Julia's Defiance and the Principal's Caress
Traditionally, announcing a historic discovery to the academic world was the proper procedure. But was he just going to say, "Hey, we found it," without even organizing the data? No way. What if he gathered all the bigwigs and declared, "We discovered this!"? He'd get his ass handed to him, obviously.
To pull that off, he'd need ample data collection and proof that their find wasn't mere luck. And as everyone expected, Leden was perfect for the job. He'd even volunteered himself. The passionate doll mage had pulled an all-nighter on his paper, calling it an honor, and convened what he dubbed the "Sena Servant Strategy Meeting." It was just the five of them crammed into Leden's cluttered study, though.
"...And with that, I conclude my presentation on the 'Research into Magical Growth Through Punishment' for the Magic Society."
Leden finished his dignified, polite bow, and I clapped right away. It was my way of rewarding his enthusiasm. When I realized I was the only one applauding, I quietly lowered my hands.
"Isn't this a clean, concise paper that hits all the key points precisely?"
Leden eyed Sena subtly, hoping for her praise. And sure enough, his paper boiled everything down to the essentials in an easy-to-understand way: why punishment spurred magical growth, how they'd come to this realization, the appropriate intensity of punishment, and the challenges ahead. The enthusiastic middle-aged doll had somehow kept his mouth shut during the presentation, dying to ramble more. That alone deserved commendation.
"Magic can grow even higher than this. But one person is less effective than two, two than three. Groups outperform individuals, and large-scale efforts beat small ones by far."
Leden firmly believed everyone deserved equal opportunity. His goal was to spread the knowledge far and wide, letting all collaborate to reach the Realm of Magic faster. He was the textbook definition of good, upright, and idealistic—the kind of person everyone wished for. So maybe that's why someone took issue with his spot-on words.
"I'm against it."
Sena sat stone-faced and silent—who would dare object? It was Julia, the witch who looked down on servants. Her red hair swaying, she shot to her feet and slammed both hands on the desk, eyes blazing.
"If you're thinking of presenting this to the Magic Society, I'll stop you by any means necessary."
"No, Miss Julia! What selfish nonsense is that?"
Everyone knew Julia had a foul temper. But trying to hoard a benefit that should be shared equally—even with her own share at stake—had crossed the line. Leden's face screamed, I thought I knew you, but I never expected this!
"Such a great discovery requires collective research for objective results. What's a mage's destiny?"
Leden rattled the desk jauntily and swept his hand out dramatically to the side.
"Achieving the Realm of Magic! Our long-cherished fate is right in front of us—how can you want to monopolize it?"
"Lord Leden knows nothing! As a doll made by magic, you're just pandering to Miss Sena—you don't understand mages at all!"
Leden staggered back a step, more shocked than ever by her words. Julia pressed on.
"Mages might seem impressive. Even ordinary folk think so, with our powerful spells sweeping away armies—mysterious and noble, right?"
Julia was foul-tempered and bitchy, but she saw reality clearly. Too clearly, which was why she viewed servants like us as outright "slaves."
"Mages face fiercer competition than anyone! What's the Realm of Magic? The highest rung on the ladder. Know why it's so valuable?"
Julia's sidelong glance flicked quickly to Sena—proof she subconsciously saw her as close to that realm.
"Because no one's reached it. It's the badge for the most exceptional mage, that's why it's priceless. And you want to give everyone a shot?"
She spat fire like she might breathe flames any second.
"Might as well hand fish to cats! Or toss meat to starving hyenas ripping each other apart—think they'll share? They'll kill to claim it all!"
That's what mages were like. Sharing personal power was idiotic; faction prestige trumped life itself. They obsessed over every detail of decorum and poise—would they let precious knowledge slip to rivals? It only had value if kept exclusive. Mages were that kind of group.
"The realm is special. If that specialness becomes as common as gutter trash, is it still special? It'll fade."
Stop! Leden's already in tatters!
"Announce this to academia, and the higher-ups—starving on the brink—will pull every dirty trick to hoard it. Can you handle that?"
"I agree with Miss Julia, Leden."
Grand, who'd been silently arms-crossed, finally spoke. The blue flames in his helmet flared fiercely. Grand siding with Julia? That was unusual.
"You've only served at Sena's side as her doll, but as her guard knight, I was called to battlefields often."
I'd heard about it. Back when war raged hotter than now, the kingdom periodically requested aid from mage families. Mages wouldn't always comply (outside the academy), but ignoring the kingdom too blatantly looked bad. So they'd send homunculi like Grand and a few mages to the front—and Grand had filled that role.
"I've seen too much ugliness at the forefront: war crimes, humanity's dark side, horrific scenes."
