“Welcome. You’ve worked hard.”
The first impression of the principal could be summed up in one word: humble grandfather.
With a dignified yet gentle demeanor and a robust physique despite his old age. His well-groomed mustache and white hair created a comfortable yet stern atmosphere.
His elderly and deep, low voice was also impressive.
“It seems like that man is the culprit behind the weekend commute disruption, doesn’t it?”
Seated on the sofa, the principal asked, stirring his tea gently with a teaspoon. His face was full of interest.
It was a relaxed gesture, but an inexplicable sense of pressure could be felt. Yeonhwa responded in a tense voice.
“Yes. As I reported, these students are the ones who brought him in from the forest of chaos.”
“Hmm.”
Clink-The principal quietly placed the teaspoon on the table in response to Yeonhwa’s answer, then stared at me intensely. In return, I met his gaze without avoiding it. His gray eyes were sharp, as if piercing through me.
As this subtle confrontation continued, the principal smirked and spoke.
“You’re well-behaved.”
“Yes?”
“Well-behaved. Normally, when someone meets my eyes like this, they react, but you seem indifferent. It’s as if you feel no pressure at all.”
Why would I turn my gaze away when you were just staring at me from over there?
Just like me, others also had bewildered expressions, as if inwardly surprised. Then the principal chuckled and opened his mouth while taking a sip of his tea.
“It’s a joke. Anyway, regardless of having red eyes, it’s clear that you’re docile. Most of those with red eyes have dirty personalities, whether they’re violent or not.”
“Sivar is kind, though…”
Ellie timidly objected, and her objection made Porori below me look up at me quietly.
I don’t really know why they made such an evaluation of me. Could it be because I rescued them from a Manki?
“Ellie, my dear student. Monsters may be like that, but people are different. The principal probably meant it in that sense.”
“Hmm? I didn’t mean it in that way, though?”
The principal’s words were ambiguous, leaving Yeonhwa unsure if it was a joke or a serious remark. In response, she just awkwardly smiled.
It seems she thought it was a joke. It’s probably because she has such an eccentric personality.
“Well, it doesn’t matter if he feels pressured or not. Did you say his name was Sivar?”
The principal didn’t seem to have any intention of providing a detailed explanation as he stood up from his seat and spoke. Then, he slowly walked towards us.
From a distance, I couldn’t tell, but he was quite tall. I consider myself quite tall, but our eye level was roughly the same.
“When you mentioned finding a survivor in the Forest of Chaos, I was wondering what you meant.”
“It may sound like a lie, but it’s true,” Luna replied firmly.
The principal looked at her and exclaimed.
“Ah! So, you were the top student in this year’s admission? What’s your name…”
“I’m Luna Estel.”
“Alright, Luna, student. Can you explain why this person was brought to the academy?”
“Yes. The reason why…”
Luna began to explain the reason why she brought me here, just as she did with the professors. The principal listened to the story while nodding occasionally, showing an attitude of attentiveness.
“Ellie said so. Sivar is a person, so he should be taken to where people live. People should live like humans.”.
“Living like a human… I agree with that statement. If that’s the case, you’ll need a place to stay…”
The principal looked at us with a vague comment. After a moment of seemingly contemplating something, he quietly spoke up.
“If you’re not opposed to it, living together with me wouldn’t be so bad.”
“…?”
Is that really a sincere remark? His relaxed expression made it seem like a joke, but I wasn’t the only one taken aback. Yeonhwa stuttered as she spoke.
“W-what do you mean? Are you saying that the principal is going to live with this man?”
“Or perhaps it’ll be you all who will live with him? It hasn’t been long since you entered the school, so you must be busy as well. It would be strange to leave them to the students, and it doesn’t seem right either.”
“Well, that may be true, but…”
Indeed, it might be best to spend time with the principal. The professors were busy with their own work, and the students had to attend classes.
“Don’t you have work to do, Principal?”
“Ellie!”
At that moment, Ellie seemed curious and asked a direct question. Luna was surprised and called out her name. Though Ellie might be genuinely curious on her own part, it may come off as somewhat impolite to the listener.
