Ch.326Changed Life (2)

It was a path that led to an unknown destination, but fortunately, it had an end. And at that end, none other than the Halo Academy’s principal was waiting.

Except for the entrance ceremony, I had never seen him before, and this was my first time facing him in person.

Perhaps he had hastily deployed knights as soon as he heard I was coming. All knights dispatched to the academy—that is, security personnel—were under the principal’s jurisdiction.

This meant the principal himself had created this path comparable to a red carpet. Though it was an experience I’d have only a few times in my life, I understood the situation and let it pass.

“Please sit here, Lord Xenon.”

And so I arrived at the principal’s office in the administration building. Following his guidance, I planted myself on the guest sofa.

My guardian knights, Adelia and Kate, also took seats on either side of me. While sitting down, I didn’t forget to look around.

Befitting the principal’s office, some luxury items caught my eye, but nothing excessive. Just appropriate for someone of his rank as principal.

After all, this was an office for personal work. So there was no need for trivial things.

And more noticeable than the luxury items were the portraits of past principals. Since Halo Academy was relatively new, there weren’t many portraits.

In contrast, Teres Academy in the Kingdom of Teres, a country of culture, had been established for well over 100 years.

‘They certainly have a lot of money.’

History and time can’t be bought with money, but most other things can.

If I were included here too? The Kingdom of Teres would gradually enter a period of decline, unbecoming of its reputation.

Of course, with Maria currently on the throne, who knows what might happen. I had no ill feelings toward her.

“It’s not much, but please help yourself.”

While I was looking around, the principal appeared with refreshments. I shifted my gaze to the snacks placed on the desk.

Cookies to satisfy idle mouths and steaming coffee. I wasn’t sure what ingredients were used, but it was clearly different from what was sold in cafes.

“This coffee is made from beans from the Basos region. Its unique aroma is exquisite.”

“I see.”

After hearing his explanation, I took a sip of coffee. To be honest, I didn’t know what made it famous, but I had to try it anyway.

Still, I could definitely feel it was different from other coffees. Without adding sugar separately, it had a blend of sweetness and tartness.

Also, the strong caffeine aroma filled my nostrils, making me feel refreshed.

“It makes my head feel clearer.”

“Doesn’t it?”

The principal responded to my comment with a curled lip. I took another sip of coffee while examining his face.

A clean-shaven head that looked refreshing at first glance, with well-groomed gray beard. Wrinkles around his eyes and a build similar to Musk Grid.

Overall, he looked like an uncle who might work at a pawnshop. With an expression that seemed like he could halve any price a seller offered.

His name was Richard Nelson Girid. He held the title of viscount and was well-known throughout the Empire for his administrative abilities. This was what I had heard from Rina.

Also, as his appearance suggested, he was a man far removed from violence.

‘He still needs to build the foundation.’

As I mentioned earlier, Halo Academy was established not long ago. That’s probably why they placed someone with excellent administrative skills in the principal’s position.

Moreover, Richard was a figure who maintained political neutrality. Considering the characteristics of the academy, they had no choice but to place a neutral person in that position.

Of course, if he were to step down from the principal’s position, things might be different. But that’s not my concern, so let’s move on.

“So, has the dormitory issue been completely resolved?”

“Yes. Princess Rina will be arriving soon.”

I nodded and drank my coffee. As expected, it seems Rina will be guiding me to the dormitory.

After all, there’s no one else suitable to guide me to the dormitory besides Rina. Still, having a princess personally guide me makes me acutely aware of my position.

Then, how should I approach my academy life from now on? This is actually why I met with the principal.

“Then what about my life here? If possible, I’d like to graduate.”

Even as Xenon, I am fundamentally a student who loves history. So I’d prefer to major in history under Elena.

But I also know this might be difficult. It might even cause trouble for Elena and Cindy.

If it harms them, I’m prepared to give up cleanly, even if reluctantly.

“Hmm… may I speak frankly?”

The principal seemed quite troubled by the choice, quietly asking while clasping his hands together. I immediately gave an affirmative answer.

“Yes.”

“If Lord Xenon can handle it, continuing your studies is possible. It’s just that the probability of unexpected incidents occurring will increase.”

“Is it related to devil worshippers?”

So it’s that issue after all. Although no incident has occurred yet, it’s currently my biggest concern.

Even if they don’t target me directly, they could target those around me. Moreover, Elena and Cindy are scholars, not warriors.

But contrary to my expectations, Richard was concerned about something else.

“No. You don’t need to worry about that. You’ve been continuing your studies under Professor Elena, correct?”

“Yes.”

“Professor Elena currently majors in history but also doubles in archaeology. She once traveled the world exploring.”

“With Cindy?”

“Yes.”

Like Indiana Jones? Based on the principal’s words, it seems I don’t need to worry about Elena and Cindy.

Since they’ve explored the world, they should at least have the capability to protect themselves. Above all, they’re elves, so they should be able to use basic magic.

“Then what issues would I have to deal with?”

“Very trivial ones. Stalkers, or things going missing, and so on. Especially, even a piece of paper that Lord Xenon casually discards might be taken by someone. In extreme cases, even a strand of hair might be taken.”