He shook his head vigorously, as if hating to recall it.
"But I despise mages' ugly, sinister schemes most. I've witnessed them firsthand, so I believe this paper must never be published."
'Mages are exactly that sort. They'd do it without hesitation.' Grand added lowly.
As the two sides clashed, I stayed sandwiched in the middle, silent. What did I know? Sure, I'd "found" the discovery, but as a naive otherworlder, what could I add? They didn't even ask my opinion. They knew better. I got it, but being treated like furniture stung. Back in the modern world, I had juniors who followed me, and I led project presentations. Here in this isekai, I was just a side dish. Lee Side-Dish. Chop chop.
Maybe because no conclusion emerged, we were just wasting time. It was time to wrap up, but Sena—leaning back in her chair, eyes drowsy—finally lifted her head.
"Enough."
No one was rude enough to ignore her. Julia shut her fiery mouth; Leden stopped his steady rebuttals. All eyes turned to Sena.
"You're all right. No one's wrong here—not Julia, not Grand, not Leden."
She phrased it so no one felt slighted, affirming everyone. Sena pressed her fingertips together in a prayer-like pose.
"It's too soon for us to decide. We need input from someone wiser and higher up."
"Higher up? Who?"
Sena met Julia's question with a glance. Julia sighed shortly upon catching it.
"The mightiest witch of our era. Principal of Luna Magic Academy. Helena Michele."
The principal of Luna Magic Academy—hailed as the strongest mage in all history. Helena. As the closest to the Realm of Magic, she'd surely guide them right. And there was one nagging question they'd all tiptoed around.
"Leden. Leden."
I quietly called him in the magic elevator ascending to the principal's office. Leden, who'd been staring blankly at the ceiling in the railing-less, terrifyingly fast lift, turned with a kind smile.
"Yes? What is it?"
"If I heard right, Principal Helena is related to Sena, right? Is that true?"
"Yes, that's correct. They're relatives."
The atmosphere had been hushed about it, but Leden showed no hesitation.
"But I've never seen them talk privately or show any closeness."
It'd only been three months, but Sena and Helena had never displayed familiarity. They'd exchanged formal greetings when crossing paths, but that was it—too awkward for real kinship. Come to think of it, aside from her servants, Sena had no close friends.
"They're relatives, but distant ones. Even in the family, they never really spoke. They just knew of each other's existence."
Distant kin who knew names but nothing more. Got it. Then Julia butted in abruptly.
"Don't gossip about family matters, outsider."
"My apologies for the rudeness."
As we chatted, the elevator slowed. It stopped gently at the top floor, where low steps led to a massive door welcoming us. The five of us trudged up and stood before it. As Grand reached to open it, the door rumbled open on its own—kugugugu—as if awaiting us.
The vast interior boasted wall-to-wall bookshelves and masterpieces. Through the inner office, trees, grass, and deer hinted at some natural vista. The lobby featured a reception table for guests. And there, at the table, waited the principal they sought.
Elegant features and aura. Red hair, a mole by her lips. She had a somewhat languid air, but her mature beauty shone through. Tall for a woman, with voluptuous curves and enticing flesh. Helena Michele, sipping black tea with half-lidded eyes, set down her cup and smiled softly as they entered.
"Nice to see you. I heard about your remarkable discovery. You want my opinion in person? Let's hear it."
Her speech faintly echoed Sena's. Yet she contrasted sharply: Sena's icy detachment versus Helena's warm gentleness. Relatives? They took seats. Sena sat opposite Helena. Grand and I stood behind her like proper attendants. Oddly, Julia stood behind Helena. Grand had explained briefly: Julia was originally Helena's maid. Due to some family rule, Helena had to let her go, assigning her instead to a young relative—Sena. Seeing her old mistress must've perked her up; Julia's face lit with subtle energy.
"Then we'll begin the presentation."
Leden gave Helena the same rundown as before. After the 30-minute talk, Helena—who'd listened with genuine interest—turned to me.
"Impressive. An otherworlder ignorant of magic uncovers what no one else could. What's your name?"
Her soft gaze could make anyone fall in love at first sight, but the perceptive felt a chill. She's definitely Sena's kin. Those gentle eyes hide everything.
"L-Lee Hyun."
"Lee-Lee Hyun. I'll remember that."
"It's Lee Hyun. Not Lee-Lee Hyun."
"Oh, right. Lee Hyun. Come here a moment."
What? A reward? Tense and excited, I approached. Helena grabbed my hand, pressed her cheek to my palm, and nuzzled it like a coquettish cat, planting a kiss.
"This hand?"
"Uh, yes?"
"Did you spank Sena's butt with this hand?"