Reviving a Bankrupt Academy: My Financial Battle

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To fully understand Lisha's dilemma, a bit of background knowledge is needed.

Fundamentally, an academy is a place of learning. Unless someone is as crazy as the protagonist, they usually learn various things under capable instructors, raise their rank, and graduate.

However, there were those who saw the academy not as a place of 'learning' but as a place of 'showing off.'

Applicants who were already famous even before enrolling were like that.

'The princess of the neighboring kingdom, the promising talent from the magic tower, the youngest knight.'

And the Margrave's youngest daughter in front of me.

Frankly speaking, these people didn't need to come to the academy. But why did they come? It was obvious.

Grandis Academy was the most suitable place to further enhance their reputation.

'Of course, they do learn something, but it's more about adding to their name value in social circles by being number one.'

They could become somewhat famous even by quietly training at home, but showcasing their skills at Grandis Academy, where talents from all over the kingdom gathered, was far more advantageous for boosting their reputation.

That didn't mean they weren't acting like students. Their goal wasn't learning but being number one, so they studied and worked incredibly hard for that top spot.

In a way, they were the ones who most passionately sought knowledge for the sake of being number one. Just looking at Lisha's hands, they were full of calluses.

And naturally,

Such competition for the top spot inevitably created 'losers.'

Especially in a case like this.

'The promising talent from the magic tower and the princess will go into the magic field, the youngest daughter and the youngest knight into the martial arts field.'

The administration field? There was nothing there. It was a place where commoners studied their butts off to get a job, rather than promising talents or nobles seeking fame.

Since their goal was to elevate their reputation and name value, these individuals wouldn't tolerate second place. When they made their debut in social circles later, it would be much more valuable to say they never lost the top spot at Grandis Academy for three years, rather than just being number one once in a while.

But there was a problem. Such applicants didn't conveniently show up one per field every year.

This year was mild, but in severe cases, four or five of them would flock to the magic or martial arts fields, vying for the top rank. It was the same when I was at the academy.

And Lisha Claudia, the youngest daughter of one of the most prominent families in the kingdom and the Margrave,

would naturally have to compete with the youngest knight for the top spot.

'The youngest knight is at the beginning of Rank 5, and Lisha, although she's about to be promoted, is still Rank 4.'

Frankly speaking, the competition was likely to end in Lisha's defeat.

Of course, not everything was determined by rank, but it was no exaggeration to say that eight out of ten times, the outcome was decided by the difference in rank. She might win a few times by chance, but the youngest knight would definitely have the upper hand.

However, postponing enrollment for a year to avoid competition… considering the rumors that she ran away from defeat or the scornful eyes of society that would ridicule her, it was quite a difficult decision.

Especially for someone with the pride of being the youngest daughter of a great family and a Margrave.

That's why she was seriously considering my proposal.

'If she's going to lose anyway, it's better to lose together with a suddenly appearing irregular than to the youngest knight, who has been her rival for a long time.'

Moreover, the protagonist wasn't even a commoner. He was a noble, albeit from a fallen family, with a surname. On top of that, he possessed an extraordinary strength of Rank 6 at his age, making him a perfect fit.

No one would mock someone for not being able to defeat a typhoon. In the academy, a Rank 6 wasn't a joke; it was practically a natural disaster.

Just as Lisha, a Rank 4, had little chance of winning against the Rank 5 youngest knight, it was impossible for the Rank 5 knight to defeat the Rank 6 protagonist.

Lisha must have been quite worried. Outwardly, she would have acted confident, as if victory was certain, but inwardly, she must have been anxious.

To her, the protagonist must have seemed like a sudden lifeline.

"Finance Director Adam, if it wouldn't be too much trouble…"

"I apologize. I suddenly need to use the restroom. Would it be alright if I excused myself for a moment? It'll take about 10 minutes."

"Oh, of course!"

I didn't actually need to use the restroom. This was a decision beyond Lisha's authority.

We needed to utilize the influence of the prominent Claudia family, a great noble family, to prevent protests from other nobles. There was no way she could decide this on her own.

