"Hm... Why did you knock her out? Are you a fool?"

"Shut up! It's all that damn bastard's fault!!"

"Ha ha haa...! Well now! It's embarrassing to know my order being interpreted like this!!"

...ugh... what...? So... so noisy... and this is uncomfortable... Why? What happened? Where am... I....? I slowly opened my eyes and...

"Hm? She woke up."

...a gorilla's face was right in front of me. It's black and sleek, full of vigor but also disgusting (since it's a gorilla.) If there's more word to describe it—kimoi!!

*POW!* The gorilla flew when I sent out an uppercut.

"Doryaaaah!!"

*SMASH!!* And with a slight jump, I spun in midair and unleashed a flying kick right at the gorilla's solar plexus!!

"Pigyaaa!?"

*CRASH!!* The gorilla crashed into bookshelves, sending out smokes and wood dust. I landed softly while exasperating.

...is it dead? Is it dead...? That was Ken’s combo series but…

"Nope, he's not. But that was very well done, young maiden." A voice came from behind.

"Eh...? Huh...? Inferno...?" I looked at the familiar who's at the corner of the room.

There's a gargoyle with the appearance of a dragon I know well. His eyes shone with dull ruby color and his tail swayed like his wings.

"Young maiden, you have a bright future to harm that fickle wizard so easily."

"True enough, but please mind your attire for a moment before hitting the Master, child..."

Hm...? Ah, there's the phoenix familiar too. Uhm... I think her name's Shelka-san. She often acted as a messenger between the principal and the teachers. Well, though I met her occasionally, I haven't seen her ever since I woke up after the Spring Incident. Also, why would the two gatekeepers be here...?

I didn't remember anything before I blacked out, but now I was in some sort of office. It was full of luxurious furniture and fluffy dark red carpet was right below my feet. The moonlight streamed down from the windows and several mystic embers were floating to illuminate the office enough for one to read books.

But when I looked at myself, I was horrified. Hey, I'm still in my shirts!! Isn't this embarrassing!!?

"More like, did you say Master...?" I turned my head to the clouds of dust.

"Fuuh...! That was an exquisite unarmed combat skill! As expected of Agatha's daughter!!" A man with bloody face came out with a refreshing smile!!

Hii! The gorilla is still alive... No, wait! That's the principal! It's the damn principal I've just kicked!!?

"No worries, my student! I have summoned you into my office for I have something to tell you!!"

Geh. He didn't have to change his pose like that... the weird man with tight-fitting robe had his muscles rippling as he struck a pose with a small light show made by floating mystic embers. To be honest, I wanted to punch him but I didn't want to invite more troubles.

"It will be a long explanation so you can sit down, child." Shelka-san suggested.

"Eh? U..un.. alright. So... why am I here?" I nodded and sat on a sofa.

Uwah, I'm sinking...! The inside must be made from high-grade swan's feathers!!

"Well, that could be said as Master's quirk. He often summoned people to his office in an unexpected way."

"How troublesome... doesn't he know I'm not interested in paying a late night visit?"

"I do have to agree he looked frugal but please let him be. You are, after all, a child of his disciple. One of the few he is fond of."

Huh...? Disciple? I heard a cough and all eyes turned to the principal. He stood in front of his work desk and raised a hand.

"First thing first, you do remember the Spring Incident, correct...?" He asked.

Yeah...? I tilted my head after saying that and the man heaved a sigh.

"While it is not the first incident happening in the long history of this Academy, it's an event worth to note for. I have sent out all the teachers and colleagues to investigate it, and I used my magic to help... but!!"

"...you've got nothing...?" I guessed.

Principal put a hand on his forehead in an exaggerated manner. He's too melodramatic for failing in a task...

"No clues. No traces. Not even a suspect or collaborator. Even the student you reported to have cooperated with the culprit vanished into thin air. Leaving only two arms and a leg behind. In summary—he too, was silenced by the perpetrator."

S-seriously?! Only arms and a leg were left behind?!

"Well, this just means the future is bleak. Young maiden, be careful as you are the prime witness of the truth."

