To truly understand Lisha’s dilemma, a bit of background knowledge is required.
Basically, the academy is a place of learning. Unless you’re a crazy main character, students generally learn various things from competent instructors, improve their ranks, and eventually graduate.
However, among them were those who saw the academy as a place for ‘showing off’ rather than ‘learning.’
Even before enrollment, some candidates were already famous.
‘Princess of the neighboring kingdom, promising talent from the magic tower, youngest knight.’
And then there’s the youngest daughter of the marquis right in front of her.
To be frank, these individuals could do without attending the academy. But why do they come? It’s obvious.
The Grandis Academy is the most fitting place to further amplify their fame.
‘Of course, there’s something to learn here, but more than that, it’s for gaining social status by being number one.’
One could also become famous by training at home, but showcasing their skills at Grandis Academy, where talents from all over the kingdom gather, is significantly advantageous for boosting their reputation.
That said, it wouldn’t be accurate to say they don’t act like students. Their goal is not learning but ranking first, and they study and work hard under that premise.
In a way, they are the ones who eagerly seek learning for the sake of being number one. Just looking at Lisha’s hands, they were covered in calluses.
And naturally, such fierce competition for the top inevitably creates ‘losers.’
In a case like this, it’s even more evident.
‘The promising talent from the magic tower and the princess are likely to enter the magic field, while the youngest daughter and the youngest knight will go for martial arts.’
Administration? There’s nothing there. It’s a place where commoners study fiercely to secure jobs rather than a hotbed for aspiring nobles seeking fame.
Anyway, since their goal is to boost their reputation and social status, they do not tolerate second place. It’s much more valuable to emphasize that they consistently held the number one spot at Grandis Academy for three years than to occasionally be number one.
However, a problem arises. It’s not every year that these star candidates arrive in their fields one by one.
This year is not so bad, but at times, four or five might crowd into the magic or martial arts fields, vying for ranks. It was the same when I attended the academy.
And Lisha Claudia, being part of one of the kingdom’s most prominent noble families, the youngest daughter of the marquis…
Naturally, she must compete for the top position with the youngest knight.
‘The youngest knight is on the cusp of rank 5; Lisha, on the verge of leveling up, is still rank 4.’
To be frank, it’s highly likely that the competition ends in Lisha’s defeat.
Of course, not everything is determined by ranks, but it’s not an exaggeration to say that about eight out of ten are decided by rank differences. She might win a few times, but the youngest knight would definitely have the upper hand.
Yet, delaying her enrollment for a year to avoid competition would be quite difficult… Considering the rumors of her being scared of losing and the societal gaze mocking her.
Especially since she has the pride of being the youngest daughter of a prestigious noble family with an 8th rank like the headmistress.
That’s why she’s seriously contemplating my proposal.
‘If I’m going to lose anyway, it would be better to lose together to this irregular who suddenly appeared rather than to the youngest knight, who has been a rival since the old days.’
And conveniently, the protagonist is not a commoner. Although he has fallen, he’s still a noble by name. Plus, with a 6th rank strength at that age, he’s quite the outlier.
No one would laugh at her for failing against a storm. Rank 6 in the academy isn’t a joke; it’s almost akin to a natural disaster.
Just as Lisha, at rank 4, has little chance against the rank 5 youngest knight, it’s impossible for him, at rank 5, to beat the protagonist at rank 6.
Lisha must have had her share of worries already. On the outside, she might have acted laid-back, but inside she’s likely been anxious.
To her, the protagonist appears as a sudden glimmer of hope.
“Mr. Adam, the finance director, if it’s not too rude…”
“I’m sorry. I suddenly have to use the restroom; may I step out for a moment? It’ll take about ten minutes.”
“Oh, of course!”
I didn’t really need to use the restroom. This was too big of a decision for Lisha to make alone.
She needed to use the influence of the noble Claudia family to fend off opposition from other nobles, and there’s no way she could make that decision on her own.
She probably had advisers or influential figures assigned from her family. Asking me for my understanding was likely her way of saying she needed to consult for a moment.
