---

Recently, I’ve been so busy that I forgot, but believe it or not, I’m the chairman of Meikhael University.

In reality, being the chairman of a university is a position of immense power. Not to mention, I’m also the head of the Ruelberta Family, which is practically responsible for the university’s finances. So, even if I don’t show up at school, there’s not a single person who can say anything about it.

However, since taking office as chairman, I’ve actively involved myself in school affairs.

Now that I’m busy, I can’t just abandon my duties.

After a long time, I returned to school and handled the backlog of work.

Though, all I did was review the tasks Chancellor Mondri had already taken care of. It was nothing major, but if I didn’t even do this, there’d be no point in my existence as chairman.

But then, unexpectedly, there was an important matter.

“…They’re refusing the scholarship I’m offering?”

“Yes.”

I took the list handed to me by the dignified-looking professor, Ariel Rizeute. The list contained the names of promising students I had previously decided to grant scholarships to.

“Hmm.”

After a quick glance, it seemed about half of them had refused my scholarship.

The reasons ranged from family honor to wanting the money to go to those in greater need, but they were all just excuses.

In reality, they probably just didn’t want to owe anything to Tristan, the notorious head of the Ruelberta Family.

“They’re quite full of themselves.”

“Is that so? I kind of understand them, though.”

Ariel shrugged her shoulders as if mocking me.

Even though Tristan’s reputation has improved compared to before, the bad rumors haven’t completely disappeared. It’s understandable that they’d still feel uneasy.

Despite my bloody efforts to change my appearance, changing people’s hearts is no easy task.

Even if I bow my head, admit my past mistakes, and beg for forgiveness, the wrongs don’t just disappear. Those who hate me might hate me until the day they die.

*Bam!*

At that moment, Helga, who was beside me, slammed her fist on the table.

“Ha! They dare refuse the money Count Tristan is offering? These lunatics should just…!”

Ariel, seeing Helga’s outburst, pointed out,

“Lunatics? Don’t speak so carelessly about the students.”

“They should be grateful, but instead, they insult the Count like this. If they’re not lunatics, then what are they? Huh? Professor Ariel, care to explain?”

“Students have the right to refuse. If I were a student, I wouldn’t want to take dirty money either.”

Ariel’s sharp sarcasm wasn’t entirely unexpected, considering the resentment she holds toward the Ruelberta Family.

Moreover, the Ruelberta Family’s immense wealth wasn’t exactly earned through 100% legitimate means. From casinos that subtly drain nobles’ money to the Gehenna Mine, where slaves are exploited to death—it’s all shady.

Ariel’s comment about “dirty money” didn’t feel like an insult. It was just the truth. But Helga didn’t seem to think so.

“Dirty, you say? Haha… That’s quite an interesting remark, Professor Ariel.”

“I just stated a fact. Is it that amusing?”

“Of course it is. If that’s your logic, then you shouldn’t accept the salary the Count pays you either.”

“Do you not know why this school is called a national institution? It was built under the Emperor’s decree and is, of course, His Majesty’s property. I receive my salary from His Majesty, not the chairman.”

“Oh, really? From what I know, the Imperial finances were tight, so most of the funds to build this school were borrowed from our Count’s family. I wonder how much His Majesty contributed? Was it too small to even notice?”

“You! How dare you speak of His Majesty like that!”

“Dare? Where’s the dare? You should show some respect to the Count. Should I teach you some manners myself?”

*Crackle!*

Helga’s body sparked as if she was about to release her magic power.

“Both of you, stop.”

I intervened at this point. With just one word from me, Helga immediately calmed down, but I couldn’t relax. She was like a ticking time bomb, ready to explode at any moment.

I sighed and made a decision regarding the students who refused the scholarship.

“If the students refuse my scholarship, so be it. If they don’t want it, we won’t give it. We’ll just follow the proper procedures.”

“Hmm. As expected.”

“Procedures? Processing?”

While Helga immediately understood, Ariel tilted her head, then suddenly turned pale and snatched the list from me.

“Don’t tell me… Chairman, are you planning to retaliate against these students?”

“No.”

“Of course not.”

Ah, seriously.

If you say it like that, people will really misunderstand.

“…It’s not ‘of course.’ Helga.”

“Then punishment…?”

“Same answer.”

“What about a warning…?”

“I won’t allow it. You’re not a faculty member of this school.”

“What…! Is there really no way I can help the Count!?”

Why wouldn’t there be?

Just keep your mouth shut, and you’ll be helping me.

“Helga…”

“Yes! Just tell me what to do!”

“I’m thirsty. Make me some tea.”

“Got it! I’ll go cut their throats right now… Thirsty? Tea?”

“Yes. Mine’s Lermargazio tea. One and a half spoons of sugar.”

“I’ll have the same. Three spoons of sugar.”

“Ugh!? Count!”

“No. I won’t change it. Hurry up and go.”

“Ughhh…! Why must I endure this trial!?”

Ariel sneakily chimed in with her tea order.

