Chapter: 288
At the end of February, it was time to gradually return to the Academy and prepare for the opening ceremony as well as the enrollment day. At first, I thought about moving with Duke Marcilio, but it was the first time in a long while that the Mage Duchess would be away for an extended period, so they said there was a lot to prepare. Apparently, she’d only teleport in on the day of the ceremony, so I decided to set off first.
“Can’t you take me along? I don’t want to be apart from my siblings!”
Just before heading to the Academy, Senior Manager Louise was clinging to the Second Manager, whining. Here she was, putting on a show in front of her little brother instead of looking dignified.
“I want to be with you, too!”
The Second Manager might have been a bit irritating, but Louise hugged her tightly with those moist eyes. It probably reminded her of her deceased sister when she saw the Second Manager behaving like a little sibling. It’s heartwarming to see them play and bond, but alas, it’s a reality that can’t be fulfilled. Louise must be glad that her wish, even if it’s indirectly, is being fulfilled this way.
Of course, bringing the Second Manager along was impossible, regardless of her joy or sadness. Knowing that, Louise could only say she wanted to be together; she couldn’t bring herself to ask to come along.
“Alright, let go now. Quit bothering the kid.”
I roughly patted the Second Manager’s head to pull her off. I had sweet-talked her into staying behind, and now she was being a pest.
“Why are you like this when Perosa is just sitting calmly?”
“But Perosa got a gift!”
At that remark, the Fourth Manager’s body tensed up right next to us. It was amusing how she was clinging to her sword the whole time—as if she was about to defend herself!
“It’s discrimination! You didn’t give me anything!”
The Second Manager was practically ready to throw herself on the floor, screaming, while the Fourth Manager glanced around awkwardly, worried that the Second Manager was genuinely hurt over the gift she received earlier.
Of course, that was unnecessary worry. If she was genuinely hurt or upset, her reaction would be more than just whining. I was sure she’d raid my storage space and help herself to a self-gift.
“Well, it can’t be helped.”
Besides, I stand my ground. If it was genuine discrimination, I’d have no excuse, but that was a necessary gift that couldn’t be avoided.
For the sake of the Second Manager and the Fourth Manager feeling left out, I had reasonably divided my time. When I dined with the Second Manager, I ensured to meet with the Fourth Manager, too, and if I gave something to the Fourth Manager, I got something for the Second Manager as well.
Some religion from my previous life taught that if you have multiple wives, you should treat them equally, so fair love should matter, right? I’m confident that I treated them equally, even putting my resignation on the line.
“I must give something to the one who’ll suffer during assignment.”
Unlike the Second Manager, who would be stationed, the Fourth Manager was clearly going back North, so I made sure to give her something to take care of herself. It’s not discrimination; it’s just the way things are!
I hadn’t even given her anything particularly valuable; I just handed over a decent weapon that had been gathering dust in my personal storage.
“Grr…”
The Second Manager had no further arguments against that valid reasoning and sulked quietly instead. Honestly, I think she was more upset about wanting to talk more before we part ways than actually being sad. Afraid of being forgotten during our time apart, perhaps?
“No way! I don’t want to be forgotten! There was a kid like that near the end, and I don’t want to be considered ‘that!’”
A heart-wrenching shout I’d heard recently came back to me. To be honest, the Second Manager isn’t someone who would be easy to forget even if she tried.
“I’ll contact you every day when you’re not on assignment. The North gets pretty cold even in spring, so be careful.”
“Yes, Executive Manager. I will remember.”
Anyway, having left the silent Second Manager behind, I patted the Fourth Manager on the shoulder. Feeding her wouldn’t be a problem with my wealth, so all I could hope for was that she stayed safe and healthy.
If the Fourth Manager were still in the Information Department, I wouldn’t even have to worry! But she ended up sold to the Special Service Agency, hopping around.
“Your body comes first; if it seems dangerous, just run. Dying on a mission isn’t worth it—living and achieving more is much more beneficial, you know?”
I planted a hug on the Fourth Manager, feeling a bittersweet pang and guilt. Should I have firmly opposed her going to the Special Service Agency back then?
“Y-Yes, of course. Executive Manager, I will come back without even a scratch!”
The Fourth Manager stammered, trying to assert her will while vibrating from my hug.
But wait, doesn’t that sound weird? “The body you gave me?” If anyone overheard that, they’d probably think I’m her parent or something!
“Right. Take care of your body, and if you face trying times, don’t hold back.”
Holding it in can lead to sickness; this is something I learned from experience, so I hope she keeps it in mind.
“Executive Manager, why don’t you say that to me…?”
“You manage just fine on your own.”
Finally, after giving heartfelt hugs to both the Second and Fourth Managers, I could finally get into the carriage.
“Isn’t it too much to make me wait until summer break?”
“Yes. I’ll try to show my face a few times before break.”