However, it’s rather impolite for a host to leave a guest in the reception room alone. Even more so if the guest is part of the upper echelon of the academy they’ll soon attend.
So, I took the initiative to excuse myself to the restroom, giving Lisha the opportunity to wait in the reception and receive counsel.
The brightness in her voice at the end was thanks to that.
‘I’m lucky I learned about noble customs from the headmistress.’
Since I’m the finance director, I often need to meet with upper-class nobles, and the headmistress has informed me of various protocols. I’m now able to use that knowledge quite efficiently.
Upon stepping outside the reception, a maid approached me politely and bowed.
“I will guide you.”
“Please do.”
Having mentioned ten minutes, I’ll just kill time for that amount before returning.
The maid seemed to have picked up something in that short time, simply guiding me through the exclusive dormitory.
As I admired all the luxurious ornaments, I spotted something familiar.
“What’s that?”
“That was a gift from the marquis when the young lady came to the academy. It’s said to be a weapon used by the marquis in the past.”
So that’s the magic spear.
In [Dark Kingdom], it was represented in pixel art, so I was confused, but seeing those striking ornaments made it clear.
In the game, if you recruited Lisha Claudia as a companion, she used that weapon.
‘It looks just fine.’
To be honest, I don’t really know why it’s called a magic spear. The weapon description just stated it was a hidden magic spear.
It was probably meant to be used as a plot hook in the second or third parts. It never caused any issues in the academy portion.
I’ll just remember it vaguely for now. Thinking that, I walked around a bit longer, and the time was almost up.
I gave the maid a hint, and she immediately guided me back to the reception room. So convenient.
‘It truly is wise to have subordinates.’
Reiterating my resolve to escape the position of a finance director without any subordinates, I entered the reception room again, only to find Lisha already wearing a determined expression.
“I, Claudia, will actively cooperate.”
“Thank you for your cooperation.”
As expected of the Claudia family; they’re quite decisive.
With this, no noble would raise an objection to the protagonist’s enrollment. After all, if even the Claudia family recognized it, it would be foolish for a minor noble to complain.
But what about a tuition fee five times higher?
‘Let’s just pocket that.’
Seeing her casually suggest five times the amount, it seems the protagonist is pretty wealthy. I wonder what kind of antics he pulled to come in at rank 6 and with money from the very start? Did he use some sort of cheat?
Frankly speaking, whatever the protagonist did to get stronger is none of my business. It’s not like he’s going to bring in a budget or prevent bankruptcy for me. In fact, thinking about the scholarship he could potentially earn with that skill, the five times tuition could be a loss.
Anyway, the situation’s resolved now, so it’s time for me to achieve my ‘true objective.’
“I’m really glad Miss Lisha accepted my proposal. I was quite anxious myself.”
“Uh? Did something happen with that knight…?”
“No, not at all. The youngest knight seems to emphasize only his age, but his family is a baron’s, not anything significant.”
“How absurd. Then, was there something else?”
First, I emphasized that there’s no connection between me and the youngest knight while also mentioning his complex regarding his background.
With that, Lisha would feel even a bit of internal intimacy toward me.
“That headmistress seemed quite displeased.”
“…The headmistress?”
“From her perspective, all the rules are just playthings. Coming to talk with you, Miss Lisha, was quite a stretch.”
“I see.”
The headmistress was displeased? Yeah, that makes sense. Anyway, if I said that, then that’s how it is.
I often act carelessly, but the headmistress is an 8th rank noble like the marquis, the master of the Claudia family. In fact, she is definitely stronger than the marquis.
While she’s not of noble birth, by the time you reach 8th rank, origin matters little. That alone represents the nation’s maximum strength, so even the royal family is wary.
The fact that Grandis Academy is the best in the kingdom is not only due to the high quality of education but also because the headmistress founded it.
And who am I? I have a lot of controversies surrounding me, but I’m the finance director and the headmistress’s closest aide.
Lisha wouldn’t doubt that the headmistress was displeased.
