Reviving a Bankrupt Academy: My Financial Battle

Grandis Academy was vast. It was ridiculously spacious, to be honest.

Common sense dictated that it didn't make sense for an academy, not a territory, to occupy such a large area.

──Ah, this is my territory.

──…What?

──The previous king offered me a title and land, so I refused the title and only accepted the land. They were happy to tie me to this kingdom.

It really was a territory.

A title and land granted to firmly bind the Rank 8 powerhouse, the Headmistress, to the kingdom. Thanks to that, the Headmistress was able to establish an academy of this size.

Of course, not the entire territory was the academy. It was only the size of a small city, and the rest was used for academy exams, outdoor activities, and so on.

Anyway, the point was…

It was so damn vast that it had all sorts of facilities.

"We will now begin the duel between Amatriuss Delphia Beatrice and Chloe Piste. The location is Duel Arena 21, and I, Adam Keynes, Finance Director, will be the supervisor."

"…Okay."

"Alright!"

Duel Arena 21, located right next to the royal dormitory.

It was a duel arena exclusively for the magic department, built like the Colosseum in Rome.

Although the arena was just a short walk away, I was briefly annoyed that they were trying to fight on the street, but I calmed down.

'They're still kids.'

I heard that Chloe had picked a fight with Beatrice, who was trying to enter the dormitory, and while I intervened at the right time this time, considering the facilities destroyed by street fights in the martial arts department, it was an everyday occurrence.

The referee's seat I was in was protected by all sorts of magic and sturdy barriers. Even as a Rank 1, I could safely watch the duel between these two mages.

The spectator seats, currently filled with students, had similar measures in place. Mages below Rank 5 wouldn't even be able to scratch the barriers.

More importantly, the good thing about the duel arena was…

'It was okay for it to be damaged.'

Training grounds, duel arenas, practice rooms, and so on were built with the premise of being damaged by swords, magic, and the like, so the carpenters' guild repaired them at a very low price.

It was a one-sided loss for the carpenters' guild, beyond just breaking even, but it was a kind of service for the VVIPs.

Besides those places, classrooms, auditoriums, research labs, roads, dormitories, and so on were frequently damaged, so this much was a service.

'Anyway, let's finish this quickly and go.'

Chloe was smiling leisurely, and Beatrice seemed unusually nervous.

Unlike the participants and the audience, I wasn't particularly interested in this duel and raised my hand.

"Now, let the duel begin!"

"Don't be too nervous, princess. I'll play with you for a bit and then finish it."

"There's a limit to arrogance. Did the Archmage teach you that?"

"…Damn you."

Rumble!

Magic swirled around Chloe. It was several times greater than what she had shown on the street.

As if in response, Beatrice also unleashed her magic. The amount was considerable, and at first glance, they seemed to be evenly matched.

Of course, that was only from my perspective as a Rank 1.

"That princess has a lot of magic, doesn't she? To be comparable to Chloe."

"Idiot. Of course she would have consumed elixirs since she was young, being royalty. And why would we have duels if it was decided by the amount of magic?"

"Did I say I had an advantage? I was just admiring the sheer amount of magic. Just look at the control over particles, Chloe is far superior. On the other hand, the princess is just pouring it out."

"It's like having a good sword but swinging it haphazardly while still in its sheath. It's pathetic to see her use that much magic in such a way."

…It seemed that Beatrice appeared quite pathetic in the eyes of the magic department students.

Thanks to being born as royalty and receiving all sorts of support, she had a large amount of magic, but she couldn't utilize it properly.

The reason was obvious.

It must be because of her 'chronic illness.'

Flare!

[Fireball]

"You picked the wrong fight."

Chloe's magic gathered in several places and instantly created several large fireballs.

Chloe Piste. The disciple of the Archmage, the Tower Master of the Imperial Magic Tower, and said to be the most promising mage among those of similar age.

