A Deal

“Nothing to be concerned about. I was merely testing your skills, and it seems you passed.”

I sheathe my tachi as the principal unsummons his spirit.

“Even if you hold the title of principal, launching a surprise attack at two thirteen-year-old girls is a crime that should throw you into the depths of a dungeon.”

“I am truly sorry about that. But of course... I held back. That lightning would not have touched or grazed your body even if you had refrained from cutting it. Though had you done nothing, you would have failed my personal evaluation.”

“…I see. The letter I received merely noted that I could enrol because you had already covered my initial admission fee. It said nothing regarding who would be providing my yearly tuition.”

The principal’s face showed genuine surprise. “Oh? You are remarkably sharp, Ms Luminera... Perhaps that is precisely why Master Long Kai accepted you as his disciple. Not only do you excel in swordplay, but it seems you possess a surprisingly sharp mind. That is a rather rare trait for a commoner to exhibit.”

That answer makes my head throb. Commoners aren't supposed to think as nobles do… I've already overplayed my hand. I really cannot afford to stand out any more than I already have.

“I happen to enjoy reading; I learned many things from books.”

“Then allow me to explain from the start. Are you aware that this institution normally grants only a single scholarship recipient each academic year? And that funding is drawn directly from Duke Dominique's personal treasury... Isn’t that right, Amelle?”

Amelle raises her hand eagerly from where she stands. “Ah, yes! That would be me, sir! Lord Dominique granted me the scholarship because I placed first on the regional entry exam! But he mentioned he might expand the program next year so that more rural children can enter!”

After processing what was just laid out, I begin to grasp the principal’s angle... As I well know from palace politics, nothing in this world is truly free.

“Principal Orphus, what is it that you truly want from me?”

“I am currently researching humanity’s potential in the absence of spirits. The population of this kingdom relies too heavily on their contracted spirit, making them blind to their own potential.”

“I fail to understand what you expect from me, or how a single commoner disciple could possibly assist you with such a grand goal.”

“I first encountered your master when I was deployed to deal with a monster threat on my father’s territory five years ago... To put it briefly, that monster possessed a troublesome ability that gave me a difficult time. Yet, Master Long Kai just came and subdued it without breaking a sweat. I did not witness him deploy a spirit even once.”

“It is true that my master does not have any contract with spirit… Just, please do not compare me to that monster of a master. I am no match for him, even now… But your goal seems difficult, considering Verdun’s entire cultural foundation is rooted in spirits. If Principal Orphus casts aside the basics of spirit arts, won’t you be deemed a dissident? It won't be pleasant, and you might even lose your title as principal.”

The principal chuckles as he adjusts the gold rims of his glasses. “Of course not—far from it. Why should I tear down the spirit system? I believe combining physical martial arts with spirit manipulation is the true key to progress. In theory, combining the two might remedy the inherent weaknesses of spirits.”

Hearing that idea, I am actually intrigued. This might be the best possible arrangement for my cover and my goals—in fact, it aligns with what I need. With the principal backing me, I can use his vast resources and knowledge to push my ability even further, just as Master Long Kai once reminded me:

“I possess no spirit contract, unlike you. Had you drawn upon your spirit power, you might well have grazed or bested me already.”

If I can become stronger with this... I might be able to defeat Chaos.

“Let's say I agree to this, Principal Orphus… What do you want me to do?”

“There are only two tasks for you. First, I want you to duel me at the Levre Arena in seven days, during the new student orientation assembly. All incoming students and numerous high nobles will gather to watch our match. I am afraid I cannot allow you to decline.”

“So, you are implying that this exhibition match serves as my payment to you for covering my fees to enter this academy?”

“Since it is my personal funds being invested in your education, wouldn't you say that is a fair transaction?”

He then pulls a sheet of paper from his desk drawer and slides it to me. I take the paper and read it—an empty club application form.

“The other task I require of you is to assume the role of president for the swordsmanship club. I anticipate a lot of students interested in this new venture following our match, and naturally, I shall serve as the club’s official advisor.”

“If you personally intend to assist with the club’s development, Principal Orphus, then I believe we have a deal... However, swordsmanship practice is best suited for the earliest time of the day, so our activities will take place before the sun even rises. Is that acceptable to you?”

“That’s...”

He stiffens slightly at my condition, his immaculate aristocratic composure cracking for a single split second before he adjusts his gold-rimmed glasses.

“…Acceptable.”

With that, I sign the written agreement with the principal before heading out of his office alongside Amelle. At the main reception desk, the receptionist informs us of our dormitory arrangements—confirming that the two of us will be sharing a room—and hands each of us our keys.

“My prayers have been answered!” Amelle cheers, clasping her hands together as we walk down the corridor. “I’m so glad that we share a room! It’s infinitely better to share a space with you rather than a total stranger!”

“Likewise...” I offer a small, genuine smile.

We head toward the eastern dormitory wing, where the first- and second-year quarters are located. The central corridor splits the floor, with rooms facing both east and west. Our quarters are situated on the third floor... Room C-322.

It is a modest room furnished with two neatly made beds, framed by two large arched windows. Since our room number is even, the windows face toward the eastern sky.

“I’ll go wash my uniform before sleeping so it can dry in the night breeze! You can go ahead and sleep without me!” With that, Amelle quickly changes into her loungewear and darts out of the room with her school uniform in hand.

After organising my travel pack and placing a few garments inside the wardrobe, I step out to fetch some fresh water from the first-floor communal washroom. Back in our room, I wipe my body clean and change into my yukata, which has become notably snug across the shoulders.

It seems my frame has grown quite a bit over the past two years. Since I haven't had an opportunity to buy new clothes, I should probably go shopping in the market before orientation next week.