Reviving a Bankrupt Academy: My Financial Battle

The budget allocation meeting, which resembled a war, concluded with the Magic field receiving 60%, the Martial Arts field 25%, and the Administration field 15%.

Looking at the results alone, one might say that an excessive budget was allocated just for a hair loss treatment, but even originally, the Magic field received at least 40%, and Administration around 10%. The rest went to the Martial Arts field.

Furthermore, several professors actively expressed their support for Professor Circe's research topic.

"Even if our lab's budget is reduced, I support Professor Circe."

"Ultimately, we are scholars and researchers. It's right to invest more in research for the future of humanity."

"Professor Circe's research will be one that saves the world."

It wasn't even worth mentioning that the tops of their heads, as they spoke with rising emotions and stood up from their seats, were all uniformly shiny.

Even those with still-abundant hair, except for a few professors, were mostly convinced. Moreover, with Professor Circe of Life Magic, who had already achieved results, there was a real possibility of successful development.

Of course, I had no shortage of hair myself, so I focused purely on the profit aspect.

'If she really succeeds in developing a hair loss cure, it could significantly delay the academy's bankruptcy.'

No, if I wasn't underestimating the financial power of those with hair loss, it could even become a long-term source of income for the academy.

And for that, I needed to negotiate with Professor Circe.

'If she donates her research to the church like last time, it'll all be for nothing.'

Honestly, it was a bit infuriating. You guys eat, sleep, and research all with the money the academy provides, right? It's an investment, isn't it? Is it such a big deal to get some of it back?

Whether Professor Circe could achieve the feat of developing a hair loss cure within the remaining three years was uncertain.

But I needed to meet her and have a detailed discussion before the research even began.

'Let's finish this budget allocation report and go see her right away.'

There wasn't much work left. Just draft a basic plan, write a detailed budget allocation breakdown, prepare the minutes of this meeting, write an impact assessment and priority research project forecast based on the allocation results, have the working departments review it, receive reports on budget distribution within each field, compile that into another report, and finally, approve the budget and report it to the Headmistress.

Oh, and in between, I had to answer questions and objections raised about the budget allocation, prepare additional budget proposals required by the academy regulations, tactfully turn away professors asking for a bit more funding, continuously monitor the academy's operating expenses, repair costs, personnel expenses, tuition income, and expenditure details, and do the accounting. All that was just a bonus.

Once I finished all that, I could go directly to Professor Circe, make an appointment, and have a meeting, my ass.

Shit, there's no way I can meet her.

'Last year, I was so busy I even forgot what research was being done. This year, I have to make it happen somehow.'

Even the improved healing potion research took about two years, I heard. Even if we optimistically estimate that the hair loss cure development will also take two years, a drug doesn't start making money as soon as it's developed.

You need to establish distribution channels through trading companies, obtain sales permits for each territory, undergo inspections by the royal medical department and the church since it's essentially a medicine, and then it'll take at least a month after sales begin for profits to start rolling in.

Naturally, three years is tight, bordering on impossible. But we're clinging to it because there's no other option.

If only I could openly discuss these internal circumstances, but the near-bankrupt financial situation is a secret between the Headmistress and me.

'I need people.'

It's a thought I've had since I accepted the Finance Director position a year ago, and it hasn't changed.

I may be called the Finance Director, but I'm the only one in the finance department. Still, it's a department head position, so considering my age and experience, it's an understatement to call it a meteoric rise. My colleagues who joined the academy with me are all newbies in other departments, while I'm the only one who's a director.

Moreover, I have the Headmistress's favor, even if it's for the sake of preventing bankruptcy. It was only natural for other academy staff with normal thinking to view me unfavorably.

If I were in their shoes, and some new employee caught the Headmistress's eye, constantly accompanying her like a secretary, and then snagged the director position for budget allocation and management, a crucial role, I would be cursing them like crazy behind their backs.

That's also why I had to go myself to schedule a meeting with Professor Circe. If I were a real director, I could just send a subordinate, but somehow, I ended up being a lone wolf.

You're saying I should order other department staff around because I have a high position, even if I'm all talk? I'll believe you're not serious. I already have enough interactions with other departments due to budget management. If I did that, my image would truly plummet.

'…Honestly, I think it's already hit rock bottom.'

Ever since I overheard that nonsense rumor about being the Headmistress's secret lover. Do they not consider the age difference? It's not a lover, it's a grandmother and grandson. Show some respect to the elderly.

Anyway, if we can just solve the bankruptcy issue, Grandis Academy is a lifelong job. Unless we were truly on the verge of bankruptcy, I wanted to maintain amicable relationships with the staff as much as possible.

'With three years left, we're not on the verge, are we?'

Probably not. We're not going bankrupt tomorrow, anyway.

…While I was lost in thought, the necessary reports were still being written. If I couldn't multitask to this extent, I wouldn't be able to handle this position.

'Purchase of new exercise equipment? Tell them to just repair the old ones and use them. Training ground repairs… We keep hiring the Craftsman's Guild, maybe it's time to get a loyalty discount? I'd like to cut down on labor costs, but the Headmistress will reject it.'

While handling not only the budget allocation but also new equipment purchases, repairs, and other financial reports.

Knock knock.

"Come i—… Laura?"

"It's been a while, Adam."

At the sudden knock, I quickly shoved the important documents that could reveal the academy's financial situation into the safe.

Even though I frowned, thinking, "No matter how much the staff dislikes me, they wouldn't go this far as to just barge in without permission,"

I couldn't help but tilt my head in confusion at the unexpected visitor.

