“…”

“Portrian, as a faithful servant of Her Majesty, received her orders through the imperial edict. In accordance with the duties of a faithful servant, I will officially raise objections regarding the regrettable events contrary to the imperial spirit taking place at the academy.”

“Ah…”

The face of the staff member, who had been confident until now, gradually hardened.

Not only himself but also his parents couldn’t remember when they had last entered the palace.

However, the Duchess in front of him, for whatever reason, was someone affiliated with Portrian, who had received imperial attention for some reason.

‘If she utters strange words in the position of directly informing Her Majesty…’

Edith noticed the employee’s face filling with awkwardness.

‘It seems he doesn’t realize that he’s not the only one who can judge the opponent’s rank.’
Nobles typically sustain their lives with the taxes collected from their territories. So, holding a clerical or administrative position at the academy was evidence of belonging to a modest family without a prominent territory or power.

It seemed that those who found fulfillment in administrative work were rare types, and most likely, they worked to make a living. However, Edith no longer felt the need to respect Johann, who had known how important administrative work was.

“Are there still missing documents?”

When Edith urged the employee, he had no choice but to lower his tail.

“… The deferment application will be completed within three days. Since you’ve brought all the documents, once the application is accepted, we will send a letter to the Portrian mansion in the capital.”

“Thank you, then.”

Edith left the office just like that. Balter stared intently at the nameplate with the employee’s name.

His sharp gaze seemed to convey that the consequences for this matter must be paid. The employee lowered his eyes.

However, it wasn’t just the employee who was attentively listening to Edith’s admission deferment application.

“Thanks to the generous donation from Duke Lexion, the scholarship program is running smoothly.”

Vane, the right-hand man of Duke Lexion, temporarily visited the academy’s office for business related to the scholarship project sponsored by the Duke.

Since the scholarship program was closely tied to securing talented individuals, it was one of the few tasks directly assigned by the Duke, who served as his right arm.

“Then, I’ll leave it to you.”

As Vane was about to get up from his seat after finishing the work, he suddenly sensed something and furrowed his brows.

‘Why can I feel Lexion’s magical power here?’

Vane had sworn allegiance to the Duke, living as his right-hand man and steward, but his origin began as a knight appointed by Lexion, opening up special appointments. Although he couldn’t quite remember when his parents last visited the palace, the woman in front of him, affiliated with Portrian for some reason, was recognized as someone appointed by Lexion with imperial attention.

‘If she utters strange words in the position of directly informing Her Majesty…’

Edith noticed the awkwardness on the employee’s face.

‘It seems he doesn’t realize that he’s not the only one who can judge the opponent’s rank.’
Vane approached the office director, who was bewildered by his unusual reaction, and said, “It seems the words of the woman who just left are correct. It would be difficult for an academy that employs employees opposing the will of Her Majesty to receive sponsorship.”

“What?”

Unlike him, Vane repeated to the office director, who was not perceptive enough to grasp the situation, “Cut off Johann.”

“Understood, Lord Vane. I will dismiss Johann.”

The office director’s announcement of dismissal was too straightforward. Johann heard those words in real-time, but he couldn’t make a sound.

It was a decision made by Franz Lexion’s right-hand man, and Johann had no choice but to accept it.

As Johann left trembling, Vane glanced through Edith’s documents that were placed on his desk.

As much as her excellent grades and neat handwriting, the name of the Portrian family caught his eye.

‘Is Portrian associated with Lexion again?’

Vane narrowed his eyes slightly. It seemed that he needed to do more than just monitor Portrian; he had to bring her into the Duke’s courtyard.