Chapter: 28
I received protection from the Academy and was subsequently informed about the situation.
Abyss Pearl Yeopeumaul was identified as the mastermind behind this incident. Furthermore, during the investigation, his dealings with a thieves’ guild were uncovered, leading to his downfall from the titles of count and lord—officially, even before his sentence was carried out.
After Maria removed the necklace of bondage, the entire process took a mere three days. This was a prime example of the united power of the nobles who had lost their sanity.
“I should first extend my condolences to all of you. You must have gone through quite the emotional turmoil.”
By the time the situation had somewhat calmed down, we were summoned to the principal’s office to present our account of the incident.
“No, Principal! You must have suffered the most due to the unexpected workload!”
“Haha. Thank you for your concern for this old man.”
The head of the most prestigious academy in the empire, Award Academy. Oscar the Grammy.
The eyes of the experienced, white-haired archmage tried to see through us, yet there was no trace of hostility.
This indicated that public opinion had been skillfully molded as intended. With that in mind, I spoke freely without any pressure.
“…This is the course of events from our perspective.”
“Indeed, the former Count Yeopeumaul holds a grudge against the adventurer who ruined his business with the thieves…”
The results were practically set in stone even before the investigation wrapped up.
I had no choice but to make a statement, but it felt more like a formality. Hence, the meeting at the principal’s office proceeded in a somewhat light atmosphere.
To top it all off, the terror attack on the Gyeomsa Gyeomsa mansion was conveniently glossed over as just a mishap that occurred during the resistance.
“Adventurer. With the serious discussions concluded, may I ask you a personal question?”
“Oh, yes. But of course!”
The fact that the principal switched topics was a sort of guarantee that we wouldn’t have to dwell on the incident any longer.
So, I gladly accepted.
Being in a position where conversations were mostly formal, I aimed to provide some company for this lonely old man.
“I heard you recently visited the palace and used the library. From your perspective, adventurers, is Sephiroth doing well?”
Sephiroth, so she’s from here as well. But somehow, the principal’s expression looks darker than when we talked about the incident’s details.
As a royal library clerk, she seemed to be living a life that was nothing short of enviable.
It’s clear her behavior must have been consistent since her school days. Any principal who treats their students like family would naturally worry.
‘Sephiroth, what on earth…’
“Phew, phew, phew…!!”
Oh boy.
“I’m so-so-so sorry…!! Please, just forgive me…!! If it’s just your foot, I’ll lick it…!!!”
Hmm.
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry… I made a mistake…!! I’ll leave now… Please let me go…!!”
Oh dear…!
“I can assure you she’s doing well, so you don’t need to worry.”
“Sephiroth, live happily while enjoying your hobbies!”
“Looks like she’s garnering quite a bit of respect from others, huh?”
While it wasn’t a prearranged defense, my friends came together to stand up for Sephiroth.
After all, you can’t just tell a worried grandfather, “She got caught taking inappropriate photos and is now locked away.” This was something even the saintess Hera would acknowledge and cheer for. So long as both hands aren’t tied, of course.
“When those who’ve seen her up close say such things, it certainly puts this old man’s heart at ease. Lately, however, I’ve been hearing ominous rumors about that child…”
“…When you gain fame, all kinds of gossip comes crawling out, right? Ha-ha.”
I made an effort not to pry into the nature of those rumors. I somehow had a hunch about the content and the source of the gossip.
Maria and Astrea were quietly patting my back.
Wait a minute, you two are kinda accomplices in this too. Why am I the only one in hot water?
“Even during the honorary graduation ceremony, I felt my hand freeze. I was glad that the child’s talent attracted the old headmaster’s attention, but at the same time, worried if she could shoulder the heavy responsibility that comes with it. Sigh.”
Oh dear, sir. Why are you crying?
I grabbed a few tissues from the table and handed them over. One, two. Each tissue increased the pressure of my conscience poking me in the heart.
The truth that everything was caused by Sephiroth’s own so-called karma was momentarily brushed aside.
“Sigh… I’ve shown a sight I shouldn’t have to my guests.”
“No, not at all. On the contrary, I felt you were a true model educator who genuinely cares for your students.”
With the intention to wrap things up smoothly and sneak away, I defended myself with words that adorned the truth.
The prestigious Academy, a center of education, couldn’t dish out material rewards aside from accolades. Just laying the groundwork for my aspirations felt sufficient.
“We should take our leave now. The principal must be busy as well.”
“Indeed. Please take care.”
I exited the principal’s office, the spine-tingling sensation from earlier still fresh.
Even at this age, the principal’s office remained an uncomfortable space.
On the other hand, Maria seemed completely unfazed, munching on snacks the entire time. By the time we left, she even had the gall to grab a handful. Sometimes, I found myself envious.
“Well, what do you know. Here we are, dear child.”
“…Your Highness the Princess?”
Suddenly, the princess made a surprise visit, hitting me out of nowhere.
“It’s a pleasure to see you, Your Highness.”
“It’s been a while.”
