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The main building of Meikhael University stands tall like an ancient castle.

On its top floor lies the Chairman’s office.

Though Mondri’s Chancellor’s Office, which I visited before, was spacious and had a dignified atmosphere, it couldn’t compare to this place.

With its high ceilings and duplex design, the office reminded me of a penthouse in reality.

Since taking office as Chairman, I began my duties for the first time.

Of course, there wasn’t much to do.

The Chairman is the most powerful figure in this school.

Unless there’s an important agenda, there’s usually nothing to do.

I checked the pile of documents stacked on the desk.

They were the personal information and academic records of the students, which I had requested from the school earlier.

Even as Chairman, I can’t casually access students’ personal information.

But when I requested it, the school meticulously organized and delivered it to me.

Perhaps it wasn’t the title of Chairman but the name Ruelberta that intimidated them.

I leaned back in my chair and stared into the void.

[318 days until the service begins]

Time continues to flow.

Soon, this world will face harsh trials.

When wars break out everywhere, the Empire will have no choice but to join.

And that includes the students of this school.

From now on, I will spend a long time classifying the students.

Those with potential and those without.

There will undoubtedly be backlash. But all of this is just to save as many of you as possible…

In any case, my tyranny has less than a year left.

Until then, curse me behind my back if you want.

“Well then…”

I arrogantly sat down and began skimming through the documents.

A few notable names caught my eye.

The named characters who would later shine in the original story.

But they aren’t the students I need to focus on.

The named characters in this school will grow well even if I do nothing.

What I desire is the growth of the non-named characters—the extras.

I’ve already confirmed in reality that the named characters from the original story aren’t enough to face the players.

We need more capable characters. The more forces, the better.

And there should be many extras with potential if they’ve made it to Meikhael University.

“Extras shouldn’t be buried.”

I quickly sorted the documents.

It wasn’t too difficult since it was just separating the named and non-named.

After a few minutes of work, a familiar face caught my eye.

“Heh…”

It was Wendy.

I don’t know when it was taken, but the photo showed her looking extremely nervous, which made me laugh.

In the photo, Wendy’s eyes were teary.

What a cute kid.

Since I’ve sent her to school, I hope she studies hard and makes friends.

Thinking about it, I wasn’t much different from Wendy in reality.

My family circumstances weren’t great, so I couldn’t even dream of college and had to start working right after high school.

So, seeing Wendy attending school made me feel oddly proud.

I was so excited that I even bought her a personal wagon.

Is this how parents with daughters feel? Or is it just a vicarious satisfaction? Maybe both.

“I feel like I’ve become a doting father…”

I wiped the smile off my face and returned to seriously classifying the students.

Some time passed.

*Knock knock.*

A knocking sound was heard.

The mirror on the desk magically reflected the visitor outside the door.

Seeing who it was, my brow furrowed.

It was someone who had no reason to be here at this time.

“…Come in.”

I touched the mirror with my finger, and the door opened.

At the same time, the visitor revealed themselves.

“Count. Are you busy right now?”

“Bella…”

It was Bella Izakhel.

Her beautiful silver hair shimmered under the light.

Her enchanting eyes, resembling a winter lake, were looking at me.

“…I thought you didn’t have any lectures today.”

“Oh my…? Count, do you remember my lecture schedule?”

I nodded.

“I’ve checked all the lecture schedules of the professors working at this school. Even the part-time lecturers are no exception.”

“Hmm… Count, it would be nice if you could just be honest.”

What is she talking about?

I frowned.

“Right now, I’m not the Count but the Chairman.”

“Oops… I forgot. Chairman. Did I disturb you by coming here as a mere part-time lecturer?”

“One more word, and it might become a disturbance.”

“Hehe… You’re so cold.”

Bella covered her mouth and laughed.

It was the kind of smile that would make any man fall for her, but whether it was due to ‘Patience’ or immunity, I remained completely indifferent.

It felt like looking at a pretty pebble.

But lately, I’ve been seeing her smile more often. Is it just my imagination?

Bella, who never smiled in front of Tristan.

“…So, what do you need from me?”

“Ahem… Look at the time.”

“?”

Following Bella’s words, I checked the wall clock.

It was already past 1 o’clock.

Time had flown by while I was focused on reviewing the documents.

Seeing my reaction, Bella spoke as if she had expected it.

“You haven’t had lunch yet, have you?”

***

“Huuu…”

Wendy couldn’t remember how the class had gone.

Even she could tell.

The atmosphere in the morning class was very chaotic.

And the cause was entirely Wendy.

‘I was so embarrassed, I thought I’d die…’

All the students in the classroom were looking at Wendy, not the professor.

