Chapter 11 (1/2)

Private Tutor and Atonement

While watching Soma who earnestly listened to her talk, Camilla suddenly leaked a bitter smile.

It was because he thought of such things as a big deal.

She wasn't sure why Soma himself understood, but talking with Soma now was not like talking to a normal six years old child.

Especially the talk about Demon, it was a subject which originally for middle education, but now it was a subject in higher education.

Higher education — in other words, it was for scholars or researchers. Those who want to take important positions in the country would go for inst.i.tution of higher education.

Although the subject was being discussed, most people didn't know about the details.

Rather than being confidential, it was to avoid confusion. In the first place, the subject of Demon was also information that was not well understood, and it was taught later, but… this six year old boy was naturally discussing it while making a face that understood the subject.

As expected–

”…Well, I guess that is something like that, huh?” (Soma)

”Hmmm? What do you mean?” (Camilla)

”Nah, you don't have to mind it. Anyway, according to you, the Demon is not evil. However, their fighting power is certain. In order to fight against any Demon, it is said that at least intermediate rank skill is required.” (Soma)

While continuing the explanation, the reason made Camilla to re-think was when she took him over from people had been tutors to Soma.

…No strictly speaking, that wasn't correct, right?

The reason was there were almost nothing handed over to Camilla by those people.

Especially how far was the progress of Soma's study… and as for the rate of progression, she wasn't told about it at all.

Arithmetic, general studies, foreign histories, and others.

Although Soma had different tutors with different studies, it was all the same from all of them.

Well, in Sofia's view — if Soma knew early about the fact that he was coming from a Duke household, he would grow arrogant, or possibly became shrinking. Although she purposely tried to exclude the information, it was more or less her complete defeat.

It would not be impossible to teach him anything.

Those people were officially hired by the Duke…

She heard that they were currently engaged in the education of Soma's younger sister, Rina. So, it was hard to think that they abandoned their job.

Because of that, Camilla initially thought that Soma was disliked.

There were some who mind about Soma's way of speaking and manners, and those tutors of the Duke house were highly prideful even in simple situations.

For that reason, she thought that there might be some kind of conflict happened there.

However, it also seemed funny when it came from all of them. So what she thought next was even though they had pride, there must be other things.

It was too late to mind about it given the circ.u.mstances, but from a tutor's view, it was good to say that Soma was already in the middle of the progress.

She thought whether Soma hurt their feelings, but when she thought again, if that was true, they would leave this place at the first place.

When considering they moved to Lina instead, she also had the feeling that Soma didn't do it.

She tried to think further, but… she hit the wall.

There was such a thing like other possibilities that didn't come up, but she didn't reach that point.

The reference books and others until higher education were reserved because she was pestered, but anyhow, she didn't know how far Soma had studied.

How Camilla should conduct the cla.s.s?

Just thinking about it, she wanted to do her best.

Well, that made her think too much and she needed to change the mood. She came across Soma in the backyard, but… it surely could be said that there was meaning for that occasion.

It was because she could came up with a simplest solution immediately after challenging Soma for a match.

She was able to change the mood… or perhaps it should be said that she probably didn't think that far, and since it was a simple thing to do…

Yes, it was.

She wanted to directly ask Soma how far the lesson progressed.

Really… it was a story that didn't say about the reason.

Although there were many kinds of excuses, she was just making an excuse and there was nothing else.

Anyhow, even when she thought so… her understanding on various matters was because of that moment.

Nothing was said about the preparation for higher education.

To be honest, it was prepared as planned to do it from there.

And they just handed everything over.

Yes, it was because Soma already finished with everything of middle education.

Besides, whether she was surprised or not, it went without saying that she dared to proclaim the fact, but at the same time, she noticed their intentions.

In short, that was the reason those tutors didn't tell about his rate of progression.

Perhaps, it was of such a thing.

The message she received from all tutors was 'Don't misjudge his talent'.

Even without hitting around the bush, she thought that it would be quicker if they directly told by mouth, but… oh well, that was what it meant in this country.

Next, it was also related to Camilla who was a skill appraiser.

Anyhow…

”Hmm, basically, the Demon have high rank skills, correct?” (Soma)

”Yeah. At least that is how this country measure the strength of the Demon.” (Camilla)

”…Skill rank… No, in the first place, isn't it easier to understand what kind of skill the other side has?” (Soma)

”Well, that is correct. We as skill appraisers are certainly able to determine their skills, but it is necessary to touch the other's body.” (Camilla)

”Then, why are they making such a conclusion?” (Soma)

”It is simple. It is because how they are remembered to be strong. Actually, there is none who had appraised someone from the Demon race.” (Camilla)

”Hmm…” (Soma)

Camilla could imagined why Soma groaned, and her guess probably was not wrong.

Soma probably thought like this.

That too–

”…I had this feeling before, but isn't this country emphasizing skill a bit too much? The skill is certainly easy to understand, but maybe, the information about it is restricted in this country.” (Soma)

”Yes, you are right. There is no doubt that other countries are using it as an indicator, but this country is probably the only one that emphasize it until this degree.” (Camilla)

”Hmmm… is there any reason for it?” (Soma)