Chapter 280

Chapter 280 – Look Over There. See That Sky?

Accompanied by the trio of simpletons, I made my way toward the dining hall reserved for sophomore students within the academy grounds.

“Was that individual just now truly Principal Schwertz?”

“…He seemed to be under the custody of imperial knights, led away by them.”

“Does anyone possess insight into what transpired?”

The tidings must have already circulated rapidly throughout the campus, as the pupils gathered in the dining area were completely preoccupied discussing the apprehension of the leader of the academy.

The trio of simpletons was entirely swept up in the frenzy as well.

“What is your hypothesis regarding what befell the principal…?”

“It is difficult to say. Perhaps he was involved in some sort of major transgression?”

“A transgression? Of what nature?”

Chenbi, Evelyn, and Damian spoke one after the other.

The group of three hypothesized about the underlying cause of the principal’s forced departure, though their curiosity stemmed far more from a desire for gossip than actual concern.

I deliberately filtered out their superficial banter with one ear while systematically structuring my internal reflections with the other.

‘Could it genuinely be a case of misappropriated funds…?’

The various possessions discovered inside the secret retreat had been unjustifiably grand. Their level of opulence hadn’t reached such absurd proportions prior to my departure to rescue the captain of the Kallia mercenaries.

Perhaps this serves as a lesson for why individuals ought to practice moderation in their living habits.

Just at that moment…

Thump, thump.

A distinct tapping noise reverberated against the glass pane of the dining hall.

“…?”

I inclined my head to inspect the source, but Damian’s exclamation cut through the air first.

“An owl!”

“An owl?”

“Are you certain that creature is an owl?”

“Evelyn, do you possess even the slightest inkling of what a proper owl resembles?”

“Well…”

Confronted by Damian’s pointed inquiry, Evelyn’s voice dwindled into nothingness.

It was reasonable enough. While it isn’t particularly challenging to discern the creature’s identity if one deliberately seeks out the information, scarcely anyone takes the initiative to do so.

In any event.

‘…Could it be Breakfast No. 1?’

What could possibly motivate your appearance here?

The creature had emitted a pitiful cry toward the principal as the older man was escorted away, yet it had somehow returned to the grounds of the educational institution.

As multiple pairs of eyes shifted toward its form, the creature simply turned its back to the room, casting a sideways glance back in my direction.

It was a clear gesture indicating I should step outside.

‘For what purpose should I comply?’

Regardless of whether this constituted a directive dispatched by the principal or if Breakfast No. 1 had arrived entirely of its own volition, there existed no compelling rationale for me to step out.

After all, if one were to go by the grand, pathetic declarations of the principal himself, this turn of events was merely the inevitable progression of history: the elevation of righteousness and the chastisement of wrongdoing.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Growing impatient with my lack of movement, Breakfast No. 1 began striking the glass pane of the dining area with immense force, its gaze burning with irritation. Even so, my resolve remained completely unshaken.

‘The assistance provided thus far is already more than sufficient.’

My refusal was not born out of lingering resentment over the disparaging remarks the principal had thrown my way a few days prior.

Rather, this sentiment was closer to… wishing that my esteemed upperclassman could finally step down from his duties and experience a tranquil retirement.

Choosing to ignore the persistent summons of Breakfast No. 1, I took another sip of my warm beverage, just as an agonizing wail pierced the air from the exterior.

Pii… Pii.

Piiii…

It was a frail, weeping sound, entirely distinct from its customary vocalizations.

“How should we handle this? The creature sounds profoundly sorrowful.”

“Indeed, what could be troubling it?”

The heartbreaking cries prompted the surrounding academy students inside the establishment to murmur to one another in shared sympathy.

Do you honestly believe such theatrical displays will manipulate me into stepping outside?

“Aster? To what location are you departing?”

I offered a prompt reply to Evelyn’s inquiry.

“…It is the designated hour for my therapeutic treatments.”

“Your treatments? Ah, of course…”

Evelyn, possessing full awareness regarding the state of my physical trauma, nodded her head in immediate comprehension.

Right at that second, Damian’s voice interrupted the exchange.

“My companion, even after consuming your regular treatments?”

“…?”

What ridiculous nonsense is this individual uttering?

Utterly bewildered, I tilted my head to the side, prompting Chenbi to direct a highly critical glare toward Damian.

“Damian, such remarks are entirely inappropriate for you to voice.”

“For what reason?”

An excellent intervention, Chenbi. Truly well d…

“It is highly discourteous to address a fellow classmate in that manner. Furthermore, did you fail to pay attention during our lectures?”

“Regarding what?”