As if to prove it, Chloe didn't immediately fire the fireballs.

Crack!

She froze a blazing fireball.

Whoosh!

She added a gust of wind to another fireball, creating a pillar of fire.

Rumble!

She wrapped lightning around another fireball, strengthening it menacingly.

'I heard that only a very small number of mages can use multiple attributes.'

Chloe had already shown four: fire, ice, wind, and lightning.

Perhaps she could use even more. A Rank 5 mage at that age, and the disciple of an Archmage. The Rank 6 protagonist was an anomaly, but wasn't she probably the strongest among the freshmen?

Woooooooooh!

The audience roared with excitement at Chloe's ostentatious display of manipulating the fireballs.

The main magic battle hadn't even begun, but Chloe had already seized control of the duel.

"Princess, you can at least manage a defensive spell with that chronic illness of yours, right?"

"…!!"

As if responding to Chloe's provocation, Beatrice also tried to create a protective barrier with her magic power, but…

Soon, an unexpected change occurred.

Crack! Crackle!

"Ugh…!!"

The protective barrier, which should have enveloped her in a circular shape, distorted greatly and changed its form.

It grew larger, then smaller, tilted, warped, and created gaps.

The defensive magic was going haywire, out of Beatrice's control.

'So that's her chronic illness.'

Amatriuss Delphia Beatrice couldn't control her own magic.

Even if the magic suddenly changed, exploded, grew too large, or disappeared altogether, she couldn't do anything about it.

No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't even properly use a simple defensive spell like this.

Chloe, who was watching Beatrice's struggle with a mocking look…

"Need some help?"

"…! N-no!!"

…reached out to Beatrice's defensive magic, which had completely gone out of control and now looked like a bizarre geometric figure.

And…

Woooong—

She took control of Beatrice's magic power and 'personally' cast a defensive spell on her.

The defensive magic that was rampaging out of control in Beatrice's hands just moments ago was stabilized with a single gesture from Chloe and perfectly unfolded.

Before the audience could erupt in excitement, Chloe's magic was unleashed.

Boom!

Flames, ice, storms, and lightning raged.

Chloe's magic instantly turned half of the duel arena into a wasteland, but Beatrice, who was the target of the attack, was unharmed.

Thanks to the defensive magic.

"Opposite of the entrance ceremony, isn't it? Now, it's your turn, princess."

"...."

"I'll only use minimal defense, so attack me. Come on, try it."

Could this even be called a duel?

In the end, Chloe's attack was blocked by Chloe's own defensive magic. Beatrice not only exposed her chronic illness but also had her magic completely stolen by Chloe.

I wasn't a mage, but I could clearly see how humiliating this must be. Beatrice was grinding her teeth, her hands clenched so tightly that they were bleeding, trembling.

That's why I had a question.

'Why did she even accept the duel?'

There were only three ways for students to legally fight each other at Grandis Academy: exams, sparring, and duels.

Among them, duels were unique in many ways. Before the duel, the participants would submit their demands, and the winner could claim what they demanded from the loser.

Naturally, there seemed to be a lot of room for abuse, so there were several restrictions on duels.

Both parties had to agree to the duel, the academy could refuse if the demands were deemed excessive, and duels between different ranks were strictly prohibited. There were also many other safety regulations.

Beatrice had that chronic illness, but her talent and magic capacity were recognized to be exceptional, so she was judged to be Rank 5. It was a special case made possible because her talent was directly certified by the Archmage of the Empire.

'Honestly, up to Rank 5, they're lenient with things like reputation and status.'

Of course, it was a different story from Rank 6 onwards, where they had to demonstrate their ability to use Aura or Sword Qi.

Anyway, that was what made this duel possible. Nominally, Chloe and Beatrice were both Rank 5, even though in reality, they weren't.

However, if Beatrice herself had refused, this duel wouldn't have happened.

'But why?'

My question was moot, as the duel was already over.

