episode_0018

After finishing his words, the principal stared at me intently, as if expecting an answer. The pressure of his gaze was quite overwhelming.

“Well, I have something I’d like to ask.”

“Go ahead, go ahead. What is it that you’re curious about? Ask away.”

Thinking that I showed interest, the principal hesitated for a moment and then quickly adjusted his position in his seat.

“I understand your concerns vaguely. But if it’s such an important matter, wouldn’t it be better for you to handle it directly?”

“Well, well.”

“I don’t know much, but as the principal of a prestigious academy, you must have considerable power. Your abilities must be exceptional… So why not handle it yourself? Why ask me for help?”

“Well, I’m not one to back down easily. But the ways of the world aren’t just about strength…”

The principal furrowed his brow slightly and muttered.

“The power in the cradle is delicately balanced between me and the Education Council. And the members of the Education Council are representatives of each family’s interests. They don’t take kindly to their interests being infringed upon. Regardless of the factions, they all come together as one on such matters…”

“Then…”

“Sure, you could use sheer force to crush them, but the resistance would likely intensify in proportion. So you might not even achieve half of what you initially set out to do.”

After finishing his words, the principal looked at me with a confident gaze.

“That’s why I chose you as an alternative. The effectiveness goes without saying, and on the surface, it’s just a matter among students, so there will be much less resistance compared to if I were to intervene directly, don’t you think?”

“I don’t quite understand your point. I’m just a student. Furthermore, I have no family background or anything… Why would you ask me to do such a thing…”

“What? You really don’t know your own worth. I had my doubts, but it seems you haven’t even hinted at that direction…”

The principal clicked his tongue disapprovingly.

“Do you know? While the cradle accepts recommended students every year, the perception of those students around them is not very favorable. Contrary to the initial intention of discovering hidden gems, it has long since become a pathway to obtaining a prestigious academy’s diploma through personal favoritism or financial transactions.”

“Are you saying I would do the same…”

“But you’re different. You, as a member of the Heukryeon family, received a recommendation letter, after 18 long years. Just the fact that this information becomes known will cause a big stir.”

After finishing his words, the principal suddenly reached out his hand backward. From his fingertips, a green light seemed to emanate, and in an instant, the paper envelope on the old desk flew into the principal’s hand.

“Of course, if you’re a talentless nobody, you might even face more ridicule, but…”

As the principal opened the envelope and took out the contents, a booklet filled with small writing was revealed. He picked up a sheet from the top and began to read the contents aloud.

“Name: Yoo Jinhyun, Age: 17, Birthplace: F147 3rd Class Pioneer Village in Southern Woongju… Well, I’m not sure how much of the profile is true, but that’s not the important part…”

A pang of discomfort pricked at a corner of my heart as the principal muttered. None of the information in the contents matched reality.

Fortunately, the principal didn’t seem too concerned about the authenticity of my profile. Despite being a principal, he seemed unconcerned about it, but there was no need to scratch an itch that wasn’t there.

What caught her interest was not the profile but the content below it.

“Let’s see. Participation in the 21st official and unofficial integration mission. Subjugation of 17 third-class demons, 23 second-class demons, assassination of 53 criminals with a wanted grade of yellow or higher, and capture of 213 individuals, subjugation of 7 designated first-class demonic beasts… and more… There’s too much to read it all.”

Haewolhwa shook her head instead of reading the documents.

“Who would think this is the work of a 17-year-old? It’s rare for a magician of such high level to have practical experience at that age. Not to mention first-year students, even the most outstanding students in the second year wouldn’t be able to match you…”

And now, I finally realized the headmaster’s lie. He said my achievements weren’t even recorded. I felt like hitting my head hard if he was next to me.

“You can’t hide your skills. At first, there may be some doubts, but they will quiet down within a year.”

Haewolhwa pushed the documents slightly and sighed.

“Anyway, if you side with the Yeonga, the tilted balance might be somewhat restored, right? At least, that’s what I think. Your peculiar mask might be a bit of a demerit…”

“Is it okay for the headmaster to be so biased?”

“I don’t particularly like getting involved in these things. But the situation is what it is…”

Haewolhwa shrugged. The expression on her face, showing reluctance and annoyance, didn’t seem like a lie.

The Baek family was enjoying an unprecedented heyday. The current head was modest and didn’t flaunt authority, gaining the support of the people. The upcoming council election was almost certain to be a fourth term victory.

Their business foundation and the unity of their followers were strong, and even their daughter, with her exceptional talent and charisma, was adept at attracting people to her side.

On the other hand, the members of the Yeonga family were notorious for their generations of dysfunctional personalities.

Especially, the current problem, Yeongae, was known for her exceptional arrogance and disdain. This was one of the main reasons she was losing ground despite not having a significant difference in skills.

