Reviving a Bankrupt Academy: My Financial Battle

Visit my patreon to see photos of the characters for free. 

patreon.com/zennin12

"Aaaargh!!!"

Crash! Crack!

All sorts of noises and screams echoed from within the room. Fortunately, it was a private dormitory that only a few students could use, so there was no risk of the duel arena being alerted by the noise. However, the room, which would have been neatly organized, was in shambles.

And in the center of the room, amidst all the traces of destruction…

The room's owner, Chloe Piste, was gasping for breath.

"How… how…!!"

Her tied-up hair had come loose, her eyes were bloodshot, and her hands were covered in scratches and wounds.

Even in that state, Chloe, with her nails digging into her flesh and her fists clenched tightly, muttered with bloodshot eyes,

"How!!"

Chloe Piste won the duel. She won both duels against Beatrice.

But paradoxically…

Chloe didn't win. At least, that's what she thought.

"Gasp… gasp…"

The spells Beatrice displayed in the second duel.

They weren't spells that a half-baked mage who couldn't even use magic properly because of her chronic illness could just imitate after seeing them once. How much effort did Chloe put in to apply multiple attributes to [Fireball]?

People called Chloe a genius. Indeed, Chloe herself boasted that she was a genius who could become the Archmage's disciple.

It was a lie.

Chloe was talented, but she was never a genius.

If there was a true genius, it was…

"No!!!"

Crash!

Chloe, who suddenly recalled Beatrice's face, slammed her bleeding fist into the already half-destroyed desk.

No matter how much of a Rank 5 mage she was, if she didn't utilize mana, she wasn't much different from an ordinary person. Chloe's fist wound burst open, and more blood flowed.

Was the pain numbed by excitement? No. Even at this moment, Chloe was feeling the vivid pain, the searing agony in her brain.

Yet, she faced the pain.

To remember.

"Beatrice…"

I will never lose to you.

How many hardships and trials did she go through, born as the child of a mere slave, to become the Archmage's disciple? It was a position she barely, barely managed to achieve. A position she earned through constant effort every single day.

But just because she was a genius, Beatrice was threatening her position, stealing the attention of her beloved master.

──If only your talent were as good as hers…

Words from her master that Chloe unintentionally overheard one day.

Since then, Chloe harbored anger towards Beatrice. When her magic was interfered with at the entrance ceremony, she felt like she was going crazy seeing Beatrice show off.

So she picked a fight and confirmed the chronic illness she had only heard rumors about. Only then could Chloe feel relieved. With that chronic illness, no matter how much of a genius Beatrice was, it would be meaningless.

But in the second duel, Beatrice overcame her chronic illness as if to show off.

Why? Because you're a genius? Because you have the talent to be acknowledged by our master?

"...."

Chloe.

In the middle of the messy room, looked down at her bloody hands and pondered the unanswerable question.

"…There's definitely something going on."

There was no sign of Beatrice's chronic illness improving. But to learn how to overcome it, even incompletely, in just a week?

In the past, the Delphia Kingdom tried to find a solution but failed, and if Beatrice could overcome it herself, she would have done so long ago.

There was something.

Something, or someone, who influenced Beatrice during that week.

"…Let's go."

Chloe, her eyes glinting coldly, decided to investigate Beatrice.

As Chloe Piste always did, as a mere talented individual, there was something she had to do to maintain her position as the Archmage's disciple.

It was time to practice and work hard, as always.

***

I left work.

With the artifacts promised by the king, the financial problems for this month were resolved, and luckily, the workload itself wasn't much today, so I could leave work.

I wanted to go with her, but Laura had to work overtime today, so I had no choice but to leave first.

'10 PM.'

I left work much earlier than usual, so could I enjoy a little free time?

With that resolve, I changed direction from the dormitory to the shopping district.

I realized this after entering the game world and doing manual labor for a year, but even though magic existed and various fields were developed, the time period in was basically medieval.

The day's work ended when the sun set. Although there were magic lamps besides fireplaces and candles, they were so expensive that they couldn't be seen anywhere other than the lord's castle in ordinary territories.

But Grandis Academy was a different story.

As expected of our Headmistress, she spent a fortune when building the academy.

"If you go that way, there's a famous late-night snack shop!"

"It's definitely cheaper to buy at night. Should I buy it at this time from now on…?"

"Honey! Let's go!"

Even though the sun had set and night had fallen, the academy wasn't dark. Rather, the magic lamps installed everywhere were brightly lit, creating a unique nightscape.

There was a saying in the kingdom: there were only two places in the kingdom that were bright even at night, the royal palace and Grandis Academy.

Honestly, every time I saw them, I wanted to take down all those magic lamps and sell them, but the night view and night market of Grandis Academy had long been established as a famous attraction, so I couldn't do anything about it.