Even after that, Beatrice desperately tried to control her magic and resist, but she couldn't even scratch Chloe. No, she couldn't even properly cast a single spell.

And Chloe only took over after Beatrice's magic went out of control.

"Gasp, gasp…"

"Well, it's over."

Beatrice was breathing heavily and her legs were shaking, and Chloe was looking at me with satisfaction, so…

I nodded and declared.

"The winner, Chloe Piste!"

"""""Woooohoooo!!!!"""""

"It was an obvious outcome. Now, princess? You have to hand it over obediently as promised, right?"

"...."

Why did Beatrice, who was going to return to her home country anyway, accept the duel?

Pushing that question aside, I approached Beatrice, who was hanging her head amidst the cheers of the audience.

She would be happy to hear that a private meeting with the Headmistress had been arranged, wouldn't she?

It was time to do what needed to be done.

***

I lost.

I lost.

No, it was obvious. It was a predetermined defeat. I just couldn't accept it.

'But, but…'

There was a reason why I had to accept the duel. That's how sweet 'what I could demand' from Chloe was.

I had no choice but to cling to that faint hope.

In the end, I lost, and I even handed over what Chloe demanded.

The audience in the duel arena kept chanting Chloe's name and threw mocking glances at me.

As I trudged down the hallway, leaving Chloe to savor her victory.

A familiar face was standing there.

"Your Highness, I have something to tell you."

"…Finance Director."

"As promised, a meeting with the Headmistress has been arranged. Of course, if you show me a little more generosity, I will support you in every way—"

"No."

"Pardon?"

"I can't… go. Not until I get that back…"

I could feel the Finance Director's gaze. A gaze mixed with bewilderment and absurdity.

It was only natural. I was the one who first approached him, offering a bribe and requesting a private audience with the Headmistress, and now that he had arranged it, I was saying I couldn't go.

But I couldn't explain the situation to the Finance Director.

'He only knows that I requested a meeting with the Headmistress; he doesn't know it's to return to my home country.'

The reason I wanted to meet the Headmistress was to negotiate with her to escape my hostage status and return to my home country.

However, in my current state, I couldn't return to my home country. Therefore, I couldn't meet the Headmistress today.

I had to meet her after I retrieved 'that.'

"Your Highness, what do you mean all of a sudden?"

"I'm sorry. You must have worked hard to arrange a meeting with the Headmistress… Could we postpone it a little?"

"You know that's difficult. Today is the opportunity."

The Finance Director seemed determined to have me meet the Headmistress today. Considering the effort he must have put in, it was an understandable thought.

Postpone it, he said, but when would I get another chance to have a private audience with the Headmistress, who was considered one of the strongest not only in the kingdom but also on the continent? Perhaps today really was the last chance.

Nevertheless, I had to retrieve it first. Only then could I think about returning or not.

That which Chloe had demanded of me.

"Haa… Are you serious?"

"…I'm sorry, Finance Director. I'll give you as much generosity as you want, so please."

"That's not the issue."

"I know I'm being shameless. But I need time."

Honestly, the chances of getting it back from Chloe were incredibly slim, but if I had time, there might be a slight possibility.

One month, half a year, one year. Or even for the entire three years, I had to stay at the academy and somehow get it back.

At my earnest request, the Finance Director sighed several times, looking troubled.

"Could you at least tell me the reason?"

"What? No, this isn't something the Finance Director should be involved in…"

"How many jewels do you have? Can you continue to show your sincerity until I arrange another meeting with the Headmistress? Do you really not need any help?"

"...."

I should refuse.

I should firmly tell him not to get involved, that the Finance Director and I were only in a transactional relationship based on bribes, practically strangers.

"Although I don't know what Your Highness might think, I sincerely want to help you."

"Finance Director…"

Even if I buy some time, what can I do alone?

