Chapter 138
At the sanctuary within the Royal Academy.
Today as well, Clael was teaching, speaking to the students about the teachings of god.
"In other words... the reason why the contents of the holy scriptures differ between the eastern and western nations of the continent is due to the differences in the original missionaries. The western side of the continent uses scriptures based on the teachings of Saint Pietor, while the eastern side uses scriptures based on the teachings of Saint Paulon. This difference is what continues to fuel the ongoing scripture controversy."
"Professor Clael. But weren't both Saint Pietor and Saint Paulon from the same school, learning theology under the same master? If they studied under the same teacher, wouldn't it be contradictory for them to have different teachings?"
"That's likely because theology at the time wasn't taught through written texts, but passed down orally. Even saints are still human. They can forget things or misremember. As teachings were passed down by word of mouth, subtle differences probably emerged. It's like a game of telephone."
While answering the student's question, Clael looked up at the clock.
"That's all for today's class. We'll have a quiz at the start of the next class, so make sure to review the material."
After declaring the end of class, the students trickled out of the sanctuary following the dismissal call.
Amidst that, a few students approached Clael with textbooks in hand.
"Professor Clael, may I ask a question?"
"There was something I didn't quite understand in today's class..."
The female students spoke to Clael.
Clael looked troubled and opened his mouth apologetically.
"Sorry. I have something scheduled now, so could you save your questions for lunch break or after school? I should be in the sanctuary or the theology prep room."
"Ah, okay. Understood."
"What's your schedule about? Don't tell me... a secret meeting with the Saint?"
"What do you think I am... She's a student and I'm a teacher, you know?"
Clael gave a wry smile as he explained to the students.
"Actually... Mrs. Veleno, who was in charge of music, is taking a break for a while, so I've been temporarily assigned to teach music."
Clael hadn't been told the full details, but apparently, Veleno, the music teacher, had been attacked by a thug on her way home, which was why she was taking time off.
At the staff meeting, the other teachers were also warned to be cautious when going out.
(Things have really gotten dangerous lately... Thanks to that, my class load has doubled and I'm swamped...)
He used to only teach once or twice a day.
The rest of his time had been spent on chores like cleaning the sanctuary and grading quizzes, but now his workload had suddenly increased.
For Clael, it was quite a nuisance.
(I don't know when Mrs. Veleno will return... but if she gives me a hard time about this again, I won't be able to take it...)
That woman was a sarcastic teacher.
Even though she was taking time off for her own reasons, there was a good chance she'd nag Clael endlessly once she came back.
(She really hated having her role encroached upon by someone younger... I just hope this doesn't turn into a mess.)
"Anyway, sorry. Let's talk later..."
"Ah, okay. Thank you—"
Parting ways with the students, Clael headed from the sanctuary to the music room.
The music room was on the third floor of the main building. It was located at the far end.
For soundproofing reasons, it was placed away from the other classrooms.
It was quite far from the sanctuary.
Feeling just a little fed up, he walked down the hallway of the main building.
"Ah... Clael Byrne!"
"Hm...?"
Someone had called out his full name.
When he turned around... standing in the middle of the hallway was a figure small like a child.
"You are... Luei Biscuit?"
Before he realized it, one of the capture targets had appeared behind him.
It was Luei Biscuit, the shota-type handsome boy.
For some reason, Luei was glaring at Clael with narrowed, hostile eyes.