Chapter 74 – New Special Student (4)

[Translator – Peptobismol]

Chapter 74 – New Special Student (4)

“I’m going crazy, I’m going crazy....”

Kirrin sat trembling in the carriage, nervously chewing her nails.

She had met with the Second Princess before and received praise, but she couldn’t help being tense again.

The Second Princess’s charisma was overwhelming, emanating naturally from her very being.

Moreover, her single remaining eye seemed to see right through a person’s soul, making her truly intimidating.

Although the Second Princess had never raised her voice or directly shown discomfort towards Kirrin, even her subtle smile conveyed everything.

But Kirrin knew she couldn’t run away anymore.

She was the headmaster of the academy, and she had to fulfill her responsibilities.

If she worked hard now and gained the Second Princess’s favor, she could stay at the academy as a subject professor even after stepping down as headmaster.

And above all, she couldn’t let Dian down.

Dian worked tirelessly for the academy, and if the headmaster shirked her duties just because she was afraid of the Second Princess, it would be unacceptable.

Dian would be disappointed in her and eventually dislike her.

And then he might end up with Professor Lina....

Kirrin squeezed her eyes shut and shook her head vigorously. That couldn’t happen.

Get a grip, Kirrin.

Get recognized by the Second Princess, gain Dian’s approval, smoothly hand over the headmaster position, and remain as a subject professor at the academy.

And if possible, develop a ‘good relationship’ with Dian as a safety net.

Focus entirely on this plan.

As Kirrin indulged in these thoughts, the carriage entered a narrow mountain path.

A winding road snaked through the rugged hills outside the Palace. Kirrin had no idea where it led.

She was riding in a carriage without windows.

When Kirrin arrived in the Palace, a security office official informed her that the Second Princess was out and offered to guide her in a new carriage.

Where could they be going?

As the winding path continued, a building soon appeared ahead.

A low, two-story structure stretched out to the sides, resembling military barracks.

There was an open space in front, surrounded by high brick walls, giving it the look of a military post.

“Please step out.”

The carriage stopped, and the security office official opened the door.

Kirrin stepped out in front of the main gate.

Two men in civilian clothes, looking like guards, stood by the thick iron gate.

Though they appeared to be ordinary citizens, Kirrin’s racial abilities quickly discerned their true nature.

These men were hiding various weapons in their clothes.

In addition to daggers, their belts had iron plates inside, which could be used as whips if needed.

They weren’t ordinary citizens or soldiers. What could they be?

Probably part of one of the many organizations under the Imperial Security Office.

So, this place guarded by such people must be....

“Please, come in.”

Following the security office official inside, Kirrin saw a group of people gathered in front of a platform.

On the platform sat a tall woman with silver hair—the Second Princess, head of the Imperial Security Office.

“H-How have you been...?”

“Welcome.”Updated chapters at novelhall.com

As Kirrin bowed nervously, the Second Princess smiled gently.

“You’ve had a long journey. You have something to propose?”

“Yes....”

“Is it urgent? If not, we can discuss it later.”

“I-it’s not urgent...!”

“Good. Have a seat.”

The Second Princess gestured to an empty chair beside her.

Kirrin sat down, realizing that the people below the platform were all staring at her.

Men and women dressed in black, with menacing eyes above their masks, were watching her.

“So, Headmaster Kirrin. You have something to propose.”

Kirrin, glancing at the bloodied agent being carried out on a stretcher, began hesitantly.

“Your Highness... we, we would like to participate in a contest....”

Facing the Second Princess’s single eye, Kirrin couldn’t continue and swallowed hard.

“You want to participate in a contest.”

“Yes....”

“Deciding on participation is entirely within the headmaster’s authority. Surely you didn’t come all this way without knowing that.”

“The thing is....”

Kirrin, trying not to offend the Second Princess, explained as politely as possible.

To improve the students’ skills and career prospects, they wanted to participate in contests.

However, the current contests in the Empire didn’t quite align with the ‘Special Mission’ academy’s nature.

So, they were requesting the security office to organize a contest related to their mission.

“You want the security office to host a contest?”

“Yes... for example, if some of the evaluations for current agents could be opened to the academy....”

“Who suggested this?”

“What...?”

Seeing Kirrin nearly panic, the Second Princess smiled.

“Never mind. I understand your intention. I’ll discuss it internally and get back to you soon.”

“Th-thank you...!”

Kirrin bowed deeply, almost touching her forehead to the ground.

“By the way, how is the selected special student doing?”

“If you mean Student Sophie, she’s adjusting well.”

Relieved from the immense pressure, Kirrin responded with a slightly brighter expression.

“She will contribute greatly to the Empire’s security after graduation. I’ll ensure she graduates with top marks...!”

“Excellent, Kirrin.”

“Eek!? Thank you!”

Kirrin, rarely praised by the Second Princess, made a strange noise as she bowed again.

“The special student selection is an excellent system for uncovering hidden gems in the Empire. Make good use of it.”

“Yes...!”

“Good. You may return now.”

After the dazed and ecstatic Kirrin left, the Second Princess beckoned with a finger, summoning her adjutant.

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Turn some of the 5439th Unit’s evaluations this year into a contest. I’ll discuss the details with the unit commander.”

“Understood. I’ll relay and prepare immediately.”

After the adjutant left, the Second Princess ran her hand through her silver hair, feeling quite satisfied.

Asking the security office to open their agent evaluations?

This must be Dian’s idea.

Truely an impressive person indeed.

His past achievements and his immediate transformation of the academy upon appointment, now suggesting using internal evaluations as academy contests.

He’s truly a worthy friend of Sir Linus and a member of the Demon King Slayer Special Force.

He’s fully qualified to be my dagger.

He must have already thought this through, looking ahead with careful consideration.

# # # # #

Meanwhile, at the Special Mission Academy, in Dian’s house.

“Sir Dian! I told you not to take your socks off inside out!”

Olysia was scolding Dian, holding a pair of inside-out socks.

“Huh? What’s the problem?”

“I can’t wash them properly, and I have to turn them right-side out again!”

“It’s no problem. Just wear them inside out and turn them the right way next time.”

“Argh! Really!!!!”

Contrary to the Second Princess’s expectations, Dian was teasing his young maid and laughing.

[Translator – Peptobismol]