This wasn't the Delphia Kingdom. I had no servants who followed me except for Suzanne. As a hostage, if I tried to do anything using my status, there would be immediate sanctions from the kingdom.

…Help.

Even if it was just a relationship based on money, even if he was practically a stranger, I had nothing right now.

I… desperately needed help.

"...."

"I'll take your silence as a yes. Is that alright?"

"…Yes."

Why was this Finance Director trying so hard to help me? Because of more bribes? Or did he have another motive?

If not…

'Is it because… he's also a faculty member?'

Was it the heart of a member of the academy that couldn't stand to see me, a student, like this? Even though I knew it was ridiculous, my mind, confused after having 'that' stolen, wasn't working properly.

I was deceiving the Finance Director.

Even if he helped me like this, I wasn't going to continue attending the academy, but return to my home country.

I would leave ungratefully. I…

"Then, let's go to my room first."

"Huh? Why suddenly…?"

"You're not thinking of explaining the situation out here, are you? I can't enter Your Highness's dormitory unless there's a special reason. The safest and most private place is my room."

That was true.

If I were to ask for help, I would have to explain my plan to return to my home country, which was a very dangerous topic.

If it were to leak out, the whole plan would fall apart, so it was best to talk in the safest place possible.

'Yes, I have to tell him everything anyway.'

The Finance Director might have other intentions after hearing it, but then I could threaten him with the bribe. It was a stroke of luck that I learned about the Headmistress's dislike for bribes late.

Don't let your guard down, don't become weak, don't get your hopes up, Beatrice.

That's how you've lived your life, isn't it?

The Finance Director and I were only in a mutually beneficial relationship bound by bribes. Don't expect any unnecessary sympathy or kindness.

"Follow me."

"Okay."

I covered my body and face with a robe and followed him, just like when I met the Finance Director before.

As befitting an academy official, the Finance Director led me through secluded alleys and underground passages, avoiding the eyes of others as much as possible.

After walking for a while.

He stopped in front of a small dormitory.

"This is it."

"…Really? This is your room?"

"Is there a problem?"

"No, it's just…"

Isn't this too shabby?

The dormitory, located in a secluded corner of the academy, was very small, only two stories high.

Moreover, it was clearly old, with cracks everywhere, showing its age.

'What about the bribes he received from me?'

Where did all that go, and why was he living in such a shabby dormitory?

I wondered if it was just the exterior and the inside was luxuriously decorated, but…

Creak.

"Please have a seat wherever you like."

"Finance… Director."

"Yes?"

"Do you really live in this room?"

"I do."

That thought vanished as soon as I entered his room inside the shabby dormitory.

The room itself was spacious. As befitting a high-ranking official, he used this entire dormitory alone, so the largest room was his.

But the scene inside the room was the problem.

'…It's bleak.'

All that was visible in this spacious room was a bed, a table, and bookshelves that occupied most of the space. There was no other furniture or luxury items.

Even the dormitory I saw on the way here had a bare minimum of decoration, with not even a single painting.

Where did the bribes he received from me go? This place was utterly bleak.

Did he smuggle all the bribes out? But was it right not to use any of it for the place he lived in? He could at least buy decent furniture.

I wondered if he was lying about living here and actually lived somewhere else, but the way the Finance Director was tidying up the room seemed very familiar. Besides, there were signs of life on the bed and table.

"…Unbelievable."

Was he really living in a place like this? The Finance Director of Grandis Academy, the man who received so many bribes?

Unable to believe it, I took a closer look at the bookshelves that occupied most of the room.

[Writing Financial Statements for Beginners]

[Accounting from Basics to Advanced]

[How to Manage an Organization]

[Macro Budget Planning]

[History of Grandis Academy Budget Planning and Its Reasons]

[How Academies Raise Funds – Focused on the Imperial Academy]

[Securing Budgets Under a Wasteful Superior]

"...."

All of the more than ten bookshelves in this room were filled with books and papers on finance, accounting, and management.