The Retired Supporting Character Wants to Live Quietly

[Translator – Peptobismol]

Chapter 73 – New Special Student (3)

“Wh-wh-why do I have to go to the Palace? And to the Second Princess, no less…?”

Kirrin, extremely flustered, stammered.

“To request a proper contest under the Imperial Security Office’s auspices. Something fitting for our academy.”

I then shared what I had heard from other special force members in the past.

Explaining that we should ask the Imperial Security Office to open their evaluations or events to match the academy’s level.

“Is that really necessary? Can’t we just select a few from the list and participate?”

As Kirrin hesitated, Ismera suddenly spoke up.

“I fully support that idea.”

What’s this? She’s taking my side?

“Our Special Mission Academy is directly under the Imperial Security Office. Therefore, it is appropriate to request a contest that aligns with the academy’s founding purpose.”

“I-is that so….”

With both Head Professors expressing the same stance, sweat started to form on Kirrin’s forehead.

It seemed she would have to go to the Palace, but the problem was Kirrin was terrified of the Second Princess.

But she had to go. She was the headmaster, after all.

Holding the headmaster title means bearing both authority and responsibility.

High positions are inherently challenging.

To those who have never been in such a position, it may seem easy and relaxed, but that’s not the case.

Sometimes, an ambiguous middle management position is better.

Especially in my situation, it’s perfect.

That’s why I never wanted to be the headmaster.

“If the headmaster feels uncomfortable.”

As Kirrin continued to waver, Ismera offered.

“I can go as the acting vice-headmaster.”

It was then that I realized why Ismera agreed with my suggestion.

She wanted to make an impression on the Second Princess.

Ismera, aspiring to be the headmaster, saw meeting the Second Princess as a huge opportunity.

Then let’s send Ismera.

Whether Kirrin or Ismera goes, as long as we can organize the contest, it’s fine.

“Not a bad idea. Then Professor Ismera can….”

“No, I’ll go….”

Surprisingly, Kirrin forced out the words.

“I’m the headmaster… I have to fulfill my responsibilities….”

“No. There’s no need to push yourself. The Head of Security won’t make an issue of it.”

Despite Ismera’s attempt to dissuade her, Kirrin spoke firmly, with effort.

“I’ll go. Don’t worry, you two. I’ll definitely secure the contest.”

“No, really, I can go….”

With the headmaster having made up her mind, Ismera was left speechless, unable to say more.

Thus, it was decided that Kirrin would go to the Palace.

“Head Professor.”

As soon as we left the headmaster’s office, Ismera coldly called out to me.

“What is it?”

“Let’s talk for a moment.”

Without waiting for my response, Ismera turned and walked away.

I wondered if she was going to her office, but no, she led me to a secluded spot behind the main building.

Here, away from windows and offices, Brogg and Kazadar often smoked during their breaks.

“What do you want to talk about?”

Ismera crossed her arms and looked at me with suspicion and distrust.

“Head Professor, you mentioned the Imperial Security Office earlier.”

“Yes.”

“Where did you hear about that?”

“From a special force member I met during the war. You know I’m a veteran, right?”

“A special force member revealed internal information to an outsider?”

“Not exactly, just vaguely mentioned that such things exist. What’s your point?”

I spread my arms, smiling.

“Are you curious about who that special force member is, or are you questioning the truth of the story?”

“At the Ivronic Castle inspection.”

Ismera changed the topic.

“What was your relationship with the veterans there?”

“I met them during the recapture operation. I participated in that operation too.”

“Really? In what rank and position?”

“I think I was a lieutenant back then. Or maybe a second lieutenant? Anyway, not a high rank. I had no specific position. I worked solo. I was in the special force.”

“Special force?”

Ismera’s eyes narrowed.

“What exactly was your mission in that operation?”

“Excuse me, Professor Ismera. Do I have to answer that?”

“What?”

“Don’t you know what it means to ask a special force member about their past missions?”

Ismera’s face instantly hardened.

“Are you referring to the National Security Law?”

“Well, I’m not accusing a pureblood elf with a high degree and an academy professor of being a foreign spy.”

“If that were the case, I wouldn’t be stupid enough to ask so openly.”

“Oh, so you’re admitting you did something stupid just now?”

