-Roxy-

  Eight years had past since I became Eris's teacher. Roa had started feeling like home, despite my bad first impression. The townspeople were in awe of how I had survived Eris's trial by fire and outlasted every other teacher. They started respecting me, with a few even apologizing for doubting me, not that I really knew them beforehand. I used my water magic to aid farmers during droughts and made friends with many of the shopkeepers who dealt in magical implements and texts. It was nice feeling like part of a community again.

  The closest I'd felt to finding a home before then was at the Ranoa Magic University, but I see now that I was the one who ruined my life there. While I had been betrayed by some, even more had been respectful to the end. I lost them because I put myself before all else. Unfortunately, most of my old friends had moved on, so I couldn't reach out to make amends. The only exception was Professor Jenius. I sent letters of apology, explaining that I didn't understand his struggles and had been disrespectful to him. I felt he only replied out of obligation at first, but after exchanging letters for a few months, he took responsibility for his immaturity as well. From that point on, we kept in touch. Once we saw each other as equals, we managed to finish our research into King Tier Water Magic, which had been our original source of conflict. After mending our relationship, he was an invaluable aid as I learned how to be a proper teacher.

  As for Eris, trying to educate her was the most difficult challenge I had taken up to that point. After she dedicated herself, she was a loyal student. Unfortunately, she was not very intelligent. Concepts she learned took much longer than expected to stick. The method of switching when she got frustrated was effective in calming her temper, but it doubtless lead to the slow progress. The only subject she thrived in was history. While dates and governments still eluded her, powerful figures were her passion. The more heroic, the greater the retention.

  Then, four years ago, I feared for her continued education. While on a trip out of town, she found a beastfolk woman to take as her bodyguard: Ghislaine Dedoldia. She was everything Eris admired. A former member of the Fangs of the Black Wolf, Ghislaine was an experienced adventurer who had attained S rank, the highest possible for a member of the guild. Before that, she was the disciple of the Sword God and became a Sword King. Even I had heard her name in my travels. Few in the world could match her skill with a blade.

  Most importantly to the Boreas family were her feline features. All of Eris's family had an affinity for beastfolk. All of their maids had animal ears and tails. I once had the misfortune of stumbling across Eris's grandfather, the Lord of Roa, engaged in sexual activities with one of his staff on an early morning. Suffice to say, Eris held the same fascination, although I doubt her inclinations were sexual when she rescued her new bodyguard.

  Ghislaine also became Eris's sword instructor. Training in the Sword God style became her new obsession. I was not surprised to find she took to the blade so quickly. Her violent nature and recent focus she gained through my lessons had set her up to become a prodigal swordswoman. Ghislaine would also have countless tales to entertain her. I was certain within the month I'd be out of a job, as she abandoned her lessons entirely.

  To my surprise, Eris kept coming to classes. If anything, the distraction from her classes made it easier for her to focus on a single subject for extended periods. What truly shocked me was Ghislaine asking to become my student as well. Apparently, she had nearly died due to her own incompetence. She couldn't keep track of her supplies when exploring labyrinths. Scoundrels would swindle her out of money when she failed to understand conversion. She wasn't even able to read. She had been dying on the side of the road when Eris found her.

  For the rest of my time in Roa, I had two students. Despite adding to the work load, it made lessons far easier. With the pair able to help each other, they progressed at a much smoother pace. They were both fairly dim, but they were able to master the bare necessities to survive on their own.

  As for magic, my area of expertise and greatest skill, they were nearly hopeless. Ghislaine struggled to learn anything, never once managing to cast a spell. Eris had slightly more luck. She had an affinity for fire magic and, after months of getting her to learn the incantation, she was able to use a single fire spell. I worried she'd forget the words at any moment, but it was as much as I could expect from two swordswomen.

  Shortly after Eris turned thirteen, I was summoned to Philip's office. I was certain my time had come. After eight years, I felt I had done everything I could for Eris. She would doubtless still struggle at times, but given her status as a noble, I was certain she'd find a suitor before too long. I just prayed they were smart enough not to get on her bad side. As for me, I had gained experience and support. I would be able to make a living even without this job. Entering Lord's Chamber, I was prepared for my dismissal.

  Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

  “Hello, Professor. Lovely to see you.” Philip gave me a warm welcome. Over the years, he became less high strung, likely due to the problem of his daughter's education being solved. While I wouldn't say we became friends, I certainly respected the man. “Please, have a seat.”

  Sitting across from him, I remembered how rudely he'd denied me such courtesy when we first met. “How may I be of assistance?”

  “I wanted to talk about the future. Both Eris's and yours.” Philip pulled out two letters, both of which had been torn open. “I appreciate all you've done for my daughter. Before you arrived, I had been concerned she may need to take up life as an adventurer, since she couldn't contain herself in polite society.”