“I convinced them that it was unnecessary to speak with the Claudia family. When you return, you will likely face a serious backlash.”
“…Thank you so much, Mr. Adam, the finance director.”
“While the headmistress is fine with whatever, as the finance director of the academy, I can’t neglect the Claudia family. I want to maintain a good relationship moving forward.”
“That’s something we would also like to say. Thank you again for your kindness, Mr. Finance Director.”
For a woman from the Claudia family, to express her gratitude twice carries a genuine meaning of appreciation.
That should be enough. I don’t believe she would expect a genuine thank-you.
“This might come off as a bit rude, but…”
“Rude? Feel free to say what you want.”
“As you know, the headmistress has a very strict character. As the headmistress of Grandis Academy, she is always attentive to the students’ education and well-being.”
“I often hear it from my father. I respect her greatly.”
“Therefore, she wouldn’t take kindly to this thing, but it’s hard for such a massive academy to function perfectly and uprightly, right?”
“…Of course.”
“Just as you thanked me twice from the Claudia family, I want to risk my manners and convey this once more.”
“…”
“I wish to maintain a good relationship with Claudia moving forward.”
Got it, you understand now, right?
“…”
From my perspective, the earlier matter was merely an add-on; this is the real deal.
In a subtle ‘bribery request,’ Lisha closed her eyes and fell silent for a moment.
“…Of course. The Claudia family also wishes to have ties with capable individuals like you, Mr. Finance Director.”
“That’s a glorious statement. I’m at a loss for words.”
Lisha, or more specifically, the Claudia family, accepted.
As I implied, this was a somewhat dirty deal that the headmistress with her strict character wouldn’t particularly like.
The transaction has been sealed; I, as the finance director, will continue to keep an eye on the Claudia family, and in return, they will show me goodwill.
‘Is this Lisha’s unilateral decision, or does it represent Claudia’s intent?’
Has she already discussed this matter with her advisors regarding bribery, or is this the level of goodwill Lisha can manage on her own?
Is that important? Right now, maybe not, but considering my plan, it’s worth contemplating.
In any case, this means Lisha will take the initiative to send me some ‘bribery’ in the future.
And that would serve as…
‘Regular budget assurance.’
Which will be diligently utilized to delay the academy’s bankruptcy.
With the protagonist’s enrollment secured, the deal with Claudia established, and the budget in hand, it truly turned out to be the best conclusion.
Long live the headmistress in every way!
*
“So, you went and used my name like that?”
“That’s correct, headmistress.”
“Ugh, ugh…! What kind of person are you!!”
“Your honor will remain untarnished. I am the one receiving the bribe, and you were merely leveraged as an excuse.”
“That’s the same thing! Is it okay to speak of me like that!?”
“…I’m sorry, headmistress. I seem to have neglected your feelings.”
“Uh, uh? Finance director, why suddenly….”
“First, I should have shown you this.”
“Huh?”
Flipping through the papers.
“What is this…?”
“This was sent from the Claudia family as ‘a very small gesture.’ The proper bribe will likely follow regularly later.”
“A small gesture is this much…?”
“Congratulations, headmistress. This will delay the academy’s bankruptcy by four days!”
“….”
“Going forward, shall I refrain from mentioning your name at all?”
“…Sure, why not.”
“Oh, really?”
“Because it’s for the academy…!!”
“Indeed, headmistress! I believed in you! Even for the sake of selling the ‘upright and clean headmistress’, you should continue to carry your dignified demeanor! Occasionally, pretend to be angry when I ask for favors!”
“…Why are there tears in my eyes?”
“They’re tears of joy.”
And above all.
“This is just the beginning.”
“Wha-what?”
“Last year, I suddenly became the finance director, so handling papers was my only limit.”
Having gained some experience and leisure, now I could.
“I plan to utilize an old proverb.”
“A pro-proverb?”
“An early-rising public servant receives bribes.”
“…? What kind of nonsense──”
Bribe.
I firmly believe that bribes will serve as the future sustenance of the academy…!!
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