Minoru settled into a seat in the schoolyard garden, finding solace in the gentle gurgling of the fountain as he mulled over his mission. He lifted his wrist to check the time.
"Still 30 minutes left," he murmured.
He had arrived a bit early, a gesture of courtesy for the job he was aiming for.
Currently, the school needs a mathematics and physical education teacher.
With his solid educational background, he didn't need to fake his education.
'Heh, luck seems to be on my side,' he mused.
The notion of coincidence struck him, and he considered how his fortunate circumstances had aligned with his mission.
"Well, it's only about a 4 to 8% luck," he reasoned, attempting to quantify his luck, but he quickly dismissed the thought as nonsensical.
'In this interview, they're looking for the right attitude and personality that align with the school's principles,' he reminded himself.
His training with the Ruska Bratva had taught him to adopt personas that matched his targets' desires, enabling him to switch demeanor like a chameleon.
"Um..." His attention snapped, his guard up, as a voice disrupted his thoughts.
The aura around the speaker was faint but still detectable.
Minoru's poker face held firm as he believed no one could evade his senses.
He briefly scanned her – a young woman, graceful, tall, with a curvaceous figure. Black hair framed her face, secured by a white headband, and her deep scarlet eyes met his. She wore a dark suit, white shirt, knee-length skirt, black stockings, and heels, projecting a polite and shy demeanor.
"Can I help you, Miss?"
Minoru's smile was warm, though his mind raced.
'Who the fuck is she?'
He thought internally, feeling extremely suspicious.
"Oh, I just wanted to ask if this seat is taken?"
She gestured to the spot beside him, despite the garden having numerous empty seats.
"No, it's all yours. Please, have a seat," he replied, maintaining his guard while extending hospitality.
"Thank you."
She settled in, placing her bag on her lap.
A quiet settled between them.
Minoru realized he'd become somewhat complacent lately, living with his children.
'Peace has made me forget I'm still fighting a war,' he admitted to himself, correcting his lapse in vigilance.
He then recalled her face – another candidate who'd passed the selection process. She was likely here for the physical education teacher position.
"Um..." She seemed eager to initiate a conversation.
He met her gaze, acknowledging her intent.
"My apologies... I'm Yor Briar. Are you here for the interviews?" She smiled, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Yes, what a coincidence. Nice to meet you, Miss Briar. I'm Yanagi Minoru."
"Oh... that's a relief," she sighed, her hand resting on her chest. "I thought I'd be facing this interview alone."
Minoru appreciated her openness, though he was well aware of his role-playing.
"It can be nerve-wracking, huh? I didn't expect to pass the selection myself. I suppose luck played a part."
Her eyes brightened with a mix of surprise and gratitude.
"Y-Yes, exactly! If I'd known earlier, I would've practiced more," she admitted, sounding scared and nervous.
"I think you'll do great, Miss Briar."
Her head lifted, and her eyes shimmered with emotion.
"T-Thank you, Yanagi-san! You're the first one to believe in me, besides my brother. Hiek! Sniff, sniff!"
Minoru found himself taken aback by her reaction.
'Man, she was moved by just that?'
He offered a smile as his guard was still raised due to her aura.
---
As time ticked away, Minoru found himself summoned into the interview room.
Stepping inside, he was met with a classic-style interior and three individuals seated on the sofa before him. Having thoroughly investigated the high school, he was already familiar with the trio's identities.
To his right sat a tall, striking woman donning a lab coat over her white shirt, accompanied by a waistcoat, black pants, and a loosely tied tie. Her lengthy hair cascaded past her waist, framing her slightly messy bangs and captivating purple eyes.
A mix of shock and admiration crossed her face as she gazed at Minoru, who sat poised with an air of calm assurance.
'Holy crap! He's the new teacher candidate!? This handsome man will become my colleague?'
Her jaw dropped, her mind racing.
'Of course hahaha! I'll help him pass this interview!'
She couldn't help but feel drawn to him, her thoughts oscillating between envisioning him as a boyfriend or even a husband. Despite her internal excitement, Hiratsuka Shizuka fought to maintain her composure, her blushing cheeks betraying her true feelings.
On Minoru's left was a portly like a pig, middle-aged man with a thick mustache. He exuded an air of arrogance, his irritation palpable.
He despised the idea of someone as seemingly flawless as Minoru joining their ranks. This envious figure was none other than Murdoch Swan, whose inner thoughts seethed with resentment.
'I'll crush you!' he seethed under his breath, his gaze burning with animosity.
Sitting in the center was Henry Henderson, the esteemed Principal of Shuchi'in High School.
He observed Minoru with a sense of awe, captivated by the young man's elegance and poise.
'Hoh, hoh, elegant...!' Henry marveled silently.
'To find such refined grace in this era is truly remarkable. There will always be those who choose the path of elegance, regardless of the times we live in.'
A nod of approval followed, his stern expression softened by a sense of respect.
With his long white hair pulled into a ponytail, an imperial-style beard, and a monocle perched on his left eye, Henry was the epitome of dignified.
A clearing of the throat signaled the initiation of the interview. Minoru steeled himself for what was to come.
