“I apologize for my rudeness, Headmaster. But this concerns me as well.” 

Jenyx nonchalantly approached them as if it was the most normal thing to do in the situation. 

“Foolish child! Do you have any idea who I am!?” 

("Who does this little rat think he is? Don't think you're getting off easy!!")

Completely confident that he scared the boy witless, a slight smile appeared on the Count's face as he tried to peer into the boy’s terrified expression.

!!

Contrary to his expectations, the boy was unfazed. Instead, the count was met with an intense gaze that made his blood run cold. For just a brief moment, the count was stunned. But he soon managed to steady himself for he could not show weakness in front of his son. To be scared of a child, what would his family and peers think of him?

“Y-you lowly insect. How dare you act so brazenly in front of nobility! Prostrate yourself at once!”

Despite the small wavering in his voice, the count felt satisfied with his performance. He could feel his son’s look of admiration even if he wasn’t looking and that was good enough for him. On the other hand, Jenyx seemed to have lost interest in the two as he ignored the count’s words and cast his sight further, towards the headmaster who returned his gaze.

“Again, I apologize, headmaster. My name is--”

“Jenyx Troan, I know who you are.”

The headmaster cut him off mid-sentence with a sneer. 

“I see.” 

Although the headmaster was smiling, Jenyx knew better.

(“This is your friend, Dad?”)

The way the headmaster looked and smiled at him—that expression was too painfully familiar. Jenyx could hardly believe that his kind-hearted father could befriend someone like the headmaster. 

“Surely, you can provide a good explanation for this, Mr. Troan?  I’ll have you know that I have every right to either suspend or expel you for destroying the institution’s property. So I must ask you: What do you wish to accomplish with this little stunt...?"

“I’ve come to ask for your reconsideration on Ros-- Ms. Grayle’s punishment!”

“Hmm? And just how do you know what kind of punishment I have in mind for her?”

“I’ve been listening to your conversation.” Jenyx stood tall as he replied.

“Well, you're certainly bold. Have you perhaps not thought this through?”

“I see no reason for me to lie. I am the reason for this entire situation. Therefore, I believe my presence here is essential to bring this matter to a close.”

"Is that so? Well, since he is already here, will there be no problems with Mr. Troan participating in this discussion, Count?”

“Of course it’s a problem! I believe it would be detrimental to the institution’s reputation if students such as these run rampant on campus!” The count replied.

“You are correct. I do apologize for that. Sometimes, unwanted... "weeds" just tend to appear on your lawn despite all your efforts to maintain it. Would you be so kind as to overlook it this time?” The headmaster bowed his head towards the count.

“Hohoho, I see, I see… "weeds", hmm? That indeed cannot be helped. Fine, I shall allow it, just this once.” 

“I am grateful for your consideration, Count. Now then, please take a seat, Mr. Troan.”

Jenyx ignored their thinly-veiled insults and promptly sat on the empty chair beside Rose. Although, the headmaster's behavior surprised him, it wasn’t as if this was his first time receiving such words. However, Jenyx believes that his father may have been tricked. 

“Then, let us continue. Mr. Troan?”

"...Yes, please."

He could think about it at length later. One problem at a time.

“As I have said earlier, I cannot agree with your judgment of this situation. It is true that Ms. Grayle did attack Brad Baruth with magic, but in her defense, she was protecting me.”

“Ahh yes, if I recall correctly, Ms. Grayle has indeed spoken of such things earlier.”

“Then--”

“However, even if it was to protect you, she still broke the most crucial rule of all: never use magic to harm someone."

That was an undeniable fact. 

Brad nodded in agreement as they listened to the Headmaster, irritating Jenyx even further. However, he knew that he must rein it in. If he was unable to remain calm, then the situation would only worsen for both of them.

“Before that, should you not be addressing Brad's violent tendencies first, Headmaster?” Jenyx replied.