…ugh. It's true that the Academy learned of our situation based on what I and Fei saw. Though I felt bad about Spatula, but he deserved it. Also, I was the only one who heard that androgynous voice…

"Come to think of it, what was that black stone I saw?" I asked the principal.

I didn't know anything about it but it wasn't something I would want to touch. It gave off this 'extremely dangerous' vibe and when it latched on the Asura, it crushed Fei...

I grasped my chest once I heard an ominous beating of my heart. Whenever I remembered that scene, all I could think was my powerlessness. I don't want to taste that feeling again and I really want to prevent it from happening again, but...

...though saying that, Fei ran off by his own again. Ugh... am I really a deadweight to him...?

"...well, since the 7th Prince erased the Asura, I doubt we will ever know. And that is if the culprit doesn't appear again, of course." Principal said.

"...doesn't that mean they will attack again since they failed?" I asked back.

The principal shook his head.

"Not possible. I've erected my most powerful magical ward and my familiars are equipped with special detection magic items. At least, everything will be fine for now so rest assured, my pupil."

"...I'll pass in becoming your pupil. But is that all? If it is, I'm leaving."

"Ah, yeah. You're going to be expelled."

Oh, I see... then it's fine. I heaved a sigh and stood up.

.........

"......eh? What did you say?" I rotated my head and stared at principal who nodded down.

"Hm. You're going to be expelled, Charlotte Augmund." He repeated while brushing his moustache…

This time, he didn't forget to pressure the notion for the sake of making things clearer. I thought he's a gorilla but he seemed to be an orangutan to learn how to advance his usage of words—WRONG!

"Wait, what!? Why!!? How?!!"

"Well... your scores are inadequate. You didn't take summer training camp, wasn't present in midterm exam, never handing back homework, and you didn't even sleep with the 7th Prince..."

"Isn't the last one totally unrelated with the scores!!?"

"Well... I thought of sending your love affair activity to your mother but you didn't try to be aggressive about it..."

I threw a flower vase from a cupboard nearby to the bastard and it hit him right at the head!! Yet, he simply smiled and laughed with blood spurting from his forehead!!

"Hah ha haaaa! Even your habit to throw things resembled Agatha!!"

"Shut up! Shut up!! Go die a dog death, you gorilla bastard!!"

After the annoying storm passed, principal Falkirk coughed and his gaze turned solemn all of a sudden.

"At any rate, you having not enough scores means you are recommended to quit from the Academy. The teachers also advised the same thing for you along with those under the same circumstance in a meeting recently."

"No way..."

This is bad...! To think I'm in a dangerous situation like this... I should've paid more attention in classes!! I don't want to quit school when I haven't even ranked up!! No, just no!! Why the hell should I waste my once in a lifetime school life!?

"Can... can't you do something about it, principal...?!" I asked, standing up from the sofa.

"Not even I can do anything about it... It's a consensus of all teachers and it is the truth that you lack a critical amount of scores, Charlotte. At least 27 A+ scores are needed." Principal answered without a shred of doubt.

How could this be!? Doesn't this mean there's no hope and dream!!? My limbs felt limp and I couldn't see well—

"Young maiden. Please don't be swayed by this filthy man's words." Inferno interjected.

Huh...? I looked at him and the dragon walked towards me in all fours. His scales glistened once bathed by moonlight, and his ruby red eyes staring to me after giving a bat of eyelid at the dark skinned man.

"It is true that this thing can't do anything about it, nor is there anyone that can help you attain the required scores. Autumn will be over and this meant a term will also end in a matter of several weeks. There are not enough days for you to take 24 tests as difficult as end term tests. Especially when considering you must pass them with the highest score possible."

What... Isn't that the same thing...? So I have no choice but to be expelled right...? I knitted my eyebrows at his words but Inferno settled his gaze at principal.

"In other words... There is no problem if you gained the required amount of scores in a single stroke by yourself." The familiar exclaimed.

…Eh? What is this guy talking about? I don't know if he's saying the truth but he's too confident to lie about this.

Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

"...Is... is that even possible...?"

"You can. That is clearly a tall hurdle but it is not impossible to climb over, dear child."

"......how?"

The principal curved his lips upward, stretching a smile from ear to ear. If only he had not the face of a gorilla, I would have let him off but I couldn't help throwing another vase at him.

"Simple! Just make an achievement big enough to be the same as 27 A+ scores!!"

The principal dodged to the side and he laughed.

"Hah ha haaaa! Since I'm a generous Wizard, I shall tell you a method to improve your scores drastically!!"

The man put a hand into his robe and rummaged the content.

"Charlotte, you do know what Quest is right?" He asked while taking out an item looking like a bolt of a screw used by a minus ability user before throwing it away.

"Eh... Yeah. It's a job for students to have additional allowances and scores... ah." I gasped when I remembered the purpose of the Quest and the rewards if I accomplished it.

"The Quests aren't divided by difficulties so anyone can take them. Though you can't take up more than one Quest per day, there are Quests needing days to complete and there are also Quests with special conditions before starting them. The scales of rewards relied upon these conditions... or rather, the nature of the Quest."

I waited for him and principal Falkirk took out a rolled parchment.

"Of course, this does not mean there are Quests with exponential rewards when the jobs aren't at the same caliber. The Academy has a strict management in the affair of Quests, allowing the students to learn from experiences while not reducing their drives. That also means... this!"

Showing off the parchment, it rolled down, revealing the content and I tried reading it.

"Errm.... Quest No. 192..... 'A Gathering for Peace'..."

Hoh. That sounds like weird. Also, is the Quest number for real? Did the student affair put up Quests in numbers?? Well... the content must be full of nonsense so let's proceed straight to the goals.

"...hm. The objectives are to act as delegates and to negotiate for alliance with... the Golden Tiger Monarchy...?"

...What's with this politic smelled Quest? Is this something a student would do? I looked at the principal with dubious eyes but he told me to read the client's identity.

"Hm...? What's this...? The clients are three people... eh... 'Arthur Aeinsland', 'Alex Augmund', and 'Melinda Clarentsky'..."

…huh?

"By the way, the appointed delegates are the crown prince, you, and a princess from Serilia."

Ah, so that's why... since I'm a student of Leimburg Academy, my position is considered as neutral and although I'm a human, my judgment will be seen as fair without bias. However, this Quest meant I have to act as fair as possible with no personal opinion involved......

"Wait, what? Who's going to be a delegate?" I raised my head.

"It's you, Aeinsland's crown Prince and Serilia's 2nd princess." Principal answered without averting his gaze.

......

"Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeehhhhhhh!!?"

Why!? Doesn't that make me look like a super important person!!? Rather, why the hell is father offering a Quest!!?

"Fuuh...! This is a good opportunity, Charlotte! Your father holds a part of influence in the Territory so you can start your debut in aristocatic society with unforgettable first impression!!" Principal exclaimed but I didn't want to hear that!!

"You're making it as if I will participate in an idol audition! I don't want that kind of troublesome life!!" I yelled in protest.

"No problem! You have the backing of the Academy so take it!! Take up this Quest! NOW!!" He forced the Quest to me and his tone was even more forceful than before!

Just what's wrong with this guy!? Why is he trying to push this kind of top-secret mission to me!!? And why did father requested me to participate!!?

I turned to the familiars and both raised their shoulders, shaking their heads as if telling me there's no escape. Kiiiiiiiii! You traitors!!

"I don't want to!! Why do I have to be a negotiator!? Isn't that the job for the royal court of Raumia!?"

"Well... the Monarch has deep rooted hatred at Raumia. I believe it won't end with a war if the Seventh Prince is there."

No means no! I turned around and snorted.

"Even if it's for scores, as if I want to involve myself with the nobles!!" I voiced out my opinion.

"Don't say that... come on, Charlotte. It's a good deal, no...?" Principal said.

"I. Don't. Want. To!!" I shouted.

Then I heard a crashing sound from behind. The dark skinned man fell with his back first and like a dead cockroach, he stiffened. Ha! Serves him right!!

