Reviving a Bankrupt Academy: My Financial Battle

"Y-Your Highness! I'll pour the tea myself!"

"Just think of it as a favor between friends."

"Fr-friends? How could someone like me dare…"

"I already consider you a friend."

A dessert cafe located in the magic department of the academy.

This cafe, which was established within the academy by the professor who was the Dean before Billend with the permission of the Headmistress, was practically the most popular spot in the magic department.

The desserts made by a Rank 6 mage, through a combination of delicate magic and outstanding baking skills, were incredibly delicious.

To be honest, there wasn't much difference from other famous dessert shops in the kingdom, but it was always crowded because of the incredibly low prices offered under the guise of a student discount.

And in the best room of that dessert cafe…

Beatrice and Milia were having tea time on the rooftop terrace, which offered a panoramic view of the surroundings.

"You got good grades on the midterm exam, and the week on the deserted island wasn't bad either, was it? You made a good connection through this opportunity."

"But it's too much of an honor…"

"Frankly speaking, I'm not royalty of this country, just a princess from a small neighboring country. And the fourth princess at that, so there's no need to be so uncomfortable."

"Y-Your Highness."

"Although we can't be completely casual, wouldn't it be possible to be friends? It wouldn't be bad for Milia either."

"…I understand, Your Highness."

Although Milia still seemed uncomfortable as she said that, she seemed to grasp the true meaning of Beatrice's words.

Not all students attending the academy were ordinary. It was a matter of course, and even if the Headmistress tried to force equality between students with her authority, it would only lead to numerous objections.

However, instead, the Headmistress gave all students 'equality of opportunity.' She ensured that everyone, whether royalty, nobility, or commoners, had equal opportunities to apply for and learn in classes.

Within such an academy, it was naturally impossible for royalty and commoners to be completely equal, even if they were from different countries, but.

If the royalty made the first compromise, it was possible to have a certain level of friendship, to be friends who could talk to each other.

And if that happened, it would be a huge opportunity for the commoner. Milia realized that.

Therefore.

'It's suspicious.'

Precisely for that reason, Beatrice was observing Milia.

Grasping the true meaning behind seemingly kind and ordinary words wasn't an ability that an ordinary commoner could possess. It wasn't related to rank either. It was no exaggeration to say that this way of speaking was unique to nobles.

Moreover, it was even more suspicious considering that Milia wanted to join the Carpenters' Guild.

'It's impossible for an ordinary person who simply hones carpentry skills with magic and wants to join the Carpenters' Guild to be familiar with this way of speaking.'

However, Milia 'understood' Beatrice's words. An ordinary commoner wouldn't understand, let alone be so obsequious and uncomfortable.

Moreover, it wasn't just that she was quick-witted, but she seemed familiar with this way of speaking.

'Ruth Spero could be like that.'

Although she said it wasn't related to rank, it was a different story when it came to Rank 6 or 7. Even a commoner who reached Rank 7 could obtain a non-hereditary noble title in the kingdom.

Depending on their future achievements, they could even be incorporated into a noble family.

Noble blood inherited from birth was certainly a qualification for nobility, but in an environment where strength was always needed, against monsters or enemy nations, high rank also became a qualification for nobility.

Just look at how the Rank 8 Headmistress was treated in the kingdom. Why was everyone surprised when the Rank 6 Ruth Spero entered the academy?

She heard that in the Empire, a hegemonic nation, even those with high ranks were discriminated against if they were commoners, but in the kingdom, which had to be wary of the Empire, they didn't discriminate much against high-ranking individuals even if they were commoners.

The one who is chased is always more desperate than the one who chases, after all.

Anyway, Ruth Spero, a Rank 6 at that age, could be familiar with the way nobles spoke. He could simply grasp their true intentions by observing their heartbeat, movements, and so on, and he must have been approached by various nobles and royalty.

However, it was a different story for Milia. Rank 3, certainly high, but from a different perspective, it was only Rank 3.

'Ranks below 5 don't have much influence, honestly.'

Wasn't Beatrice also nominally Rank 5? But did she truly possess the same level of ability as Chloe Piste, a Rank 5? Of course not.

