NOVEL WEB Chapter 18
The principal, finishing his speech, stared at me intensely. The pressure of his expectant gaze was quite overwhelming.
“…I have something I’d like to ask first.”
“Right, right. What are you so curious about? Go ahead and ask away.”
Perhaps thinking I was showing interest, the principal’s face brightened up as he quickly adjusted his seating.
“I understand your concerns roughly. But if it’s such an important matter, wouldn’t it be better for you to take action directly?”
“Hmm, hmm.”
“I don’t know for sure, but as the head of a prestigious academy, I assume you have quite a bit of power, right? You probably have impressive skills as well… Can’t you manage it somehow? Why resort to asking me…?”
“Well, I’m not exactly someone who kneels down easily, you know. But the affairs of the world can’t be solved solely with strength…”
Whew…
Haewolhwa muttered, subtly furrowing her brow.
“The cradle’s power is subtly divided between me and the Education Committee. The committee members are composed of representatives from each family’s interests. They are not fond of their interests being infringed upon. No matter the factions, they unite on matters like this…”
“So…”
“Sure, I could crush them with sheer force, but the backlash would increase in proportion. In that case, I’d probably achieve less than a quarter of what I initially aimed for.”
Having finished speaking, the principal looked at me with a confident gaze.
“Thus, the alternative method I’ve chosen is you. There’s no need to mention the effectiveness; since it’s a matter among students on the surface, there would be far less backlash than if I were to step in directly, wouldn’t you agree?”
“…I don’t grasp your intentions well. I’m just a mere student. Moreover, without any family or influence… what can I possibly do…?”
“What? Young one, you don’t even realize your own worth. I suspected as much, but it looks like no one hinted at that at all…”
Haewolhwa clicked her tongue in discontent.
“Did you know? Each year, the cradle receives recommended students, but the public perception of them isn’t good. Contrary to the original intention of discovering hidden gems, it has long deteriorated into a mere avenue for acquiring graduation certificates through personal connections or monetary transactions.”
“Then you’re saying I would be treated similarly…”
“But you’re different. You’re an entrant who received a recommendation from the Heukryeon family, after 18 years! Just the fact that this is known will surely create a sensation.”
Having finished her words, the principal abruptly stretched her hand behind her. From her fingertips, green light seemed to sprout out in strands, and in an instant, a paper envelope that was on the old desk flew into the principal’s hand.
“Of course, if you’re just a good-for-nothing without any skill, it would draw even more ridicule…”
As the principal opened the envelope and pulled out a portfolio packed with small writing, she picked up the top page and suddenly began to recite its content.
“Name: Yoo Jin-hyun, Age: 17, Place of Birth: South, Ungju’s F147 third-class development village… well, I’m not sure how much of this profile is true, but that’s not the important part…”
A slight sting filled my chest hearing the principal mutter those words. None of the content matched reality.
Fortunately, the principal didn’t seem particularly interested in verifying the authenticity of my profile. I wondered if it was okay for someone of her stature to act like this, but I didn’t see the need to purposely poke the bear.
What she was interested in was what lay beneath that content.
“Let’s see. Participated in 21 official and unofficial missions. Defeated 17 Class 3 monsters, 23 Class 2 monsters, killed 53 criminals with a bounty level of yellow or above and captured 213, defeated 7 Class 1 designated monsters… and so on… it’s so much I can’t even read it all.”
Haewolhwa shook her head as she paused mid-reading.
“Who would think this is the accomplishment of a 17-year-old? A wizard with such high-level practical experience at that age is quite rare. First-years not to mention, even the most outstanding second-years could not compare to you…”
And now I finally realized the string of lies crafted by the principal. She had claimed my achievements were not recorded. I felt like slapping my head hard while standing next to her.
“Besides, talent is not something that can be hidden. In the beginning, there might be some who have doubts, but within a year, it will quiet down.”
Pushing the portfolio aside slightly, Haewolhwa sipped her tea.
“Regardless, if you support the Ren family, won’t the lopsided balance be somewhat restored? At least, that’s what I think. Your unique mask might be a minor deduction factor, but…”
“Is it acceptable for a principal like you to act so biased?”
“Honestly, I don’t particularly enjoy getting involved in such matters. But, given the circumstances…”
Haewolhwa shrugged her shoulders, a look of genuine reluctance evident on her face.
The Paecheon family was enjoying an unprecedented peak. The current head was humble and didn’t flaunt his power, gaining public support, and he was one of the most popular politicians in the current Republic’s Supreme Council.
On top of that, the foundation for business and the loyalty of his retainers were solid. His daughter was talented enough to reach the heavens and, like her father, drew many people to her side beautifully using her character rather than her authority.
In stark contrast, the members of the Jeokhwa Yeon family had long been notorious for their character flaws.
Especially the current lady, embroiled in controversy, was known for her peculiar arrogance and cruelty. This was the most substantial reason for their declining influence at the cradle, even though there was no significant gap in skill.