As I climbed into the carriage, Marghetta smiled gently at me. It seemed she was also worried about the duo of Managers who couldn’t go to the Academy.
If it’s a quick teleport, making a round trip to the Academy shouldn’t be a problem, so I should ask Duke Marcilio for a little favor.
The carriage ride was peaceful, free of incidents. That peace was merely a preparation period for what was to come.
“It’s been a while, Principal. Have you been well?”
“This old man just needs to be in good health; that’s the most important thing.”
As soon as I arrived at the Academy, I headed straight to the Principal’s Office in the Main Building. The Principal was undoubtedly one of those who’d shed tears over this enrollment frenzy, so some discussion was necessary.
In truth, the incident had already erupted, and with royals and the Duke unable to be sent away, it was more of a lamentation than a discussion.
“Lately, I’ve been unable to stop smiling. Students are gathering from all corners of the continent seeking knowledge. As a Principal, how could I not be pleased?”
Proving his words, the Principal chuckled with a hint of hollow laughter. That mix of enlightenment and complexity in his laughter buzzed in my ears, stirring feelings of sympathy and guilt.
“And in this twilight of my life, I’m getting rare teachings. Truly, it’s joyful.”
Rare teachings? It was painfully obvious he was referring to Duke Marcilio.
This is ridiculous. Is it because I heard that the Principal of Ernesto Academy also submitted an application? I can’t tell if he’s making a joke stemming from enlightenment or if it’s genuine insanity derived from being a magician. Logically, it should be the former, but magicians and logic rarely go hand-in-hand.
Isn’t it likely that during Duke Marcilio’s lessons, the Principal will be seated in the back, observing? Honestly, considering his status, it might as well be a one-on-one training session.
“I hope the energetic new students won’t annoy you, Principal.”
After a few gears turned in my head, I finally spit out a suitable reply.
Whether the Principal welcomed Duke Marcilio or not, it’s undeniable that things were about to get lively during his twilight years. Thus, merely expressing a bit of regret would suffice.
…Right?
“Ha ha, it’s only natural for youths to be spirited at that age. I’m already quite used to it.”
Hearing that, the faces of the club members instinctively flashed in my mind. Does that mean I’ve already had a spicy preventive shot, and I’m good to go?
In the midst of these thoughts, while the Principal claimed to be accustomed, he didn’t dare say it was all fine. That line was probably the Principal’s last shred of conscience and reason.
“Some may find life in the Empire unfamiliar, but fortunately, there will be those to look after them, so I feel reassured.”
“Yes, I feel the same.”
Quickly nodding along with the Principal’s smiling words, I agreed.
On the surface, it seemed like concern for the new-tier students coming from abroad, but in reality, it was a discreet suggestion to leave the foreign students to Lord Villar. Having an Imperial Inspector manage royals and the future Messiah closely was only logical, and given that an Imperial Principal was overseeing the Academy, it was whispered that Lord Villar was expected to handle this just fine. From my perspective, it was a proposal I couldn’t reject.
Yeah, the more I think about it, foreign students should be left under Lord Villar’s authority. If an Imperial citizen manages them, it might feel a bit cliquish, but having another foreigner overseeing them should lower the emotional walls.
“Magicians are my responsibility.”
Of course, offloading the foreign students to Lord Villar doesn’t mean I can just sit back and relax. If Lord Villar was assigned to the foreign students simply because he was from outside the Empire, then I would be responsible for the magicians as the Duke’s fiancé. If there are two burdens, then we should split them…
With that, our duties were mapped out in each other’s absence—
“Speaking of which, Executive Manager, the Imperial Household said something peculiar.”
“The Imperial Household?”
That wasn’t an expected comment, so I pulled my hand back from my teacup. If it were the Foreign Ministry or Educational Department speaking, I might think it was related to the ongoing incident, but the Imperial Household? They shouldn’t be involved with this.
Simply having an influx of foreign students shouldn’t warrant a response from the Imperial Household. If the Academy’s student matters had triggered a reaction, it would have happened when Rutis, Lather, or Tannian enrolled. It’s much more important to notice one royal student over twenty or thirty noble students.
“Yes. His Highness the Third Prince is both a student and a Livnoman, so he said not to worry, even if distinguished guests and future pillars may be confused.”
At those words, the corners of my mouth twitched instinctively.
“Of course.”
Upon reflection, it was natural. Ainter’s emergence had shifted from a mere title to a genuine royal status. Under Livnoman’s tradition, where one couldn’t afford to let royals idle away, Ainter was due to awaken.
“I found it; my manpower.”
It’s touching. I was confident that having at least one figure on my side would make a world of difference. Even being a commoner would be a blessing in this situation, but a royal as a legal worker? Oh, of course, I have to take on the mantle. Ainter wouldn’t ever touch the ground again! He was never getting down from my back.
Truly, thank you for the high-end labor that His Highness permitted.
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