A Death Row Convict Teaches at a School of Magic

“―Martial arts?”

Hearing those words, what first arose in Karen’s mind was consternation.

Why was he suddenly saying this?

Her confusion was replaced by unconquerable seething rage after the realization of what he meant.

In short, of all people, this man, this teacher, was proposing to teach her martial arts despite having no more credentials than a third-class magician.

“…Just to be clear, does this mean that you are going to teach us martial arts?”

“Well, since I am not a teacher specializing in the physical arts like Instructor Rivalz, I may not have much to teach you, Fina.”

When that remark, which was an oblique condescension to Karen, was uttered, her patience snapped within her beyond her control for the first time in a long time.

Behind her, Fina secretly let out a breath, which Karen could no longer hear.

Karen offered an incredibly insincere smile and accepted Kanaki’s offer, who seemingly was oblivious to her behavior, and took the initiative to walk to the park voluntarily.

■■■■■

“Then, the three of us shall begin with some rudimentary defensive body movements.”

“―Teacher, since this is a good opportunity, why don’t we have a real combat match?”

“…Lady Karen.”

Karen interrupted Kanaki and made the proposition once arriving at the spacious open space, which was only a park in name.

Fina, who was behind them, heaved a heavy sigh, convinced by that alone that Karen was determined to hurt Kanaki thoroughly.

“Oh, Fina. What’s the matter with you sighing?”

“I am aware of your feelings, Lady Karen, but that’s not very grown-up for you to do, is it? You may be a magician, Lady Karen, but the imperial court of the art of self-defense is…”

“Fina, there are times in this world when teaching someone with your body works quicker as opposed to verbal communication.”

“…I understand.”

Espying the fighting spirit blazing from the depths of Karen’s eyes, Fina gave up trying to persuade Karen. She was obstinate to begin with. It would be futile to talk to her, Fina reasoned.

Kanaki, whether he had heard the exchange or otherwise, put on a sullen face at Karen’s suggestion.

“You want to start kumite out of the blue? Um, indeed, we have been running so our bodies are warmed up, but I think it’s tough to do kumite before the basics are taught.”

“…(Crack crack)”

“(Ah, the smile on Lady Karen’s face is even more gruesome…)”

In the entire world, only a limited number of women can possess such a beatific yet atrocious smile simultaneously.

Deepening her smile, but nevertheless, with no loss of refinement, Karen politely replied, “No, so first of all, I would like you to take a look at my skills, Teacher Kanaki, and after evaluating them, please give me your optimal advice. What do you think?”

“Oh, I get it. All right. Then let’s do so.”

Karen thanked Kanaki, who nodded, with a smile. That was all the spectacle there was, and yet perspiration wouldn’t subside from Fina’s skin.

Teacher Kanaki, I hope you won’t get hurt in any severe way, Fina, who was already positive that Kanaki was bound to suffer injuries—major or minor, at the very least—was worried in her heart.

Karen, on the other hand, was ready to beat Kanaki to a pulp in this kumite, just as Fina had predicted.

As a homeroom teacher, you probably wanted to present yourself in a good light to me, the Princess, but I will correct your ignorance at your own peril.

“Then let’s begin. Let’s just practice martial arts without using any magical power.”

“Okay.”

“Are you ready?”

“Yes.”

“Then, let’s be…”

As soon as Kanaki’s voice uttered the word “gin,” Karen stomped on the ground and leaped into Kanaki’s bosom in one swift motion.

Kanaki’s eyes were wide open as Karen swung her fist at him with full force, striking him squarely in the nose.

“…Eh?”

At the very last moment, her attack was blocked.

“Wow, that was close!”

“!”

Realizing that she couldn’t finish him off, Karen withdrew her fist and unleashed a kick, but this time it was easily evaded.

No way!?

“Lady Karen!?”

Unable to conceal her bewilderment, Karen’s agitation directly affected her body and she stood bolt upright. By the time Fina raised her voice, it was already too late.

Kanaki’s fist was on Karen’s tip of the nose when she realized it.

——————

T/N:

Just to clarify, all other characters’ POV will be done in third-person POV and first-person POV will be done solely with Kanaki at least until the end of the second series (mainly because I have translated the third series, not going to change it). The author uses both POVs together side by side (This is actually part of the Japanese writing system, they can mix first-person POV and third-person POV together in paragraphs back and forth). But I am already positive that there will be people who find this hard to read and complain about the author’s style being chapter-consuming or unbearable since they do not know this is part of the Japanese writing style in novels from my past translation. In fact, don’t say web novels, even Japanese published novels do this. Anyway, only the MC, Kanaki, will be translated in first-person POV and the others are all in third-person POV just to make the reading more bearable but be aware that the essence of the novel is somewhat lost as this is not what the author intended.