However, the president laughed and replied coolly, seemingly unconcerned.
“I may live like a vagabond, but I have my own work to do. However, maintaining neutrality within the academy was so difficult that it takes all I have.”
It’s a response that accurately pointed out the chronic problem of fierce competition within the academy.
Not only students but also professors were often entangled in complex political situations. Since they were sent as representatives from their countries, it was inevitable. If you delve into the details, you’ll realize how complicated it truly is.
Therefore, it was natural for them to be reluctant to accompany someone like me, who was like a ticking time bomb, as they prefer not to attract attention.
If a problem were to arise and draw unnecessary attention, it could escalate into a complicated situation.
“Instead of looking for someone and bothering people, it would be better if I personally brought him with me. It would put my mind at ease. Do you agree?”
“Principal, you’re right, but Sivar doesn’t even know how to write or speak. You will have to teach him…”
“What’s so difficult about teaching him? Will it be that hard?”
“Well… um…”
In response to the principal’s casual answer, Yeonhwa’s voice lowered. It was an expression that seemed to question whether this was acceptable.
However, the principal’s resolutness remained unchanged. Even if problems were to arise, the principal can cover the risks. Although I am unlikely to cause accidents, it’s still wise to have insurance in place.
“In that case, I’ll take care of Sivar for the time being. If an opportunity arises, I’ll consider admitting him. As long as he isn’t completely lacking in social skills.”
“Principal, may I also teach Sivar how to write?”
Ellie timidly raised her hand and made a quiet request. Unlike before, her confidence seemed to have taken a nosedive in her voice.
“Why, Ellie? The principal will be with him, you know.”
“Still… I want to teach him how to write myself…”
Ellie cautiously spoke, hesitating while carefully choosing her words. Perhaps she felt the need to repay a favor.
However, as long as the principal was accompanying me, it would be difficult. After all, it was none other than the principal, not just anyone.
“Do as you wish.”
“Principal?!”
“If it’s what you want, I should at least grant you that much.”
But there was a variable that the principal was eccentric. Each person had a different expression at the principal’s unexpectedly generous response.
While Ellie had a bright smile, Yeonhwa and Luna had indescribable expressions.
However, it seemed that the principal also had some thoughts as he advised Ellie.
“Only come when you have the leisure to. Being lazy and having leisure are distinctly different things.”
“Yes! I’ll keep that in mind!”
“Hehehe. You’ll make a great teacher with your cheerfulness.”
The principal chuckled and looked pleased. On the other hand, Luna wore a complex and subtle expression.
Actually, it’s not a bad choice for Ellie to teach me writing. After all, language is something that needs to be thought through conversation.
Apart from the principal teaching writing, Ellie can become a great conversation partner for me. It’s just my expectation, but I think I’ll learn words early.
Swoosh-
“…?”
At that moment, the principal took something out of his pocket and handed it to me. I looked at what was placed on the principal’s hand.
It was a round, brown candy. Surely he doesn’t expect me to eat it, right?
“Try it once. It’s delicious.”
With the sudden suggestion, I exchanged glances between the candy and the principal. The principal just smiled.
I hesitated for a moment and carefully picked up the candy from their hand. Then I brought it close to my nose and sniffed.
A faint but distinct sweet scent of the candy reached me. Completely unsure of its meaning, I glanced at the principal again.
“Sivar, it seems like the principal wants to get closer to you. Give it a try.”
Ellie intervened from the side, as if interpreting my actions as suspicion. I want to ask if they’re being too optimistic.
Still, the principal wouldn’t give me a candy laced with drugs, right? As soon as I had that thought, I put the candy straight into my mouth.
The sweetness of the candy spread throughout my mouth the moment I put it in. The savory fragrance was an added bonus.
The taste that stimulated the salivary glands to the point of explosion. My mouth eagerly savored the scent that had never been tasted in the forest.
“What flavor is it?”
Curiously, Yeonhwa asked me with an expression of interest as I enjoyed it deliciously.