“Violent? Why, that is rather extreme phrasing, isn't it, Mr. Troan? Is it really not just a misunderstanding between friends?”

“I wonder, headmaster. They were beating and kicking me behind the cafeteria just yesterday. Do you still believe it's a misunderstanding?”

“Hmm, Ms. Grayle mentioned that earlier as well.”

“Then I implore you to re-think your earlier decision! I merely ask for fairness and justice in this matter.”

“...I see, that all seems very compelling." Dramatically, the Headmaster nodded as he stroked his chin. He looked as though he was deeply contemplating the information presented to him. And that was all Jenyx could ask for.

But it was all just for show.

"However, Mr. Troan, those who witnessed the scene say otherwise.” The Headmaster's smile furthered as he replied.

“W-what?”

“Yes, yes, you see… the people who were present at the time of the incident seemed to recall events rather differently."

He had a bad feeling. As the headmaster continued, Jenyx could feel his heart beating faster and faster.

"They claimed that you were smiling and talking with Mr. Baruth and the others, Mr. Troan, when—without warning—Ms. Grayle attacked Mr. Baruth with magic right then and there."

("You're wrong!")

“The victim himself is reiterating what happened, but you choose to believe someone else’s words!?” Jenyx was unable to contain his rage as he bellowed towards the Headmaster.

“Watch your tongue, child. Who do you think you're talking to?” The headmaster’s sickening smile broadened further as he coldly replied.

“I truly want to believe you, Mr. Troan, however, it is an established fact that you and Ms. Grayle are long time friends. Even if I wanted to…”

Jenyx blocked out the headmaster’s voice as he continued speaking. Instead, Jenyx’s eyes shifted towards Brad. 

(“Unbelievable…”) 

Brad’s hand was placed on his mouth. The sight of Brad as he attempted to hide his laughter was enough to drive Jenyx mad with rage, but... in this room, he was untouchable.

(“I see…”) 

He placed his hand on his pocket and felt the folded handkerchief inside. However, before he could bring it out, Rose’s left hand grasped his, while it was still in his pocket. He looked at Rose but she simply looked down and shook her head. 

“Headmaster, I shall accept those conditions.”

(“Rose!?”)

“However! I request that you allow me a condition of my own.”

“Condition, you say?” 

“Yes.”

“Hmm. That is not for me to decide, Ms. Grayle. Why don’t you ask the party who set the conditions?” The headmaster gestured towards Brad and his father.

“If you insist on your insolence, then prepare to feel the wrath of the Baruth family!”

“Please! I will not make any difficult demands. I merely wish for your son to stop associating with Mr. Troan from now on.”

“Rose!” Jenyx inadvertently yelled.

In response, Rose shook her head at him. Urging him to keep quiet.

“Please accept my act of selfishness, just this once, and I will gladly comply with your stipulations!”

Rose bowed to the two as she finished speaking. The father and son then whispered to each other for a few moments. 

“What are you doing!?”

Jenyx did his best to suppress his voice to a whisper. He could not hide his feelings any longer. However, Rose simply stayed silent.

“Done!” 

As he questioned Rose, a voice came from in front of them as Brad replied. He beamed like a child who was bought a new toy by his parents.

“Then let it be so. I, the Headmaster of the Vistergan grand institution of magic, Phieos Muspalt, shall serve as witness to the completion of this matter.” The headmaster proclaimed.

Jenyx could only watch helplessly as the matter was swiftly concluded. From the start, the Headmaster didn’t plan to give them a fair trial. Naturally, Jenyx could not accept the outcome. However, before he could do anything else, Rose’s hand tightly grasped his.

“Then with this, I believe this meeting is over, correct? You two are now free to go. Ms. Lindrun, please escort these two outside as the meeting is adjourned. We and the Count have another matter to attend to.”

Sillia nodded from behind the group, leading Jenyx and Rose outside. And just like that, the discussion came to an end.

