Chapter 220: Meeting the Headmaster
Having returned to the Royal Capital, Rest visited the Royal Academy for the first time in a while. However, the atmosphere was starkly different from what he remembered; the number of students had significantly dwindled, leaving the place feeling desolate.
“It’s quite lonely here… What happened?” Rest mused aloud.
“What happened? Isn’t it because of you?” came the exasperated reply from his friend, Maurice Louis. The familiar face greeted him cheerfully as they met in the classroom.
“Everyone is participating in the development of the Subnock Plain. It’s a chance for advancement, after all… I suppose that takes priority over academics,” Maurice explained.
“Ah, I see… So it really is my fault,” Rest said with a wry smile.
In the past, he had collaborated with the Second Prince, Andrew, to recruit participants for the plain development at the academy. While he hadn’t kept track of how many students had joined, it seemed that the number was greater than he had anticipated.
“This country has seen no territorial expansion for decades, and both the number of nobles and available land have hit a ceiling. Now, with a vast amount of vacant land appearing, it’s an unprecedented opportunity for younger sons who have no inheritance. Naturally, they’d prioritize that over their studies.”
The Royal Academy was an institution for nurturing future talent. The students attended with the aim of securing government positions or managing territories. If there were opportunities to acquire land or noble titles elsewhere, it was only natural for their focus to shift.
“Right now, those attending classes are either aware of their own shortcomings or those whose futures are already decided,” Maurice added.
“I see… By the way, why are you still here at the academy? I thought you were participating in the development too?” Rest inquired.
“Ah, I am participating. But… I plan to take over the family business. My involvement in the development is merely part-time; I only join on my days off,” Maurice replied.
“Oh, I see.”
“What about you, Rest? You should be busy unlike me,” Maurice said.
“I have some business to attend to. I came to meet with the Headmaster,” Rest explained.
His visit to the academy was to discuss his recent encounter with Leonardo Gascoigne with the Headmaster. Verloid Harn, the Headmaster, was a sage belonging to the Council of Sages and should have some familiarity with Gascoigne. Having already arranged an appointment through the servants of the Rosemary Marquis House, Rest decided to pass the time by observing the classroom.
“Oh, it’s almost time. Well then, see you later,” Maurice said.
“Yeah, see you,” Rest replied as he parted ways with Maurice and headed toward the Headmaster’s office.
Walking down the now quieter hallway, he made his way to the Headmaster’s room. In front of the office, a receptionist awaited him, a woman who appeared to be a secretary.
“Excuse me, I’m Rest Clover. May I request a meeting with the Headmaster?” he asked politely.
“Yes, Lord Clover. I’ve been informed of your arrival… Please wait a moment,” she responded.
The secretary disappeared into the room and quickly returned.
“You have permission to enter. Please go ahead…”
“Thank you,” Rest said, stepping through the door.
Inside, he found an elderly magician with a long beard seated at an impressive desk. Verloid Harn, the Headmaster, looked up with a gentle expression.
“Ah, Rest-kun. Or should I say… Lord Clover?” he greeted.
“Either is fine, Headmaster. You hold a much higher position than I do,” Rest replied.
While the Headmaster was not a noble with a territory, he wielded influence comparable to that of a duke. His words carried weight that even members of the royal family could not dismiss lightly.
“Ho ho ho, is that so? Now then… It’s been a while since we last spoke, since your entrance exam interview, I believe. What brings you here?” the Headmaster inquired.
“Actually…”
Rest began to recount his encounter with Leonardo Gascoigne. The Headmaster listened in silence, but soon his eyes widened in surprise.