第１６６５堀：体を動かすのも楽しいことが大事 (Part1)
Chapter 1665: Moving Your Body Should Be Fun, Too
Side: Jessica
It is the second day of classes.
For some reason, I am out in the field in Tori’s stead.
A minor complication arose, necessitating my presence.
For us—or rather, for Stasia and me—this is our second time instructing this particular class. Stasia has begun to grasp the students' aptitude, and I had hoped today’s lesson would be more fruitful than the last, but...
"..."
The students are acting quite strange.
I cast a glance toward Firia and Hiiro, who are among them as fellow students, to ask what happened.
"Ah, everyone still has yesterday’s meal sitting in their stomachs, you see."
"We ate so much~"
"Indeed. A gluttonous collapse. In short, indigestion."
"Ah..."
The presence of the Emperor of Eupia, who is here for some reason, aside, I understand the situation now.
Come to think of it, after the first day of classes, we held a banquet as part of their introduction to Weed culture.
At first, they were timid, but once we, Show-dono, and the body doubles began to eat, the rest was... well, it was a disaster.
And it wasn’t the older students, but the younger ones like Firia and Hiiro who overindulged.
It is the result of having no self-control and stuffing themselves with delicious food.
Hmm, it’s hard to complain about that.
As I was thinking this, Stasia spoke up beside me.
"So that’s what it is."
"Something the matter, Stasia?"
"I’ve realized why we were assigned to this class from the morning."
"Hm? Now that you mention it, it was our class first. Is that what this is about?"
We are in charge of martial arts and weapon techniques—in other words, moving the body.
This is meant to help them digest their meal.
Well, I don’t intend to be too harsh, but first...
"Ahem. I understand that you are all struggling because you ate too much at yesterday’s banquet. However, you are students. You have passed rigorous examinations to be here. To waste such an important lesson would be disrespectful to your country and to those who sent you here with high expectations. I know it will be difficult, but lift your heads. We are heading to the outdoor plaza."
As I said this, Firia, Hiiro, and the Emperor of Eupia immediately stood up and began calling out to the students who were lying about.
"Let's do our best~"
"Let's move and make some room in our stomachs."
"Indeed. After all, there will be Weed cuisine again tonight."
The moment they heard those words, the students snapped their heads up and stared at us.
They are likely trying to confirm if what the Emperor said is true.
"It is true, for now. However, if it interferes with your studies, I will have to suggest that some classes be denied the meal..."
"We’re heading to the plaza right now!"
Before Stasia could even finish, the students scrambled to their feet and rushed out of the classroom.
Seeing this, we couldn't help but offer a wry smile.
"Well, they are children, after all. Honest, aren't they?"
"Yes, far better than being twisted. Still, I feel this kind of lesson might be a bit too early for children of that age."
"That was Yuki-dono’s suggestion, too. It’s the same in Weed, isn't it?"
"Well, we select them carefully. Ah, it was the same here, wasn't it?"
"Indeed. Since they have passed the exams, we must ensure they maintain their standards."
"Exactly as Stasia-dono says. If they were just ordinary children, they wouldn't have been able to enter this school. Of course, I have no intention of robbing them of their childhood, so do not worry."
I suppose I’ve grown a bit soft since giving birth to Ainon.
Seeing those children, I felt a pang of pity for them.
Even though they came to this school by proving their own strength.
To pity them is, in a sense, an insult to their efforts.
"My maternal instincts are showing too much. I must be careful."
I whispered this to myself as a reminder, and though she didn't look at me, Stasia replied.
"There is nothing wrong with that. No real harm has been done, and it is only natural for someone with normal sensibilities to worry about children working too hard."
"Indeed. That sentiment is correct. Well, perhaps just a little bit strict, that is all."
"I see."
While we were talking, the students had already left, so we followed after them.
"However, Jessica-dono, Stasia-dono, what do you intend to do for martial arts in a class of such young children? In the regular classes, you usually just beat them black and blue, and last time, you had them cast magic only to deflect it, correct?"
"Ah, about that—in Weed, we have martial arts, or rather, sports, that are meant to be enjoyed."
"Sports?"
"I believe the concept exists here as well. Simply put, it is physical exercise performed according to rules to compete with others. Of course, this includes things like martial arts tournaments and sword fighting. The simplest form would be a footrace, I suppose."
"I see. Indeed, we have martial arts and sword fighting tournaments, and children often race. I did so myself."
It seems the Emperor of Eupia raced as a child, so he accepted the explanation without issue.
I continued my explanation as we walked.
"Some of these sports involve cooperating with others, forming teams, and competing against other teams. Stasia, do you have it?"
"Yes. This one."
Following my lead, Stasia took out a slightly soft ball and squeezed it lightly in front of him.
"They are children, so this should be appropriate."
"I see. When they get a bit older, we use harder ones, which leads to more serious efforts and injuries."
"Injuries? From a ball?"
"Well, since they are running around, they might trip, or if they fail to catch the ball, the spot where it hits might swell up a bit."
"Ah, just that much, then."
"For now, would the Emperor of Eupia like to try it as well?"
"Indeed. I am here as a student, after all."
While explaining this, we arrived at the school plaza.
It is not as large as the grounds of the school in Weed, but it is big enough for one class to exercise in.
Certainly, it is wide enough for a game of dodgeball.
"Stasia, please mark the boundaries with the rope. I will finish the explanation in the meantime."
"Understood."
"Ah, I’ll help!"
"Me too~"
Saying this, Firia and Hiiro joined Stasia.
They seem to have things under control.
Now, I began my explanation once more.
"Attention, everyone. I understand that you are all feeling heavy and uncomfortable, so we need to help you digest your food for the sake of tonight’s meal. However, simply running laps isn't very fun, so I am going to have you play a little game."
"A game?"