Episode 1271
Episode 1271
After reading the anonymous letter filled with anger, the Emperor spoke with a tone of regret.
It wasn't Uman he pitied—it was the mages of Einrogard.
Enduring Os's torment was already difficult enough, but to think the inspector they sent would act so incompetently...
The already challenging life at the magic academy must have become several times harder.
"However, Your Majesty. While the inspector certainly had some initial trial and error... I've heard they demonstrated considerable competence afterward."
The minister standing before the darkness cautiously spoke up.
No matter how much the Empire's officials detested Einrogard, they hadn't simply sent an inspector and then neglected it. Einrogard was far too important for that.
Naturally, they had sent additional people to verify, investigate, and receive reports.
But the Emperor responded coldly.
They should have done well from the start. Is Einrogard a training ground for inspectors? Are Einrogard's mages mere test subjects for inspectors?
"Th-that's not the case, but..."
The Emperor was known for his benevolent image among the public, as he typically paid no heed to any royal slander. However, high-ranking officials who dealt with him directly had slightly different opinions.
When it came to matters he cared about, the Emperor could be utterly merciless.
"I've heard reports that after receiving advice from the students, they appropriately balanced and improved Einrogard's environment. I fear it may collapse if we recall them now."
The problem is that they only realized after listening to the students. Issue a recall order and have them continue their duties.
"...Understood!"
The minister bowed his head without further argument.
Any more words might have drawn a 'Did Uman bribe you or something?' remark. Though the minister held Uman in high regard, he couldn't shield him any further.
More importantly, rumors were circulating that Os's disciple had formed a contract with a Black Dragon—what was that about?
"It seems there was some commotion during the festival."
Word of the incident near Oak Hill had already spread to the heart of the capital.
The rumor was that a mage from the Wardanaz family (the younger one) had participated in the festival and defeated monsters alongside a Black Dragon.
After listening to the detailed report compiled by the officials, the Emperor slowly nodded.
So that was why Jowurin had sent the letter...
Uman, true to his nature as someone who had rejected the Emperor's position, was utterly oblivious.
In the past, if a mage who had contracted with another dragon had acted overly friendly, it would have immediately led to a life-or-death duel.
Dragons were, by nature, an envious race. If anything, it was surprising that Jowurin had shown such patience.
'Was his temperament always this composed?'
"Your Majesty, what do you mean?"
The minister asked in confusion at the Emperor's muttering.
It's nothing. Ensure that baseless rumors don't spread.
"As for the rumors..."
The minister took out a handkerchief and wiped away his sweat.
Normally, this wouldn't have been too difficult, but this incident had spread too quickly and widely for rumors to be controlled.
Could it even be done?
Fortunately, the Emperor seemed aware of the minister's concerns and didn't make unreasonable demands.
He wasn't asking to suppress all rumors. Just clarify the ones about the dragon contract—the rest... couldn't be helped.
Even if they contacted the great noble families to suppress the rumors about the dragon contract, they couldn't stop the ones about transforming into a dragon.
No matter how much the Emperor favored Lee Han, there were limits to what he could do.
"Gasp."
Lee Han, anxiously peering out from the carriage at the approaching walls of Einrogard, felt his heart sink.
Unfamiliar officials were gathered in front of the gate.
He squeezed his eyes shut.
'We've been caught!'
It was clear that an enraged Professor Garcia had used every means possible to return to Einrogard first.
To be caught like this at the scene...
"Lee Han. It's not over yet. Don't give up! I'll distract them!"
"Right. As long as you and Professor Bagrak aren't caught, we can still salvage this."
Gainando and Yoner spoke with grave seriousness. Nilia was already loading distraction arrows into her bow.
Paridim flusteredly tried to stop the group.
"H-hey, everyone. Just because we've been discovered, there's no need to escalate things this much..."
The Einrogard students collectively ignored him. Outsiders truly were too naive to be relied upon in such matters.
