Walking into the headmaster’s office, I was met with an empty room and couldn’t help but click my tongue in annoyance.
“Tch, already ran off, did you?”
In all fairness, I thought he’d at least have the decency to stick around. But it seems our esteemed Headmaster values self-preservation over integrity.
How he plans to clean up this mess later is beyond me…
But let me tell you, I’ve got a long memory. You’ll regret running.
“Looks like the Headmaster has some urgent business elsewhere. Pity. Guess we’ll just have to chat here instead.”
With that, I calmly took a seat on the sofa at the head of the table.
“Sit down. This might take a while.”
Why is Black Wolf here?
And why is Leo here? What’s Earl doing in the mix?
I had a rough idea, sure—but hearing it from their mouths would be best.
As I adjusted my posture to listen, Leo grinned mischievously.
“Seems like you’ve gotten pretty cozy with Principal Haines.”
“Huh? Uh, no, not really…”
Why’d he bring that up out of nowhere? Still, I nodded along since I did consider myself somewhat close to Haines after our brief time together.
Leo lightly tapped Earl’s shoulder and chuckled.
“See? Politeness goes a long way.”
“For heaven’s sake, keep it down! That wasn’t what I meant…!”
Whatever they were talking about, Earl’s expression suggested it wasn’t pleasant. Respecting his elder brother like that yet showing such discomfort—something must’ve happened between them.
Did Leo’s respect take a hit or something?
“Well, I’ll leave you two to your chat. I’ve got somewhere to be.”
He barely sat down before standing again. I tilted my head in confusion.
“You’re leaving?”
“Yeah, outsiders bowing out early—it’s polite. Let the younger ones handle the conversation.”
If he came just to leave so quickly, why bother coming at all? Curious, but probably not important. Besides, Leo being gone means freer speech—a win for me.
“Take care going home.”
“Indeed. Your class observation will have to wait until next time.”
Was that why he came?
Figures. Pointless as ever.
“Word is things are gonna get interesting soon… Mind taking good care of our Amy, alright?”
“I don’t do requests.”
“Aww, come on, we’re buddies. Anyway, I’m off. Take care of the kids.”
With that, Leo left with a smile.
Now that he’s gone, he feels less like one of the Golden Way Zodiacs and more like an older brother. Is this Helios-style gaslighting…?
Still, it didn’t feel bad.
Anyway, ‘the kids’?
Looks like my suspicions were right.
With clearer air, I cut straight to the point.
“Were you reassigned to the Special Task Force?”
“Sharp as ever. Yes.”
Earl smirked at me before standing and saluting.
“As of today, I’m officially part of the Special Task Force, Lieutenant Allen. It’s nice to meet you, Commander. Or should I say Captain?”
“That’s for you to decide.”
“Will you not return my salute?”
“Between us… stop being awkward and sit down.”
“Yessir!”
Grinning sheepishly as he sat, I shook my head with concealed joy. This guy’s got real skills and battlefield experience. Plus, he’s a mage, so smarter than me too. Literally like gaining an army.
“Your abilities haven’t rusted, have they?”
“Pfft, you know better. Deep down, you’re thrilled I’m here.”
“Shut up, brat.”
We knew each other well. The tension dissolved into a comforting familiarity. On the battlefield, we communicated with just a glance.
With Earl’s reason for being here clear…
Could you be next…?
“…?”
Staring silently at Black Wolf, he blinked back at me, unfazed. Truly, his poker face is unmatched.
“Are you joining the Special Task Force too?”
To confirm rather than out of curiosity, Black Wolf nodded.
“Did you get explicit orders? Not acting on your own accord, are you?”
“No issues. If you value your life, you won’t interfere.”
“…”
A creeping unease settled in. Did this guy threaten to kill if they didn’t let him leave Blackwater?
Given his nature, it’s entirely plausible.
“Never mind…”
Two capable subordinates are still a great gain, so I decided not to pry further.
“Looking forward to working with you both.”
“Likewise.”
“Yes sir!”
I gave them a rough outline of what’s ahead.
“Classes, huh? A little nerve-wracking since it’s my first time.”
“Handle recruits like you always do. You’ll teach magic, Black Wolf—you’ll cover close combat and assassination prevention.”
