Hanna's Triumph and Defiant Plea
Three weeks had passed since Hanna's aura manifested. Rowen Histania still couldn't lift his head. Hanna left home, saying she couldn't stand staying in that house any longer. She crashed at our mansion for a bit before heading back to the academy, claiming she'd move into the dorms. Our next meeting probably wouldn't be until winter break. Our place was out in the boonies, and the academy was in the capital—not exactly a quick trip. It'd be a while before I saw her face again.
The first news I heard of Hanna after the academy's break ended was on a single page of the newspaper.
In her statement, she said, "I could stand here because of the person I admire most." Rumors speculate it might be Mikhail or her father, Rowen Histania, but she firmly denied both.
I couldn't hide a pleased smile seeing the photo splashed across the paper. There she was, beaming with a trophy in hand, looking like she'd finally shrugged off a crushing burden. I'd only ever seen her cowed and teary-eyed before. It felt strangely gratifying, like I'd altered the future somehow. And the best part? Mikhail's defeat, hands down. Breaking the nose of that smug bastard felt too good—a second-year toppling a first-year? I wanted to see Mikhail's face firsthand, but I held back. Our history was too toxic; we could only wish disaster on each other.
All in all, it had been a good run. I'd made a ton of money and built some solid connections. Probably the most meaningful stretch of the year.
Just as I thought about taking the young lady out for a fancy meal—
Slowly—
My eyes met the young lady's, who was glaring at me hard enough to burn a hole through the newspaper. I quickly folded it and shoved it under the blanket.
"Why hide it? I'm curious too. Let's look together."
"No can do, ma'am."
"I said yes."
"You'd faint and grab your neck if you saw it."
"Nah. My mental game's strong now."
The young lady flexed her arm with all her might. A tiny quail egg of a bicep peeked out. The pathetic muscle nearly made me burst out laughing, but I pinched my thigh to stifle it as she furrowed her brow and seriously squeezed it harder.
"Ugh! How's that? See? I'm tough!"
"Whoa...!"
I clapped and cheered her on. She grinned ear-to-ear and showed off the other arm. Seeing those skinny twigs, I made a mental note to feed her more meat from now on.
The young lady wouldn't drop her curiosity. She kept badgering me about the article until my ears rang, so I decided to edit the story down to something that wouldn't shock her.
"It's about Hanna."
"The homeless one?"
"Yeah."
"What? Did she buy a house?"
"No. She took first place at the academy."
"Whoa! The bum made it big!"
The young lady, who was way poorer than Hanna—who had us beat by miles—totally dismissed her. I decided not to correct the misunderstanding. Protecting the master's pride was part of a butler's duty, after all. If she learned Hanna was richer than us, she might go on a hunger strike to "save money."
"Right? Must be 'cause we fed her well and let her crash here."
"Exactly!"
"Of course. You used to sweep the first-years back in the day, didn't you, ma'am?"
By terrorizing them.
The young lady beamed and nodded along.
"Yeah! I cast one spell, and boom."
"Sure thing."
She smiled innocently, oblivious to the jab. Felt good landing that one.
"Right... hehe. I made a name for myself at the academy, you know."
"Infamy, you mean."
"Eek...!"
A hint of wistfulness tinged her smile. She was happy for her friend's good news, but part of her yearned to return to the academy. I wanted to ask Hanna to visit soon, but she was swamped. Unlike us lounging at home, Hanna was currently the empire's biggest celebrity. Plus, I'd already hit her up with a big favor, so asking for something small felt awkward.
-Um... Hanna?
-Speak casually. No need for formalities with me.
-Haha... Maybe next time. Thirteen years as a butler makes honorifics a habit.
-Says the guy who cussed out Ruin like a pro.
-...Touché.
-Pfft! So, what's the favor?
-Well... If you ever get a spot on the academy council someday... Could you pull some strings for the young lady's readmission?
I'd cautiously broached the topic. Hanna promised to try her best, but...
-Probably not until Yuria graduates. Sorry.