There was a clear 'condition' for Rank 6 and above, the presence of Sword Qi or Aura, for a reason. Rank 5 was a rank where royalty and high-ranking nobles often lied about.

Therefore, there was even a joke among gossipers that Rank 5 was the most common rank in the continent after Rank 1 and 2. That's how often those with some power falsely claimed to be Rank 4 or 5.

'Anyway.'

To cut a long story short, Milia had a level of perceptiveness that didn't match her status and rank as a commoner. The fact that she possessed such sophisticated and systematically learned skills, despite being a Rank 3 commoner mage, was also proof of that.

Therefore, the conclusion Beatrice reached was.

'She's either a noble hiding her identity, or even if she's not, she's definitely not an ordinary commoner.'

Considering that, the fact that she received an invitation to join the student council also seemed somewhat significant. Was she really invited because of her abilities?

Skillfully concealing her numerous questions, Beatrice took a bite of the cake with a bright smile.

"Let's be friends from now on."

"Yes…!!"

The reason she wanted to be friends with this suspicious student was simple.

Beatrice's current goal was…

"Then, as a friend, may I ask you something?"

"O-of course!"

"I heard that invitations to join the student council are given by directly calling the student to the student council room. And that no one can enter the student council room unless they're 'invited' like that."

"Yes… that's true, but…"

"I want to hear about that time."

To join the student council.

And according to rumors, the student council president was the Finance Director's junior and they still knew each other personally—

"The student council president."

"…!!"

"I'm curious about what kind of person he is."

—To meet the student council president.

That was the first step of the 'Adam Keynes Recruitment Plan' that Beatrice had devised.

***

"…."

"Finance Director? Why are you suddenly… Are you catching a cold?"

"Hmph, if you had trained properly, you wouldn't catch a cold."

"Captain of the 1st Security Unit, shut your mouth."

"…Yes."

"Anyway, Finance Director? If you're feeling chilly, hold my hand. I'll infuse you with Aura."

"No, I'm fine. It's not a cold."

Something.

Something felt very ominous. It was even more unsettling because it was literally just a feeling.

What was it?

'Did Beatrice start destroying buildings again? Did the magic department lab explode? Were there unexpected expenses? Or was it the protagonist? Or could it be because of that damn junior?'

There were too many possibilities, making it even more confusing.

However, there was no point in worrying about it, as I couldn't find the source of the ominous feeling.

I just ignored it as usual and looked at the Headmistress, who had a worried expression.

By the way, why did she keep glancing at the back of my neck?

"I'm fine, so you don't have to worry. Let's go in now."

"Okay. Captain of the 1st Security Unit?"

"Yes!"

"Guard the VIP room properly until the Finance Director and I come out. After that, well, you can talk to that Julius fellow however you like."

"Thank you!"

Although I wondered why she was so happy to the point of her helmet almost falling off, even though she was also Rank 7, Sir Julius was on a different level among Rank 7s.

The position of Royal Knight Captain was a position that directly protected the royal family, especially the king. It was the most honorable position for a knight.

Ten years ago, dozens of Rank 7s gathered for a tournament to select the Royal Knight Captain, and it was Sir Julius who emerged victorious without a single scratch.

The problem was that very few, almost none, ascended from Rank 7 to Rank 8. Because of that, Rank 7 was considered the rank with the largest gap in strength, as it included veterans who had been at Rank 7 for decades and newbies who had just reached Rank 7.

And among those Rank 7s, Sir Julius was known as one of the closest to Rank 8.

In a way, he was someone who could become the future Margrave or Headmistress.

'The Headmistress called him a pushover, but he can't be that way, right?'

Perhaps he only acted like a pushover in front of the Headmistress and the Margrave, and his true personality could be different.

Anyway, I entered the VIP room with some nervousness since I had never met him in the game.

And inside…

"Sister! It's been a long time! I, Julius, will bow to you—"

"Sit down, Julius."

Crack!

"Cough!? B-but how could I to my master's sister…"

"Just staying still is helping me."

"…Yes."

What?

It seemed like the giant middle-aged man presumed to be Sir Julius was about to bow but was kicked by the Headmistress? It was so fast that I couldn't even see it.

No, more importantly.