“Avoid limiting your perspective with rigid preconceptions. It is not a matter of ‘even after consuming treatments,’ rather, the current condition could very well be a direct consequence of the treatments themselves.”

“Aha!”

An enlightened ‘aha’? What exactly are you understanding…

How am I supposed to manage these utter simpletons?

A muscle beneath my eye began to throb involuntarily, all while the heartbreaking, miserable wails of Breakfast No. 1 continued to assault my ears.

Pii, pii. Piiii…

Very well, I shall concede and go out.

Leaving the two simpletons to their own devices, I strode out of the dining establishment.

The moment my feet cleared the exit, Breakfast No. 1 propelled itself upward into the open air.

It performed a couple of circular tracks directly above my position before altering its course and gliding off toward a specific destination.

‘It appears the creature is guiding me toward the secret retreat…’

I accelerated my pace toward the hideout. Breakfast No. 1, having outpaced me to the location, was actively beating its wings atop the newly acquired writing table.

Far from being an object of pity due to its inability to speak human words… it managed to convey its intentions perfectly through physical gestures.

“Am I meant to open this?”

Pii, pii.

I directed a brief look at Breakfast No. 1, which let out a hoot of confirmation, and proceeded to pull open the drawer of the writing table.

Resting within the space was a solitary parchment casing.

‘The dimensions seem far too thin to contain an illicit financial record book…?’

Piiii.

Spurred on by the urgent sounds of Breakfast No. 1, I ruptured the wax seal and withdrew the contents.

Could this be a final testament? Or perhaps an instruction manual detailing how to eradicate the hidden ledger?

I began scanning the lines of text, deliberately setting aside my lingering uncertainties.

…A considerable duration of time elapsed in silence.

“Ugh.”

Upon reaching the conclusion of the text, I found it impossible to suppress a heavy exhalation.

‘To my junior colleague. I am composing this communication to account for unanticipated dilemmas.’

The written message spanned a total of six sheets and was remarkably extensive, containing details that placed me in a rather uncomfortable position.

The reason being.

The upperclassman had fully foreseen the possibility of his own demise.

While the likelihood of this document serving as a true final testament remains minimal, human mortality is highly unpredictable, so I shall operate under the assumption that it functions as one.

Had the contents been limited to a conventional final request, I wouldn’t find myself so deeply unsettled. The true complication resided in the specific ‘entrustment’ outlined within the text.

So, what exactly did this entrustment entail?

The parameters were divided into two distinct scenarios.

The primary scenario.

In the event that I perish…

No, in the event that he perishes.

Within this context, ‘demise’ denoted an abrupt and unnatural end: instances involving toxic substances, fatal mishaps, or targeted executions.

The secondary scenario.

In the event that I am placed under confinement…

Scenarios excluding absolute demise.

‘The secondary scenario appears to mirror the circumstances unfolding at present…’

Consequently, I could dismiss the primary scenario for the time being.

According to the written message, actual demise was highly improbable regardless, and if he were merely placed under confinement, there was little cause to fret over a fatal outcome.

Regarding this secondary scenario, what course of action am I expected to follow?

‘Ensure the safety of the Third Princess, at the bare minimum within the perimeter of the educational institution?’

The underlying tone of the communication did not demand an aggressive, constant sentinel duty.

It simply asked me to observe her physical state when passing in the corridors, and to remain vigilant for any dubious individuals loitering in her vicinity.

An arrangement of that nature.

A relatively minor request, when viewed objectively.

‘Hardly a grueling task.’

Deducing the core motivation behind his words, it resembled the overprotective anxiety of an elder relative, formally delegating the protection of the Third Princess into my custody.

The document explicitly noted that if he were detained, the operatives aligned with either the First or Second Prince would likely maintain a degree of moderation in their conduct.

Nevertheless, the act of accepting this responsibility did not feel insignificant to me, and the underlying cause was entirely uncomplicated.

“For what reason must he employ the terminology of a ‘final testament’… Tsk.”

How could I possibly treat an explicit final request with casual indifference? Seriously?

This was almost certainly… a calculated maneuver designed to ensure I felt a profound sense of obligation. If that weren’t the case, it would simply be an act of sheer malice.

As I muttered complaints regarding the principal’s unnecessary display of gravity, Breakfast No. 1 tilted its head to the side.

Pii, pii, pii…

It appeared to be intensely inquisitive regarding the information contained within the pages.

“Are you incapable of deciphering text? You give every indication of comprehending spoken language.”

Pii, pii.

Evidently, reading was beyond its capabilities.

Good grief, I have descended to the point of translating formal correspondence for avian creatures.

I let out a weary breath at the absurdity of my situation and condensed the core meaning of the message into basic terms for the benefit of the simple-minded Breakfast No. 1.

