Chapter 171
Thanks to the efforts of Eric and the rest of the provisional vigilante group, the 'Death-Summoning Cherry Tree', one of the Seven Mysteries of the Academy, was defeated.
Their accomplishments proved that their actions were justified... but even so, several students were injured.
As teachers, we can't leave things as they are forever.
To resolve this swiftly, a new measure was decided.
"We can't keep turning a blind eye to students acting on their own... don't you agree, Mr. Burn?"
"......Yes, Amlet."
One afternoon after school.
In the staff room, Clael was approached by the department head, Amlet.
"Students independently resolving problems occurring at the academy... In a way, this might be considered ideal education."
"......Yes, that's true."
"However... if we leave incidents that could lead to injuries—or even death—entirely to the students, it won't reflect well on the academy in terms of responsibility."
"......That's true."
"That's why I think we should also send personnel from the academy to actively work on resolving the issue. And the most suitable person for that would be Mr. Burn, who is both a theology teacher and a Saint. Don't you agree?"
"......I do."
"So... I'll be counting on you. I've already arranged a partner."
"Let's do our best together, Lord Clael!"
"............"
The girl who trotted up beside Clael was a familiar face... there was no need for a quiz—it was Saint Reina Laurel.
"......I don't mind being dragged into the resolution, but why is Reina here?"
"It couldn't be helped, Mr. Burn."
"Yes, it couldn't be helped."
Amlet snorted as if it were the most obvious thing in the world, and Reina agreed with a smile.
"It has been confirmed that this anomaly doesn't appear in places without students. However, we can't deliberately use students as bait."
"......So you're saying to use Reina as bait?"
"Don't make such a scary face. She's a Saint and a sister from the Grand Shrine. If you're with her, there's even less danger... right?"
"That's right, isn't it, Lord Clael?"
"............"
It wasn't wrong.
Honestly, he didn't think the current Reina would be defeated by something like the Seven Mysteries of the Academy.
"To explain... we proposed to the Grand Shrine that a young sister wear a uniform and participate in the investigation. But in the end, they suggested that Reina herself should go. Mr. Burn."
"That's how it is, Lord Clael."
"......I understand. So that's what this is about?"
If it's already been decided to that extent, no matter what Clael says, it would be pointless.
No matter how minor the issue, he didn't want Reina to be involved in anything dangerous.
"Lord Clael, I'm more worried about you wandering the academy with a sister you don't even know and getting caught up in something dangerous... You understand how I feel, don't you?"
"Well... yes, I do."
Reina must also be anxious about her family being put in danger.
That's probably why she deliberately accepted the role herself.
"My grades are fine, so I don't need to worry about studying for tests. I've also been given leave from my duties at the Grand Shrine... Is there any other problem?"
"............No, there isn't."
She had already blocked all escape routes.
With things like this, there was nothing more Clael could say.
They couldn't leave the Seven Mysteries of the Academy unresolved, and it would be unreasonable to try to solve it with only the other main characters besides Reina.
"......Understood. Reina, I'm counting on you."
"Yes, I'm counting on you too!"
"......Do you really need to link arms?"
It was good that the investigation had been decided... but Reina wrapped her arm around Clael's.
"It's easier to protect you this way when the time comes."
"......I'm a teacher. I don't need Reina to protect me."
"Then please protect me. That's why it's more convenient to stay close, right?"
"............"
"Well then, shall we go?"
At a loss for words, Clael was pulled along by Reina as they left the staff room.
Fortunately... due to shortened classes, most of the students had already gone home.
"Ah, youth. So dazzling."
As Clael prayed they wouldn't run into Eric and the others, Amlet saw him off with an unreasonably irritating line.