Chapter 17
Chapter 17
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 17
Chapter Title: Fans and a Deal with the Principal
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"Want me to tag along?"
Roze said, her worry not fully eased.
It's someone she doesn't want to see either, but her thoughtfulness is appreciated.
"I'm really fine."
The joint Real Time Alien Tactics class ended in a chaotic atmosphere.
A few approached as if to talk to me, then turned away.
Probably because of my flashy entourage.
Not everyone, though.
"Leonard Monarch? I'm Ryu Cheong. Mind if we chat for a sec?"
"Of course, senior."
Real Time Alien Tactics isn't just for first-years.
Naturally, second-years were in this joint class too.
And Ryu Cheong is someone whose name I remember.
'He sacrificed himself defending his home planet.'
The people with him now seem pretty reliable too.
The kind worth getting to know, considering future teamwork.
Ryu Cheong introduced his crew one by one.
"Normally, I'd want to talk to them, but today I couldn't hold back from chatting with you first."
"My friends are pretty impressive, huh."
"Fri~ends?"
Merdi said with a meaningful look.
Come to think of it, first time I've used that word.
The other three looked a bit surprised too.
"Yeah. Anyway, not a big deal. You're amazing. I respect you."
"Haha..."
My face heats up.
What do you even say in moments like this?
Though, technically, this is all my fault too.
"If there's ever anything I can help with, just say the word. I've got some decent connections, you know."
"I'd appreciate that."
"Well, I'll head out then. Looks like there's a line behind me."
Ryu Cheong nodded slightly toward the back.
Once he broke the ice, a crowd had gathered.
"Hm, guess I'll go too, Lemon. Dessert's waiting."
"I'll be in the lounge."
"Have fun."
"See you in training. This joint class cut into our session time. Better make it up now."
Traitors.
Is this what friends are like?
In an instant, no one was left by my side.
I plastered on a forced smile as cadets pressed forward.
The most popular moment of my life, and it had to feel so overwhelming.
*
The sudden fan meetup turned out better than expected.
Putting faces to names let me recall original story details.
Ryu Cheong and a few others even swapped personal messenger IDs.
'This way?'
The principal's office.
The Cradle of Heroes Academy principal is the only admin from the original story.
He openly flaunts his love for women and money, but he plays a big role as one of the protagonist's key mentors.
"Go on in."
Guided by the secretary, I entered.
A spacious room lay open and bright.
The outer wall was transparent material, offering a full view of Terra Planet. Pretty impressive.
"Leonard Monarch, I presume?"
"Yes, Principal. I heard you wanted to see me."
A white-haired gentleman with a neat beard greeted me.
The kind of looks women must've swooned over in his youth.
'He ages well' fits him perfectly.
'And 150 years old with that face.'
In an era of 200-year lifespans.
Still, that's over 70 by modern standards.
Factor in aliens and conflicts shortening lives, and he's respectable just for reaching this age.
"But didn't Roze come with you? Or Merdi?"
"I'm alone."
"I figured they'd tag along since you three are always together. Aw..."
Of course, if he didn't act like this.
His gentlemanly face turned thug-like in a flash.
Roze's 'pervy old man' label suited him perfectly.
Can people really look that sleazy and off-putting so suddenly?
"Not thrilled about chatting with a guy alone."
"Should I head out?"
"No, no. Not talking about you, Leonard. Sit down already. You'll stand there like a lamppost forever if I don't tell you. Pour yourself some tea too."
"..."
Makes me want to deck him.
I held back and forced a smile.
Yeah, endure it.
"Hm? I'm not into guys. Just so we're clear—remember that."
Should I endure?
Maybe start with one punch?
At this rate, I'll end up acting like Roze.
I decided to push the conversation forward, as Barton advised against interrupting.
"Why'd you want to see me?"
"Oh, that? Not 'cause I missed you. Can't just sit idle as principal, right? Figured I'd praise you while handling some business."
"And adjust my academy support privileges while you're at it."
Scraping to gauge reactions is one of the principal's habits.
Better to take control than get dragged in.
"You know your stuff. What do you want?"
"Yes. You know about the incident after my last alien-related request tied to my ability. Lift that ban."
"That's too sensitive for me alone. Gotta request from frontline forces individually. Complicated stuff."
