Kapitel 30: Chapter 30

Sir Kingsley started to change the seating arrangement, the order which all of them obeyed but it's obvious that he has his order of his own so in that particular classroom where attended his favorite student, he decided to change their seating arrangement because he hated the original arrangement. All of them awkwardly followed his instructions until he was finally satisfied with the arrangement.

Layla was seated in the front though it's still in the middle. Beside her are Kim and Elliot, one of her classmates who keep to themselves and is often very timid and quiet. He excels in mathematics and Science.

Although she's comfortable with all of her classmates and doesn't mind being seated next to all of them, she doesn't like the new arrangement made by Sir Kingsley. Her mind suddenly polluted with different thoughts and she is not letting the hate win inside her mind instead she promised to herself that she'll try to be nice to him just for today so his problems wouldn't be too much of a burden and he can have peace while he's going through with what happened.

Despite her uncomfortable state which all of them are in, she decided to think about her classmates. She just couldn't help herself so she stood up while Sir Kingsley silently skims through one of his books. She took that opportunity to ask them since Sir Kingsley didn't care enough to ask if they're fine with the arrangement. But she waited for his approval first because he is the one in charge there and she doesn't want to be rude today.

Sir Kingsley looked at her and nodded, knowing she has something to say and then he goes back to reading while writing on the board.

She asked them yet none of them spoke the truth because they do not want to cause trouble and if they speak their minds, Layla might get in trouble for the sake of them.

She waited for a few more seconds until no one really dared to speak the truth so she sat down again with a heavy sigh.

Sir Kingsley's sharp mind already knew what was going to happen and he despises the idea of them not being responsible for their actions because it seems as if the definition of being a leader in this school is being responsible for every single mistake that your fellow classmates do even if it's way beyond of your control and for things that don't make sense.

His first intended plan was to make use of his time today to challenge Layla but due to the circumstances that he's in, he decided that it would best if he just doesn't put all the spotlight on Layla.

While he writes, he decided to speak to clarify some things in his class. "In my class, there are no unwanted rules except for 4 rules: Treat each other with respect, be responsible for your own mistakes, do not be afraid to mess with me because in that way you'll learn more, and participate in my class if you want to pass."

He wrote the last letter and faced the whole class with a stern look. "I suppose you've noticed that I didn't include the typical rules in a class, and that's because I do not find any reason for me to say those because I expect from all of you that you are scared of me so you'll be proper naturally. I don't see any sense in the rules here especially with leaders. As I've said, you're all responsible for your own mistakes so if for example, one of you got caught cheating or fighting in my class, none of the class officers will be responsible for your absurdity and foolishness, and to pay for what you've done I'll be asking you 3 questions about the topics that we've not yet discussed and possibly, I'll also ask the most random things that you're most likely to learn a lot more about life. Is that clear?"

All of them nodded but in, comes the anxiety and the overthinking about what could possibly happen during his class.

Everybody was, in a sense, worried and has every right to because everything is new from what they've learned and from what they're familiar with—more comfortable with. But then again, everything about their new professor is unpredictable and undeniably different from every teacher they've come across with.

One student raised his hand, shaking uncontrollably but was trying his best to keep it stable but that action made his fear more evident. Sir Kingsley looked intentively at him before motioning him to speak, his full attention on him as well as the rest of the class.

"I-um...s-so because of the fact that y-you um... s-seem to have your own philosophy in life, I honestly kinda a-admire that but uh, what are we supposed to do considering the fact that we aren't used to these new strategies and r-rules? T-the school might not allow...y-you know..." He stammered despite maintaining his physical shakiness.

Layla who's beside him didn't know what to do besides watching the scene in front of her. She feels sorry and guilty for not having to ask that question first so she could save them from embarrassment but how long could she do that anyway? Based on his conditions, no one can do anything. And she is quite tired from having to stand up to Sir Kingsley to protect herself and her classmates so partly, even though she doesn't want to admit it, she is thankful for his set of rules.

"The school can't control what I do inside my class because they know that it's actually them who have created a whole new meaning to some words and rules that ensure that it's them who have their own philosophy. Nevertheless, thank you for the admiration, Elliot." Then he faces the whole class once again like nothing happened. "Does anyone has anymore questions that you wish for me to clarify?"

Everyone respectfully answers no while Elliot is just awestruck because Sir Kingsley knows his name. It isn't new to him that every teacher knows his name but because he just now met him and because he really admires Sir Kingsley, he couldn't believe it. He isn't as great at history as memorizing formulas and doing mental math so he thought that he'll be just another student to Sir Kingsley who isn't anything special, he thought that the only student he'll actually care to remember the name is Layla's. Because even if Layla prefers solitary too, she stands out because as everyone knows, she is the first-ever student that Sir Kingsley acknowledged and appreciated despite their infamous verbal fights and informal debates.

"Then we should start now." He puts his glasses up on his nose and began reading through a thick book of history. After a few seconds, he left the book on the table and gestured at the board. He roams around the room slowly and critically analyzing each and every one of their reactions as he passes by them while his face remained unreadable yet serious, his hands deep into his pants pockets.

"Scrutinize the board and please tell me what do you think that means?"

ikokitsalis in astekatlahtokayotl— were the words that are written on the board which made all of the students obviously confused, not knowing what is the meaning of the word nor if Sir Kingsley is merely trying to mess with their minds.

Some of them glanced at him but due to their fear, their eyes settled on the board again, trying to figure out what it means. Sir Kingsley passes by them, looking at his students confused and focused demeanor.

Since no one answers for more than a few seconds, he decided to call one of them on his own. Alex was startled when he was unexpectedly called by the unreadable man who stood proudly next to him, stopping and looking at him seriously.

All of them were quite shocked since they realized how Sir Kingsley will be educating them and because he instantly memorized their names. Their eyes laid upon both of them but then they looked at Sir Kingsley instead since they felt as if they'll make Alex more uncomfortable than he already is.

"I want you to tell me what do you think the words on the board mean, Alex." He ordered and Alex immediately stood up while nervously scratching his nape, trying to understand the words under the immense amount of pressure.

"I...do not know, sir. I am very sorry." Alex answered truthfully and Sir Kingsley nodded while the younger one looked up to him since he's taller.

"I know that. I just want you to tell me about your thoughts and that could be anything: ideas, language." Sir Kingsley explained further. Alex looked at the board again while his Adam's apple bobbed multiple times.

"The words could be an ancient language or I think that it's related to a history that made a huge impact." Alex answered as straightforward as he can be.

"That's very good, Alex. But I know that your original thoughts consist of bewilderment and disbelief. As I've said, I'm fine with honesty, even if your thoughts are filled with hatred of me because in that way, we'll learn more about each other and we'll learn how to be open. There will come a time in your life when you have to argue with someone to get what you want and you need to stand up for yourself." He patted Alex on his shoulder once and proceeded with the recitation.

How truly odd Sir Kingsley is but it's a great kind of odd.

Layla watched as none of them got the answer right and slowly they're starting to say what's in their thoughts.