Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 72 (Part 2):

“Headmaster!”

The headmaster, who was sitting in his chair and examining documents, furrowed his brow.

“So, you heard about it. Judging by the atmosphere, you seem quite upset. It must be bothering you.”

He maintained a calm demeanor as he spoke.

“Alea? Even though you have an entry permit, it’s inconvenient for you to barge in like this. There might be visitors, you know.”

“What’s going on here?”

“What do you mean?”

The headmaster, sitting in his chair and peering at Alea, had a surprisingly youthful and refined face. He appeared to be in his early thirties at most. Maintaining youth through magic was not a difficult task for a wizard, and it was even easier for a wizard like the headmaster.

“Why did my roommate, who shouldn’t be here, come to find me?”

“Ah, you’re talking about that matter. There were some circumstances.”

“What kind of circumstances?”

“Not long ago, in preparation for the upcoming vacation, some maintenance work was done in parts of the dormitory. During the construction, there was a suggestion to expand the dormitory since it was already underway, and the cost estimation was reasonable. So, the academy’s administration decided to proceed with the dormitory maintenance work. It wasn’t my decision.”

“So, there was a shortage of rooms?”

“Yes, please understand. As you know, you’re the only one who uses a private room. That goes against the dormitory’s policy.”

However, Alea didn’t seem willing to back down. He clenched his fist and glared at the headmaster.

“That’s a special privilege for the top scorer of the academy’s entrance exam, a promise you made personally.”

If Alea scored a perfect score on the entrance exam, he would be allowed to use a private room. That was their agreement. The headmaster knew that Alea was a girl, but apart from allowing her to take the entrance exam, he couldn’t grant any additional favors. It would go against the principles. To grant Alea special treatment, there needed to be a legitimate reason, and being the top scorer on the academy’s entrance exam was a good enough reason.

“Of course, that’s right. I know that too. But the number of students is odd, and there’s a shortage of rooms. Besides, the dormitory rule is that two students share one room. Your privilege will be reinstated when a room in the dormitory becomes available again. All I could do was to deliberately choose someone who was close to you as your roommate. Besides, your reputation is quite well-known, given your personality.”

“Why do you think I insist on having a single room? What if my roommate finds out that I am a girl? Should I kill him to keep him quiet?”

“Just be a bit more careful. The spell on you is the work of a Archmage. How would a student from the Swordsmanship Department notice?”

‘As if that guy from the Swordsmanship Department noticed the existence of magic!’ Alea, who was about to snap, bit her lip. What if she blew up the academy dormitory and made it impossible for anyone to use it? Then she could get a legitimate place to stay in Baden, all to herself.

The headmaster, sensing a dangerous thought crossing Alea’s mind, warned her in a serious tone.

“Don’t entertain dangerous thoughts. I’m keeping an eye on you. Well, if you really don’t like it, you can take a leave of absence or drop out of the academy.”

“Is that what the headmaster has to say to the top student of the academy?”

“Oh, Alea. You’re a genius. You’re a talent that shouldn’t be overlooked. But understand that there are things I can’t help with. Once I, as the headmaster, start catering to one student’s convenience, others will expect the same. There are no privileges at Greta Academy!”

The headmaster was firm. Alea quietly considered how to channel her will unnoticed. If she couldn’t blow up the dormitory, she could at least drive out her roommate. However, the cunning headmaster hadn’t assigned an easy roommate.

‘Helmut, am I going to drive him away?’

Even if she cursed aloud, he wouldn’t bat an eye, and he had the skills to deal with a magician. Alea knew that Helmut wasn’t to be underestimated. She couldn’t be confident of winning in a fight. She had no practical experience facing an outstanding Swordsmanship student. But it wasn’t just that. Even if they were on good terms, it wasn’t easy to change someone’s appearance so drastically and resort to violence without warning, especially for level-headed Alea.

‘You’ve chosen well.’

Alea asked coldly.

“When will the construction be finished?”

“You should be able to use the single room again next semester.”

“Damn it, it’s too late! You expect me to accept this now?”

“Alea, I know you’re not getting along with your fellow students at the academy. Your grades are excellent, but I find that regrettable. Try to look at it in a positive light. This is your chance…”

“Are you suggesting I pretend to be a man and make friends as if I’ve really become a man? What if I get caught? Do you know who my enemies are?”

The headmaster looked at Alea. It was an unpleasant reminder of an old connection. That old connection hadn’t left him with fond memories. But because of a vow he had made, he couldn’t turn a blind eye. The casual oath of a magician had become a burden to the headmaster. But he also couldn’t help but care about Alea. It was hard not to be drawn to a talented genius who was striving. He spoke.

“…I just hope you’ll get along better with your fellow students. Your presence is too conspicuous as it is, floating above the clouds. It’s still just a rumor confined to Baden, but you’re too striking a presence. It’s a pity that such a beautiful girl can’t reveal herself. Without a doubt, your extraordinary talent and appearance make you stand out. I’d like it if you’d accept it as it is.”

Without a word, Alea turned abruptly and walked away, exuding a strong sense of discomfort. The headmaster watched her retreating figure with a sigh.

“That roommate of hers is a cause for concern.”

Hopefully, she would accept it and let it go like this. Would Alea give in? That was the problem.

Otaku_Tensei

I'm currently Translating the following novel: Helmut: The Forsaken Child. If you want to support me and read more chapters please subscribe to my Patreon!

•