Her family probably assigned an advisor or someone with actual power to her. Lisha's asking for my understanding likely meant she wanted to step out for a moment to consult with them.

However, in noble customs, it was considered quite rude for the host to leave a guest alone in the reception room. Even more so when the guest was a high-ranking official from the academy they would be attending.

That's why I excused myself first, using the restroom as an excuse. This way, Lisha could stay in the reception room and receive advice while waiting for me.

Her voice brightening up at the end was also thanks to that.

'It's a good thing I learned about noble customs from the Headmistress.'

As the Finance Director, I had to meet with trading companies and other nobles from time to time, so the Headmistress had taught me various things. And thanks to that, I was able to use that knowledge quite effectively in situations like this.

As I stepped out of the reception room, a maid politely approached and bowed.

"I'll guide you."

"Thank you."

I had deliberately mentioned taking about 10 minutes, so I just needed to kill some time and then go back.

The maid, who must have been informed during that short interval, simply guided me around the exclusive dormitory without saying much.

So, while admiring all sorts of luxurious decorations…

While admiring all the luxurious decorations,

I noticed something familiar.

"What's that?"

"It's an item bestowed by the Margrave when the young lady came to the academy. I heard it's a weapon the Margrave used in the past."

So that's the magic spear.

In , it was confusing because of the pixelated graphics, but looking at those distinctive decorations, it seemed to be the one.

It was the weapon Lisha Claudia used when you recruited her as a companion in the game.

'It looks fine, though.'

Honestly, I didn't know why it was called a magic spear. The weapon description simply said it was a magic spear concealing its true nature.

It was probably meant to be a plot point in the second or third part of the game. At least, it never caused any trouble in the academy arc.

Let's just keep it in mind for now. Thinking that, I walked a few more minutes, and it was about time.

I signaled to the maid, and she immediately guided me back to the reception room. This was very convenient.

'Having subordinates is definitely the way to go.'

Renewing my determination to escape from being a Finance Director without any subordinates, I entered the reception room again, and Lisha already had a resolute expression on her face.

"The Claudia family will fully cooperate."

"Thank you for your cooperation."

As expected of the Claudia family, they were decisive.

Anyway, with this, there would be no nobles objecting to the protagonist's admission. If any minor nobles protested after the Claudias had given their approval, it would only show their lack of tact.

Then what about the five times tuition fee?

'Let's just pocket it.'

The protagonist seemed to have plenty of money, judging by how coolly he offered to pay five times the tuition. Besides, what did he do to be Rank 6 and rich from the very beginning of the academy arc? Did he use cheats or something?

Frankly, I didn't care how the protagonist got strong. It wasn't like he was going to earn the academy any budget or prevent bankruptcy. In fact, considering the scholarships he would receive with his skills, even five times the tuition was a loss.

Anyway, the matter was resolved smoothly, so now it was time to achieve my 'true objective.'

"I'm relieved that Lady Lisha has accepted. I was quite nervous."

"Really? Did something happen with that knight guy…?"

"No, not at all. The youngest knight only emphasizes his 'youngest' title; his family is just a lowly baronet."

"It's quite absurd, isn't it? So, was there something else that happened?"

First, I emphasized that there was no connection between me and the youngest knight, and then mentioned his background, which could be considered his complex.

This was to make Lisha feel a little bit more inwardly close to me, and then,

"The Headmistress was quite displeased."

"…The Headmistress was."

"After all, from her perspective, regulations or whatever are just a game. It was quite a stretch for her to even come and talk to Lady Lisha."

"I see."

Was the Headmistress displeased? Well, something like that. Anyway, if I said she was, then she was.

I might be a bit disrespectful to her at times, but the Headmistress was an 8th Rank, the same as the Margrave, the head of the Claudia family. In fact, she was clearly stronger than the Margrave, even among those of the same rank.

Even if you weren't of noble birth, reaching Rank 8 transcended such origins. They were the nation's greatest strength, so even the royal family would be cautious around them.

Grandis Academy was the best in the kingdom not only because of its high educational quality but also because it was the academy founded by the Headmistress.

And who was I? The Finance Director, the Headmistress's closest aide, despite all the rumors.

