I'm the third son of a viscount's family, but I have a claim to the throne. - Episode 11

“Students participating in the class, gather around!”

As I was learning how to use the Beast Attack Simulator from Samrada, a loud and clear voice echoed from the center of the plaza.

Like my father, those who’ve undergone military training seem to have some technique for projecting their voice—it’s incredibly clear. I wonder if there’s some kind of amplification magic or device involved.

Speaking of which, my father, while he occasionally gathers soldiers to handle bandits, magical beasts, and dangerous wild animals in the Carvergh family territory, how much military training did he undergo before marriage? I don’t think royal sons need direct military leadership training, but if the second prince’s son ascends the throne, could he have specialized in warfare, leading the military as the head? Assigning someone with high royal succession rights to a position with access to military power seems dangerous, though.

Yet, this generation also has the second prince, who seems like the type to join the knights and focus on combat. I wonder if the royal family’s approach is to not worry too much about usurpation risks and instead make use of the talents of other princes when the second prince ascends the throne smoothly?

As I thought about these things, I mingled with the students chatting around me until the man clapped his hands.

“I’m Beglas Kaylight, and I’ll be leading this class.”

He continued, “I also serve as the vice-captain of the First Knight’s Brigade, so in case of emergency, others might take over this class. However, if that happens, remember that it’s still under my instruction, so don’t complain and follow orders!”

“This class is designed to instill the fundamentals necessary to improve combat skills, a duty all noble sons must fulfill. If you think this is like a knight’s brigade or a self-defense group, don’t waste time chatting—when given orders, move quickly and without hesitation!”

Kaylight’s sharp gaze scanned the students as he laid down the rules.

I see. They probably brought in someone of this stature to avoid the potential issues caused by some of the high-ranking noble children.

Well, there will be field exercises in forests infested with magical beasts too. If any foolish noble sons refuse to follow orders and end up dying, that could lead to complications, especially since the second and third sons of nobility might use their family titles as shields to disregard the authority of their superiors. So, I suppose they plan to instill discipline here.

I hope Kaylight will successfully crush the arrogance of the second son of the Kesbart Duke family, Zalbarta. Maybe that’ll straighten him out a bit… and at least lower the chances of me suffering from the consequences of his foolish actions during exercises.

At first, I lowered my expectations for this class after seeing some sycophantic behavior at the entrance, but it might not be so bad after all?

“The duty of the nobility in the Kingdom of Belgious is to fight against enemy nations and magical beasts, protecting the kingdom and its people. Our ancestors were elevated to nobility because we possess magical abilities—powers that commoners rarely have access to. This is why we are entrusted with lands and titles.

In times of war, nobility must lead from the front, guiding soldiers into battle and organizing retreats while protecting civilians. To fulfill this duty, we must understand different methods of warfare and know how to act in various situations.

This class is about learning the essential aspects of combat required by noble duties. You will learn how to handle combat situations and basic camp duties as soldiers—without any preferential treatment.”

Kaylight explained.

Well, if you join a knight’s brigade, even as a noble son, you start as a squire. You have to do the grunt work.

As for camping, it’s better to learn the basics now, so you don’t end up starving or lost if you’re ever separated from the main unit.

Teaching this to noble sons must be difficult for the knights, so I guess it’s good that we’re getting this training at the academy first. I’m not sure how effective it will be, but it’s better than nothing.

“Aren’t the grunt tasks something lower nobles or commoners should handle?”

Zalbarta raised his voice.

“The knight’s brigade and the army are meritocracies. If a commoner is more skilled than you, they will outrank you,” Kaylight responded coldly, giving Zalbarta a sharp look. “Also, don’t talk unless you’ve been given permission! For that, you’ll run five laps around the square as punishment.”

Oh wow. The kid who tried to argue with Kaylight got totally intimidated. Well deserved.

It’ll be interesting to see if he shows up for the next lesson.

That said, since this is a required subject, I’ll need to pass the skip exam and get credits for this class to graduate. I wonder what kind of skip exam there is for combat skills?

We don’t have many practical lessons in the first year, so I’m curious. I hope Zalbarta insists on taking the skip exam. I’d love to sneak a peek. It’d be even better if he got caught and tried to make an unfair claim, and then got expelled. That’d be hilarious.

Realistically, I don’t think the Kesbart Duke will be foolish enough to complain about the academy’s methods, especially with his family currently under scrutiny by the king. But if they are that stupid, it could be fun.

As a practical solution, I might end up failing the course this year and try to get someone who’ll favor Zalbarta next year to take over the combat class. Depending on whether that works, we could gauge the power of the Kesbart Duke’s influence.

If I want to help Zalbarta become a better person, they shouldn’t be arranging sycophantic teachers for him. He might need to be expelled from his family to learn his lesson.

“First, we’ll assess everyone’s abilities and divide you into several groups. For the next few lessons, you’ll fight each other while we point out areas for improvement. For today, however, everyone will fight with the instructors,” Kaylight announced.

Oh, I’m in the same group as Sam.

The assistant instructors, who are likely seasoned knights, easily demonstrate their skill by sparring with the students one by one. None of them are defeated immediately, but they’re skillfully allowing their opponents to strike and then countering after understanding their weaknesses.

Unfortunately, I don’t yet have the skill to beat a fully trained adult fighter.

Then again, I’ve focused more on fighting magical beasts rather than humans, and drawing too much attention to my skills would be unwise.

“Hmm. Jelda’s reaction time is remarkable,” Sam murmured, watching the fights. He seems to already know everyone’s name and is paying attention to all of the students, not just those fighting Kaylight.

“Tes has longer arms and legs than expected, giving him an impressive reach,” Sam continued. “Filius has excellent balance,” he added, pointing out more strengths in the students.

Sam is incredible. I can quickly spot weaknesses in others, but recognizing strengths takes more concentration, and I haven’t been inclined to look for them until now.

But if I’m ever put in a position where I have to mentor someone, praising their strengths before pointing out their weaknesses will likely make them more receptive to feedback.

As expected from Sam, the heir of Herbert, the Baron of the Borderlands. If I ever become a soldier for some territory, his family would be a good choice.

For now, though, my vague plan is to pursue a more relaxed career, like running a magic tools shop or becoming an explorer. But if there’s ever a war or a large-scale magical beast outbreak, I’ll do my best to fight alongside Herbert’s family.