Chapter 85

I have six students to manage. Half of them are from the Empire, and the other half are... no, foreigners.

The students from the Empire can simply return to their homes during the break. Louise goes to the Nierd family, Erich to the Crasius family, and Ainter to the Imperial Palace. The foreign students, who have no base in the Empire, can just return to their home countries.

Wouldn't it be better to be treated well in their home countries rather than in the distant and unfamiliar Empire? There, they can command subordinates with just a finger snap.

'But why.'

Why don't they go back? What are they planning to do by staying at the Academy during the break?

Of course, there are students who stay at the Academy. The dormitories operate during the break, and the city formed around the Academy is quite decent. The students who stay are usually commoners whose lives depend on their Academy grades or those whose homes are very far away.

Do these three foreigners find their Academy grades important? It would be more beneficial to do other things instead of attending the Academy. Are their homes far away? Teleportation mages are a formality.

"Surprising."

I barely managed to speak, suppressing the urge to hit their heads with the cookie tin. I must hold back; if I lose it here, it will immediately lead to a diplomatic dispute and a direct trip to the Ministry of Justice. I don't want another line added to my criminal record.

"Still, there's nothing to do if you stay at the Academy, so it's better to go back."

I wanted to say, "Shut up and get lost!" but I softened it as much as possible. There really is nothing to do if they stay at the Academy. Louise should return to her territory...

No, damn it.

"When will I come to the Empire after graduating from the Academy? I need to travel around the Empire and broaden my horizons at this time."

Ruthis's words confirmed my suspicions. He says he will travel around the Empire, but it's obvious where he will go.

"I don't have time during the semester, so the break is the only time I have."

Lather joined in, asserting the necessity of staying at the Academy. Why do they need to say it one after another when they could say it individually?

They planned this. If only one of the three from the three countries stayed, it wouldn't be justifiable, but if all three stay, it becomes harder to send them back. Ruthis and Lather seem to have colluded, and Tannian is likely involved too. This is not a spontaneous action.

'What a bunch of bastards.'

Thinking of Villar, who was becoming increasingly cheerful, made me shudder at this terrible situation. If Villar knew about this, he wouldn't be so cheerful. He would have exhausted himself trying to persuade the three troublemakers.

And they knew this and kept it a secret, revealing it just before the break. If they had told him earlier, Villar would have been a nuisance. Cruel bastards...

"Are you all staying at the Academy?"

Louise, who had been discussing something with Irena, slightly lifted her head. Her eyes were on the textbook, but her ears were open.

"You can't travel every day. Won't you get bored?"

"It's fine, Sister. We are three, after all."

More accurately, three plus dozens. You need people for security, you bastards.

Anyway, from Louise's firm response, it's clear that they are determined not to return home. Damn.

"Meeting each other in the Empire during the break would be nice. Maybe we can go on a club trip."

After much deliberation, I said this, and the reaction was intense. It doesn't matter to Louise, but the club members are happy because I've given them a reason. Seeing their reaction made me feel bitter.

'This is the best option.'

Surprisingly, this really is the best option. If I can't prevent the three from staying in the Empire, it's better for the entire club to gather. It's easier to manage them as a group rather than individually.

"We need to decide where to meet."

"Let's take our time."

"Does Irena want to come?"

"Umm, me?"

Every time I heard the club members' conversation, I quietly gripped the cookie tin. It's a bit crumpled, but it's fine. The semester is over anyway.

As soon as the club time ended, I urgently summoned Villar. He arrived within five minutes after I told him it was important, and as soon as he sat down, I shared the terrible situation.

Villar's reaction was not one of lament, silence, or rage, but something transcendent. He held his teacup with a smile.

'Laughing in this situation?'

Before the possession, there was a saying: crying when things get tough is third-rate, enduring is second-rate. So, what is first-rate? Laughing when things get tough. Villar is first-rate. He has become a first-rate person who has transcended the terrible reality.

But it seems he hasn't reached complete first-rate status. His hand holding the teacup was trembling. Still, I pretended not to notice out of respect.

"Surprising."

= Damn.

Villar's first words, with a smile. Both of us knew what those words meant. Regardless of who would be the next semester's supervisor, the return home was imminent. Just before meeting his beloved homeland and family, he was suddenly told to extend his stay.

Moreover, he had planned to reorganize the security force during the break, but now he can't return home? Now, the home country will criticize, "Why didn't you bring the prince back?" and the students will complain, "Why can't we return?" This is enough for Villar to curse Enen, who should humbly accept it.

"An unexpected event."

Villar, whose hand trembled as he drank tea, sighed. Indeed, this was unexpected. If Villar had known and kept quiet, I wouldn't trust anyone anymore.

"I'm also surprised and a bit flustered."

I forced a smile, but I'm not just a bit flustered. If the three from the three countries stay at the Academy, not only will their security forces be tied down, but I will be tied down as well.

'Damn.'

It's impossible to stay at the Academy during the break. If I were a faculty member, it might be different, but I am the head of the Inspection Department. So far, the deputy has been acting as the head, but that's based on the assumption that I will return during the break.

I need to go home. If I don't return this break, it will be almost a year without