It was because of the incident that happened in the morning.

She had arrived at school under the spotlight of the sun, drawing the attention of the entire student body.

She had received too much attention.

No, at least during the oath ceremony, Tristan was there, so she could endure it.

She wanted to show him that something had changed.

But… this was never the kind of attention she wanted.

Myohail, oblivious to her feelings, chuckled.

“Hoho. Don’t worry. No one will ignore our disciple now.”

‘I wanted to be ignored…! I, I wanted to quietly attend school like air…!’

“Oh dear… Since you entered as the top student, it’s inevitable that everyone will notice you. So, take pride in it. You’re the new student who defeated the legendary Sage, aren’t you?”

‘Ugh… Master, I resent you… Why are you putting me through this trial…?’

“Hehe. If you’re going to resent anyone, resent your outstanding talent. But… disciple. I’ve been curious about something since earlier.”

‘Yes?’

“Why are you eating in a place like this…?”

Wendy was sitting in a bathroom stall.

During lunch, to avoid people’s eyes, Wendy had hidden in a secluded women’s bathroom.

She took out the bread she had brought and took a bite.

‘Munch munch… Isn’t it nice and quiet here…?’

“No… It’s naturally quiet… Who would come to such a remote bathroom…?”

Wendy desperately tried to explain in response to Myohail’s incredulous reaction.

‘B-but…! The, the restaurant is too crowded…! Everyone’s a noble…! I’m a commoner, so if I make a mistake…’

“Huh… If this keeps up, no one will believe you’re the Sage’s disciple…”

Just then.

*Creak.*

The sound of the door opening made Wendy flinch.

Someone had entered the bathroom.

“Really… Why am I in this situation…?”

Through the door crack, a beautiful black-haired girl came into view.

Her reflection in the mirror exuded the aura of a noble lady.

But her behavior was far from noble.

“Ugh, annoying! Annoying! That damn brat…! What did she do to my magic formula!?”

She tried casting magic in the air several times, but it didn’t seem to work.

‘The effect is certain.’

‘Huh…?’

‘It’s nothing. Hehe.’

Myohail seemed to know something.

“Argh…! I give up!”

The girl, giving up, irritably took off her shoes and even threw off her socks. Water was dripping from the ends of her socks.

Upon closer look, she was completely soaked.

“Ugh… When is Lawrence coming? I can’t even attend class… What kind of mess is this…?”

The girl’s grumbling made Wendy hold her breath.

‘W-what do I do…?’

She needed to leave to finish her meal, but seeing the girl drying her clothes, it didn’t seem like she’d be done soon.

Wendy carefully shifted her position to avoid being noticed.

But a careless sound escaped.

*Rustle.*

It was the bread bag in her hand.

“…Who’s there?”

‘Eek?!’

Through the door crack, the girl was looking in her direction.

Her eyes were filled with a predatory glare.

“Come out nicely. Or else…”

“I-I’ll come out…!”

Under the girl’s intimidating pressure, Wendy surrendered immediately.

Not only that, but Wendy also begged with all her might.

“S-sorry…! I-I wasn’t trying to peek…!”

“You…!?”

The girl’s eyes sparked with anger upon seeing Wendy.

“Look here, look here…! Did you come to mock me?”

‘Huh…?’

Wendy looked up at the girl.

Up close, her face looked familiar.

As Wendy tilted her head, a face from her memory surfaced.

“Ah…! Y-you…! The, the water splash this morning…!”

“Water splash?! Are you joking with me now? Do you know whose fault this is…!?”

‘Huh? Huh…?’

Seeing Wendy’s clueless expression, the girl’s face twisted in anger.

“Ha! Are you going to keep pretending you don’t know!?”

The girl pulled out a staff from her bag.

For a magician, a staff is both a tool and a weapon.

In other words, it was a clear intent to attack.

“Eek?! W-why are you doing this…!?”

“I haven’t forgiven you yet, but this staff will never forgive you!”

“W-what are you talking about…!? You’re not forgiving me either…! I surrender! I surrender!”

Wendy raised both hands, showing no intention to resist, but the girl, already furious, was beyond reason.

“Let’s see you block this!”

As she swung her staff, a ring of water appeared and began to coil around Wendy’s body.

A dire crisis.

‘M-Master…! W-what do I do?!’

‘Hehe…’

But Myohail, who had been watching the whole situation, only muttered calmly.

‘Excessive greed leads to self-destruction…’

His voice sounded as if there was no need to even deal with the opponent.

Sure enough.

The water ring coiling around Wendy suddenly began to tremble violently.

And then it burst.

“Kyaaaah!”

 

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