"...what... Why...?"

"Tired. Don't want to be bothered. Hate nobles. Anyway, no means no so bye-bye."

I walked to the door briskly and I grabbed the handle when a whisper appeared

"Even though you won't meet the Black Hero again...?"

...I glanced at the principal. He's already back on his feet and he dusted his robe.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"Well, now... I wonder...?" He replied and raised his shoulders.

Kh...! So he wants to play it like this, huh...? I was reminded with the schemes and scams done by those conmen and mafias again... I really hate their underhanded methods and I was sometime in the dark about it if Haru didn't help me.

"It's your choice to live not to take this Quest. After all, the only one that decides your life is your will."

Principal Falkirk showed the same air and his smile was similar to them. That fake smile full of bullshits...

"But... are you sure you're not worried? You haven't learned anything about your Vagnalos. Not his origin. Not his past. Not even the destiny he carries."

...I frowned and glared at the principal. Receiving my glare with a smile painted with cold lies, he chuckled and brought a hand under his chin.

"How about it? As a bonus, you can see the whole picture of this kingdom. Of course, that is only if you are able to endure seeing the truth." He said.

Truth... huh? I don't know if I should take it as a challenge or some scam. I'm pretty sure this guy has underlying motive and to be honest... I'm curious.

Fei said he's a monster. Not a human, but something not human. I knew he's unlike a human from the abundance of his talents, but as a person... he looked like someone who'd rather have nothing than to lose everything.

It became clearer once he said he didn't want to lose me. Yet he made a pact either way. Pledging as if he had done something unforgiveable. As if he decided to take the martyr by himself so long as I'm safe.

...my blood began to boil and my heartbeat quickened.

I knew it. Something's wrong with him. But if he's that stubborn about it, I have no choice in this matter right? Considering my situation, isn't it far easier to clear this Quest than to keep up with the Black Hero who's already ten steps ahead again?

I stared at principal, then I exhaled.

"......fine. I'll take up that Quest." I muttered.

"Oh, a very nice decision! That's how it should be, Charlotte!!" Principal said.

Shut up. Don't smile like that. Just drop dead already you maggot of a human.

"...well, he's just running out from his responsibility. My deepest apology, young maiden."

"It's fine. I'm also interested in knowing my father's true job so it's okay. Also, it's not like I have to fight in a peace gathering right?"

"Now, then... I wonder about that."

Gee, talk about depressing. The two familiars lowered their heads as if they wanted to dive into a hole and disappeared.

"...come to think of it, does that mean the principal shoved all the works by making them as Quests for students?" I asked.

The black man broke in cold sweats and his laugh went out of the usual rhythm.

"Ha...! Ha ha ha...! You jest! Of, of course not! As if I would skip works and have the students do all of those formalities!!" He answered.

...yup. He's lying, alright. Though I know he's a scum, to think he planned everything so that he wouldn't be held responsible is just....

My stock share in him has fallen rock bottom. I have confirmed this man as a garbage equal to Spatula.

"No, maybe worse than that." I exhaled. "Anyway, don't forget your words."

"Obviously! This grand wizard who has lived for three hundred years isn't promising only to backstab you!!"

"Yes yes. Anyway, I shall excuse myself then."

But--I added. Walking to the tall man with burly muscles, I stood in front of him and raised my hand. Once I took the parchment which was the Quest's form from his hand, I beamed a wide, harmless smile which looked as if I would never harm an insect.

"As a punishment in advance, take this!!"

*SMASH!!* With a burst of speed, my shin landed at the principal's crotch and drilled into it.

"@/$(×£_=?+^#(@;':[°?%\>`!!?"

There were the sounds of cracking and creaking, then a shattering sound tore the air as if a glass ball fell to the hard floor. Principal Falkirk fell and frothing, his face as blue as the ocean and his body twitched like a dying insect. I turned my back to him and then snorted.

"Next time you try to kidnap a chaste, unmarried and underaged maiden in the dead of night like this, I'll make sure your manhood is gone. Forever."