"...Thank you, all of you. I swear I'll return to the Punishment Room together with the professor!"
Lee Han replied with equal gravity. Paridim only grew more bewildered.
Was this really necessary??
"Inspector Uman, step forth to receive His Majesty's imperial decree!"
The messenger withdrew from his robes a golden-embellished scroll, tightly rolled. Uman immediately recognized what it was.
Hadn't he received that very same scroll when first granted his authority as Einrogard's inspector?
"No way!"
Lee Han exclaimed in shock. There weren't many possible orders that could be delivered to Uman at this moment.
Uman seemed to have already guessed the contents, his face filled with deep remorse.
Given all his mistakes this semester, it wouldn't have been strange if he'd been suspended much earlier.
"Effective immediately, the authority of Einrogard's inspector, serving as His Imperial Majesty's representative, is hereby suspended. Return to the capital at once to submit your report."
"Understood. I shall comply."
"There must be some misunderstanding here... This can't be..."
Lee Han couldn't believe it.
When they'd arrived in the capital and met the Emperor face-to-face, there'd been no indication whatsoever that he intended to dismiss Uman.
Yet the moment they reached Einrogard, this disastrous news arrived?
"I can understand Uman's situation. His Majesty likely wanted to suspend his position right then and there."
Uman smiled bitterly as he looked around at the Einrogard students.
The thought that he could no longer stay with these students made his heart ache unexpectedly.
He should have done better!
"The only reason His Majesty didn't do so was to allow Uman to assist these glorious students here just a little longer."
Persuading students from other magic schools and protecting citizens during the festival.
Had he lost his inspector position earlier, he wouldn't have been able to participate in those events.
Thinking this way, Uman couldn't help but feel deeply grateful for the Emperor's consideration.
Every Einrogard student present felt their chests tighten with emotion.
Though this inspector had caused them no small amount of trouble throughout the semester, his genuine sincerity now washed all that away, leaving only deep admiration.
Gainando suddenly stood up in the carriage and shouted.
"Your Highness! We will never forget you!"
When Gainando—the one who'd grumbled about Uman the most—shouted this, Uman was profoundly moved.
"Thank you, all of you..."
What's going on here?
The Skeleton Principal floated over, bobbing through the air.
Hearing that officials had gathered at the main gate, he'd come to investigate—only to find, astonishingly, Uman being dismissed.
Even for the Skeleton Principal, this was quite shocking. The guy who'd survived the Evil God Subjugation incident was suddenly being removed?
He'd held on so stubbornly that the principal had planned to persuade the officials to remove him during break...
"...Principal! The principal is the culprit!!"
Gainando shouted as if he'd figured it all out.
No matter how he thought about it, there was no reason for Uman to be dismissed so abruptly.
When something happened at Einrogard, pointing fingers at the Skeleton Principal gave you roughly a 50% chance of being right.
"Is this truly the case?"
Uman asked with an expression of utter shock.
Could his dismissal really have been orchestrated by the Skeleton Principal?
He couldn't even begin to imagine what method could have been used to persuade the Emperor.
...Yeah. It was me. Happy now? Should've behaved better while you had the chance.
At the principal's response, Gainando stomped his foot in furious indignation.
"How could you?! How could anyone do something like this?!"
If you're so angry, try it yourself. I won't stop you.
"Grrrrrr...!"
What's everyone standing around for? Aren't you going to escort the dismissed guy out?
The assembled officials, prompted by the Skeleton Principal's urging, finally snapped to attention. Uman nodded.
"I'll follow of my own accord, so don't trouble yourselves. Lord Gonadaltes. Let Uman say one last thing. The students of Einrogard are individuals who can grow into outstanding mages even without harsh environments!"
"Your Highness! Your Highness!"
Gainando burst into uncontrollable sobs. The Skeleton Principal, finding the sight unpleasant, promptly covered Gainando's mouth.
'Just take that annoying brat away already.'
"Um... Your Excellency."
What now?
