The Headmaster
The Headmaster, who had never once appeared before the students, had sent me a letter.
Its contents were brief—she wanted me to come to her office after class the next day.
"What a needlessly secretive way to extend an invitation."
"If it's in a letter, there's a record of it. No way to cover up any evidence."
"Why would the Headmaster need to send a letter to a student that requires covering up evidence...?"
Something about this whole situation felt off.
Was it just roundabout communication, or did something urgent come up that required calling me in all of a sudden?
Either way, the truth would have to wait until then.
◇◇◇
The next day.
I had Connie, Claire, and Lucina wait outside and followed the letter’s instructions, heading alone to the Headmaster’s office.
The office was located in the so-called Faculty Wing, right in the heart of the academy.
As the name suggested, it housed the faculty dormitories, a staff-exclusive dining hall, research facilities, and just about everything else essential for academy staff.
Students rarely had any reason to go there.
At most, they would visit the teachers’ office on the first floor or the adjoining remedial classroom used for retests.
But my destination was the Headmaster's office on the very top floor.
At the reception desk near the entrance, I stated my business. I was promptly told to take the stairs up.
Grumbling about how much easier it would be if there were some sort of elevator, I made a mental note—maybe my family's company could develop one and make a fortune selling it.
While entertaining those thoughts, I arrived at my destination.
After knocking and receiving a response, I stepped inside.
At the ebony desk, leaning on both elbows, sat an elderly woman staring straight at me.
So this was the head of the academy.
"This is our first time speaking face-to-face, Headmaster Weatherell."
"Indeed. Thank you for coming, Lake Gallard."
Headmaster Weatherell greeted me with a kindly smile, like a grandmother overjoyed at a visit from her grandchild.
But I couldn’t afford to let my guard down.
She barely resembled her younger self, but she was a former member of the Magic Corps—one of the top five most powerful mages in history.
She was known for her mastery of wind magic, earning her the nickname "Gale Weatherell." Some organizations had surrendered the moment they heard her name.
I had no way of verifying just how strong she had been, but given that she now ruled over this academy, her abilities were beyond question.
There was one more thing that bothered me—
"Um, Headmaster... may I ask something?"
"What is it?"
"Why is Student Council President Tricia here?"
Standing beside the Headmaster as if it were the most natural thing in the world was Tricia.
Even when I pointed it out, she simply tilted her head as if to say, "Is that a problem?"
Damn it... she even struck a cute pose.
"I summoned her. She’s an essential part of this matter."
"You did?"
Well, that made sense.
Even as a daughter of one of the Three Great Houses, she wouldn’t have just barged in here uninvited… probably. Not that I was entirely confident about that.
"Now then, let’s get to the main topic."
After clearing her throat, Headmaster Weatherell began to speak.
"First, congratulations on your victory in the duel."
"Oh, uh, thank you."
I hadn’t expected to be congratulated so suddenly, so I was caught off guard.
Honestly, I had braced myself for some kind of grudge-driven retaliation.
After all, my opponent had been from the Mertzalo family, which had deep ties to the academy. I’d even worried about being expelled.
Yet instead of punishment, I was receiving praise.
"Not just in the duel—you've showcased your skills in the underground arena, exposed Professor Craig’s misconduct, liberated Ganos from criminals… In many places, you’ve proven your abilities and achieved remarkable results."
"I'm honored."
It felt nice to be acknowledged so directly.
But at the same time... something about this felt eerie.
"In recognition of your efforts, I would like to invite you and your friends to a summer vacation on a southern island."
"A v-vacation!?"
That meant… I’d be able to see everyone in their swimsuits completely legally (probably).
Suddenly, this was shaping up to be a very exciting proposition!
What do you think about this chapter?
