The center of the Academy and its symbol. They say that the Academy's main building was built by the Andals Empire, employing the most famous architects of that era. Although it had been a couple of hundred years since it was built, people often said it was one of the most beautiful buildings on the continent.
After looking at the building, a poet would often compose a poem about it. And if an artist saw it, they often painted a masterpiece. There were many stories like that surrounding the main building. I think it had a name, but it didn't matter. After all, everyone calls it the main building.
I looked up at the main building.
An assembly of architectural techniques and art? One of the most beautiful buildings on the continent, and the muse of many artists? What do you want me to do? I would have gladly entered the main building even if it resembled a shack. After all, what truly mattered was the inside, not the outside. However, it seemed people who visited this place only cared about its outer appearance and not the inside. That way of thinking truly pissed me off.
I should've joined the Academy three years ago, ignoring whatever the patriarch had to say. If I had graduated from the Academy and then become a civil servant, I wouldn't have lived like this. I can guarantee that. My life would've been completely different…
"I usually don't cry, but this makes me want to cry."
Of course, tears didn't trickle down my eyes.
I got out of the carriage, simultaneously excited and annoyed because while I had finally come to the place I wanted to go so badly, I was only here because of work. As soon as I stepped on the ground, I stumbled. Whoa, damn!
After recovering my balance, I looked at the coachman. Thankfully, it seemed like he didn't see anything. The news that the Director, who was in his twenties, couldn't even handle his body properly, had almost reached the Enforcement Department's office.
"You lazyass, why did you lose so much weight? It seems like you've lost a lot of muscle because you've spent too much time inside the office."
'Was that true?'
I touched my legs while remembering the words of the Minister. How strange. That didn't seem to be the case. Was it because I've spent too much time in the office? It's been a while since I've ridden in a carriage, so maybe my body isn't used to it anymore? Either way, it didn't seem like good news.
'Ugh, damn…'
Although I was fine while riding the carriage, I wanted to puke after coming down. While struggling with motion sickness, the coachman walked toward me and bowed.
"Then, I'll be heading back."
"Ah, good job. Be careful on the way back."
"Yes. Director, I wish you luck."
After bowing again, the coachman left the place at an incredible speed. His role was to bring me here, so for him, it was better to leave as soon as possible. The three countries probably wouldn't make a big deal about a coachman being present, but if he stayed longer than necessary, they would probably begin suspecting things. If someone who shouldn't be at a location stayed there for a long time, it would probably bother them. I know that from experience.
After watching the carriage leave, I turned my eyes to the main building. Now, I really was all alone. I would have to work as a Administrator at the Academy at 21 years of age. It was something horrible that didn't even happen in my nightmares.
I entered the main building and was trying to find the Principal's office when I heard someone running toward me. Oh, did someone come to greet me?
A man wearing a blue cape that designated the teaching staff of the Academy came running toward me. He took a moment to catch his breath, then smiled while looking at me.
"I'm Ethan, the Vice Principal of the Academy. Are you the Director?"
"Yes."
"Ah, I wanted to come and greet you in time, but I was late. I apologize. The morning ceremony lasted longer than expected, and it just ended."
As the Vice Principal extended his hand, I grabbed it.
"Ceremonies never end on time."
"I'm glad you're so understanding. I didn't feel comfortable making someone important wait."
"I also just got here."
I really had just arrived. I came here after saying farewell to the coachman, so even if I had arrived a bit earlier, the time I entered the main building would've been similar. If possible, I would've preferred it to be a bit later. I really felt like puking…
* * *
After realizing Austin really didn't care, the Vice Principal's awkward smile became more natural. Even a Director who just disappeared after completing the work he came to do could turn the Academy upside down if they were annoyed.
Not only that, but the one who was sent this time was the Director of the EnforcementnDepartment's Office. They'd sent someone so important in preparation for the incredible lineup of new students entering the Academy this year. He would probably be around for at least a few months, so his heart sank after realizing he would be late to greet such an important person.
After calming down a bit, the Vice Principal asked Austin, "I heard the Minister of Foreign Affairs sent you. May I ask for your name if it isn't too much to ask?"
"Didn't they tell you my name?"
"It's a tradition not to disclose who from the Enforcement Department's Office is coming until they arrive at the Academy. After all, if that were known, someone could try to make contact beforehand and strike a deal."
"I see. It's my first time being dispatched, so I didn't know."
The Vice Principal seemed confused by my reply. He already thought the dispatched person looked very young. Not only that, but he also said he didn't know what a dispatched officer did. The Vice Principal didn't think he was someone strange. After all, the Minister of Foreign Affairs was the one who sent him, but he couldn't help but have some doubts.
"I'm the Enforcement Department's Director, Austin Reinhardt."
"Oh, I'm honored to meet an important Director. It seems the Minister really considered our situation. I sincerely thank you."
The Vice Principal wanted to brush it off naturally but couldn't hide his surprise. That crazy old man had unleashed a monster at the Academy.
As such thoughts crossed his mind, the Vice Principal became lost for words and began walking faster.
Enforcement Department's Director, Austin Reinhardt. Even if he was someone who had been focused on education all his life, he'd heard that name numerous times, but he wasn't someone he wanted to meet. If someone from the Empire met the Director of the Enforcement Department's Office, it meant they were about to go through a very rough situation.
The Vice Principal knew he hadn't come to investigate him, yet couldn't help but break out into a cold sweat. As soon as he reached the Principal's office, he looked as if he'd encountered the Gates of Heaven and knocked on the door.