She treated naturally born first-generation magicians and students from prestigious families like insects.

And since they made up more than half of the students, her reputation had already hit rock bottom.

“Recently, Yeonga suffered a major blow to their finances. Several of their owned stellalite mines were targeted by eco-fascists. Yeonga accused the Baek family as the mastermind behind the attacks, but with no evidence, they ended up paying compensation for defamation. Considering that most of Yeonga’s influence stems from the immense wealth generated by stellalite monopolies, it will likely take a considerable amount of time to recover from the damage.”

“So…”

“In other words, it’s a crisis. The external situation is like that, and within the Yeonga, they’re starting to lose influence. If left unchecked, Yeonga could potentially plummet into endless decline.”

“…”

“Furthermore, the head of the Baek family is a dangerous man. Those who know him are aware of his overflowing ambition. His daughter faithfully follows her father’s path. I wonder how many vipers are lurking within them…”

The headmaster sighed heavily, expressing his lament.

“And the Baek family has never had a good relationship with the Sa family. Especially the current head of the Sa family holds a deep grudge against Jaehyuk. If someone like that takes power, it’s natural that it won’t have a good influence on those kids. The current head has been away from the front lines for a long time, so he may not have as much influence as before…”

“…”

“Well, I think that should be enough explanation. Now, the decision is up to you. I’ll say it again, this is a request. Even if you refuse, I swear there will be no repercussions. Think carefully and give your answer.”

Finishing his words, the principal lifted his teacup and quietly sipped.

My dilemma deepened. I now understood the reasons why Haewolhwa wanted to support one side, why my assistance was needed, and how it could indirectly help the head and his sisters.

But until two years ago, I was just a country bumpkin living on the outskirts. I’m not confident in handling family or political matters.

And the fact that the person seeking my help is a female student, a high-born lady who dislikes students of low birth…

As I listened to the story, I felt a sense of discomfort. I knew all too well the reason for this unease.

Perhaps my symptoms worsened for a moment, as I felt a throbbing pain in my scar even though I was wearing a mask. I forced myself to turn my attention back to the principal and asked a question.

“…I have one more question. You mentioned asking for my help… how…?”

“Hmm? I don’t know either.”

Haewolhwa, upon hearing the question, raised her eyebrows, showing a puzzled expression. Her answer was quite disappointing.

“Well, you can show a close personal relationship, or openly take sides in various matters, right?”

“…”

“Haha, kid. Why do you think I said it was a request? This body is worn out as it is. How could I possibly know about the affairs of young people these days?”

Seeing my embarrassed appearance, Haewolhwa chuckled and added another word. In fact, there was nothing wrong with her statement. Despite her appearance, she was much older than the head and his sisters.

But I was just as clueless. I couldn’t even remember the last time I had a conversation with my peers.

Even making ordinary friendships was a challenge, so would it be possible to form a close relationship with someone who had no intention of doing so…

“…”

But soon I realized that I had no choice. The head had ordered me to graduate from the cradle with excellent grades and elevate his family.

Furthermore, this was a legitimate demand as a party to the transaction, so I had an obligation to fulfill that demand in any way possible.

To fulfill the head’s demand, I needed someone who could support me. And if it was the principal of the cradle, she was the perfect person to support me.

Perhaps, the opportunity to pay back the favor that the head mentioned had arrived.

After hearing that there could be indirect harm to the head and his sisters, I couldn’t ignore it.

Especially since it was mentioned that the head harbored a special grudge against the head.

After a moment of silence, I finally gave my consent to the principal.

“…I will accept the request you made, Principal.”

“Really? Really?”

Upon hearing my answer, Haewolhwa jumped up from her seat. The joy she couldn’t hide was evident on her face.

“I don’t know if I can do it well, but I will do my best for now.”

“Hehe, you should do well. Didn’t I tell you? I said there’s no one better suited for the job than you. My instincts are quite accurate. I’ll help you in any way I can, so don’t worry too much. And don’t worry about dorm life. I don’t think you’ll be as reckless as that guy, but even if you are, I’ll stop you, even if I have to be forceful. You should have no problem until graduation.”

“Is it okay for the principal to say that…”

“Of course it is. If I can’t even do this, how can I handle the stress of that position? Hehe…”

The greenhouse was filled with the pleasant sound of the principal’s laughter. After dancing around in excitement for a while, the principal suddenly looked at me as if something had occurred to him.

“Oh, you can do whatever you want, but remember this. Our academy is very strict when it comes to romantic relationships. Unless you’re engaged, on-campus dating is ab.so.lute.ly. pro.hi.bi.ted. Got it? Ab.so.lute.ly. pro.hi.bi.ted. This is something even I find quite challenging. Being a bright child, I trust you understand what I mean.”