Chapter: 318
The visit from Robens Academy sparked quite a few changes at the Empire Academy.
First off, the number of swordsmanship students in the training hall skyrocketed. Sure, they’d been slashing the sky before, but before the Robens visit, they only saw the results—I was the one doing the heavy lifting with my sword. This time, though, news spread, and students flocked in to see the whole spectacle, convincing them that a mere human can indeed slice the sky.
Thanks to that, students filled the training hall, bursting with competitive spirit, while the poor magic department students, pushed aside by the sword-wielding crowd, could only curse and retreat to the library.
“Good morning, Executive Manager!”
“Uh, yeah.”
“Good morning, Executive Manager!”
“Oh, right. Good morning.”
With their competitive spirit high, they also seemed to be feeling a wave of respect for me. It’s no surprise most of them belong to the swordsmanship department.
It was all quite strange. Up until now, students would only sneak peeks from a distance or approach me through Erich, but now they were popping up out of nowhere like random encounters from a game.
Thankfully, they didn’t jump straight into battle mode upon making eye contact, but it was still awkward for someone like me, who generally avoids contact with students. Too much chit-chat from civilians can lead to nervous breakdowns for us civil servants.
‘Not that I can just push them away.’
If they were obnoxious brats, avoiding them might be easier, but these were pure, aspiring younglings, so I couldn’t just ignore them. They approach me with shining eyes filled with respect—how could I be cold-hearted? Beyond reputation management, my conscience simply wouldn’t allow it.
“Isn’t it great to be popular? I think more students will try to join the Information Department after seeing you!”
“Are you a genius?”
I reached out to the head of the first department to vent my frustrations, and the response I got back was absolutely unexpected.
Thinking it through, he’s right. If I become an object of admiration, new civil servants would flock in without me having to do anything. Just look at the Magic Tower, swarming with mages charmed by the Duke of Magic—there’s a fair chance the Information Department could follow a similar path.
‘Automatic recruitment.’
I could almost shed tears of joy. No need to go around handing out recommendation letters while people just gather on their own. It’s a miracle I could only dream of.
“Life will be easier from now on. Unless they’re extremely ambitious or completely bonkers, they usually don’t come to the Information Department.”
“Isn’t that a bit much to say in front of the department head?”
“But it’s true!”
With a sullen pout, the head of the first department looked at me. I felt the urge to pinch his cheek, but alas, he was correct.
While the role and authority of the Information Department are considerable, they come with an immense workload and responsibilities. It’s not a place for anyone with a sense of ambition who isn’t a little nuts. Particularly after I became the head and danced around with swords for a while.
To be exact, there are some who just dabble in the Information Department for career stacking, but very few commit fully. The moment they think they can handle something better, they bolt for a different department.
‘Those little brats.’
As soon as they feel competent enough, they vanish like leaves fluttering away. One of the measures I implemented to prevent that was the recommendation letter.
Of course, the basic function of a recommendation letter is to uncover hidden talent, but let’s be honest, it’s also a sort of branding. If someone barges into the Information Department with my recommendation and then jumps ship to another department, what kind of conscience do they have anyway?
“By the way, Executive Manager…”
“Yeah?”
As I contemplated the happy future of having more dedicated personnel without recommendation letters, the head of the first department cautiously continued.
“Your body is okay, right?”
That rare, careful question made me chuckle a bit. He must have some idea about the circumstances, so he’s worried first.
“I’m fine. If something had happened, Beatrix wouldn’t have stayed quiet, would she?”
“True.”
He seemed genuinely relieved that the worry and anxiety on his face vanished in an instant.
The department heads, including the first department head, are aware of the scars I carry from Kagan’s blade. It’s not exactly my proudest moment, and I didn’t show them around, but I did go for treatment a couple of times right after becoming manager.
No matter how oblivious someone is around me, they’d think, ‘Oh, that guy isn’t just wounded, he’s got serious issues.’ That’s even more obvious when I go around making a fuss about slicing the sky. Naturally, they’d worry.
“Well, even if trouble comes, I’ve got the future saint and the greatest magician on the continent in my corner.”
“Honestly, it feels safer than at the academy.”
“Right?”
To receive a verdict of not recoverable while the ultimate wizard and saint are right here feels ludicrous. With Kagan also gone, who could take me out with a single blow? Even Dorgon wouldn’t be able to do that.
“Still, please let me know ahead of time next time. I was super shocked to hear the Executive Manager sliced the sky out of nowhere.”
At that, I briefly looked at the first department head in silence. He was trying hard to seem bright, but I could feel the underlying bitterness and disappointment.
Well, I can’t blame him. It’s totally understandable to feel left out. Imagine hearing that your partner might get hurt, only to find out from gossip instead of the actual person. If you weren’t upset, you’re not human.