Anyway.

Students who had no classes the next day, merchants selling off their remaining goods, couples enjoying a night date, and many others gathered to form the night market.

I quietly walked among them.

'I used to hang out here when I was a student.'

Thanks to that, I knew this night market like the back of my hand. Especially since I often came here with Laura and that damn junior. To be precise, I was dragged here.

Back then, I really didn't want to come, but now that I think about it, it's all a memory.

Lost in thought, I walked through the night market and soon arrived at the store I was aiming for.

"…Alright."

I had tried to come here several times since becoming the Finance Director, but always turned back.

I made up my mind and entered the sundries shop.

"Goodbye!"

"Have a good day."

I had been eyeing it, but couldn't bring myself to buy it.

In the end, I splurged.

'I can't wait to try it out.'

Normally, I wouldn't have the money to buy something like this. Although I received a salary, I returned all of it except for the minimum living expenses to the academy's finances.

But today, I received something a little different.

A gesture of sincerity not towards the Finance Director, but towards 'Adam.'

It was practically an excuse Beatrice made for me.

It wasn't like I didn't have a desire for money. When Beatrice said that and handed me the box filled with jewels and gold, I had other thoughts along with the greed.

──Maybe I could afford to splurge with this.

And in the end, I couldn't resist the temptation. I closed my eyes and sold my conscience.

Feeling the weight of the 'item' in my hand, I walked through the night market with a strange sense of guilt.

"Oh? Finance Director?"

"Hmm? Ah, Lady Lisha."

"I was not officially enrolled before, but now I am a student of Grandis Academy, so you can comfortably call me Lisha."

"Then I'll take the liberty of doing so from now on, Miss Lisha."

"Yes."

This must mean that I shouldn't be too formal. To interpret it in noble-speak, since we had already exchanged bribes, it was okay to be more intimate.

Besides, Lisha and the Claudia family must think of me as a fool who uses the position of Finance Director for bribes.

Did they think I would fall for it if they acted friendly? Well, considering my age and experience, I must seem more like a naive youngster than a high-ranking academy official.

"I received the fruit you sent me before. It was firm, juicy, and delicious."

"Is that so? I'm glad."

"I'd like to ask you for more often."

"Fruit is a specialty of the Claudia territory. If the Finance Director wishes, you can have as much as you like."

It was true that fruit was a specialty of their territory, and it was also true that a fruit basket was sent to me, but the contents were naturally different.

From what I gathered, they used the fruit merchants of their territory and changed the delivery person several times to thoroughly launder the money. As expected of a high-ranking noble, they were well-versed in the ways of delivering bribes.

As we exchanged formal smiles and walked for a while, Lisha's eyes fell on the 'item' I had bought.

"Finance Director? Is that a fountain pen in your hand?"

"You have a keen eye. It's something I bought after much deliberation."

As the Finance Director, the things I handled the most were documents and pens. However, since I had to write and sign so many things for work, pens often broke or were damaged, which had been a problem since last year.

Pens were academy supplies, so I could just request new ones and have them supplied, but I wanted a sturdy and comfortable fountain pen that I could use without having to do that.

'But it wasn't absolutely necessary, so I didn't buy it.'

Beatrice's instigation broke down my reason. To think I bought this expensive thing.

However, Lisha's expression as she looked at the fountain pen was subtle.

"But that's the cheapest of fountain pens, even students don't use it… I misspoke. I apologize."

"Why would you apologize? It's the truth."

Since I only took one gold coin from the bribe box Beatrice gave me, this was the limit. The other jewels and gold? Of course, I included them all in the academy's finances.

This was strictly speaking embezzlement, but my position as Finance Director not only made it possible, but also allowed me to conceal the embezzlement from everyone.

Was this what they meant by "with great power comes great responsibility"?

'…It seems like there's quite a lot of responsibility.'

Honestly, even more expensive fountain pens were only flashy in appearance and decoration, and their practicality wasn't much different from this one. It wasn't that I was frugal, but rather that after working as the Finance Director for a long time, I had learned to be efficient even with luxury.

Come to think of it, this was my first luxury purchase since becoming the Finance Director. Could I consider this a reward for myself as a first-year social worker?

Although I was fine with it, Lisha seemed flustered as if she had made a mistake, so I spoke first.

I had noticed it when we met before, but compared to her handling of the spear, she seemed somewhat clumsy in this area.

"By the way, Miss Lisha, what brings you to the night market?"

"Ahem. I came out to enjoy the night view rather than to buy anything… and to change my mood."

"Change your mood?"