The first princess, Lilith Pe Dororikon. I gladly returned her courtesy even though I was a bit late.
Now that I think about it, she mentioned attending the academy last time. I was aware of it but didn’t expect to run into her like this.
“I have something important to discuss, would it be alright if we moved to another location?”
“Of course, Your Majesty.”
However, since the princess came all the way here and waited at the door, I quickly surmised that she had something serious to discuss and eagerly accepted.
Sorry to my friends for not consulting them beforehand, but I knew they’d understand.
There’s no way I could reject the princess’s request after regaining my human rights. This was more like accepting an order, really.
‘I hope this isn’t another topic related to Ryona or anything…’
Well, considering the ever-increasing necessity for growth, the royal family sure makes for a grand sponsor.
Having swallowed my minor anxiety, I followed the princess, no protest.
*
Princess Lilith led us to a place suitably shrouded in magical concealment, perfect for secret meetings.
“This should suffice.”
Then she spoke as if she had just ordered Jjajangmyeon. I found it challenging to gauge the gravity of the topic that might follow.
I braced myself. Whether she had business in line with the mood of the place or if there was drama with Ryona, I wanted to remain composed.
“Are you going to ask me to commit an assassination or something?”
Astrea didn’t seem perturbed either. She scratched the itch of curiosity that we all shared, even throwing casual banter at royalty, something Maria wouldn’t ever dare do.
Goldie’s head spun towards Cheonma and then stiffly back to Princess Lilith.
“Hehe. It’s not that heavy of a matter.”
Thank goodness she smiled and casually brushed it off.
That said, it’s only a blessing that she’s already notorious for having a headache; we almost became the target in that assassination plot ourselves.
I wasn’t exaggerating; I distinctly observed how the expressions of the escort guards shifted in real-time as we journeyed together.
“…My apologies. Once we return, I will ensure proper etiquette training is implemented.”
“What have I done to warrant such treatment?”
Sister! Are you really eating that right now?
Was this the gateway to disaster? Truly, the calamities that accompanied the Heavenly Horse were so devastating that Maria offered every single treat she had brought as an offering.
Let’s stay quiet until we finish eating, at least!
“First of all, I want to sincerely apologize for the Imperial Family’s lack of proactive intervention in this incident. Additionally, I thank you for responding to our call, even after the Imperial Family’s trust has hit rock-bottom.”
“Your Highness, please lift your head.”
At least thanks to that, the mood relaxed a bit, and Lilith began to lend her voice to the conversation.
Perhaps the reason she sought a private setting was to bow her head in this manner. Had she done this publicly, it would’ve elevated the decorum but created discomfort for both parties.
“Indeed. There are some things that cannot be entirely expressed through mere words. Here, dear child.”
She swiftly bypassed the customary introductions and handed me a document emblazoned with the imperial seal.
In response to her slightly grave expression, I momentarily wondered if she was going to engage in self-harm. It seems the shock from her saintess duties left a lasting effect.
“This is…”
As I sought a brief preview of the contents, Lilith extended her hand, signaling me to read it myself.
I figured it would be rude to press further or draw it out; thus, I untied the cord and glanced inside. It appeared that some background information was necessary.
“The Imperial Family wishes to express profound regret regarding this incident. Consequently, we intend to make this a catalyst for improved public perception of you, dear child, and adventurers as a whole.”
The document outlined plans to actively promote adventurers to the public and inform them of their essential contributions to society, just as Lilith stated.
It presented itself as a polished initiative. Yet, I immediately grasped that the real intent behind it was a political maneuver to affiliate my status with that of adventurers rather than treating me as just a mere monster.
“Dear child, please become the symbol and lead figure in this event.”
“Would I be suitable for such a significant role? Setting aside my qualifications, I wonder if other adventurers will be receptive…”
“Those who openly oppose are likely to be few and far between. I heard many celebrated when a professor at the academy was taken down a notch.”
For a century, there’s been a trend of nobles and academy professors subtly looking down on adventurers.
When Maria reorganized the hierarchy, it seemed she shared the same mindset as many others.
Though I never set out to do any of this for that purpose, I was just glad everyone was on board.
Wouldn’t that professor be delighted to know that they’ve been elevated to what resembles a peace envoy?
“Alright, I’ll do it.”
The offer came after the royalty had humbly approached both physically and politically.
Moreover, it provided a stepping stone for future endeavors—so there was no reason to decline.
Recognizing that she might’ve anticipated my acceptance, Lilith added, her relief evident.
“Your status as an adventurer has been restored by the royal authority.”
This was something the Adventurers’ Guild could have handled on its own.
The overwhelming power they wielded made even these mundane gestures seem grand.
“Considering your past actions and future trajectory, both you and Astrea have been elevated to rank A.”
“If you’re going to bump it, just give me an S. They still don’t grasp the true value of my abilities… Ugh! UghUgh…!!”
I couldn’t handle our Goldie’s unabashed behavior.
‘Let’s seize this opportunity to rack up as many stats as possible!’
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