The number of people listed in the documents I received was twice what I expected. With about 30,000 current students at the academy, I thought the number would be smaller, or at most, a few thousand more. However, the projected attendance written on the paper was 60,000.
Seeing my puzzled expression, the dean let out an “Ah” of understanding.
“Well, since the Grand Duke and Duchess of the Levant Empire are coming, everyone has taken a great interest. We had to increase the expected number to accommodate the external guests.”
A little?
The number before my eyes was equivalent to the crowd at Sangam World Cup Stadium. However, unlike my sense of bewilderment, the dean remained composed.
“The event will last five days, and His Grace the Grand Duke will meet with the professors from the Department of Swordsmanship today. Then, starting tomorrow, he will give special lectures for four days.”
“Understood.”
“The swordsmanship students were so excited when they heard His Grace would be coming. It’s not often they get the chance to meet the youngest swordmaster.”
The dean smiled kindly.
“We’ll do our best to make it a meaningful lecture.”
Satisfied with Ian’s response, she turned to me.
“And as for Her Grace the Grand Duchess, her official schedule only includes the centennial event five days from now and the rehearsal the day before. Until then, feel free to leisurely tour the school.”
“Compared to the Grand Duke, it sounds quite relaxed.”
“Haha, after all, you are in charge if the most important speech.”
Right, delivering a speech to a crowd the size of Sangam World Cup Stadium wouldn’t be easy.
“I’ve done my best to prepare, but I’m not sure if it will be good enough.”
“Whatever speech you give, the students will love it.”
Even as she said this, her eyes sparkled with anticipation.
After explaining the smaller events, she gave a graceful smile.
“I hope everything goes well. It would be wonderful if you leave Biblos with fond memories.”
She checked her watch and blinked rapidly.
“Oh dear, time has flown by. His Grace has another appointment, so I’ll take my leave now.”
She extended her hand for a handshake, mentioning that a staff member would escort Ian to the meeting room where the swordsmanship professors were waiting.
“If Her Grace would like, you could begin touring the school right away. Or if you prefer, we could adjust the schedule lightly today…”
I watched her after shaking Ian’s hand, then spoke up with a prepared question.
“If it’s alright, may I request a private audience? I have something urgent to discuss, provided you have no other pressing engagements.”
“With me, Your Grace?”
“Yes.”
She looked back and forth between Ian and me in slight surprise, then smiled.
“A private audience with Her Grace… I feel a bit nervous.”
Though her words expressed tension, her serene expression said otherwise.
‘Is this what it takes to become a dean?’ I mirrored her relaxed smile.
Meanwhile, Ian, who had been listening to our conversation, rose from his seat.
“I’d like to stay longer, but I have another engagement. I’ll head out now.”
After giving the dean a brief nod, he turned his gaze to me.
“The meeting likely won’t end early, so you can return ahead of me. I’ll have Kyle wait for you outside the dean’s office.”
“Alright, I’ll do that.”
He then held my gaze steadily and lifted my hand, placing a soft kiss on it.
“I’ll see you later.”
Before I could even respond, he straightened and walked out of the dean’s office.
Only after hearing the door click shut did I realize how warm my face had become.
“You two seem to be quite the loving couple.”
The dean’s affectionate tone brought me back to my senses.
“Ah… yes, well,” I muttered, awkwardly rubbing the back of my neck and clearing my throat.
As I composed myself, the dean adjusted her posture and quickly got to the point.
“So, what is it you wanted to discuss with me?”
Though her tone remained respectful, her eyes gleamed with sharpness, a stark contrast to the relaxed demeanor from earlier.
‘Looks like she has a good idea of what I’m going to say.’
Since I had no intention of beating around the bush, I answered swiftly.
“There’s a student I’d like to introduce to the academy.”
“Hm, if Her Grace the Grand Duchess is recommending a student, there must be a good reason.”
As if it wasn’t too far from her expectations, she calmly stroked her chin.
“Yes, but I’m not asking for any unfair privilege like special admission. I’m confident you’ll like the student once you meet them.”
I glanced at the portraits of professors hanging on the wall behind her and smiled.