The expected letter had arrived. No disappointment, no giving up. I'd find a way, like always. It just took longer than the direct route, but fulfilling the young lady's dream was non-negotiable.
Anyway, Hanna had left our mansion, leaving us behind. That's when it happened.
"Eek! Th-that fucking punk's back!"
The young lady, peering out the window, pointed outside while spewing curses. I poked my head out.
A kid in a deeply pulled-down hat, holding a brush and red paint, stood by the wall.
I yelled at the kid.
"Hey, you little shit!"
Mansion rules didn't apply against graffiti terrorists.
The student council room on the third floor. The empire's future geniuses sat around a round table. At the center was Shartia, the third imperial princess dubbed the empire's brain, flanked by Tower Lord disciple Ruin, the crown prince, and Mikhail, all facing each other.
A gathering of academy heavyweights. Their expressions were uniformly sour, like they'd crashed a funeral. They resented being dragged here amid busy schedules, especially fresh off defeat's sting.
But what irked them most was...
"What? You want that bitch readmitted?"
"Yes, Senior."
"Are you fucking insane?"
They'd assembled the academy's elites... for one expelled villainess. Led by some lowly underclassman, no less.
Ruin, feet propped on the desk, glared at the rigidly standing Hanna. His eyes screamed, What bullshit is this? Hanna met his gaze head-on, staring back as if stating the obvious.
"Seniors."
Hanna placed her hands on the table and spoke calmly.
"In this ranking tournament, I surpassed Mikhail and claimed the combined 1st-2nd year top spot."
The ranking tournament. A grand festival where student privileges shifted. Dorm grades upgraded, cafeteria food improved—like an imperial exam. Hanna's words as its top scorer carried weight. It meant she had the most talent in her year. The public's eyes and academy support converged on her. Feeling it more than anyone, Hanna spoke her truth plainly—no pretense—thanks to advice not to feign humility.
She planned to leverage her privilege.
"So what're you getting at?"
The platinum-haired crown prince glared at her. Propping his chin, he looked displeased. He'd love to silence her with all his power, but free speech reigned in the academy.
"I'm just saying, for the academy's growth, we can't afford to lose talent."
Hanna wouldn't bend. She wanted to repay a debt. And to attend the academy alongside her butler. She stood firm.
Of course, the crown prince's face darkened with every retort.
"Isn't that what the academy is? A place to scout future empire leaders."
"Sure. It's for nurturing geniuses. But listen."
The crown prince eyed her coldly.
"This is where we raise people. Not beasts."
"Is that so? Then how do you explain Ruin Senior thriving here?"
"What'd you just say?"
Ruin conjured a red orb in his hand, glaring at Hanna like he'd blast her any second.
Hanna brazenly replied. Having scaled the wall named Mikhail, she feared no pebble like Ruin.
"Did I say something wrong? No one else at the academy brawls like you, Senior Ruin. Last time, when you came with me to submit the readmission form, you tried to start a fight and got floored by the butl—"
"Sh-shut your mouth!"
Ruin's face flushed red. Hanna pushed further, but...
"Enough."
The room's true master wouldn't tolerate more chaos.
She'd have played dead at a senior's word before, but Hanna sensed her temper taking after someone lately. Not ideal, but it didn't feel bad. If anything, she liked resembling him—from his righteous nature to his pretty-boy looks. Her tastes leaned toward Mikhail types, yet since term started, that redheaded butler kept haunting her thoughts. They were just master and disciple, though.
Hanna calmed her fluttering heart and eyed the woman before her. The council president, Third Princess Shartia.
She asked Hanna, "So, the point?"
Hanna replied politely.
"Please readmit Senior Ricardo and Senior Olivia Desmont to the academy."
Princess Shartia responded coldly.
"Denied. Olivia can't return."
At the same time, Mikhail raised his hand. His feminine features and short silver hair fluttered as he spoke coldly and firmly.
"If those two come back, I'll drop out."
Their resolve was ironclad. But Hanna shot back at them.
"Then quit."
On Hanna's scales, Mikhail weighed less than Ricardo.