HUMAN - The Son

Chapter 8

Aili

I was deeply bored with the lessons. I was good at math, yes. So good, in fact, that my teacher despaired of not being able to teach me anything anymore, while the rest of the class failed at the simplest tasks. Well, it was easy for me. Not for the others.

But I wasn't allowed to skip class. Unfortunately.

My dear, good teacher was of the firm belief that students would only do nonsense if they were not strictly occupied with lessons and homework. Therefore, he regularly gave us more than enough homework to help us become reasonable adults. The others moaned about all the tasks to be solved, I ignored the homework. I got nothing out of it. This, too, annoyed the ambitious teacher. After all, I didn't have to fear any consequences. No extra homework, detention, or whatever else he could think of. He knew that the tasks did not help me in any way. Nevertheless, he was happy to lecture me on the importance of fulfilling one's own duties in order to achieve an exemplary existence as an adult.

He had tried to set me up with tasks from the third year, but even those were too easy. He considered whether I should switch to third-grade math class, but my schedule didn't allow it. And there, too, I would only be bored. So I stayed where I was.

Maybe I should bring my request to the headmistress? A free lesson instead of boredom? However, I did not dare. She was part of the royal family and closely guarded. Getting an appointment with her was possible, and also desired, but you had to pass her guards...

There were only two. But the two of them regularly intimidated me when they watched each student fiercely. An occupational disease.

After math, I went to fencing lessons. I decided to continue attending the subject after the first year. Just like the lessons in sword fighting. Did I want to be a soldier? Heavens, no! But I liked the feeling of being able to defend myself. I couldn't do anything with magic but with a sword in my hand? It made me feel like the nation's next heroine!

My teacher was very pleased with me and called me a true talent. However, she also suggested a career as a soldier to me. She didn't like my 'no' so much.

Our current queen had the former military school completely renewed. And also the requirements for the various courses. Previously, those who showed talent at the academy were sent directly to the military school after finishing school. They could refuse, but that was considered scandalous. This regulation no longer existed. And the school was now called the "Royal School for Soldiers and Guards". The course for military doctors and nurses ended. This could now only be learned at universities or, in the case of nursing staff, in hospitals.

There were also changes at the academy: the two subjects 'fencing' and 'sword fighting' were offered as electives from the first year on. In three courses: Beginner 1, Beginner 2, and Beginner 3. The beginner's course 1 could also be chosen in the third year. The subjects were intentionally referred to as a 'beginner's course', as it was not the aim of the academy to produce strong soldiers. Not anymore. It was about discipline, self-confidence, and recognizing one's own limits. All three were also important for the use of magic. Because whoever crossed their magic limit endangered their health. But some people couldn't get used to these changes. Teachers, like parents. For too long they had lived with the idea of producing good soldiers for a tyrant.

In addition to the 'traditional' subjects, art was offered and there was a school choir. These two subjects were also electives. I could sing, but only for myself. When someone listened to me, my voice failed. And drawing? No. I lacked the talent.

My three best friends had chosen art, one of whom was in the second year, which took place at the same time as fencing lessons. I saw the other two in class much less than in the first year because I didn't attend magic classes anymore.