A Tyrant's Will

Volume 3: Chapter 4.1 - False Teamwork

Let's go back for a moment to before the special test on the deserted island, when we held our closing ceremonies for the end of the first semester. I was looking forward to being able to enjoy my summer vacation for the first time in my life. However, the Grim Reaper appeared to snatch that happiness away.

"Ayanokouji. I need to speak with you before you leave. Come to the faculty room," Chabashira-sensei said the moment homeroom ended.

"Huh. Did you do something?" Sudou asked, who was ready to leave with a bag slung over his shoulder.

"I don't remember doing anything."

I had no idea what this was about, but ignoring Chabashira-sensei wasn't really an option. It was better to deal with unpleasant matters quickly. I would have preferred to spend the week leading up to our break in peace, but that was no longer possible.

When I arrived at the faculty room, Chabashira-sensei was waiting by the doorway.

"Come in."

"I don't understand why you called me over."

"You'll see. Let's talk inside."

My suspicion meter began rising as she met my questions with such short answers.

"You might expect bad things when you are summoned to the faculty room, but it is actually a convenient place. There are no prying eyes here. Some matters are better discussed in private."

Only then did I notice that the security camera, which should have been installed in a room like this, was missing.

"So what did you want to talk to me about? I'm busy planning my summer vacation right now."

"That's funny. I thought you didn't have any friends?"

"That was an exaggeration. I do have some friends, believe it or not."

I could count the number of friends I had on one hand, but it was better to value quality over quantity, right? Even so, I wasn't exactly winning on that front, considering Ike and Yamauchi were my best options.

Still, there was nothing wrong with spending summer vacation alone. At least, that was what I told myself.

"I've called you here today because I want to tell you my personal story."

Chabashira-sensei's story? This was not what I had expected. I didn't understand why she would summon me just to talk about her story, and I had no particular interest in her past.

"It is something I have not told anyone since becoming a homeroom teacher. It may be foolish, but please listen."

"Alright, go ahead."

Still uncertain of her intentions, I urged her to continue.

"How do I appear to you as Class D's homeroom teacher?"

"Another abstract question, I see. This is just my personal opinion, but I think you're quite beautiful."

She did not so much as twitch at my response. She was clearly taking this seriously, though I could sense her patience beginning to thin.

"Okay, fine. If you don't mind being compared to other teachers, then I believe you have no interest in Class D's future. You are a cold teacher who shows little concern for her students. That's my answer."

She wasn't as friendly as Class B's homeroom teacher, Hoshinomiya-sensei, nor was as willing to help her students as Class A's homeroom teacher, Sakagami-sensei.

"I see. What exactly do you want me to do to improve?"

"You're asking for my suggestion? Personally, if you came to class wearing a maid outfit, I might be willing to forgive you."