-Click.
-Click.
-Click.
The rhythmic sound of her index finger tapping against her desk matched the intensity of her frown as she stared directly at me.
"Do you know why I called you here?" Her voice was cold and oppressive.
I glanced away, unable to meet her gaze.
This was the first time the headmaster had come to see me in person. I was a nobody, devoid of any notable talent. I hadn't expected her attention unless I had committed a significant offense, like… killing someone.
"Um…" I cleared my throat. "I-I might have an idea."
"Well, go ahead. Tell me."
Her heavy gaze bore down on me, and I couldn't bear it any longer.
I bowed my head. "P-Please, I swear it was an accident. I never meant to k-"
"Accident? You peeping inside Iris' personal quarters was an accident?"
I frowned, at a loss for words, barely processing her accusation.
"P-Peeping?" I stammered, confused. "Is that why you called me here?"
Mona, the headmaster, shook her head, clearly disappointed.
"Why else would I call a nobody like you here?" She sighed. "Normally, I would expel you for such an act. But since I'm feeling merciful, I'll only require you to attend detention for a month and formally apologize to Iris."
'Merciful my ass.'
I knew the real reason she wasn't expelling me—it was my background. Even if I was worthless, my family wasn't, and the Royal Academy would struggle to manage the backlash from an Elite Family.
Still, that wasn't the worst part.
The worst part was that I hadn't actually done anything wrong.
I'm not some kind of pervert. I never peeped on anyone. That's just not who I am.
I simply had a history with Iris, who, unlike me, was one of the most talented first-years, ranking in the top 10 of our year.
Her words carried far more weight than mine.
She had been trying to get me expelled ever since I entered the Royal Academy, leveraging my family's connections. But despite her efforts, it had never worked—until now, when her reports had led to the headmaster personally visiting me.
'At least this is better than being called here for murder. Thank goodness she interrupted me, or I would have been in serious trouble,' I thought.
Mona continued to stare at me, waiting for me to respond to her punishment.
[Why haven't I heard of this student before? The energy he gives off is unique. He's not even reacting to the mana pressure I'm applying. It's almost like he can't feel it.]
I jumped in surprise, looking around me.
A voice had just entered my mind out of nowhere.
And just when I thought it had stopped, it continued.
[Most students would be nervous meeting me. But he's not even paying attention to me… What a strange person.]
My eyes widened.
'Don't tell me…'
Everything clicked as I recalled one of the skills I had awakened when I gained my Authority.
[Mind Reading]
I could hear her thoughts without any effort.
From what she was thinking, she didn't seem to hate me, in fact, her view of me seemed oddly positive.
"Sorry, I got distracted for a moment," I said quickly. "Of course, I accept the punishment. I will also personally apologize to Iris as soon as possible, and I promise to never do anything like that again."
A smile flashed across her face, almost amused by my response.
[He's not even trying to deny it. The report was clearly a lie, so I expected at least a little resistance… seems I was wrong about him.]
[Your Relationship Status with Mona Litchester has been updated.]
[Neutral -> Disappointed.]
'Wait, wait, wait…'
Seeing this message, I realized the opportunity before me. I could make a favorable impression on the headmaster and possibly develop a connection.
I couldn't let this chance slip away.
"I see. Then please go apologize as soon as poss-"
Just as she was about to finish, I interrupted her.
"Actually, I didn't do anything. I'm not sure why Iris reported me, but it's all fabricated. The truth is, she has been trying to get me expelled since I arrived, hoping my family connections would work against me. Since she's so highly ranked, I couldn't defend myself against her."
Mona clicked her tongue.
[Is he expecting me to defend him? Pathetic.]
'Crap, crap, crap.'
I clearly wasn't handling this well.
"Of course, I'm not asking you to defend me. I just want to know if it's possible to dismiss this report."
A smile returned to her face.
"And what will you do if I dismiss it? Won't she just come after you again?"
I shook my head, understanding what she wanted to hear.
"I will ensure she doesn't submit another false report about me ever again."
She frowned, lowering her head to read the paper on her desk.
"Mhm, but how will the 3415th ranked student handle a top 10 student?"
I took a deep breath and decided to take a gamble.
"If you receive another report about me from Iris after this meeting, I will leave the Royal Academy voluntarily."
She smiled.
[Your Relationship Status with Mona Litchester has been updated.]
[Disappointed -> Curious.]
[You have completed your first quest.]
[You have received One Grade Augment and Two Skill Augments.]
[You have received a new quest.]
[New Quest - Earning Iris' Respect.]
[Quest Description: Show Iris Mard who's boss.]
[Quest Reward: 1 Rare Skillbook, 1 Grade Augment.]