Book 8: Chapter 1: To Etch This Name Into The History. (1/2)

Serendia Academy Principal felt his stomach churning like it never had before. Right now, his guest, Darius Knightley, the second most important person in this country after the king—or as people called him Duke Crockford—sitting across from him.

As the most powerful noble in the country,  he has Serendia Academy covered in his influence. Not to mention, Felix Ark Ridill, the second prince of this country and Duke Crockford's grandson, was attending this very school.

At the chess tournament where the second prince had managed, an intruder was pretending to be a teacher from another school, which likely resulted in some criticisms for his inadequate security. Fortunately, the intruder was quickly apprehended and the second prince was not injured, but even so, Duke Crockford would not let that fact slip by.

While holding back his shivering, the principal glanced at the sitting Duke Crockford across him.

The man with a little over sixty figure and his pale blond hair that had begun to turn into white has no resemblance to those old or worn-out people. In his younger days, his good looks alone had captured many noblewoman's hearts. Despite his age, he always had a sharpness like a blade that never rusted.

His bearing was strict and ruthless. Among the noble society, he was known for his shrewdness.

”I've heard the reports.”

The moment the duke opened his mouth, the air in the room suddenly became heavier. As if having an invisible pressure on his back, the principal unconsciously tightened his grip on his stomach.

”Regarding the school festival…”

The principal responded quickly to the duke's brief words.

”O-Of course, His Highness' safety is our top priority, so we would cancel…”

”…it will be carried out as planned.”

That was such short order, but the principal couldn't disobey. In front of this duke, he was not allowed to even questioning his reason. The principal knew, in the past, people who questioned the duke's orders were forced to be exiled from the kingdom.

”We will strengthen security, and carry out the school festival as planned!”

”Good.”

Just as the Duke nodded, a knock resounded on the door of the guest room. The one who said, ”come in,” was not the principal, but the duke. That very fact clearly showed who the ruler of this place was.

”Pardon my intrusion.”

Felix Ark Ridill—the duke's grandson, the second prince of this country—entered the room upon opening the door. He bowed his head to his grandfather with a hint of apology on his ever-so-gentle face.

”It's been a long time, grandfather. I deeply apologize for causing you so much worry.”

To his sincere and apologetic grandson, the duke asked in a calm voice.

”How are you feeling?”

”I am fine. It brings me so much pleasure when I heard hear of your arrival, grandfather. I am very grateful to you for coming here despite your busy schedule.”

When Felix politely expressed his gratitude, the duke nodded back silently.

Their exchange seemed casual, but the principal secretly felt relieved when knowing the duke had rushed to the academy for his grandson. It had been scary when the duke forced him to carry out the school festival as planned, but he was certain the duke had something in mind.

Indeed. I bet His Excellency had been looking forward to seeing his precious grandson's debut! That's why he gave an order to proceed with the school festival!

As the principal was convincing himself this way, the duke turned his gaze at him.

”I need to talk with Felix for a moment.”

The principal quickly stood up, understanding his unspoken intention to ask him to leave this room. Even if he was the principal of this school, if Duke Crockford told him to leave the room, he couldn't do anything but obey.

After the principal left the room, Duke Crockford's calm face contorted slightly. In a distant manner, and in an abhorrent manner.