She treated the first-generation wizards or lowly noble students as if they were bugs.
Since these students made up more than half, her reputation had genuinely hit rock bottom.
“Furthermore, recently the Ren family suffered a significant blow to their funds. Several of their Stellaite mines faced terrorist attacks from eco-fascists. The Ren family accused the Baek family of being behind the attacks, but due to a lack of evidence, they ended up paying damages for defamation. Considering that most of the Ren family’s influence originates from their tremendous wealth in Stellaite monopoly mining, it will likely take a substantial amount of time to recover from this damage.”
“So…”
“In other words, it’s a situation of internal and external strife. While the outer conditions are like this, they’re also beginning to lose influence within the cradle, and if this continues, the Ren family could plummet into an endless abyss.”
“…”
“Moreover, the head of the Baek family is a dangerous man. Everyone knows he harbors ambitions beyond his means. His daughter flawlessly follows her father’s lead. One wonders how many snakes they both harbor underneath their skins…”
The principal sighed long, lamenting.
“And the Baek family has never had a good relationship with the Sa family across generations. Especially the current head holds a particular grudge against Jeohak. If such a person were to gain power, it’s obvious it wouldn’t bode well for the children of the Sa family either. The current Sa family has long since retreated from the front lines, so they cannot exert the same influence as before…”
“…”
“Now, I think the explanation should suffice. The only thing left is your decision. Once again, I stress that this is a request. Even if you refuse, I swear there will be no consequences. Think it over carefully and respond.”
Having finished speaking, the principal quietly sipped from her teacup.
As the weight of my thoughts deepened, I began to understand why Haewolhwa wanted to lean towards one side, why she needed my support, and the indirect benefits for the manager and my older sisters.
However, until two years ago, I had been living as a bumpkin from the outskirts. I had no confidence in whether I could adequately navigate matters of families or politics.
Most importantly, the one asking for support was a female student, the very same lady known for her peculiar arrogance and disdain for students of lower origins…
I began to realize why I felt an uncomfortable sense of déjà vu as I listened to the story. I knew all too well the source of that discomfort.
Maybe the symptoms had worsened momentarily, but I could feel a throbbing pain spreading through the scar even while wearing a mask. I struggled to refocus my thoughts and turned to the principal with a question.
“…Just one more thing. You mentioned you want my support… how would that work?”
“Hmm? I don’t know either.”
Taken aback, Haewolhwa widened her eyes in confusion. Her lack of a response was incredibly deflating.
“Well, you could show a close personal relationship or openly support me in various matters, right?”
“…”
“Hehe, young one. Why do you think I said it was a request? Despite the appearance, I’m quite seasoned. How could I possibly know about today’s kids’ matters?”
Seeing the dull look on my face, Haewolhwa chuckled and continued. In truth, there was nothing wrong with that statement. Despite the appearance, she was considerably older than the manager and my older sisters.
But I was at a loss too. I barely remembered the last time I had a normal conversation with friends of my age.
I was already struggling to form ordinary friendships, and how was I supposed to build close ties with someone who had no interest in that…
“…”
However, I soon realized I had no choice. The manager commanded me to graduate from the cradle with excellent grades and elevate his lineage.
Moreover, this was a legitimate demand for me as a party to the trade, so I had an obligation to fulfill that request in some form.
To meet that demand, I needed at least one person to back me up. And who could be a better backing than the principal of the cradle?
Perhaps, this was also the opportunity to repay the favor that the manager mentioned.
Though the benefits were indirect, I couldn’t ignore the fact I heard the potential repercussions could fall upon the manager and my older sisters.
Especially since I had been told that the head of that family harbored ill intentions towards the manager.
After a brief silence, I eventually relayed my acceptance to the principal.
“…I accept the request from you, Principal.”
“Really? Are you serious?”
Upon hearing my answer, Haewolhwa sprang up from her seat, her face radiating pure joy.
“I’m not sure how well I can do, but I’ll try my best.”
“Hehe, you’ll do well. I told you, didn’t I? There’s no one quite as suitable as you. My intuition is usually spot-on. I’ll help you through what I can, so you don’t have to worry too much. And don’t worry about life at the cradle. I doubt you’d act out like that fool, but even if you did, I’ll step in to protect you. It should be fine until graduation.”
“Is it really alright for you to…”
“Of course! If I can’t handle such things, how could I bear to stay in this position? Hahaha…”
The principal’s delightful laughter filled the greenhouse. Just as she was bouncing around excitedly, she suddenly seemed to remember something and turned to me.
“Ah, you can do whatever you want, but remember this one thing: our academy is very strict regarding romantic relationships. Dating on campus is strictly prohibited unless you’re engaged. Got that? Strictly prohibited! This point is something I find quite troublesome as well. You’re clever, so I believe you understand what I mean.”