"It has been a while. We haven't seen each other since we got hired, right? It's been a year?"

"That's right. You seem… quite busy?"

"You could say that."

Laura Edelvine. My classmate from the academy's administration department, and a friend who, like me, placed in the top 5 and got a job at Grandis Academy.

She was quite rare in the administration field, being from a noble family, and was popular for her beauty and intelligence.

We became close because we shared the same major, but I had been keeping some distance from Laura.

Some might say I was being picky, having a beautiful classmate like her, but…

"Laura, how are you these days?"

"Honestly, the work doesn't suit me at all. But what can I do? If I work at the academy for more than three years, I get benefits when entering graduate school."

"…Oh, I see."

"I'm absolutely determined to become a graduate student."

This girl was truly crazy.

And above all…

"So, Adam, how about you?"

"What, what do you mean?"

"Why are you avoiding my gaze? Of course, I'm asking if you want to go to graduate school together. You're capable, so you'll get your doctorate in no time."

She was inviting me to go to graduate school with her.

She was a good person, but it was scary how she became obsessed with graduate school during our third year.

I had firmly rejected her before, but because of the three years of friendship and memories we shared, I maintained some level of relationship with Laura. That was my mistake.

As a result, the only people Laura could call friends were me and a few other classmates.

So, whenever Laura saw someone she was close to, she became that pitiful friend who would invite them to graduate school.

'It was fine after I became the Finance Director because we didn't have to see each other.'

I was sweating, seeing Laura, whose madness hadn't diminished at all even after a year.

After staring at me for a moment, Laura sighed and crossed her arms. I could see something jiggle, but I was more afraid of Laura, so I continued to avoid her gaze.

After hesitating for a moment, she said,

"Anyway… I came here today not as a classmate, but to ask you a favor as the Finance Director."

"A favor?"

"Yes. You're not offended that a lowly employee dared to ask a favor from the director, are you?"

"Of course not."

Honestly, I felt a bit sorry for constantly avoiding Laura, and besides, when she wasn't talking about graduate school, she was a genuinely good friend.

Moreover, I was somewhat conscious of my image, so there was no reason to refuse if she was the one asking for a favor. The only problem was the mountain of paperwork still left to do.

Laura also flinched slightly at the sight of the documents piled up on my desk, then continued in a softer voice,

"You have… time, right?"

"For your request, of course."

"…Okay."

But what kind of favor could Laura possibly ask of me?

As far as I remember, Laura worked in the food supply department, handling paperwork. She would have talked to her department head about any ordinary matter. So, for her to come all the way to me…

"Um, you know Raven Trading Company, right?"

"Of course. They're the ones who supply our food ingredients."

The student cafeteria, snack bar, and other places within the academy all used food ingredients supplied through Raven Trading Company.

It was a medium-sized trading company, but I heard they had a long history and had been doing business with the academy even before I enrolled.

"They sent an official letter… regarding this year's contract renewal."

"That's something we do every year."

"That's true, but…"

"But what? Just tell me."

"…The contract terms have changed this time. No reduction in food ingredient prices."

"Ah, now that you mention it, Raven Trading Company did say they were considering a price reduction last year."

I remembered it because it came up in a report. I think they said it was a gesture of goodwill towards Grandis Academy, with whom they had a long-standing relationship.

Considering the amount of food ingredients purchased for the students, professors, and staff, even a slight price reduction could save a considerable amount of the budget.

'Just report it directly to your department head.'

Could it be that she was afraid of getting scolded by her superior and came to me instead? This wasn't Laura's fault. It was Raven Trading Company's, for going back on their word about the discount.

The head of the food supply department was a flexible person, so even if Laura reported it honestly, she wouldn't have been reprimanded. In the end, it made me realize that Laura was still new to the working world.

It was me who was strange for being overwhelmed by all sorts of documents, work, and people for the past year. Normally, it would be natural to rely on a slightly irritating friend in a higher position, like Laura was doing.

"And there's another change in the conditions…"

"What is it? If it's a price increase, tell them we absolutely can't accept it. Your department head will handle it."

"It's not an increase…"

"Then?"

"…They're reducing the amount of food ingredients supplied by two-thirds."

Wait a minute.

What did you just say?

"So, if I heard you correctly,"

"Yes."

"They're keeping the same price as last year, but reducing the supply?"

"…Yes."

"Those fucking bastards."

"A-Adam?"

"Laura, sorry, but could you do me a favor? Send a message to those goddamn merchants. Tell them we need to talk."

"They're not goddamn merchants, they're Raven… Okay, I understand. So, when should they…?"

"Today."

"What?"

"Tell them if they don't come right now and explain themselves, we're cutting ties!"

I hadn't fully vented my frustration from sending the Headmistress, who had turned a five-year bankruptcy into a three-year one, to a deep-sea fishing vessel. This was perfect timing.

Right after Laura, hearing my request, hurriedly ran off to contact them, I picked out a few documents from the mountain of paperwork on my desk and the file binders lined up on the wall.

To properly deal with those bastards, I needed information on my side.

Recalling the famous quote from the CEO of the best restaurant in a certain seaside town, "Money is always right,"

I skimmed through the reports on those bastards.

[F-Finance Director! Can you hear me? Can you hear me!? It's so hard here! I've been pulling all-nighters for five days straight, just catching tuna, and I really miss──]

"..."

…I wonder if selling this magic communication tool would help with the finances?