“So… like what I learned in Blackwater?”
“You can’t kill them. Can’t hurt them either. And absolutely no trauma-inducing lessons.”
“Then… what exactly am I supposed to teach?”
Black Wolf tilting his head genuinely puzzled me. Could I trust him with education?
Still, I couldn’t leave him idle, so I explained patiently.
“Think of it like teaching toddlers. Follow my lead unless you want another stint in Blackwater.”
“No arguments.”
“… Understood.”
His ears, hidden under the robe, visibly drooped.
That ought to do it.
“We’ll refine details during the next session. Anyway, where did that guy run off to?”
Leo’s absence without reappearance suggests either extreme busyness or an elaborate plan to avoid suspicion.
“Did you get dorm assignments?”
“Not yet. Looks like I’ll stay in the commercial district tonight.”
“How’s logistics handled these days?”
Even with recent hectic schedules, this kind of slip-up isn’t acceptable. Suppressing irritation, I stood up.
“Classes are done for today anyway. Let’s grab dinner. My treat.”
“Heh, finally having dinner with the commander.”
“It’s been a while.”
“Exactly, eat your fill.”
I led them toward the commercial district for our first team outing since taking charge of the Special Task Force.
Speaking of which, do we even get operational funds?
Definitely need to check the bank.
***
After dining at the top-rated restaurant in the commercial district, we headed to Earl’s temporary lodging—naturally, top-tier.
“Well, I’ll turn in now.”
“Sure. Make sure you claim receipts for reimbursement.”
“Come on, Commander, no need to nitpick expenses.”
“No excuses. Do as told.”
Proper support has been lacking so far; rightful benefits shouldn’t be overlooked. Isn’t corporate life all about exploiting legal loopholes?
Checking before dinner, our operational funds were properly allocated—a decent sum allowing comfortable stays in Minerva’s finest accommodations.
At that, Earl smiled faintly and agreed.
“Understood. See you tomorrow.”
“Yeah, go rest.”
After seeing him off, I turned to Black Wolf.
“Where will you sleep?”
“…?”
Confused, he pointed at me.
“With Allen.”
“Don’t joke around.”
“No joke.”
True, you wouldn’t joke about this.
You probably don’t even know what joking is.
“I’ll arrange a room. Just stay here tonight.”
“Why should I?”
“Why do you want to sleep with me?”
“As we did before.”
“That was… because we had no choice!”
Snow-covered mountains aren’t comparable to here. Bringing up special circumstances like that is unfair.
“What’s different now?”
Facing Black Wolf’s gaze, I realized his sincerity.
Does he truly see daily life as a battlefield? Was Blackwater such a place?
While I’ve managed to live somewhat normally post-war, has he remained entrenched in combat?
My resolve softened.
“One night only. Tomorrow, I’ll arrange a separate room for you.”
“Why bother? Staying close prepares for emergencies…”
“I’ll request adjacent rooms. Let’s end this discussion here.”
“… Understood.”
Though his eyes didn’t reflect understanding, at least he nodded. That’ll do… right?
Shaking my head, I headed to the faculty dormitories.
***
“Huh? Professor Allen.”
On her way to the library for extra study after dinner, Senna spotted Allen from afar and smiled warmly.
Might as well seek help while studying. Allen’s always approachable outside class hours.
Just as she prepared to call out…
“Professor Allen-niiiii…!”
An unfamiliar someone beside Allen caught her eye.
“…Hmm?”
Though cloaked in black robes, Senna somehow sensed the figure was female.
How? Female intuition, perhaps?
“Who could that be? No owl emblem—they’re not from Minerva.”
What’s Allen doing with an unknown woman this late?
Curiosity piqued, Senna couldn’t resist following.
Unlike her clumsy past attempts, she felt confident in stealth now.
True enough, absorbed in conversation with the mysterious figure, Allen never noticed her presence.
Following quietly, she saw them enter the male faculty dormitory.
Note: Student and staff dorms strictly separated by gender.
Seeing an unknown woman enter the male quarters…
Senna’s imagination went wild.
“This is… breaking news!”
She immediately sprinted off to share the scoop with friends.
Studies forgotten entirely.
