Bonus Short Stories
Carefree Days
Principal Miriela was sitting in her office at the knights’ academy. “Wow!” she exclaimed as her eyes gleamed at the ledger in front of her. On it was black ink, black ink, nothing but black ink. When was the last time that had happened?
The accountant who had brought the ledger smiled as well. “Isn’t this great, Principal Miriela?” As an accountant, their favorite ink color was of course black, and their least favorite was red.
“It sure is! Ahh, I feel like I’m floating in the clouds.”
“It’s amazing. We’ve been in the red for so long...”
“Indeed. Especially last month due to the reconstruction—the pages were so soaked in red ink that they made me tremble. If the academy kept on like that, it would’ve hurt not only my position but also Prince Wayne’s. I’m truly glad it’s improved.”
The knights’ academy had existed for a long time, but the major change to include instruction in Flygear tactics had been under Prince Wayne’s auspices. If the major budgetary concerns were accompanied by a lack of results from the students in Flygear training, even the prince wouldn’t have been exempt from criticism, which would have caused its own political troubles.
Fortunately, in terms of the students’ achievements, Inglis was already surpassing their wildest expectations in a number of ways—but she and Rafinha were also the leading causes of that red ink. From a fiscal standpoint, she was a mixed blessing at best.
“It’s thanks to Inglis’s expedition that we’ve been able to reduce our spending on food for the students,” Miriela said, relieved.
Furthermore, if the expedition went well, Miriela could point to her students’ grand accomplishments as well. In terms of both prestige and finances, it was perhaps the ideal situation.
Miriela was naturally worried about her students, but she also had a reassuring sense that Inglis wouldn’t have any trouble. Honestly, she thought that Inglis was more likely to be successful than if she herself had gone; the girl’s capabilities were that impressive.
There were a few worries to be had about her character, but Rafinha’s presence was a good influence on Inglis. If she was there as a chaperone, Miriela didn’t need to feel so concerned about what Inglis might do.
“Ah, this tea is delicious,” Miriela remarked.
“It really is,” the accountant agreed as they nodded to each other—and then a knock came at the door.
“Who is it?” Miriela asked.
“Pardon me, Principal Miriela,” Silva said as he entered the office. “I’ve returned from patrolling the city, as requested by the Royal Guard. I didn’t notice anything suspicious.”
“Ah, Silva. Well done. Would you care for some tea?”
“Thanks, but I’ll pass. Anyway, have you heard anything from Inglis and the others sent to Alcard? I’m concerned, but their classmates are as well.”
“No, they haven’t sent any word to us, but I’m sure they’ll be fine. We just need to fulfill our duties here—right?”
“I don’t understand how you can be so relaxed. It isn’t just Alcard to the north we need to be worried about, but also Venefic to the east. They need to complete their mission and return as soon as possible.”
“Yes, I suppose you’re right.”
“You seem real happy that they’re not here eating for free,” murmured Yua, who had at some point gotten into the room.
“Yua?!” Silva gasped. “When did you—?! Wait, Principal Miriela, is this true?!”
“O-Of course not... Well, I guess I have been a little relieved that the food budget is back on track with Inglis and Rafinha gone, but... Aha ha ha... Anyway, I have an important meeting to get to, so goodbye!”
And with her Artifact activated, Principal Miriela suddenly disappeared.
No Comments Yet
Post a new comment
Register or Login