There was no way Lisha would doubt me if I said the Headmistress was displeased.

"I managed to convince her, even though there was no need to talk to the Claudia family in the first place. I'll probably get chewed out when I go back."

"…Thank you very much, Finance Director Adam."

"The Headmistress is fine, but as someone responsible for the academy's finances, how could I not consider the Claudia family? I hope we can continue our good relationship in the future."

"Those are our sentiments exactly. We thank you again for your kindness, Finance Director."

For the Claudia family, known for their martial spirit, to express their gratitude twice meant they were truly thankful.

This should be enough. I trusted that they wouldn't try to get away with just words of gratitude.

"This might be a bit presumptuous of me to say."

"Presumptuous? Please, speak freely."

"As you know, the Headmistress has a very upright character. As the Headmistress of our Grandis Academy, she always cares about the education and well-being of the students."

"I've heard that often from my father. She's someone I always respect."

"That's why she doesn't particularly approve of this kind of thing, but isn't it difficult for such a large academy to always operate with integrity and transparency?"

"…Of course, that's true."

"Just as the Claudia family expressed their gratitude twice, I'd like to take the liberty of speaking one more time, even if it's presumptuous."

"..."

"I would like to maintain a good relationship with the Claudia family in the future."

Now.

You get it now, don't you?

"...…"

From my perspective, the earlier incident was just a bonus, and this was the real deal.

At my subtle 'bribery request,' Lisha closed her eyes for a moment and remained silent.

"…Of course. The Claudia family also wished to build a connection with a capable individual like the Finance Director."

"That's a great honor. I'm humbled."

Lisha, or rather, the Claudia family, had accepted.

As I had hinted, a somewhat dirty deal that the Headmistress, with her upright character (?), wouldn't particularly like.

The deal was sealed: I, as the Finance Director, would continue to look after the Claudia family in various ways, and in return, they would show their sincerity.

'Is this Lisha's own decision, or is it the Claudia family's intention?'

Had she already discussed the bribe with her advisor, or was this level of sincerity something Lisha could handle on her own?

Was that important? In the immediate present, it wasn't that crucial, but considering my plans, it was something to consider.

Anyway, with this, Lisha would send me bribes on her own.

And that meant…

'Securing regular budget.'

It would be diligently used to delay the academy's bankruptcy.

I had succeeded in getting the protagonist admitted, made a deal with the Claudias, and secured the budget. It was truly the best possible outcome.

Headmistress, you're the best!

******

"…So, you used my name like that and made a deal?"

"That's correct, Headmistress."

"Ugh, ugh…! You, you…!!"

"Your honor won't be tarnished, Headmistress. I'm the one receiving the bribe, you were just used as an excuse."

"That's the same thing! Can you just talk about me like that!?"

"…I apologize, Headmistress. It seems I didn't consider your feelings."

"Wh-what? Finance Director, why all of a sudden…"

"I should have shown you this first."

"What?"

Flip.

"What… is this?"

"It's a 'small token of sincerity' sent by the Claudias. They'll probably send proper bribes regularly in the future."

"This is just a 'small token of sincerity'…?"

"Congratulations, Headmistress. This is enough to delay the academy's bankruptcy by four days!"

"..."

"Should I refrain from mentioning your name at all in the future?"

"…Fine, sell it."

"Oh ho."

"This is also for the academy…!!"

"As expected of the Headmistress! I had faith in you! To keep selling the image of the 'upright and incorruptible Headmistress,' all you need to do is maintain your dignity! And occasionally act angry when I ask you to!"

"…Why am I tearing up?"

"They must be tears of joy."

And more importantly,

"This is just the beginning."

"W-what?"

"Last year, I was suddenly appointed as the Finance Director, so I could barely handle the paperwork in front of me."

But now, with a bit of experience and more room to maneuver,

I could do it.

"I intend to utilize an old proverb to the fullest."

"Pro…verb?"

"The early bird civil servant gets the bribe."

"…? What kind of nonsen—"

Bribes.

I firmly believe that bribes will be the future bread and butter of this academy…!!