30 Years after Reincarnation, it turns out to be a Romance Fantasy Novel

Ihan’s home visits turned out to be an unexpected success.
“…At this rate, it’s basically unanimous consent, isn’t it?”
Amazingly, nearly 90% of the cadets had turned in signed forms approving the visits.

The few who didn’t—like Blackdog and Taechang—had complicated family situations, meaning that for all intents and purposes, the entire cadet corps had agreed.
Considering that home visits weren’t exactly a common practice in this world, Ihan found it surprising. Just to be sure, he asked the cadets directly.
“You remember I said this was voluntary, right? This isn’t mandatory.”

He was worried there had been some kind of misunderstanding, but his concerns were completely unfounded.
“No, my parents were actually really happy about it. They said they were curious about my grades.”
“The moment they heard they could meet you, they signed immediately. More than just my grades, I think they’re also curious about how my swordsmanship has improved so drastically.”

“S-Same for us.”
“…My parents said they absolutely want to hear your opinion on my future.”
…Did this world also have an obsession with academic achievement?

Ihan was beginning to feel the weight of parental ambition firsthand, and it left him with a sour expression.
Apparently, no matter the era or world, parents worrying too much about their children’s futures was a universal constant.
“…This is too much. Visiting 73 households is going to be hell.”

“Then why not do it like last time and have the parents come to us?”
“That wouldn’t be a home visit anymore—it’d just be a parent-teacher conference.”
“So, are you really going to visit all of them?”

“…I’ll pass out a new form.”
It was the only option left to him.
Originally, he hadn’t expected even half of them to agree, let alone this many.
So, he decided to let the cadets decide how they wanted to proceed, but even then…

“There might still be families who can’t make it. If anyone’s in that situation, let me know. I’ll definitely visit those homes.”
“Oh, then my family—”
“Ah, mine too.”

“There’s also ours.”
“…Alright. This much is still manageable.”
Yeah. Compared to 73 households, 20 wasn’t that bad.

—Except it was.
By the time he had finished visiting ten houses, Ihan was already groaning.
***

For the first time, Ihan realized just how exhausting being an educator could be.
‘Those guys had it rough, huh?’
Honestly, he’d never had a great impression of teachers.

During his school days in his past life, there had been a few good ones—but the majority had been absolute trash.
Especially the bastard he had beaten to a pulp at the Grand Cathedral the other day.
To Ihan, teachers had always been little more than corrupt scumbags who took bribes and vented their frustrations on kids.

…Although, from what he had seen as an adult, it seemed like teachers were now suffering to make up for the sins of their predecessors.
‘But the ones actually paying for it are the new generation, not the bastards from the past…’
Was it because he had become an educator himself?

Ihan felt a pang of sympathy for those in his profession who had to shoulder the burden of their predecessors’ mistakes.
“…Instructor, what are you doing?”
“…Being an idiot.”

“Huh?”
“…Just lost in thought because I’m exhausted.”
“You do look really tired.”

Levi, who had taken it upon herself to act as Ihan’s secretary for the day, looked at him with concern.
She had never seen him this drained before.
But then again—

“I-I think it’s completely understandable.”
After spending the entire day assisting him, Levi recalled the types of families they had visited.
Nobles, commoners, merchants, and even the lower class.

Seeing the parents of the cadets had been an experience.
Thanks to you, Sir Turtle, I can finally walk around with my head held high! My child’s grades have improved, but even more than that—their swordsmanship has skyrocketed! The teachings of the renowned White Silver Lion are truly exceptional. So, if I may ask… could you provide some personal lessons for my youngest? I’ll spare no expense! Our family might not have a long history, but our wealth is equal to any noble house. Surely, that would be a fair exchange, no?
Parents who weren’t looking for a consultation, but outright bribing him for private lessons.
U-Um, do you think my child can become a knight? P-Please, instructor! T-They can, right?! Right?! If you say they can become a knight, I’ll do anything! Please, make them a knight!
Parents who weren’t sure whether they were trying to help their child—or use them as a ticket to a better life.

Wait… they’re in the Academy? When did that happen?
Parents who didn’t even know where their child was enrolled.
It had been a parade of all kinds of people, and Levi had spent the whole time fretting in the background.
She was terrified that Ihan might lose his temper at some point. If he got angry, his sheer presence could send someone straight to the grave.

