"Student Doma..." Perhaps because it was her first time being a teacher, Mafuyu Kirisu put on no airs at all. "You said that when three people walk together, one of them must be able to teach me something. Then can you help clear up some of my confusion?"
"Ah~ Does this count as a request?"
"Let's call it a request..."
...Just as I thought, Sogo Doma grumbled inwardly. He knew the Service Club was a massive pit—once you jumped in, all you could do was keep falling deeper. "I can't guarantee I'll give you an answer that satisfies you, Sensei..."
"You don't need to be so serious. Just think of it as a teacher chatting with you..." Mafuyu Kirisu said. "Although it is wrong to use talent to determine a person's achievements, I don't want to see students wasting their time and talent on a path with no visible future..."
"Wait..." Since it was a request, Sogo Doma became a little more serious. After all, he had to set an example for Imouto. "If I'm not mistaken, Kirisu-sensei feels conflicted because of her own experiences, right?"
"..."
"Let me ask that same question again. Did you find it interesting when you were immersed in it back then?"
"..."
"Even if you didn't find it interesting, that's fine, Kirisu-sensei. Do you remember what I said? Every piece of knowledge you acquire has its use. You say that period was nothing but a waste of time, energy, and talent, but I don't see it that way. At the very least, you gained self-discipline, perseverance, and skills..."
"...Maybe it's because I'm still young, but that sounds like empty platitudes..."
"It is a platitude, but it's also the truth..." Sogo Doma rolled his eyes. "After all, success in any field requires self-discipline and perseverance,