  “I can't blame you.” I still had trauma over the way she mauled me in her youth. “It was no small effort, but I can't take all the credit. Eris has grown into a splendid young woman.”

  “Indeed. Which is why I've taken the liberty of enrolling her in knight's school.” He pulled the papers from one of the letters. “I just received her acceptance, although it was merely a formality.”

  There it was. “A wonderful plan. She'll thrive in an environment where her sword skills are used to their fullest.” I omitted my fears that she'd become rebellious again without strict supervision. “Then, I suppose this is the end of our arrangement. I didn't think I'd last the first month. Eight years went by so quickly.” I rose, putting out my hand for him to shake. “I truly appreciate the hospitality you've shown me.”

  Instead, he placed the other letter in my hand. Giving him a confused stare, he explained. “I have been asked by my cousin to find him a magic tutor. It seems his two daughters are struggling and need assistance. It won't pay as well and it's out in the sticks. You can decline if you want.”

  Skimming the letter, I recognized the name at the bottom. “Paul Greyrat? Wasn't he part of Ghislaine's old party?”

  “Indeed. He came to me, let's see, almost twelve years ago. He begged me for a job and home after getting his wife pregnant.” I recalled that being the reason their party disbanded. “In truth, he's a scoundrel. Now he has two wives, each of which gave him a daughter.”

  “I see.” A part of me wanted to avoid such a man. I'm not sure if Philip had heard the story, but Paul had also taken advantage of Ghislaine's breading season to bed her as well. Another part was excited to take on two new students, even if it meant compromising my comfort. “Hmm?” Reading the letter more closely, I noticed something Philip had omitted. “What about the third girl?”

  “Ah, yes, his disciple. She uses both a sword and magic in her training, but they've run into issues. It seems he also wants you to look into adapting magic to be more effective in swordplay. Something about shortening spells.”

  That caught my interest. Shortening incantations was rare, but not unheard of. After having finished my previous research into King Tier Water Magic, this seemed like an interesting topic to research. While I doubted any of the three girls I'd be teaching would be of great assistance, it would allow me to dive into this subject while making a living. With a smile, I nodded to Philip. “I'll take the job.”

  “I'll be heading out now.”

  I was at the gates to the lord's mansion. Eris and Ghislaine had gathered to see me off. While I didn't think it was necessary, Philip had hired a carriage to transport me to Buena Village, where I'd be teaching Paul Greyrat's girls. I was hoping for a somber goodbye from my student. Maybe some tears and hugs.

  “Bye, Roxy!”

  …

  “Uh... Eris. Is that all you have to say?”

  Thinking for a moment, she thought of more to say. “I'll practice my magic every day and write you letters every month! Just like you asked!”

  With a sigh, I accepted the parting. At least she remembered her review. I wouldn't want her forgetting all I taught her. I turned to her bodyguard next. “I may have been your teacher, but you're an adult, Ghislaine. I won't give you any tasks, but I would like to hear from you on occasion.”

  “Right.” With a nod, Ghislaine had finished her goodbyes as well. I guess I shouldn't have expected much.

  I boarded the carriage and gave the coachman the go ahead. As we rolled away, I waved out the window.

  Eris followed. First at a walk, but then at a run. As she started to lag behind, she shouted out. “I'll make you proud, Roxy! Next time we meet, I'll be the one telling you stories!”

  I leaned out the window, screaming to my first student. “I'll look forward to it!” As she waved, I silently wished her luck. She was strong, I'm sure she wouldn't need it, but I wanted the best for her.

  -Eris-

  The young girl had never felt loss before. Her family was happy and healthy. So, on the day her teacher, Roxy Migurdia, left for her next job, she couldn't explain the pain in her chest.

  “Eris...” Her bodyguard, Ghislaine Dedoldia, walked up beside her. The two watched as the carriage rumbled down the road towards the edge of the city. “Roxy will be fine. She's strong and smart. I'm certain even if things go wrong, she'll manage.”

  “I know!” Eris didn't understand her own pain. To distract from it, she took out her wand. It was a present she received from her teacher on her tenth birthday. She began to practice the one spell she had learned, determined to never forget it. Nearly finished with the spell, she paused. “What's the last word?”

  Ghislaine was at a loss. She had never managed a single spell, so she didn't know why Eris expected her to know. “Did you already forget?”

  “No!” Eris recited the spell again, only briefly hesitating as she said the final word. The small fireball glowed brighter than usual, but quickly burned out. “See! I remembered!”

  With a look of pride, Eris went back home, satisfied with her daily practice. Ghislaine had two questions, but failed to ask either. The first was if casting the spell once a day was what Roxy had in mind. The other was if that was how the incantation went.