"Haha, I know a Cradle of Heroes Academy principal can handle that no problem."
Exactly.
His authority is immense.
He doesn't just crack jokes from his chair.
Training plans run through him.
Supplies, hiring, cadet admissions—all his domain.
He has major sway in assigning third-years to units, plus connections to generals everywhere.
That's why he's top-tier influence in the Human Alliance.
'Procuring live aliens? Piece of cake.'
If he wants it, it's done.
"That's all you want?"
The principal grinned.
Quick shift in expression.
"For now."
"Good. In exchange, alien deliveries once every two weeks. Grade 2 danger level max. And after last time's incident, move your dorm to somewhere isolated from common areas—for safety."
Can't ask for more than that.
No more wasting my ability.
Might owe Roze more, but I'll deal.
"Hm... Thought you'd want more."
"Now for personal business."
"Personal?"
The principal echoed.
Sounds abrupt.
Not many cadets bring personal matters to him.
"You're the founder and biggest donor of CSPA—Children Shelter Project Against Aliens, right?"
"...How'd you know?"
"Not important how. CSPA's been rough lately, yeah? I'd like to help."
He eyed me suspiciously, probing.
His CSPA ties aren't widely known.
Knowable if you dig.
But founder and top donor? Only close insiders know—and even fewer grasp his stingy side from it.
"How? Cash? I know the Mohaim royal family invested big for some scheme, but you're broke, Leonard."
"You did your homework."
"Course. Didn't win this seat at poker. Especially interested in promising youngsters like you."
Sure, now that I'm in the spotlight.
"Anyway, not cash. I should be the one getting paid."
"...New breed of opportunist, huh?"
"Let me explain."
"Haha, caught that? Sharp ears."
The principal replied innocently.
I ignored it and continued.
It's basically like selling insurance, but I know it'll pay off, so frustrating.
Still, I had a hook for his interest.
"...Hold on. You said Fontana Unte's involved?"
"Yes. Hooked her in three minutes."
Three minutes? Probably under thirty seconds.
Just hard to get the meeting.
"Hmm... This lab ties to your 'ability,' right?"
"Yes."
"What's the max equity you can offer?"
"3%"
"3%? Kinda low, but let's hear the price."
3% stake in all Salmon Lab outputs.
Seems small, but it'll be huge later.
The principal gasped at the figure.
"Too pricey. If you know me, you know I'm broke."
"No need to buy now. Stock options. Just contribute to lab ops for the grant."
"Uh... Providing aliens for research, that sort of thing?"
"Perfect, but don't abuse your authority. Any help works."
Plenty of ways.
Most Salmon Lab results involve aliens.
Could test military weapon tech, or push new gear to the forces.
"Need more time to think?"
Can't beat this deal.
It's stock options, but people are already offering multiples of that price.
Buy now, profit big later.
Handing him money, basically.
"Gotta do it, but..."
Long poverty sharpened his nose for cash—he knows.
Yet he hesitates.
Why?
No clue why I'm offering this sweetheart deal.
"What do you really want?"
"Nothing much."
"'Nothing much' scares me most."
"Really. Interested in CSPA work. Want to see shelter conditions firsthand, even on outings."
"...For real?"
Bit random, maybe.
He blinked.
"Yes. Love kids."
I flashed a trustworthy smile across my face.
Didn't land with him.
But he couldn't hide his inner conflict.
"...No idea what you're scheming, but don't try anything funny."
"Of course."
He bit.
His serious face, un-principal-like, reverted after that.
"But you're not... into kids like that, right?"
"Pardon?"
"You know. That."
"No idea what you mean."
"Come on, you do."
"We haven't signed yet—can I withdraw the offer?"
"What'd I say? Leonard. Heh."
We'd barely met, yet bantered like old pals—knives out.
"Know what Roze is up to?"
"Dessert time, she said."
"Tell her I have a rare set of rice crackers airlifted from Earth."
"Sure."
In one ear, out the other.
This old guy's obsessed with Roze.
"Our chat was more fruitful than expected, Leonard. Should've met sooner."
"Likewise."
"But Leonard."
His face turned grave again.
Playful vibe vanished.
"Be careful. Your ability... mess up, and it might consume you."
"I know."
No one feels it deeper.
My ability's a double-edged sword.
Gives much, demands more in risk.