As the messenger hesitated instead of leaving, the Skeleton Principal grew puzzled.
Was there more?
"Well... His Highness Jowurin must also return with us..."
Ah. Right.
"......"
Jowurin, who had been sitting quietly with his head bowed inside the carriage, suddenly startled by the news, cried out.
"Why must Jowurin go!?"
Why, you ask... The only reason Your Highness was even allowed to stay here in the first place was because of that kid.
The Skeleton Principal explained as if it were obvious.
He'd thought Jowurin had matured considerably, but seeing this side of him revealed lingering immaturity.
There was no way the Emperor, who cherished Einrogard's students so deeply, would leave Jowurin here alone.
Especially considering the burden it would place on Wardanaz.
"No... no! Jowurin will stay!"
That won't do.
"It won't do, elder sister. My apologies."
When both the Skeleton Principal and Uman spoke in unison, Jowurin was filled with bitter regret.
So this was what they meant by acting in anger leads to regret!
"Waaah! Waaaaaah!"
Uman and Jowurin departed with the imperial officials. Lee Han waved at them reassuringly for the moment.
Though he wasn't sure if Jowurin actually saw or heard him...
As the surroundings grew quiet, the Skeleton Principal turned and asked.
So who filed the complaint?
"Pardon?"
Who filed the complaint, I said. There's no way Uman would suddenly get fired for no reason.
The Skeleton Principal wasn't a fool.
Earlier, in front of Uman, he'd taken the blame himself to protect the possible real culprit (and to mess with Uman further), but logically, Uman couldn't have been dismissed without cause.
He'd even survived that major crisis, the 'Unauthorized Evil God Subjugation Incident Involving Fugitive Students'...
"Mmmpfh! Mmmmphh!"
As Gainando shouted through his gag, the Skeleton Principal considered listening but then decided against releasing him.
It was probably just nonsense anyway.
"Principal. None of us filed any complaint. We have no grievances against His Highness Uman."
No grievances? Then why did the students set fire to Einrogard's territory?
"...That was quite a while ago, wasn't it?"
Hmmm.
The Skeleton Principal scrutinized the students. Surprisingly, none seemed to be lying.
Initially, he'd actually suspected Wardanaz might be the culprit.
Not because he disliked Uman, but because there was no one else who could've persuaded the Emperor.
There hadn't been a clear motive, but those could always materialize. Just stepping outside and hearing Uman say something like "Ah, just like Professor Verdus's students" would be reason enough.
But Wardanaz genuinely didn't seem to be the culprit.
Then who?
It must've been His Highness Jowurin.
"Huh? What kind of nonsense— No matter how much you want to cover up your own crimes, Principal, isn't it too much to shift the blame onto His Highness Jowurin?"
Lee Han delivered a lengthy critique without even pausing for breath. The Skeleton Principal was flabbergasted.
'Did you rehearse this in the carriage?' And yes, His Highness Jowurin is definitely the culprit. If it wasn't you kids, it had to be him. The motive is clear too. Wardanaz, you've been getting close to Uman, so he must've felt threatened.
"You're mistaken. Even after discovering my transformation into a Black Dragon, His Highness Jowurin magnanimously forgave me, you see."
...Discovered what!?
The Skeleton Principal was genuinely shocked.
How is Uman still alive?
"It's true. His Highness Jowurin is far more mature than you think, Principal."
Seeing that Uman is indeed alive, I'll concede that point. He has grown considerably. But Wardanaz—maturity isn't always a good thing. Sending anonymous complaints is also a mature action, you know.
'Your insinuations are truly vile.'
Lee Han shot him a look of contempt. His friends all joined in with identical glares.
The Skeleton Principal shook his head ruefully. These inexperienced mages still couldn't see beyond surface appearances.
Personally, I think Uman kept provoking him without realizing... But fine. If you're so determined to believe that, suit yourselves. More importantly, there's one other thing I'm curious about.
"Yes?"
Why are you all standing out here?
"......"