The Lady Wants To Rest

“…I’m sorry. I’m thankful for your generosity, and there is nothing else I can say. I shall return now.”

I nodded my head and turned around.

The president jumped up as if he could not understand and shouted.

“Why is your decision so?”

“In life, there is no certainty of what will happen, so I am unable to make promises that I cannot keep.”

“It’s because there is a rule against leaving the Academy the first year when receiving a scholarship! It is something that has nothing to do with your Highness.”

The president shouted with a desperate face.

“In any case, it is rather difficult. I apologize. I shall leave now.”

As I stood firm, the president despaired and hung his head.

‘I feel a little sorry.’

I clicked my tongue inside of my mind.

The president was not trying to fulfill his own interests.

As a true educator, and for the Academy, he was doing all he could do to seize the talent that stood in front of him.

‘Anyhow, there’s nothing to be done.’

That was what I thought as I approached the door, but a wistful murmur could be heard behind me.

“I’m not sure what kind of reason you have, but it is really unfortunate. Your Highness is the kind of person we need for the Academy’s future.”

It was a voice filled with regret that thought only about the Academy.

Saying such, the president once again looked at me with desperate eyes.

“The doors of the Academy are open at any time. Should your health return, please visit at any time. We will wait for you.”

But what was this?

The moment I heard the president’s words, I recalled a memory.

[Teacher, I will definitely make Renault Academy prosper! I will spread the teachings that you have left me.]

It was the determination of the child who became the second President of the Academy after me.

That child, as he resolved, lived his life for the Academy, and with his effort, the Academy became the continent’s best educational facility.

‘…Now that I look at him, they seem a little similar.’

For some reason, President Krujen’s love for the Academy made me remember that child.

In the end, I felt my heart grow weak.

‘Ah, whatever. They’re not conditions that I lose out from.’

At first, I thought about resting at the Academy for 3 to 4 years.

By the rules of the Academy, it was a promise that lasted for one year, so I felt it might not be so bad.

“Alright. Since that is what the Dean has said… In return, there are a few conditions.”

“What is it?”

The Dean asked with a bright face.

“First, should the situation call for it, even if a year has not passed, I shall leave the Academy.”

This was a necessary condition.

Should an unfortunate situation occur, it would become incredibly troublesome if I am unable to quit the Academy because of a promise.

“Hm… That… Alright.”

The president considered it before nodding.

It seemed he didn’t want to lose me in any case.

“Also, who at the Academy knows I am the top scorer of the entrance exam?”

“There’s myself and the employees who scored the exams. The professors of each branch will also be notified.”

“Then please tell the employees to never say a word about my exam score. That is my second condition.”

The president clearly didn’t understand the intentions behind my requests.

“Why go to such lengths? It should be celebrated that your Highness’ score is the highest up to date… Shouldn’t it be obvious to make it known….”

After thinking for a moment, I thought up an excuse.

“I have anxiety.”

“…What?”

“Attracting the attention of others is a trigger to my anxiety. As such, please notify them. As long as you fulfill these two conditions, I shall attend the Academy.”

The president let out a cough. From migraines to anxiety. Apparently, it seemed rather suspicious. My ordinary expressions were rather far from a nervous breakdown.

However, I was confident. What could they say when I argued thus?

***

“I understand, your Highness. Then, from today onwards, your Highness is a student at the Renault Academy!”

Dean Krujen smiled widely as he spoke.