Chapter 1
If you know your enemy and know yourself, you will not be in danger in a hundred battles
IT WAS LATE NOVEMBER, and the day of the long-awaited school trip was finally approaching. On my way to school on a sunny yet chilly morning, I spotted a small group of three students walking ahead of me, with Haruka in the center. They didn’t look too enthusiastic, but they still seemed to be talking about something as though trying hard to keep up a conversation.
“Don't you want to call out to them?” Kei, walking along next to me, said something like that.
“I don't mind. It's the way it's been since Airi was expelled.”
I’m no longer needed in that group.
“Then I'm not going to mention it again. If it's okay with you, I know it's the right thing to do.”
Since the state of the former Ayanokōji Group is a matter regarding other people’s business, Kei has no reason to care too deeply about it.
“Besides, this means that I get to keep you to myself.”
She gave me a sincere smile with no further thought. I'm sure that I've become a pillar for her after spending so much time together.
“I'm really looking forward to the school trip. Where do you think it'll be?”
“I haven't given up on my dream of going to Kyoto.”
“Oh yeah, I remember you saying that. I don't mind as long as it's anywhere but Kyoto. For some reason, Kyoto is the only place I’m not willing to go.”
“You dislike Kyoto that much?”
“Well, it’s because of all the temples and cultural assets. It doesn't seem fun at all, does it?”
I think that's one of the best parts of Kyoto…
I guess for Kei, visiting temples and shrines isn’t fun.
“The destination of the trip is important, but don't you care about the results of the final exam?”
“I’m not too concerned about the results, and I think I did pretty well for myself. This is all thanks to you, isn't it?”
Although her overconfidence is a little problematic, it’s undeniable.
Even though a high score is unlikely, Kei’s minimum score is rising.
I can certainly see her growth when I score her assignments, although there's only a small change.
“I think I should spend more time studying with you, just like Sudō-kun.”
A corresponding amount of time spent studying will not necessarily improve her academic performance as much as Sudō. Kei probably doesn’t understand this. Motivation is very important, but the teacher’s skill is just as crucial. The reason Sudō has grown so spectacularly is unmistakably attributed to the talent of his educator, Horikita.
This aspect probably gives her an edge over Keisei, who has the same academic ability.
In the case of Sudō's academic results, they aren't based on the foundation that more time equals better results, as Kei believes them to be.
It would be easy to forcefully raise Kei's academic ability by giving her a thorough education, but that’s not my role.
All I have to do is the bare minimum. I only have to ensure that she is able to study.
In time, I hope that the right student will be able to take over the job smoothly.
No Comments Yet
Post a new comment
Register or Login