Chapter 122
"I support the heliocentric theory."
Clael answered with a gentle smile.
Hearing that response, the male student named Abrus grinned.
"So... Instructor Burn is denying the traditional way of thinking? Didn't the Holy Nation of Shinecross, which recognized you as a Saint, reject the idea that the earth moves?"
"I was acknowledged by the Holy Nation as a Saint, but that and my personal beliefs are separate matters, aren't they? In fact, Bishop Abram Pick, who supposedly belongs to this nation, is denying my sainthood, even though it was recognized by the Grand Shrine, isn't he?"
"Th-that's..."
When his father's name was brought up, Abrus was at a loss for words.
He twisted his face slightly in frustration... but quickly recovered and turned his verbal blade back.
"T-true, affiliation and beliefs are separate... but still, all the great Priests and Bishops in history believed the heavens moved. Are you saying all of them were wrong? Isn't it outrageous to deny them like that...!"
"Whether or not they had achievements and knowledge is irrelevant. The Saint Luculnaire, the 'Dragon Slayer' we learned about in today's class, had faith but was terrible at academics—so much so that he couldn't even recite scripture. Still, he defeated dragons and other monsters that tormented people, and saved many lives. He may have lacked education, but his accomplishments are immeasurable."
"Ugh... th-that's..."
"Let's assume heliocentrism is true and that those heroes of the past simply didn't know it. Does that invalidate everything they did? Will the people they saved stop being grateful to them? Whether one supports geocentrism or heliocentrism, it has nothing to do with denying those great individuals."
"............"
"Furthermore, as for the basis of heliocentrism, there are various pieces of evidence—like the sun's movements observed by scholars and star charts of celestial bodies... Can you present any evidence to refute those? Abrus Pick?"
"...No, I can't. But still—"
Even as he said "but still—", no further words came from Abrus's mouth.
It seemed the debate was over.
He may have been somewhat eloquent, but in the end, he was just a student.
There was no way he could win against Clael, who had accumulated a fair amount of life experience even in his previous life, including doing sales presentations for products.
"Well then... since Abrus seems to have nothing more to say, this concludes the class. We went a bit over time, so if you're late to your next class, feel free to mention my name... Command, please."
"S-stand. Attention. Bow!"
A student who seemed to be the class monitor gave the command, and Clael's first class came to an end.
Abrus, his face red with frustration, glared at Clael... but was urged by his friends and left the sanctuary.
"Phew..."
The students left.
The only ones remaining were Clael and Reina.
"It seems... we made it through the first class."
Clael slumped his shoulders in relief.
It was his first day as a teacher. Though unexpected events had occurred... it seemed he had gotten through it safely.
Though he had left a grudge between himself and one student, teachers being resented by students was part of the job. That couldn't be helped.
Since theology, Clael's subject, was an elective, he only had one or two classes a day.
It looked like he'd have some time to relax for a while. Of course, there were still preparations for the next class and management of the sanctuary to handle.
"Reina, let's take a short break too... Reina?"
"............"
Reina was serving as Clael's assistant today in his role as a teacher.
She had been at the edge of the classroom so as not to interrupt the lesson... but even when Clael called out to her, she didn't respond.
"Reina?"
"............"
Could she possibly have dozed off...? Clael, puzzled, approached her.
"...So cool... This is bad... Clael-sama in teacher attire is so sexy..."
As he got closer, he heard Reina murmuring something in a small voice.
Her voice was so quiet it was nearly inaudible... but Clael tapped her on the shoulder.
"Reina, is something wrong?"
"Hau!?"
"Wait... were you actually asleep? With your eyes open?"
"N-no no no! I'm sorry, I'm fine!"
Reina flailed her hands in a panic.
Her face turned bright red, clearly embarrassed.
(Well... even Reina might doze off during class. She's still a child, after all.)
"Make sure you go to bed early at night."
"You're wrong, Clael-sama! It's a misunderstanding!"
"Yes, yes. I understand. Drinking warm milk helps you sleep better, you know."
"You don't understand at all!"
Reina, unusually flustered, raised her voice, and Clael gave a wry, amused smile.