“…”

Why does Cherry come to mind when I hear this? She’s a remarkable individual who confirmed I was Xenon just from my handwriting and a strand of hair.

Of course, at that time, Cherry’s condition was serious, so it was almost like a half-confession, but her obsession was quite terrifying.

If more people like that increase here? As the principal said, I would have to deal with all of it.

Perhaps it could be more serious than Cherry, as she didn’t directly harm me. Rather, she’s diligently writing as a collaborator.

“If you’re willing to experience such things and still want to attend classes, that’s fine. But please consider that preventing all such incidents is realistically difficult.”

“…I understand. Now that I hear it, such things could happen. Thank you. Has anyone experienced similar incidents?”

“Many have. Especially royalty and high nobles often experience such things. Recently, Prince Leort was a victim.”

“Prince Leort?”

I widened my eyes in surprise. I hadn’t heard about such an incident from Rina.

Looking to the side, Adelia also seemed surprised. As an assistant instructor, she would have heard various rumors, but she seems completely unaware, suggesting it happened recently.

Seeing our reactions, the principal nodded and spoke in a rather serious tone.

“While Prince Leort’s personal belongings weren’t taken, items he used disappeared. For example, utensils he used in the dining hall, or teacups he used in the cafe, and so on. The prince also felt something was off and quickly took measures.”

“Was the culprit caught?”

“Yes. The culprit’s name was Sophia Aleng Berdo. She apparently admired Prince Leort. She’s now been expelled and returned to her family home.”

It sounds somewhat familiar, yet not quite—it’s hazy. Anyway, if Leort experienced it, I wouldn’t be any different.

No. It would be much worse than that. Especially since, unlike Leort, I’m clumsy in my behavior and tend to leave things behind.

If I ‘briefly’ put something down and go somewhere, that item would surely disappear. Especially if that item is a notebook for recording, the situation could become serious.

“…This seems more troublesome than I thought.”

“Yes. That’s why you’ll need to be more careful than usual. Just that alone will increase stress, which is why I expressed concern.”

“Sigh… I understand for now. I’ll think about this matter gradually, and for the time being, I’ll continue with my studies. That seems better.”

“I’ll follow Lord Xenon’s choice. If you change your mind, please come anytime. And…”

Perhaps he had something else to say from the beginning? The principal adopted a very cautious attitude, different from before.

Clasping his hands together, he hesitated to speak. I waited quietly, wondering what he was going to say.

“This might be presumptuous, but does Lord Xenon have any plans to share his knowledge?”

“My knowledge?”

“Yes.”

“About the future?”

At first, I thought the principal also considered me a regressor or prophet, which is why he brought this up.

However, I quickly realized that was a mistaken thought.

“No, no, absolutely not. I’m just curious if you could teach students how to write.”

“How to write? You mean composition methods?”

“Yes. If it was a presumptuous question, I apologize.”

“There’s no need to apologize…”

I really didn’t mind. Rather, I was slightly perplexed.

It seemed the principal was treating my writing method as some kind of secret technique. Like a secret technique martial artists pass down to their disciples.

But secret technique or whatever, sentence structure is just about mastering the basics. It just takes time to refine and create one’s own style.

‘Come to think of it…’

I recalled the books published in this world. Clearly, paper-making and printing technology were as developed as on Earth in my previous life, but writing was somewhat lacking in many ways.

For example, writing in one long stretch without breaks, repeating words, or using unnecessary sentences.

This isn’t different from novels, specifically web novels from my previous life. One needs to build a foundation from the basics to either pursue literary fiction or web novels.

Cherry’s case is very unique. Moreover, she has a natural talent for writing, even creating her own style.

‘Is he asking me to establish a creative writing department?’

It’s not a bad idea. But realistically, there are too many challenges.

The moment it’s established, the classroom would be overcrowded, and my personal time would significantly decrease. It’s better to postpone this.

“It’s a good idea, but I’ll have to decline. Oh, it’s not that I don’t want to teach writing, it’s just that I don’t have the time.”

“Hmm… I understand. I’ve been presumptuous. I apologize.”

“Not at all. I’m actually pleased you made such a proposal. Once I get accustomed to life here, I’ll consider it.”

Knock knock knock-

“Principal Richard. It’s Rina. May I come in?”

Just as I finished speaking, Rina arrived with perfect timing. As I stood up, the guards and the principal also rose from their seats.

Now I just need to go to the dormitory where I’ll be staying. I expressed my gratitude to the principal.

“Thank you for your advice.”

“The pleasure is mine. If you make up your mind, please come anytime.”

“Yes.”

To be honest, it’s an appealing option. While I may not have the capacity to become a professor, I can at least teach someone, like Cindy’s example.

‘And about the stalker issue…’

This seems like something I need to think about gradually.

‘I should warn them not to mess with the pink-haired girl, just in case.’

Let’s make Cherry an exception. She could be a stalker who might be helpful to me, like Hyria was.

‘But why does Cherry only follow me?’

It might be better to have a consultation with her soon.

‘I also need to find Leona…’

There were still too many things to resolve.