"Principal, I've brought Mr. Administrator."
"Let him in."
After hearing that, he immediately opened the door.
"You can enter. It was an honor guiding you here."
"It was also an honor to meet you."
After the Vice Principal confirmed the Director had entered the Principal's office, he quickly escaped to his own office. They were going to meet more frequently from now on, but he really wasn't prepared for today's meeting.
* * *
An old man with white hair and a long beard. He looked like one of the sages that appeared in stories. The Principal looked at a young man entering his office.
'Did the Enforcement Department's Dirctor come?'
He was a young man with black hair and eyes. Not only that, but he was wearing the characteristic black clothes of the Enforcement Department's Office. He was completely adorned in dark.
"Long time no see, Director. Has it been two years?"
The Enforcement Department's Director nodded and opened his mouth.
"I met you on the day of the Minister's ascension, so it's been about that long. How have you been, Principal?"
"The young people work very hard, so there weren't many things this old man had to do. That's why I was able to remain healthy."
"I'm glad."
The Director of the Enforcement Department's Office naturally sat down on the chair and looked at the Principal. As the pitch-black eyes gazed at him, the Principal couldn't help but gulp. The Director of the Enforcement Office was someone the Minister of Foreign Affairs had sent to help the Academy with the new students that had decided to enroll. But even if they left that aside, he was someone who held a more important position than him.
Although the Academy's Principal was treated as if he were the Director of the Education Department, the Enforcement Department's Director was still in a higher position than him.
The Secretary of the Principal set cups of tea down before them. A very silent and diligent movement. Even the usually bright Secretary had become overwhelmed by his presence.
'To think that he's the same age as the students who graduated last year.'
He couldn't help but laugh in disbelief. Although they were called last year's graduates, it seemed like he could still see them running around the Academy while laughing. But this man was the same age as them. He still couldn't believe it.
"It's a tea that was brought from the United Kingdom of Vortexia. It's famous for the unique scent it has. I hope it suits the taste of the Director of the Enforcement Department's Office."
The Secretary offering tea to them was great to lighten up the atmosphere.
The Director took a sip of tea and put the cup down. He looked at the Principal and opened his mouth.
"I came after hearing about the struggles of the Academy."
"Leaving aside where they're from, I'm glad people are coming from other countries to learn. Although it's a bit troublesome… I'm just scared we might end up disappointing such eager students."
"Is that so?"
The Director nodded. It was as if he were saying I have nothing to say, so keep talking. The ones that were in trouble were the Academy, not him.
"I'm relieved by your arrival. I felt quite uneasy after the security was reduced compared to previous years because important students are coming here. So I'm finally feeling relieved."
"You're flattering me too much."
"Not at all. Everyone is aware of your fame. I still remember how you punished Count Ray half a year ago and Marquis Reynold a year ago."
The Director looked at his cup of tea as if he didn't care about such achievements. But still, the Principal didn't stop. After all, he was trying to mention his achievements and then say, 'I wish you use such capability for the Academy's order.'
"Especially two years ago, in the southern area…"
At those words, the Director looked at the Principal.
'Oh, damn.'
It was the worst. He was trying to lift him up as much as possible but ended up mentioning something he shouldn't have.
After seeing the surprised Principal, the Director's mouth tipped up. Although he was smiling, it was obvious that he was forcing it.
"I made a mistake, Director. Maybe because I'm old, this kind of thing happens occasionally."
"Everyone makes mistakes. Please don't worry."
He hadn't denied it was a mistake. The Principal smiled bitterly after hearing the answer. The Director stood up.
"I'm going to do as much as I can, so Principal, you don't need to worry."
"I thank you for that."
"Then, I'll be taking my leave."
"Yes, understood. I will arrange a place for you to stay."
The Director nodded, then turned around and left the Principal's office. After seeing him leave, the Principal could finally relax and lean back in his chair.
"It seems like I'm old indeed. To think I'd make a mistake like that."
After wiping the sweat from the Principal's brow, the Secretary carefully asked,
"By mistake… Are you talking about the South?"
Because the Secretary also had eyes and ears, she knew what words the Director had reacted to, but she didn't know why. He didn't seem interested when the Principal mentioned the Count and the Marquis. Then, why had he reacted to the South?
The Principal shook his head at the interest of his Secretary.
"Please, forget about that. I'm sure you could find out if you search for it, but I suggest you don't."
"Ah, yes…"
"Yes. He doesn't want to talk about it, so it's best for us not to mention it."
What the Principal said was not only advice for the Secretary but also for himself.
The South. Four years ago, some people from the South had rebelled, and a war raged for almost two years. The Enforcement Department's Director was one of the people at the center of the incident.
* * *
'Oh damn. I feel like I'm about to die.'
I quickly left the Principal's office and searched for a bathroom. I began feeling it after stepping down from the carriage. While talking with the Vice Principal, it reached a dangerous point. And while talking with the Principal, it had reached its peak. I felt like I was about to let it go, but I did my best to hold it in.
So that's why I couldn't remember much of what the Principal said. I paid attention to what he said for a short while after he mentioned the South.
'That damn old man.'
Although two years had passed, I still felt uncomfortable talking about it, but it wasn't something I could keep hidden forever. It also wasn't something I had to.
That's why I used it as an excuse to leave the place. I was sorry for the Principal, but I was also surprised. So let's consider this a tie.
But more importantly, where's the bathroom? Why is this place so big?