Idle Talk 5(Interlude): The Fate of Those Who Departed
(How did it come to this?)
Christofer reflected on the events of the previous day with a confused mind. When he reviewed the agenda for the faculty meeting, there were no particular issues—except for the emergency topic that marked his first as the new headmaster.
“To withdraw one’s own agenda and replace it with another… Charlotta has disregarded the mercy I granted her. To think she would expect the same opportunity… What?!”
As he read the agenda submitted by Charlotta, his expression froze in irritation. The title stated that Ryoji and Elisabeth’s party had cleared the beginner’s explorer dungeon.
Christoferl eagerly began to review the contents. Clearing the large room that no one thought could be conquered, the discovery of the challenge room, the appearance of the two-headed dragon, and its defeat—all these were described. What captivated Christofer’s attention the most, however, was the estimated reward amount and the list of materials. The amount far exceeded the annual budget allocated to the academy by the royal family.
As he repeatedly checked the details, a knock echoed through the room. With a puzzled expression at the late-night visitor, he opened the door to find Professor Theodore standing there, clutching an urgent agenda and wearing an excited expression.
“I apologize for visiting so late! I have something to discuss with the headmaster regarding tomorrow’s agenda…”
“Is it about the beginner’s explorer dungeon being cleared?”
“So you’ve already confirmed it. Then, without further ado, how about we collect all the materials they obtained and seize 3,000 gold coins as well?”
“Isn’t that a bit excessive?”
“No, no. Even though he has recently become a count, he is still a minor and a student. If we don’t guide him, he will surely be deceived by greedy people.”
“That’s true. It is our duty to provide educational opportunities. With that amount of money, I could further develop my academy.”
“Indeed.”
Calculating the potential for extravagant lobbying, Christofer nodded in agreement with Theodore’s proposal and entrusted him with the arrangements for the day.
“This shouldn’t have happened!”
After the faculty meeting, Christofer returned home and locked himself in his study, hurriedly starting to pack. The blunder during the faculty meeting due to Harold’s interference was something he could never recover from.
“Isn’t this all Theodore’s fault? I shouldn’t have agreed to that proposal! Forgetting all the favors I’ve done, he has ruined the position I built! That useless piece of trash!”
As he vented his anger towards Theodore, he stuffed his item box with funds that would guarantee his immediate living expenses, along with magical tools and jewelry he had acquired until now.
Not just enough for living expenses, but enough to live lavishly for the rest of his life, Christofer filled his item box with a fortune. As he turned towards the door, he felt an odd sensation in his left arm and stopped. Sensing a presence in the space that had been empty until now, he turned around, only to hear a low voice whisper in his ear.
“It would be wise to refrain from speaking ill of others. Where are you planning to go at this hour, former Headmaster Christofer?”
“Who are you?! My arm! I can’t move my left arm! What have you done?!”
“Oh, I should have introduced myself first. I am Kuro, directly under Duke Harold Coltezis.”
Feeling a surge of fear at the loss of sensation in his left arm, Christofer turned towards the voice. Standing there was a figure clad entirely in black. Ignoring Christofer’s furious questions, Kuro introduced himself at his own pace and casually approached to touch Christofer’s right arm.
“Stop! Don’t come any closer! What did I do?!”
Now unable to move his right arm as well, Christofer was frozen in terror, unable even to wipe the cold sweat from his brow as he screamed.
“This is a message from Lord Harold. ‘The price for underestimating nobility must be paid. Rest assured, I will take care of the rest,’ he said.”
“I’m sorry! I was foolish! I regret it! I’ll give everything to Ryoji! So please help me! I’ll pay you!”
“Those will be your last words. I will convey them to Lord Harold.”
With an expressionless face, Kuro touched Christofer’s feet and eyes before vanishing from the spot.
The next morning, Christofer was found collapsed in his study. According to his family, he was conscious but unable to speak or move. On the same day, Theodore was discovered with the same symptoms, but perhaps due to his lower profile, it did not become a topic of gossip.
What reached the ears of the people in the royal capital was that Christofer and one professor had resigned due to health issues, and in their place, Charlotta had been elected as the new headmaster. There were also reports of a mass exodus of poorly regarded professors and lecturers.
Now Epilogue remains.
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It is nice to see this series continues after being in hitaus for more than half a year.
Thanks for the treat.