It's more surprising that he's fine after being kicked by the Headmistress.

"Haa… Well, it wasn't for a good reason, was it? I was being too disrespectful, sister."

"My younger brother must have told you. To have some dignity as the Royal Knight Captain."

"Haha! But what can I do about my nature? His Majesty also said it was enough for me to just keep my mouth shut in public!"

"That wasn't meant in a good way."

"I know! Haha! But, could that person next to you be…?"

"Greetings, Sir Julius. I'm the Finance Director of Grandis Academy—"

"Ahem, uh, sister."

"What is it now?"

"This friend looks like he's barely in his twenties, you should consider your age…"

Silence.

Wow.

Is the Headmistress seriously contemplating whether to punch him or not?

It seemed like there would be a Kraken Mk2 if things continued like this, so I quickly intervened between the two.

"I apologize for the late introduction. I'm Adam Keynes, the Finance Director of Grandis Academy."

"Hmm, I'm Julius, the Royal Knight Captain. My speech is a bit frivolous, please understand that I'm from a somewhat humble background."

Did he think I was a noble because I had a family name? I just chose a random economist's name for my family name since I was going to work in the administration department anyway.

Since it was a good misunderstanding, I didn't correct him and moved on.

"I heard that you're a disciple of His Excellency, Margrave Claudia. Although you must have a lot to discuss with the Headmistress, please understand that this is a serious matter."

"Not at all. I was just too excited to see my sister after a long time. By the way, Finance Director, isn't your work tough?"

"What?"

"I don't think it's easy to work under my sister. Even when I traveled with my master in the past, she didn't know how to do anything but throw punches…"

"I can hear you, Julius."

"Well, of course you can hear me when I'm right next to you. I'm saying this for you to hear, sister."

"…I should contact my younger brother after this."

"I apologize."

Seeing them like this, I understood.

Sir Julius knew a lot more about the Headmistress than I thought.

Things from their travels in the past, things before the academy was established, things about the Headmistress that I didn't know.

But that wasn't important right now.

"I apologize for interrupting your reunion, but I heard that you don't have much time either, Sir Julius. May we get straight to the point?"

"Uh, hmm. I apologize, Finance Director. I'll listen attentively, so please speak."

"To summarize, Kaern Deste, your disciple whom you knighted personally, violated the regulations during the midterm exam and used force on one of the islands in the Luftragina Archipelago, owned by the Headmistress."

"…That idiot."

"Due to this incident, a crater with a diameter of over 30 meters was created on the island, at least 20 trees were uprooted, and there was other damage as well. You can see the details in this report."

Sir Julius's expression turned serious as he looked at the report I handed him.

The Headmistress had 'graciously' allowed the midterm exam to be conducted on her private property, and yet he violated the rule prohibiting the use of force and caused significant damage to the island.

It was something that could affect the reputation of Sir Julius, who had knighted and acknowledged Kaern Deste.

Frankly speaking, people could gossip about why he knighted such an idiot.

"Accordingly, Grandis Academy is requesting Sir Julius to…"

"Compensate for the damage, I presume. I understand. First of all, I apologize for my disciple's foolish actions."

Thud.

The Royal Knight Captain lowered his head so that it hit the desk.

It was an apology that seemed somewhat clumsy, but filled with sincerity.

"As Kaern Deste's teacher and the one who knighted him, I feel responsible. I sincerely apologize."

"...."

"Therefore, as a token of my apology… I will train the students at Grandis Academy free of charge. How about it?"

"…What?"

So.

The busy Royal Knight Captain, the strongest Rank 7 swordsman, was offering to come to the academy and teach for free?

At the unexpected words, I quietly turned to the Headmistress. She also seemed quite surprised and nodded at me.

Good, it seemed like the Headmistress had the same thought.

"We don't need that."

"F-Finance Director?"

"Finance Director?"

"What we want is a different kind of compensation."

No, what's the point of coming to teach? In the game, it would have been a protagonist growth event or something, but it's useless. It doesn't help the finances at all.

Rather than that.

"A different kind of compensation, you say…?"

"Naturally, it's monetary compensation. Here's a rough estimate."

"...…."

Hand over the money, money.

Why are you trying to pay with your body?