In response to her question, the principal shrugged his shoulders and replied,
“It’s scorched rice flavored candy.”
“…Why did you give him something like that?”
“Because he seems to be from the Hwan Empire.”
“But only the elderly eat it in the Hwan Empire…”
As long as it tastes good, it doesn’t matter. You could never eat something like this in the forest.
I savored the candy diligently until it melted completely. It’s the first time my mouth watered like this even though I’m not hungry.
“Judging by your expression, it seems you liked it. If you want, I can give you more.”
“Just be careful not to ruin his teeth. Please don’t give him too much.”
“Considering he has been living in the forest, his teeth are surprisingly clean, right? I don’t think they’ll decay just from a piece of candy.”
It was a part that surprised me too. I was aware that my teeth should decay due to the lack of an environment for brushing, but they never rotted no matter what I ate. I even lost teeth in a rough fight once, but they grew back again.
It seems like humans in the Soul World can regrow their teeth even if they fall out. I should check it later.
“Anyway, now that the residency issue is resolved, Yeonhwa.”
“Yes?”
“You should go back first. I have something to discuss with these students.”
“…Yes.”
Yeonhwa left her seat, sending a worried glance in response at the principal’s instructions.
And so, the remaining were people and a squirrel. In the midst of the peculiar atmosphere, the principal looked down below.
His gaze was directly aimed at Porori, and as Porori met his gaze, he tilted his head.
“So, you didn’t just bring humans from the wild.”
“Ratatoskr? This one is just…”
“I never expected that not only a wild man but also a divine beast would enter the academy.”
The principal chuckled and spoke. He said it casually, but the contents within were far from light.
As expected, Luna and Ellie stiffened their bodies, surprised.
The identity of Porori, which other professors did not notice, was immediately noticed by the principal .
Luna smirked at Ratatoskr for a moment and cautiously asked a question.
“…You knew?”
“I’ve seen much in my life, so I can tell. The energy I feel, and the ability to understand people were far from ordinary.”
The principal slowly moved his steps without saying much. Upon returning to the table, he picked up a teacup with steam still lingering in the air. Then, while sipping his tea, he asked us,.
“There seem to be many missing pieces in the story. Can you tell me about it? If you want, I can also prepare some tea.”
“There’s no need for that.”
“Alright then, please have a seat.”
Following the director’s suggestion, we sat side by side on the guest sofa. It was me, Luna, and Ellie. Porori was with Ellie.
The principal continued to look at me, even as I sat down. I deliberately ignored his gaze. Maybe it’s because I seemed socially inept, but I was good at listening to others. It wouldn’t hurt to clear up any misunderstandings now, but it’s not the right time yet.
“Should I go ahead and start now?”
“Do as you wish.”
“Understood. So, what happened was…”
Luna revealed the parts she hadn’t told the professors. It was a secret, but it only amounted to me and Porori having an intense fight.
However, the aftermath of the fight was the problem.
As a result of pouring all our strength into it, the surrounding area has been devastated. If such an incident were to occur at the Academy, it wouldn’t end as a simple accident.
“I asked them not to fight after that. They haven’t fought once throughout this journey.”
“Interesting. It’s impressive enough to control lightning, and it even understands your request. It’s definitely a divine beast.”
“Can I keep raising it?”
Ellie asked with an anxious expression, holding Porori tightly in their arms, afraid of being rejected. Porori’s expression became even more relaxed. Perhaps he was enjoying the soft touch.
‘It should be comfortable.’
Her chest was considerably big, so it would have been comfortable. It even made me have some strange thoughts.
Maybe it’s because I’ve been living in the wild that my interest keeps leaning in that direction. For now, I have to suppress it as much as possible.
“As long as this divine beast recognizes you as its owner, there shouldn’t be any accidents. Usually, once a divine beast acknowledges its owner, it remains loyal until the end.”
“Oh, then what about Sivar?”
“Ellie, Sivar is not a divine beast, he’s a human. Why would you think something like that?”
