Rest

The situation was changing rapidly. Too fast to keep up.

Principal Veronica felt this reality in her bones.

“Support is impossible?”

“Correct. This is to guarantee the academy’s independent status. We ask for your understanding.”

“…Understood. You may leave. Give my regards to that fellow.”

“As you wish.”

As the Imperial Family’s representative bowed and left, Veronica sighed deeply and pulled out a carefully stored bottle.

“Hmph. Kids these days are utterly incomprehensible.”

The sight of the girl pouring luminous liquor into a glass seemed perfectly natural. Anyone witnessing it would marvel at the years of experience contained within her youthful form.

After downing the clearly expensive liquor in one gulp, Veronica began her complaints.

“What nonsense is this about ‘guaranteeing the academy’s independent status’? Do they think I wouldn’t know what that really means?”

Of course she knew. This was no different from pushing through demands knowing she couldn’t refuse.

Reducing external support to protect the academy’s independence? Fine-sounding words.

But ultimately, it was no different from saying they didn’t want to help.

The terrorist incident that shook the world had happened long ago, yet investigations remained stalled.

She wished they’d just say outright they had no intention of helping.

“…Tch. The world changes too quickly these days.”

Before the war, she’d been busy but never precarious.

Veronica emptied her glass repeatedly, struck by the thought that even this academy with its long tradition might soon close its doors.

“Haa, drinking alone is so lonely…”

While failing to identify those who tried to kill her own flesh and blood, they were busy checking other institutions.

How far had the Imperial Family fallen? She wished they’d learn about priorities.

“That rude fellow at least seemed somewhat capable before.”

Though insolent since childhood, his talent had been undeniable.

She’d thought he might make a decent emperor if that arrogance was tempered. Never imagined his personality would cost him supporters and naturally push him from the mainstream.

Back in my day, hmm? Even if someone was arrogant and trashy, we accepted it because they were noble.

Kids these days, tsk tsk.

As Veronica drank refill after refill, she soon realized the bottle was empty and rummaged through drawers for a new one.

Where was it… Why wasn’t it here?

“…Ah, now I remember. Forgot to restock last time.”

Only then did Veronica realize her secret stash had run dry.

Normally she drank occasionally, restocking when she remembered. But recent stress had increased her drinking frequency.

…Wanted more.

Just when she was starting to feel warm. Veronica grew irritated.

She could buy cheap liquor immediately, but the broken rhythm displeased her.

Then suddenly, Veronica recalled a passing promise from before.

“…Didn’t the counselor teacher say to visit when I wanted a drink?”

The memory surfaced clearly despite the time passed, lifting Veronica’s mood.

Maybe the alcohol made trivial things seem pleasant, but that wasn’t important.

Contrary to rumors calling her senile, she still had excellent memory. This boosted her pride.

Dementia? What nonsense! Does this face look old? My future’s still bright. See how well I remember things?

Muttering to herself, Veronica lightly stepped out of the principal’s office.

To get a long-awaited drink.

Unaware that worrying about her age this way made her seem older.

***

“You there!”

“…You startled me. Oh, it’s you, Grandma.”

“You. Isn’t it time to stop calling me that?”

That brat always knew how to ruin a good mood.

Though she tried acknowledging her talent, he always acted like this.

Needlessly provoking people. No wonder she’d been naturally sidelined.

Displaying her magnanimity, Veronica decided to forgive her today.

“Hmph.”

“But why are you here…”

“I’m leaving now. See you later, Teacher Ophelia.”

“Ah, yes. Goodbye.”

“…?”

Something felt odd.

Why were two people in the counseling room?

If they were regular students, she might dismiss it as that brat accompanying someone. But this student – Anastasia the Watcher – couldn’t be viewed that way.

A key Church figure being with the princess? Their reactions seemed suspicious, as if hiding something…

“Long time no see, Principal. What brings you here?”

“Ah, nothing special. Wondered if I could borrow some liquor.”

“Liquor?”

“Yes. You told me before to visit when I wanted a drink. Don’t remember?”

Probably nothing important.

Veronica decided to let it go.

This was the counseling room – where students shared secrets. Everyone had things they couldn’t tell others, even high-ranking officials knew this best.

Though prominent, they were still students. Turning a blind eye to their secretive exit seemed proper.

“I did say that. You remembered. Thought you might have forgotten.”

“What?! You think I’m old too?! How shocking!”

“…Have you already had a drink? You seem slightly intoxicated.”

“I’m not drunk!”

“…”

Hmm, those doubtful eyes.

I’m telling you I’m not drunk… Wait? Who stays this alert when drunk?

But liquor took priority over proving sobriety.

“…So, got any liquor?”

“…”

“None…?”

Ophelia’s hesitation made Veronica’s disappointment obvious.

None left.

Well, this was a school. Not common to hide liquor here…

“I do.”

“Then say so! Why hesitate?”

“Well… How do I explain hiding liquor at the academy to my superior?”

“No problem! I permit it! Hide all you want! Just save some for me!”

So that was the concern.

Veronica happily granted permission for secret stashes.

As long as students and other teachers didn’t find out. A secret between teacher and principal.

…Heh. A secret between just the two of us? Felt like something young people would do, lifting her mood further.

Veronica downed the liquor Ophelia poured in one gulp.

“Ahhh! Now this hits the spot!”

“Does it suit your taste?”

“Not bad. Decent. Though the peat flavor’s a bit light.”

“How about trying this then? The aroma should be stronger.”

“Excellent! Curious about that too!”

Counseling rooms were meant as student sanctuaries.

But occasionally serving as adult retreats seemed acceptable too.

Veronica genuinely thought so.

Her work-weary body and mind felt at ease.

Though drinking with company was naturally better, she’d lacked companions until now.

Her fondness for the counselor grew by the minute.

“Here, Teacher, drink up! Don’t worry – I won’t say anything.”

“…Just a little then.”

Even her hearty drinking pleased Veronica.

Every movement so graceful. Though childless, she’d want such a daughter-in-law.

“Principal. Since we’ve met, there’s something I’d like to ask…”

“What is it? Speak freely!”

“Could I take some leave? About a week.”

“…Hmm? Leave?”

“Yes. A longer period – one week.”

“Granted!”

A whole week at once.

Truthfully, she’d have refused anyone else immediately.

The situation remained tense, exam period approached. Every hand would be needed.

But for this teacher, she’d allow it. Though counselors didn’t greatly impact classes, everyone deserved rest when weary.

One knows their own limits best. Rest when needed.

Those who listen to others’ troubles often can’t share their own. Fatigue must have accumulated.

Probably taking a trip to relieve stress.

“If traveling, be careful, Teacher.”

“I will. Thank you.”

“Truly. The political climate’s unstable now. Strange incidents could happen anytime.”

Deciding to offer advice just in case.

A favored teacher disappearing in some incident would be regrettable.

“After the academy terror incident, the Pope and Imperial Family’s moods feel dangerous. Such times breed trouble.”

“Indeed.”

“By the way, I’m curious where you’re going for so long. Somewhere nice?”

“Nothing special. As you said, with the unstable situation, there’s unfinished business to settle.”

“Ah… I see.”

“Enough headaches. Another drink?”

“Excellent! …Ahhh! This one’s delicious too! Another!”

Thus the adults’ night deepened.