leaving.
Heinkel Headmaster’s age-worn eyes formed gentle crescents.
“As for the fact that you are ‘The Faceless Hero,’ I am the only one who knows. Even Instructor Rilya, who guided you, isn’t aware. And she probably won’t be unless you reveal it yourself.”
“……”
“Ah, you’re quite taciturn. Are you curious about my true intentions?”
Heinkel Headmaster had already guessed my inner thoughts.
“Honestly, yes.”
“It’s not a big deal. It’s merely a difference in perspective about what an educator should be. Also, how much you underestimate yourself.”
“Underestimate…? What do you mean?”
“First impressions. They are indeed important. But from my decades of experience, first impressions don’t last that long. Someone who seemed like they would diligently teach students may later be strict with punishments, while someone who appeared lax could end up being the most beloved by students. Therefore, I place importance on past behavior when judging a person.”
Heinkel Headmaster leisurely emptied the remaining tea in his cup.
“What’s the life you’ve lived up until now? What have you done? Your past accomplishments testify to Ion Graham’s capabilities. I’ve already made my judgment on that.”
“How can you be sure that I will teach students well?”
“Ha! Are you asking for confidence? What an interesting notion. You certainly won’t teach that well.”
“……”
“You’ll likely make mistakes. It’s only natural to make mistakes. But I believe a true educator grows alongside their students. When Instructor Rilya first started, she couldn’t even speak properly in front of students. But now, she has become a respected instructor beloved by her students. This means that there is no such thing as someone who is perfect from the beginning.”
“I heard Philion Academy is the best educational institution on the continent. Does that mean a teacher here doesn’t have to be the best?”
“It’s true that our teachers are competent in their respective fields. Some are former Royal Guards, and others are top mages from the Mage Tower. But did those people teach students well from the start?”
“I’ve never received systematic education like them. In fact, I might even be worse off.”
“Then teach what you do best. A good educator is not born; they are made.”
Heinkel Headmaster smiled gently.
“There are no right answers in education.”
After deep contemplation, I ultimately accepted the position of instructor.
*
Heinkel Headmaster then informed Ion about several matters necessary for working at Philion Academy. He mentioned that the subjects I would be teaching were ‘Basic Physical Training’ and ‘Combat Practice.’ He also reminded me not to forget to receive my instructor certificate and uniform from Rilya.
Additionally, he suggested that I should live in the dormitory, as accommodations are provided for academy instructors unless I have family in the capital city. I decided to pack my belongings and move in by tomorrow.
As the sunset light softly filtered through the window and the day’s work was winding down, someone knocked on the door of the headmaster’s office.
“Headmaster! It’s Rilya Bennett.”
“Come in.”
With that, the door opened and Rilya Bennett entered the headmaster’s office. Heinkel Headmaster couldn’t help but marvel again at the fact that Rilya’s youthful appearance was pure and without any magical alterations. Of course, if he expressed that openly, she would surely be upset, so he welcomed her as if nothing was amiss.
“Well then, Instructor Rilya. Did Instructor Ion settle in well?”
“Yes. I guided him through the necessary facilities. From tomorrow, he will officially become an instructor living in the dormitory.”
“I see. What was your impression of him, Instructor Rilya?”
“Of Instructor Graham?”
Rilya crossed her arms, tilting her head as she pondered. It seemed she still didn’t realize that every little gesture of hers made her adorable to the students.
“He’s quiet, cautious, and quite polite. Rather than appearing to have been educated like a noble, he seems to have a genuinely good character. The high-ranking officers I used to know were all noble-born and acted polite just in words, while they were arrogant. But Instructor Graham didn’t give off that vibe at all. Oh! And he’s rather handsome?”
“Ha! That’s true. I was taken aback more than I expected. He’s quite a striking figure.”
Heinkel Headmaster nodded, recalling his first impression of Ion. He must have been a considerable pretty boy in his youth, winning over many women.
“By the way, it was a bit surprising.”
“Oh?”
“It’s unusual for you to hire an instructor right away like that, isn’t it? You usually scrutinize them so thoroughly. I suppose you liked Instructor Graham quite a bit?”
“Ah, I see what you mean. To be honest, I trusted my friend’s judgment.”
Rilya’s eyes widened in astonishment.
“Your friend… Are you talking about His Excellency Kalstein?”
“If it’s a fool who cherishes his granddaughter to the point of obsession, then the man he picked as a prospective son-in-law must have been scrutinized much more closely than I did. He’s already a verified talent, so there was no reason to turn him away.”
Heinkel chuckled.
