Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 220: Meeting the Headmaster
Having returned to the royal capital, Rest paid a long-overdue visit to the Royal Academy. It had been quite some time since he last attended, but the academy felt noticeably emptier, with far fewer students than before, giving the place an almost desolate air.
“This place feels so empty… Did something happen?”
“What do you mean ‘something’? This is your doing.”
Came the exasperated reply from Rest’s friend, Maurice Louis.
In the classroom, Rest was greeted by Maurice, who offered him a cheerful welcome after their long absence.
“Everyone’s gone to participate in the development of the Sabnock Plains. It’s a chance for advancement, after all… I’d wager they see it as more important than their studies.”
“I see… So it’s my fault, then.”
Rest said with a sheepish smile.
Rest had previously collaborated with Second Prince Andrew to recruit participants for the Sabnock Plains development project at the academy. While he hadn’t kept track of how many students joined, it seemed far more had signed up than he’d expected.
“For decades, this country’s territorial expansion had stagnated. The number of nobles and available land reached its limit. But now, vast tracts of unclaimed land have opened up. For second and third sons with no inheritance prospects, this is an unprecedented opportunity. It’s no wonder they’d prioritize this over their studies.”
The Royal Academy was an institution meant to train future talent. Most students were here to prepare for careers in government or land management. But with the prospect of acquiring land and titles elsewhere, it was only natural that many would shift their focus.
“Now, the ones attending classes are those aware of their lack of ability or those whose futures are already secure.”
Maurice explained.
“I see… By the way, Maurice, why are you still coming to the academy? Weren’t you also involved in the development project?”
“Oh, I am. But I’m set to inherit my family’s business, so my involvement in the development is more like a part-time job—I only participate on my days off.”
“Ah, I see.”
“What about you, Rest? You’re far busier than I am, aren’t you?”
“I have some business here. I came to meet with the headmaster.”
Rest’s reason for visiting the academy was to discuss his recent encounter with Leonard Gascoigne. The headmaster, Verloid Hahn, was a sage and a member of the Council of Sages, so he likely had connections to Gascoigne.
Through the staff of the Rosemary Marquis, Rest had already secured an appointment. Until then, he decided to pass the time by observing the classrooms.
“Well, it’s about time. I’ll see you later.”
“Yeah, see you.”
After parting ways with Maurice, Rest headed toward the headmaster’s office. The corridors, like the classrooms, were sparsely populated, underscoring the academy’s emptiness.
Arriving at the headmaster’s office, Rest found a receptionist—a woman who seemed to be a secretary—waiting by the door.
“Excuse me, I’m Rest Clover. I have an appointment with the headmaster.”
“Yes, Count Clover. We’ve been expecting you. Please wait a moment.”
The secretary disappeared into the room and quickly returned.
“You may enter. Please go ahead.”
“Thank you. Excuse me.”
Rest said as he stepped through the door.
Inside, he found an elderly magician with a long beard seated at an impressive desk. This was Verloid Hahn, the headmaster, who greeted Rest with a calm and welcoming expression.
“Ah, Rest. Or should I call you Count Clover?”
“Either is fine, Headmaster. After all, your position far surpasses mine.”
Though the headmaster did not hold land as a noble, he wielded influence equivalent to that of a duke. His words carried great weight, and even royalty could not dismiss him lightly.
“Ho ho ho, is that so? Now then… It’s been quite some time since we last spoke. I believe it was during your admissions interview. So, what brings you here today?”
“Actually…”
Rest began to explain his encounter with Leonard Gascoigne.
The headmaster listened in silence, his expression thoughtful, but as the story unfolded, his eyes widened in surprise.