Ellie, who seemed to think that I was being obedient for that reason, chuckled awkwardly at Luna’s rebuke.
The principal even opened his mouth with a hearty laugh at Ellie’s innocence, finding it adorable.
“It’s not entirely impossible. He grew up in the wild with no social skills, but seeing how well-behaved he is now, it makes sense.”
“See? Even the principal acknowledges it.”
“Sigh…”
As Ellie pouted, Luna let out a sigh as if she couldn’t bear it anymore. It was a sigh filled with many meanings.
It seemed like Luna’s difficult journey had just begun. I silently cheered her on in my heart.
“From now on, will Sivar stay here with the principal?”
“That’s right.”
“Oh, so this is your accommodation then?”
“Not exactly.”
Wait a minute. Something feels off. Was I the only one feeling this way, or did others also feel that?
In response to our reactions, the president, with his characteristic hearty laugh, gave a response befitting a wild person.
“I enjoy wandering around here and there. This place is literally just a place to sleep.”
“Um… Does that mean…”
“He’ll adapt quickly. It’s just a change of sleeping location, nothing more.”
Although dumbfounded by the president’s natural remarks, his subsequent explanation was convincing.
This place was more like a temporary residence than an actual principal’s office. That’s why there’s a shower room and a kitchen installed here, I heard.
Furthermore, the United Academy’s principal plays a role more akin to the last line of defense rather than administrative one, so there were hardly any administrative tasks for him.
It was considered a gathering place for talents from many countries, and there was no higher authority to report to. It was literally a lock to maintain neutrality.
Of course, he’s the boss of this place. It meant there was no higher authority to report to, as the final authority within the academy lies with the principal.
“You were told to come here instead of the principal’s office for this reason. The principal never goes to the main building on weekends.”
“Did the previous principals also stay here?”
Luna asked. She must have wondered about the modest lifestyle that was close to nature.
“It seems to be just me. The previous principals had separate accommodations. I don’t have a family and I move around here and there, so that’s why.”
“Don’t you find it inconvenient?”
“There’s no reason to find it inconvenient.”
From the start, it was possible to handle all accommodation here, so there was no need for a dormitory.
It’s just that the principal had a wild side, so there would usually be separate accommodations.
Since it’s literally a place to handle sleeping only, it’s possible for me to stay here.
Anyway, the residence was settled. What’s left is for each of us to go and do our own things.
“Got it? Even if I’m not here, you should listen to the principal’s words. Sivar is good, so you’ll do well, right?”
Ellie grabbed my hand and sighed deeply. Her light golden eyes were filled with worry.
Since it was decided that I would live in the principal’s office, I had to be separated from her. Ellie seemed concerned about that.
Anyone would think we were parting ways for a lifetime. Even though she would come to me whenever she had time.
“If you understood, answer me.”
“Shibal(got it).”
“Good. Well done.”
Ellie gave me a satisfied smile in response to my answer. I will try to keep my promise, but the future was uncertain.
Above all, I had no intention of staying idle here. The Academy holds numerous items and secrets.
Just considering the demons’ plans aimed at collapsing the Academy, which were already evident, if I dismantle it in advance, not only will my stats permanently increase, but the difficulty will decrease significantly in the future.
In addition, I need to form connections with key figures like Godin, so I can’t just stay put.
‘I should secretly escape.’
The principal will only be absent for a short period. However, my memories were hazy, so it will take some time.
Moreover, there is still time until the Academy Collapse part. There was no need to be impatient.
Until then, I will explore various parts of the Academy and revive the fading memories.
“Cough, cough.”
“Principal?”
“Ah, don’t worry. It’s because of my age.”
The principal raised his hand as if to reassure, saying, “Don’t worry.” Outwardly, he may appear to have age-related illnesses.
However, toxins were gradually accumulating in his body, so subtly that even he himself could hardly notice.
The accumulated toxins in the principal’s body needed to be resolved as soon as possible. The difficulty level depends on his condition.
“Kyang.”