Ismera’s face turned red.

In truth, I didn’t care about the National Security Law.

I just found it amusing to see the lofty elf flustered.

Even when angry or embarrassed, pureblood elves are beautiful.

“Fine. I’ll tell you. I was part of the Demon King Slayer Special Force.”

“What…?”

“Surprised? But it’s true. At Ivronic Castle, I climbed the cliffs and recaptured the fortress with Sir Linus.”

Ismera stared at me blankly for a moment, then scoffed.

“So, you’re mocking me now.”

“No, it’s the truth….”

“Enough. I’m disgusted.”

Ismera cut me off sharply.

“It was my mistake to ask. Goodbye.”

[Translator – Peptobismol]

As she passed by me, I could smell the fresh forest scent unique to elves.

I knew she wouldn’t believe me, tsk tsk.

I wouldn’t believe it either.

If someone suddenly claimed they were a secret agent in WWII who infiltrated Hitler’s bunker and shot him with a pistol, you’d think they were crazy.

Anyway, I need to get back to work.

But first, I need to visit the infirmary.

I need to check the patient log.

# # # # # #

What nonsense. Spouting such lies.

Entering the main building after passing Dian, Ismera gritted her teeth internally.

Special force member? National Security Law? Sir Linus?

He was probably just a regular soldier or a junior officer trying to mock me with ridiculous claims.

What’s such an amazing person doing as an academy professor?

That lazy, good-for-nothing….

And why did Kirrin suddenly insist on going to the Palace?

She usually trembles at the mere mention of the Palace…. I missed a golden opportunity….

I’m scared she’ll embarrass the academy with her blunders.

Ismera was displeased with both Dian and Kirrin.

# # # # # #

“Eeek?!”

On her way to a dessert cafe, Hindrastra, who was skipping class, quickly hid in the flowerbed upon seeing Dian approaching.

“Why is he going there?”

Hiding among the flowers, Hindrastra watched Dian enter the infirmary and muttered to herself.

Why would a healthy person go to the infirmary at this hour?

Oh, maybe he’s planning to skip work and take a nap in a sickbed?

Considering Dian’s usual lazy behavior, it wasn’t entirely impossible.

That guy has always been such a complete scumbag.

# # # # # #

At the infirmary, Priestess Maya greeted me with a silent nod.

She’s incredibly quiet.

“Hello, Priestess. Sorry, but I need to look at the patient log.”

“What is the reason?”

“It’s related to Student Sophie. She’s a top student I’m overseeing, and I need to update her health records.”

“I see.”

Priestess Maya handed over the patient log without hesitation. This was easier than expected.

Feeling a bit tense, I opened the log.

“Huh…?”

What’s this? There’s nothing here.

No, it’s not empty; there are entries.

Dates, symptoms, and treatment procedures for Hindrastra’s visits.

But there’s nothing suspicious in any of the entries.

For instance, 0 month 0 day / Lower abdomen bruise / Holy treatment and internal medicine prescribed. All entries were like this.

I checked Knightley’s records as well, but found nothing problematic.

What’s this? Was Celine wrong? Was it unnecessary suspicion?

Pretending to skim through the log, I returned it.

“Thank you, Priestess.”

“Goodbye.”

Even as I left, I was puzzled and tilted my head.

“Did she erase it all?”

No way. She wouldn’t have had the time if I came so suddenly.

Maybe it was just a groundless worry.

# # # # # #

After Dian left, Priestess Maya retrieved another patient log from under the desk.

She opened it and pondered for a moment before picking up a pen.

[Professor Dian visited unexpectedly and requested to see Student Sophie’s patient log, flipping through pages as if searching for something before returning it].

[As he was leaving, he muttered ‘Did she erase it all?’. During his last visit, he had forcibly ordered Student Sophie to ‘erase something’].

[It’s cautiously speculated that he might have misunderstood the holy treatment performed last time as an attempt to erase something and was checking if it was thoroughly erased (needs further verification)].

[Noted that Sophie was hiding in the flowerbed outside the window, watching this direction. Unclear if it’s related to Professor Dian’s visit].

With an impassive expression, Priestess Maya diligently wrote the patient log.

[Translator – Peptobismol]