Essentially… precisely.

“Cast your gaze in that direction. Do you observe that sky?”

Breakfast No. 1 tilted its head in confusion but nevertheless shifted its gaze toward the window pane in accordance with my extended digit, emitting a soft, low vocalization.

Pii?

Inquiring as to what significance the atmosphere held, I lightly rubbed the bridge of my nose and offered a translated version.

“He communicated an instruction to depart in a state of tranquility.”

Pii…?

Ah, perhaps metaphorical expressions are beyond the comprehension of animals?

As I deliberated over how best to clarify the statement, the visage of a massive winged reptile briefly flickered across my thoughts, causing me to dismiss the idea with a shake of my head.

Following that, I gently ran a hand over the plumage of Breakfast No. 1 and delivered the accurate assessment of the situation.

“There is no requirement for distress. Fortunately, the current outcome does not represent the worst imaginable path.”

Pii?!

The eyes of Breakfast No. 1 expanded significantly, after which it unfurled its pinions and began to beat them rapidly.

Pii! Pii, pii!

The creature appeared absolutely delighted by the revelation that its caregiver was out of immediate jeopardy, and observing its display of joy was not an entirely unpleasant experience for me.

Regardless.

‘Even the upperclassman lacked the means to determine whether the First or Second Prince was the true mastermind…’

What could motivate them to focus their hostility toward the Third Princess?

It wasn’t as though I lacked plausible hypotheses.

There was likely an underlying dread that the backing of Grand Duke Muspell would severely destabilize the established line of royal inheritance.

‘Furthermore… arriving at the realization that the principal functioned as a prominent sorcerer of Sakwol would inevitably amplify that exact dread.’

Yet, these ideas remained mere guesswork; the ultimate reality was entirely outside my scope of knowledge.

‘And there exists no practical requirement for me to uncover it.’

The principal remained among the living, and my singular obligation was to monitor the welfare of the Third Princess. I would refrain from any additional involvement.

Concluding those reflections, I redirected my attention toward Breakfast No. 1.

“Shifting topics, do you possess a designated sanctuary to reside in?”

Pii…

Its head sagged downward in a dejected manner.

“Would you care for me to connect you with an acquaintance?”

Pii?

Breakfast No. 1 tilted its head, entered a brief period of contemplation, and then gave a definitive gesture of refusal.

It appeared determined to remain waiting for the return of its caretaker. I chose not to exert any further pressure on the matter.

“Should you experience a lack of sustenance, seek out my location.”

I offered a gentle tap to its crown and exited the secret retreat.

Piiii…!

The parting cry echoing from the interior no longer carried a sorrowful quality. …At least, that was how it resonated with me.

The entire affair surrounding the ‘detainment of the academy principal’ effectively reached its conclusion for me in that manner.

It wasn’t that I was entirely devoid of apprehension, but since he had explicitly conveyed through his avian messenger that he would navigate the situation safely, I chose to place my confidence in his words.

In stark contrast to the volatile state of the academy at large, the matter transformed into an issue belonging entirely to other parties as far as I was concerned.

‘…Provided that no hidden adversaries attempt to attach themselves to the Third Princess.’

With that final determination solidified, I assumed my specialized disguise consisting of a facial covering and an overgarment, making my way directly toward the grand residence of Parun.

Parun was positioned at his administrative desk actively regulating various organizational matters, raising his gaze to acknowledge my arrival the moment I made my presence known.

“Your arrival is ahead of schedule on this occasion. Remain seated. My current tasks will conclude shortly.”

“Proceed at your own preferred pace.”

As an aside, Parun and I routinely deliberated over the various academic documents required for submission to the educational institution every single weekend. There were far more variables to weigh than one might initially assume.

Concepts regarding individual innovation, among other factors.

While the material wasn’t completely revolutionary, it required a distinctive perspective to secure official endorsement from the academy leadership.

“Oh, as a separate matter, are you informed regarding that particular development?”

“…”

Parun directed a highly annoyed look in my direction.

“Regarding what? State your business clearly.”

“It is nothing of monumental scale. The leader of the academy was placed under arrest?”

Although the principal had asserted he would be perfectly fine, a persistent kernel of uncertainty lingered in my mind. I presented the piece of information to Parun in the earnest hope that he might possess superior insight.

“…At what specific hour did this occur?”

“Only moments ago. Why do you ask, do you maintain knowledge of the circumstances?”

Parun immediately deposited his writing implements onto the desk and stood up without a single moment of hesitation.

“We are departing for another location. Accompany me.”

…It was entirely clear that Parun possessed knowledge of the underlying situation.

Either that, or it truly involved a case of misappropriated funds.