But since it was my command, Helga shot a resentful glare at Ariel before finally leaving to make the tea.

I tried to soothe Ariel, who still looked suspicious.

“I have no intention of doing anything to these students. In fact, I’m pleased. Thanks to them refusing the scholarship, other students will have a chance to receive it.”

“…Is that so?”

“Yes.”

“Hmm…”

Seeing me speak so calmly, Ariel let her guard down. Though she seemed a bit disappointed, as if she had expected me to explode in anger.

Sorry, but that’s not who I am.

“We’ll handle it according to procedure. Tell the students this: if they don’t want the full scholarship I’m offering, they’ll have to pay the full tuition.”

“Yes… yes? Full tuition?”

“That’s right. Starting next semester, they’ll have to pay full tuition like foreign students.”

“Wait, foreign students? Chairman, what do you mean by that?”

“Didn’t they say they won’t accept a single penny from the foundation? Then it’s only fair they pay full tuition like foreign students.”

“Huh?!”

Finally realizing the implications of my words, Ariel looked shocked.

It’s an easily overlooked fact, but despite being a national institution, Meikhael University’s tuition is originally set quite high. This is to charge foreign students a hefty fee.

On the other hand, citizens of the Meikhael Empire receive a significant reduction in tuition upon enrollment, thanks to the ‘Imperial Scholarship.’ In short, it’s a privilege for locals.

The Imperial Scholarship, of course, comes from the Ruelberta Family’s foundation.

If students don’t receive this scholarship until graduation, they’ll have to bear a considerable financial burden.

I wonder how many students on that list can actually afford it.

Seeing Ariel’s pale face, it seems she hadn’t anticipated this outcome. The students who refused the scholarship probably didn’t either.

Whether she incited the students or was incited by them, I don’t know. Maybe she wanted to resist me by colluding with the students. Or perhaps she wanted to show some noble defiance against power.

Whatever it was, it backfired.

“Ariel, as the chairman, I’m pleased. Starting next semester, more students will attend school without relying on my handouts.”

“Ugh…?!”

In the end, Ariel snatched the list from my hands.

“I’m sorry, Chairman. Please give me some time. I’ll talk to the students again…”

“Fine. I’m merciful, after all.”

I couldn’t help but smile with a hint of pride as I watched Ariel’s frustrated expression.

Then, something occurred to me, and I asked,

“By the way, is Colin participating in the northern expedition?”

“Did I not mention it? I’ll be going on the northern expedition in my brother’s place.”

“You’re going instead?”

Colin Rishuzet, the head of the Rishuzet Family and one of the Seven Pillars. The fact that Ariel would accompany the expedition in his place made me frown unconsciously.

In the original story, Colin participated in the first northern expedition himself. Ariel wasn’t involved.

Was there some variable at play?

Misinterpreting my serious expression, Ariel spoke up.

“What’s wrong? Are you that displeased with me going?”

“No. I just thought the family head, Colin, would be going.”

“Well, it’s not like the family head has to go.”

Come to think of it, even the Izakhel Family is sending Bella instead of Duke Fred.

“But Chairman, why are you asking about this all of a sudden?”

“Just curious.”

“I’m curious too. Why are you personally leading the northern expedition? Is it because you feel guilty about something? Or are you trying to cover up evidence?”

“…Think whatever you want.”

I decided not to delve deeper. As they say, don’t stir up trouble. It’s best not to provoke Ariel’s resentment toward the Ruelberta Family, especially in a public place like the school.

Seeing my dismissive attitude, Ariel backed off.

“Fine. I’ll resent you as much as I want.”

“Haha. Well, it’s good to resent me now. Think about the students who’ll have to pay full tuition because of your poor judgment.”

“You…”

Helga returned with a tray of tea and snacks, having overheard the conversation. Unlike before, she looked quite satisfied.

“You’ve had a rough time, Professor Ariel.”

“Shut up. Just give me the tea.”

“Sure, sure.”

Helga, now in a friendly mood, passed the teacups around. Ariel, seemingly thirsty, immediately gulped down her tea.

*Pfft!*

Ariel spat out her tea.

“Cough, cough…! Ugh…! What’s wrong with this tea?! Did you poison it?!”

“Oh my. My mistake! I must’ve added salt instead of sugar.”

“You…!”

“Sorry. But it’s not poison.”

Was this Helga’s way of getting revenge?

Judging by her tone, it was clear she deliberately added salt instead of sugar.

“You! Can’t you even make tea properly?!”

“Hey, it was just a mistake. Relax, Professor.”

Watching Ariel grimace in discomfort was honestly satisfying. Knowing her circumstances, I couldn’t blame her, but her blatant hostility made it hard to sympathize.

I secretly enjoyed the sight and took a sip of the tea Helga had made.

*?!*

And I almost spat it out like Ariel did.

It tasted like I’d just swallowed a mouthful of seawater—disgustingly salty.

Did you really make a mistake, or was this on purpose?

 

---