But to her surprise, he had handled everything with surprising grace.
She had honestly expected him to snap, but instead, he had been nothing but courteous.
When she finally worked up the courage to ask him why, he had simply shrugged.

Well, I mean, that’s just how people are. Desperation isn’t a bad thing. Some were pushy, and some were too hands-off, but none of them were outright ruining their kids’ lives. It’s not really my place to step in…
…As long as they aren’t hurting the children.
Ah…

That was when Levi felt a surge of gratitude.
Because she understood exactly what he meant when he talked about "hurting children."
“…Master, I think you’re a truly amazing teacher.”

“Me? I think I’m pretty normal.”
“I don’t think so at all. Hehe.”
“…?”

Ihan tilted his head at her sudden happiness.
What the hell was she so happy about?
Here he was, completely exhausted, and she was just smiling like that…

‘…Well, it’s a nice sight.’
Pat.
He lightly ruffled her hair.

It looked like it would be cold, with its icy blue color, but in reality, it was just cool—soft, smooth, and pleasantly warm.
“Hehe…”
Levi beamed like she had just received the greatest reward in the world.

And as Ihan watched her, he felt a small bit of healing from her joy.
As they enjoyed their peaceful little moment—
“…Um, when are you planning to visit?”

—Arno, who had been standing awkwardly nearby, finally mustered the courage to speak up.
In the absolute worst timing possible.
***

The House of Offen, a family of swordsmen.
Compared to most noble families, which boasted histories spanning over five hundred years, Offen’s lineage was relatively short—barely two hundred years old.
Yet, there was not a single soul who dared dismiss the name Offen.

And for good reason.
The Offen family was renowned for producing exceptional swordsmen.
Among them were knights of great repute, mercenaries who had made names for themselves in war, and even swordsmen who had carried the name Pendragon to foreign lands.

Despite its relatively short history, the House of Offen commanded undeniable authority and influence within noble society.
Especially in Pendragon, the Kingdom of Knights, where its influence was even greater.
And the closer one got to the Offen estate, the more palpable that influence became.

“…Is it just me, or is this entire place filled with sword dojos?”
Where there should have been shops, taverns, and inns, there were instead countless swordsmanship academies. Was he imagining things?
“You’re not mistaken, Instructor. Most of this district is settled by disciples of the Offen family, which is why there are so many training halls.”

“No wonder I haven’t seen a single mediocre fighter around here.”
“It’s because those without sufficient skill simply cannot survive in this place….”
Just as a famous bakery could revitalize an entire district, turning it into a hub for bread enthusiasts, Offen’s territory had become a mecca for swordsmen.

The result? A community overflowing with warriors.
Children carried wooden swords instead of books.
Even the rare innkeepers and restaurant owners had thick calluses on their hands.

Not from kneading dough or handling kitchen utensils—
but from wielding swords.
“This is a fascinating place.”
“[Offen does not hoard its teachings]. That is our family’s creed.”

“But surely, you don’t just teach anyone who walks through the door.”
“That is correct. There are several conditions that must be met.”
The first—Character.
The second—Effort and character.
The third—Passion and character.

“—And the fourth: Responsibility… and ‘character’.”
“…All of those sound suspiciously similar.”
“That only proves how much we value a person’s character. In the past, talent was considered the most important trait. However, those with great talent often proved to be ambitious—many of them ended up betraying their masters. From then on, we began to prioritize character above all else. Especially…”

“Hm?”
“…Especially after he proved that genius alone does not make one the greatest.”
Arno spoke with pride as he turned his gaze toward a statue, his expression filled with admiration.

“……”
As they neared the Offen estate, a massive monument came into view.
It was a towering statue of an aged knight raising his sword high.

Ihan’s eyes were naturally drawn to it as well.
And then—
“…That’s insane.”

A spark lit up in his gaze.
“Master?”
“Bear-girl, take a good look at that statue. That might just be the kind of role model you need to aim for.”

“…Huh?”
“That statue was carved with a sword. And not just any sword—a rapier.”
“!!?!”

Levi’s eyes flew wide open as she whipped her head back toward the statue.
As much as she trusted her master’s words… this was too ridiculous to believe.
Because—

‘…That thing is made of bronze.’
And yet, it was sculpted with a rapier?
A rapier—one of the most delicate, slender blades in existence?

And the statue was flawless.
It was impossible.
“Haa…”

Master, you set the bar way too high…
Levi looked like she was on the verge of tears.