"Recently, there has been an absurd rumor circulating among some students in my faction. Although I put an end to it immediately as a member of the Claudia family, those idiots who believed such a conspiracy theory were so frustrating that I came out to see the night view."

Grandis Academy offered equality of opportunity, but it naturally didn't offer equality of status.

It simply provided the same learning opportunities to nobles and commoners alike; it didn't mean that nobles and commoners became equal just by entering the academy.

Therefore, students from high-ranking noble families like Lisha Claudia often formed factions with other students from noble families closely connected to their own.

'She's quite frank, calling them idiots and frustrating, even though it's her own faction.'

Was it because she thought we were in the same boat, having already exchanged bribes?

From my perspective, where information and connections were always beneficial, it was a good thing.

A groundless rumor?

"Could I hear about it?"

"It's too absurd… and I'm worried it might confuse the Finance Director."

"I'm already off work, so I'm not the Finance Director now, but Adam Keynes."

"Haa, it's truly absurd, so please don't laugh after hearing it."

What is it?

Lisha, who openly expressed her frustration with her faction with a deep sigh…

"They said that an organization will soon terrorize Grandis Academy."

"Oh?"

"Isn't that ridiculous? Terrorism? Against Grandis Academy? Even I, a student, find it absurd, so the Finance Director must find it even more so. It's truly embarrassing."

"Well… that's true."

It wasn't exactly a groundless rumor, but for that story to come out already? Was it some kind of foreshadowing?

'Should I give her a hint?'

Considering Lisha's personality, she wouldn't just take the help and pretend she didn't know anything, so it was worth considering.

I pondered for a moment, but then I noticed the magic spear on Lisha's back as she sighed.

──Be careful of Lisha Claudia.

──Even if she herself is a good person, she might be different when she wields a weapon.

…Right.

It was something that would happen far in the future, so it was better to tell her when the time was right rather than now.

"Finance Director? You're not worried about the nonsense those idiots in our faction are spreading, are you…?"

"Why would I be worried? There are five security units in the academy, and more importantly, with the Headmistress here, who would dare to attempt terrorism?"

"I agree. Those people just like sensational stories, so please don't take it to heart."

"Understood. I have to go this way, so I'll take my leave."

"It was a pleasant conversation, Finance Director. Have a good night."

"You too, Miss Lisha."

Leaving the bustling night market behind, I entered a dark alley. It was a spontaneous trip to the night market, but I gained an unexpected harvest.

A terrorist attack on the academy, it was an inevitable cliché, wasn't it? In fact, there was a terrorist attack in as well.

It was just that it happened after the protagonist became a third-year, so I didn't think much of it. If the financial management went wrong, the academy would only have one year left at that point, and even if there wasn't a terrorist attack, bankruptcy would be almost certain.

However, the fact that rumors were already circulating two years before the attack meant…

'The mole was already active from the first year.'

The mole that the terrorist organization planted in Grandis Academy. That 'student' must be making moves.

Let's keep that in mind. That was all I could do for now. More importantly, I wanted to try out my fountain pen.

As soon as I arrived at the dormitory, I went into my room, spread out a paper, and was about to use the fountain pen—

"Oh."

—Before I could try it out…

There was a document on the desk.

I didn't suspect an intruder. This was one of the emergency communication methods between the Headmistress and me.

I didn't know how she did it, but if there was a really urgent matter after I left work, the Headmistress would place the relevant document on my desk. She was Rank 8, so she must have a way.

Although I had a minor question about why she didn't just come to me directly, we were both busy, so our schedules might not align, and since I had to go to the office to properly handle the work, I would end up meeting the Headmistress anyway.

Anyway, I carefully put down the still unopened fountain pen set and read the document.

The content was very simple.

[I just received a reply from Professor Circe. The research will start next Monday, and she says we can meet tomorrow.

In addition, it seems like something happened within the magic department. It seems like they're quite short on research funds.

And as always… I'm sorry.]

The handwriting, which seemed to be the Headmistress's, was somewhat shaky, as if filled with various emotions.

The meeting with Professor Circe must have been the one I requested, and this was the reply. Since the meeting was scheduled for tomorrow, it was indeed an urgent message. I had to prepare for the meeting as well.

I would have to look into the matter within the magic department and the research fund issue later.

And lastly, there was a somewhat abrupt apology from the Headmistress, but each and every word was filled with sincerity.

And I knew exactly why the Headmistress wrote this.

"I need to prepare."

It was obvious that I was meeting Professor Circe tomorrow, but there was another enemy I had to face.

…The 'custom' that was considered a matter of course in Grandis Academy, especially among the magic department professors.

What some called history and tradition, what some called corruption and abuse, and what some called welfare for professors, was something that could be said to have been created by the Headmistress decades ago.

And it was the problem I truly had to solve.