I messed up there. With that boss from up high looming over my shoulder, I couldn’t exactly reach out to anyone, including the head of the first department.
“Sorry. I’ll tell you directly next time.”
“Just so you know, that’s enough for me.”
Seeing him blow a puff of air dramatically made me smile a bit.
“There was that one character at the end too, let’s make sure nothing like that happens again…”
“Hey! How do you remember that!?”
If there’s anyone who’d forget that, it’d be more suspicious than actually remembering it.
Anyway, I ended the call after asking him to relay my regards to the head of the fourth department. I hadn’t heard from her in a while; I hoped she was still around. Dorgon needs to kick the bucket soon so she can take a break.
Just like Prince Ernesto mentioned, managing the guests from the academy was left to the principal. My job of slicing the sky had concluded, and it wasn’t fitting for someone from the Information Department to host guests anyway.
In the meantime, since the folks from Robens Academy were on their tour, they’d be engaging in various activities, but under those circumstances, the head swordsmanship instructor was more than capable of handling it. The vice principal from Robens Academy probably took it all quite seriously, dedicating himself in various ways. It seemed he was quite satisfied with his job.
“Mar, I’m back.”
As the principal and the head instructor dutifully filled their roles, I found myself planted in the student council room.
Word must have gotten around that I was essentially a resident spirit in there, as a few bold students from Robens Academy came to visit. To preserve my little precious free time, I figured it was best to flee to a suitable hideout. Disturbing a civil servant at rest is just plain wrong.
“Welcome. Have you come to escape again?”
“Escape? I came because I wanted to see Mar.”
“Thanks for saying that, at least.”
Seeing Margherita smile at me made a warm fuzziness well up. Even before being bothered by students, I sought her out every day, but now it felt like I lingered even longer. She likely already guessed I was only hiding out here.
“I heard the folks from Robens Academy will be heading back soon, so the Academy will feel empty again.”
With that gentle intent in her gaze, it’s clear. Once the Robens Academy students leave, things won’t be the same, and she feels pressured by it.
“Why would I feel empty when people who weren’t even here are leaving? It’s plenty enough with the folks who are left.”
“Uh-huh, right?”
With her outright pressure, the only response I could muster was the promise to do well. The student council room was becoming my second clubroom…
Plus, Margherita is graduating this year, but I’m still stuck here another year. We’ll be separated for a whole year; I need to make the most of this remaining time.
‘…Even though I’m married, do I really have to be apart?’
Thinking about it, something feels off. If Margherita graduates and I plan to get married, doesn’t that mean I need to stay at the academy? Does that even make sense?
I’ll need to hire a teleportation magician next year to commute every day or find a way for Margherita to stay at the academy. I can’t just become a long-distance dad right after getting married.
‘If it really comes down to it, I’ll sign a year-long contract.’
If I can’t find a decent way out by then, I’ll just hire a magician. After all, I won’t have time to waste; I’ve got gold coins piling up from not being spent. Might as well put them to good use to keep the economy running smoothly.
Backstabs lurk around every corner—hence the name backstab, right?
“Uh, Carl? Can you take a look at this for a second?”
“What?”
In popped the vice president, lightly handing papers to Margherita before disappearing. Margherita stared at the now amassed pile of documents with a frown, and not long after, she called for me in a doubtful tone.
This seemed odd. Last year, she had asked me for help with student council business a good number of times, but that was merely an excuse to spend time together. Now, as official lovers, she shouldn’t have to do that anymore.
Yet here she was calling for me? This must be about something troublesome and weird.
“What’s going on?”
Pushing aside my worry, I approached Margherita, who showed me the papers she was holding.
“Carl. When you close your eyes, you can’t see, right?”
“Just a second. I’ll do it like this.”
As soon as I recognized the familiar wording in the documents, my instincts kicked in, and I shut my eyes.
‘Crap.’
I saw it. I saw it all too clearly. The familiar wording scrawled on the papers and wondering why on earth I was seeing this at the academy.
“This is a document regarding this year’s school trip.”
As soon as I closed my eyes, Margherita kindly began to explain the contents. No, I’m not ready to hear this yet.
“We were planning to go to the Boyar Duchy again like last year, but I think we’ll have to revise that plan.”
“Yeah… Sure.”
But closing my eyes and covering my ears won’t reverse what has already been decided.
“Next up is the Cheness Duchy. Maybe we’ll go to Ulken next year?”
After all that, Margherita joked, and I could hardly muster the words to reply. The Cheness Duchy—it’s located on the western side of the empire, ruled by the Salon Duke.
And the current Salon Duke is—
“Jooookaaaaa!!! Long time no see!”
The Duke of Gettin’ Wasted, I mean, the Wise Duke.
Oh great. Even before seeing him, I can already picture his embarrassing self waltzing in, waving a liquor bottle.
Get out of my head, you drunken duke…!
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