Chapter 7

With cherry blossoms dancing in the wind, Maribel Halmar, the principal of the Hero School and one of the Four Heroes, murmured contentedly.

Despite being well over seventy, her voice was youthful, and she looked at least ten, no, twenty years younger.

Standing stiffly before her was a tall, bespectacled beauty, Shartia, one of the school's teachers.

"The school's reputation has spread, and thanks to that, the number of applicants has continued to increase. This year, it reached a record high, and the quality of the new students reflects that. All of this is due to your efforts, Lady Maribel."

"It's because everyone has worked hard," Maribel replied modestly with a gentle smile.

"Of course, it's thanks to the hard work of the faculty, and the past graduates who have excelled in various fields. That's why the school is what it is today. I couldn't have done it alone."

Initially, there were many critical voices, especially from the nobility, who suspected that Maribel was trying to expand her own power, leading to various obstacles.

But now, even the royal family and nobility are sending their children to the Hero School first.

"However, there are still many issues to address."

"…The conflict between commoners and nobles, perhaps?"

"That's one of them."

The Hero School accepts students widely, regardless of their social status, whether noble or commoner. However, many nobles disapprove of this, and there have been numerous conflicts among the students.

Just then, Maribel suddenly noticed something and her eyes widened.

"Wh-Who's there?"

A figure stood calmly in front of the door behind Shartia. Maribel, who had been facing the door, couldn't tell how long the figure had been there.

"Huh?"

Shartia quickly turned around. There stood a boy with black hair.

"Ah, it seems you're busy, so I'll wait, okay?"

The boy's first words were completely out of place. Although he didn't seem hostile or malicious, there was no way to lower their guard.

"Y-You! How did you get in here!?"

Shartia, drawing her sword from her waist, demanded. She was sweating profusely, embarrassed by the fact that she had been completely caught off guard.

"…This is impossible. To enter this room without any trouble…"

Maribel was also greatly perplexed.

Only those with permission were allowed to enter the building where the principal's office was located. If someone tried to force their way in, a loud alarm would sound, and security guards and golems would immediately move to remove the intruder.

This was one of the most secure places in the school.

"Is he a student…?"

"…No, Lady Maribel. I have never seen a student like this. …This means he may have illegally entered the school."

Although her tone was calm, Shartia's mind was racing. She didn't know the boy's intentions, but she was the only one who could protect Hero Maribel here. She couldn't afford to make a mistake.

What was terrifying was that despite her intense aura, the boy remained completely calm. If a student were to be hit by her aura, many would faint on the spot.

"Huh? Are you guys on guard? No, I just came to deliver a letter to someone named Maribel… Oh, you're the grandma, right?"

"Grandma… How dare you speak to Lady Maribel like that!?"

"It's fine, Shartia. Rather, what do you mean by 'letter'?"

"Here it is."

The boy held up the letter. Maribel carefully examined it, but it didn't seem dangerous.

"Shartia, take the letter."

"…Yes."

Shartia cautiously took the letter from the boy and, still on guard, backed away to bring it to Maribel.

"Th-this is…"

Maribel's eyes widened in surprise as she read the contents.

If you found this interesting, I would be very happy if you could rate it with a ☆ below.