"First and foremost, congratulations on progressing to this interview, Yanagi-sensei," Henry's voice resonated.
"Thank you for bestowing this honor upon me and providing me with this opportunity," Minoru responded with a genuine smile.
"I have perused the thesis that you penned during your Ph.D. program, Yanagi-sensei. I must say, it was an elegantly written piece. However..." Henry paused, his gaze fixed on Minoru. "Why have you chosen to teach at this school when you could easily have pursued a professorship?"
Minoru's mind raced to construct a suitable response.
"I appreciate your kind words, sir. Frankly, I acknowledge that there's still room for growth in my teaching capabilities as I opted for this school to gain practical experience..." He paused, his expression sincere.
"...please understand that my choice is not a reflection of underestimating high schools or overestimating other institutions. Rather, I hold every level of education in high regard, as each plays a vital role in shaping the future generations."
With grace and eloquence, Minoru articulated his intentions.
His words carried an air of dedication that resonated with his listeners.
Shizuka, Henry, and even Murdoch found themselves captivated, each believing in the genuine commitment that Minoru exuded.
"A truly elegant perspective, Yanagi-sensei," Henry nodded once more, his appreciation evident.
Shizuka found herself increasingly smitten, her heart racing at the charisma Minoru displayed. While Swan remained biasedly skeptical of Minoru's smooth articulation.
"Hmm... I find myself without further inquiries, as I am convinced that Yanagi-sensei is more than qualified for the role of a math teacher within our institution," Henry pronounced, his satisfaction apparent.
While things seemed to be proceeding smoothly, Minoru's ambitions extended beyond merely being a math teacher.
'Things seem to be progressing smoothly, but my goal extends beyond just becoming a math teacher,' Minoru contemplated, his gaze subtly shifting towards Swan.
'I aim to secure his position as the Head of School Affairs, allowing me to naturally connect with the students,' Minoru's thoughts grew assertive.
Murdoch Swan, who had risen to his current role based on seniority and familial connections, was despised for his ineptitude and disdain towards scholarship students. His elitism made him the most hated teacher in the school, a fact exacerbated by the changing times that no longer tolerated such lame discrimination.
'With his position, I'll be in proximity to my target – the vice president of the student council, who needs the Head of School Affairs' permission for various matters,' Minoru's plan took shape.
His decision was firm as Swan's fate was sealed.
"!?"
Swan's demeanor shifted, a chill running down his spine.
A sense of impending doom crept in.
'Why do I suddenly feel uneasy?' His instincts screamed of trouble.
"I share the same sentiment, Principal Henderson. Yanagi-sensei is the ideal candidate for the role," Shizuka said, her arms crossed confidently.
"Hmm, I understand and accept your reasoning, Hiratsuka-sensei," Henderson replied, his tone shifting slightly as he shifted his focus to Swan. It was clear that he didn't appreciate Swan's lack of elegance. "Is there anything you'd like to add, Swan-sensei?"
"Tch, I have nothing further to say," Swan conceded, defeated by Minoru's unblemished image. He refused to let his reputation suffer due to this newcomer.
'Rest assured, I'll keep a close watch on you. Don't think you'll have free reign here,' Swan's determination to undermine Minoru grew stronger, his scheming mind already at work.
'I accept your surrender, Murdoch Swan,' Minoru internally chuckles contrasting his outwardly composed demeanor.
"Well then, as the Principal of this institution, I hope that you will guide our students along an elegant path. Welcome to Shuchi'in Academy, Yanagi-sensei," Henderson rose from his seat, extending his hand for a handshake.
"The honor is mine, sir. I look forward to contributing to the school community,"
Minoru responded with genuine gratitude, accepting Henry's handshake with a firm grip.
---
Minoru emerged from the interview room with the same expression he had worn when he had entered.
"Yor Briar-sama, the principal will call you in five minutes," the secretary informed, causing Yor's nerves to flutter.
"Y-Yes, thank you!" Yor replied, feeling a rush of anxiety.
As he exhaled, Minoru couldn't help but wonder if this woman appeared harmless, or maybe not.
"Ah! Yanagi-san, did everything go well?" The concern on her face was evident as she clenched her fists against her chest.
'Her personality is quite pleasant; I suppose she'll do just fine,' Minoru thought, knowing already that Yor was an Olympic athlete.
'Her father was Scandinavian, hence her somewhat unusual name. From the information I've read, she has earned numerous gold medals in international championships. The school will undoubtedly welcome her with open arms.'
Minoru reflected, a smile forming as he regarded her.
"Thankfully, it went well."
"Ah, that's a relief. Congratulations!"
"Thank you." Minoru's expression then shifted to an apologetic one. "Unfortunately, I must take my leave now, Miss Briar. I hope your interview goes just as smoothly."
"No worries, Yanagi-san, and thank you. I hope we have the opportunity to meet again as colleagues."
"I'm looking forward to it."
Exiting the school building, Minoru made his way to his car.
The day wasn't over yet, as he needed to pick up Aqua and Ruby from kindergarten.
'Alright, kids, wait for me!'
Minoru's smile remained intact, his mission appearing to be on track.
There was still some 'cleaning' up to do, but for now, things were smooth for him.