**

Jenyx and Rose remained silent as they walked. Jenyx didn’t know what to say or if he wanted to talk at all. He was upset at Rose’s decision and could not understand why she did it. However, he didn’t have the time to be mad at her, he had to come up with another way to salvage the current situation. 

“I’m sorry, both of you.” Once they were a considerable distance away from the room, Sillia suddenly broke the silence.

“I know it’s too late now but, I would still like to apologize.” 

The two remained silent, their gazes steadily on her as she continued.

“Once I’ve learned of what happened, I tried to talk to the Headmaster about the matter and informed him of Mr. Troan's circumstances, but... I was unable to convince him."

Sillia bowed to the two as she finished speaking. 

“I have one question, professor...”

“What is it?”

“Wasn’t there supposed to be a board that oversees matters such as these?”

Sillia blinked in astonishment, “I’m surprised you know about that. But... the board you speak of would be useless in this situation as it is mostly occupied by the Headmaster’s supporters. Even if you tried to appeal to them, they would only repeat the Headmaster’s conclusion to you.”

“I see…” Jenyx’s eyes drooped as he replied.

“Will you both be attending the exam? I can arrange for the both of you to take a special exam at a later date.”

“I have no intention of taking it. But, thank you.”

“Thank you, instructor, if you please.”

Sillia nodded to Rose as she turned and walked the other way, leaving the two by themselves.

**

"As always, thank you for your continued support to our institution, Count Baruth." 

The headmaster slightly bowed towards the count. 

"No, no, thank you. Our family was given true justice with your help."

"Then, I assume there would be no troubles with our 'business' with this matter resolved?"

"But of course. In fact, I didn't come here just for this matter. You see..."

The Count leaned closer to the Headmaster who did the same. He whispered something to the Headmaster's ear which made him smile from ear to ear. 

"Of course, we'd be happy to. Shall we deliver it to the same place?"

"Ahh yes, thank you. An unexpected thorn appeared at our 'pen', which is why we'll need some help."

"I understand. We shall deliver the products as soon as possible."

"Thank you very much, Headmaster."

"My pleasure, Count."

After shaking hands with the count, the father and son duo were escorted outside by one of the headmaster's aides. After concluding the day's matters, the Headmaster stretched his arms and opened the window behind him. Outside, he was greeted by a beautiful view of the institution and their glorious kingdom. 

As he was admiring the view, a knock came from the door. Though the lock was now broken due to a certain upstart imp, he was glad that his employees still observed proper decorum. However, the door suddenly burst open, revealing a slender foot. 

"I brought you a letter, Phi-- err, Headmaster."  

Phieos, the current Headmaster, sighed as he turned to look at the person who kicked open the already broken door. She's been a long time associate of the Headmaster, and they were familiar enough to call each other by their first names.

"What is it, Therese?"

"Here, some trembling professor I met earlier asked me to give this to you."

Therese entered the room and tossed the letter towards Phieos' table. She pulled up one of the chairs and sat on it with her arms in front, resting on the top rail. Phieos pressed his hand against the letter, just before it slid off the edge of the table. As he picked up the letter, his mood turned sour as he noticed the crest of a blue serpent, coiled around a five-pointed star inside a circle. The fingertips that held the letter glowed a purple light, disintegrating the letter completely as he let it fall. Behind him, Therese laughed out loud as she watched his reaction. 

"Ahh, even now, you still hate him, huh? It's hilarious."

"...If you don't have any more business, I suggest you leave, as I will be quite busy due to the institution's annual event." 

"Ahahahaha, yeah. I just came to tell you that I've dealt with Viscount Torrus and delivered the letter. Got any more jobs for me?"

"Actually, yes. Schedule a meeting with the other nobles in our 'club' and ready a batch of our special product for Count Baruth." 

"Got it, boss"

Therese got up from the chair, leaving it as is, and left the room. Though somewhat irritated, Phieos had already grown accustomed to her behavior over the years and simply shook his head as he watched her leave.