While I was hearing Ellie’s repeated requests, Porori called me from below. It seems like he’s telling me to take care, but I should also wish him good luck.
“Shibal (Take care).”
“Kyaaang (You too).”
He told me to take care. What could have prompted such kind words?
Even after that, Ellie’s constant nagging could only be stopped with Luna’s intervention. However, Ellie still gave me a worried look. I just stood there, plump and idle.
“Please take good care of Sivar. I will visit often.”
“Leave me something to teach him!”
“Don’t worry.”
After the principal’s reply, the group departed. Just before leaving, Luna sent a meaningful gaze, but I shrugged it off as insignificant.
And so, the president and I were left alone in the office. It was truly an awkward atmosphere.
“Sivar.”
The principal called my name. I looked at him with a questioning expression.
The principal gently tugged on his mustache with his fingers and murmured with a curious tone.
“You understand even if you don’t speak, huh? Are you really similar to that divine beast from earlier?”
“··· ···”
He noticed everything, huh? For now, it’s better to pretend I don’t know anything, so I just keep my mouth shut.
The principal stared at me for a while and then smiled in an inexplicable way. It seems like he has some good idea.
“A parentless fellow.”
“….?”
Out of nowhere, the principal threw out an insult. It was so absurd that I couldn’t even react.
As I blinked my eyes, the president continued to curse at me.
“Beggar. Orphan. Savage.”
“··· ···”
What am I supposed to do? I raised one eyebrow and showed my displeasure.
I also have feelings as a human, so it’s unpleasant to be cursed at without any reason. I didn’t want to fight either.
The principal made a puzzled expression in response to my reaction and immediately apologized.
“Well, well. I apologize for cursing. I just think that you understand the gist of it.”
“··· ···”
“My name is Rod Sherman. Why don’t you try saying it? Rod Sherman.”
After apologizing, the principal introduced himself, pointing to himself. His name was Rod Sherman.
“Shibal.”
“Rod.”
“Shibal.”
“Rod… No, I’m the idiot.”
Of course, I couldn’t say his name.
The principal, Rod, realizing this, waved his hand and moved on.
“First, let me explain where you will be living from now on. Follow me.”
Once again, Rod pointed to himself and explained. Without saying a word, I followed behind him at his gesture to follow.
I honestly couldn’t believe it when I heard that the office was a temporary residence. But everything was there, including a kitchen.
Rod kindly explained everything one by one. Instead of explaining verbally, he showed me how to use things through actions.
“Try drinking it. It’s a well-brewed herbal tea.”
In the kitchen, he even boiled water for tea himself after the shower. I alternated between looking at the steaming tea cup and his smile.
I should accept it so as not to feel awkward. With one hand, I casually accepted it.
“Ah, wait. It’s hot, so hold onto this.”
Worried that I might grab it clumsily, he pointed to the handle and said. Following his request, I held onto the handle and brought the teacup close to my face.
“…?”
Didn’t he mention that he brewed good herbal tea earlier? As soon as I smelled it, I raised my head in surprise. I strongly felt that I shouldn’t drink it. I don’t know the reason, but my instincts were telling me so.
‘Come to think of it…’
I remembered. There was poison in the tea that Rod usually drinks. Rod enjoys drinking tea. Wasn’t he brewing tea when we first met earlier?
Before searching for herbs for detoxification, I should deal with the tea first. With that thought, I immediately took action.
Clang!
I threw the teacup on the floor. The expression meaning that you shouldn’t drink it. Since I couldn’t speak, I had no choice but to act like this. Naturally, Rod was startled by my sudden action.
Then, he looked at the teacup on the floor and muttered with a puzzled face.
“Hmm… don’t you like it?”
“··· ···”
It’s not that. There’s poison in it.
I tried my best to express it somehow. First, I pointed to the teacup on the floor and then covered my mouth. Then, I shook my head frantically. Rod watched my actions attentively and chuckled before firmly saying,
“You’re not asking for candy, are you? You can’t have any right now.”
“…Damn it.”
It seems like a difficult road lies ahead already.
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