“Before that, could you call the head of the Fine Arts Department? It would be great to have an expert’s opinion.”
“The Fine Arts Department… Considering it’s a request from Grand Duchess Cloud, that won’t be a problem.”
The dean readily agreed and instructed the secretary standing nearby to bring the head of the department. In less than ten minutes, an elderly man knocked and entered the dean’s office.
“I was told you called for me.”
“Yes, Professor Lirian. This is Her Grace, the Grand Duchess Cloud from the Levant Empire.”
“Pleasure to meet you.”
After a brief exchange of greetings, Professor Lirian took a seat on the sofa opposite me. Once I confirmed that both of them were focused on me, I handed over a booklet I had prepared.
The dean and professor’s gaze shifted to the black-covered booklet.
“This is…?”
“This is a portfolio of a student I’d like to introduce. I’d like both of you to take a look.”
What I handed over was a portfolio I had recompiled myself from the works I received from Lady Mary, the daughter of the Marquis. The pieces inside were all recent works from the past two years, ones that hadn’t even been shown to Levant’s nobility.
And most importantly…
“A portfolio, but there’s no name?”
“Yes, in my haste to compile it, I must have left the name off by mistake. But that shouldn’t hinder you from appreciating the art, so please take a look first.”
I answered with a smile. Of course, it wasn’t a mistake; I had deliberately left it blank.
Apparently not sensing anything amiss from my composed demeanor, the head of the department was the first to pick up the portfolio. As he turned a few pages, his eyes gradually widened.
“…This is.”
With an exclamation of awe, he blinked rapidly.
“Amazing. To think such a talented young person exists. Are they a citizen of the Levant Empire? Even though these are just small reproductions, the skill is unmistakable. Most notably, their use of color is outstanding.”
“I thought the pieces were remarkable as well, but to hear Professor Lirian praise them so highly—I’m impressed,” the dean said, quietly marveling.
While the dean reacted with calm admiration, Professor Lirian’s eyes were wide with excitement, his enthusiasm barely contained. He suddenly looked up.
“Who is this? A student of this caliber should be admitted immediately.”
“Indeed. They have more than enough talent to pursue their dreams here at Biblos.”
‘Got them,’ I thought, feeling a surge of satisfaction. With a soft smile, I let my lips curve upwards.
“I’m relieved to hear such high praise from you, Professor. The truth is, the artist of these pieces is someone you both know.”
“Someone we know?”
The department head looked puzzled, clearly unable to guess who it might be. I nodded calmly.
“Yes, these are the works of the son of the Marquis of Mary from the Levant Empire. You’re familiar with him, aren’t you?”
Unlike my serene and gentle response, both of their faces instantly stiffened. What followed was an awkward and unusually long silence.
After what felt like ages, the department head closed the portfolio with a snap and set it down, looking troubled. The one who spoke up next was the dean.
“Your Grace, I’m afraid this student…”
“You’re going to say he can’t be admitted, aren’t you?”
“…Yes, you already knew.”
The dean sighed, rubbing her temple with a pained expression.
“Is it because of pressure from the Marquis of Mary?”
“It’s not exactly pressure, but…”
She trailed off.
In truth, I knew exactly why they were so troubled. The Marquis of Mary was not only a prominent family in the Levant Empire but also the owner of a massive publishing company with influence across the entire continent. Naturally, they had considerable sway even in the distant Nomos Empire, and Biblos Academy received rare and valuable books through the Marquis’ connections, ones that were difficult to acquire within the empire itself.
For the academy, it would be a significant issue if they were to fall out with the Marquis, which was the primary reason the Marquis could exert such overt influence to block his son’s admission.
‘The Marquis’ greatest leverage in blocking his son’s admission was precisely that.’
I glanced between the dean, who was awkwardly clearing her throat, and the professor, who was looking uncomfortable, before leaning back into my chair. The occasional soft tapping noise came from my fingers drumming on the armrest of the sofa.
Soon, I smiled brightly.
“Before I came in here, I saw something rather interesting on the first floor.”
♧♧♧
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Many thanks for the amazing translation, dear! I’m loving this story😍