Chapter 240
The Principal's reaction was something I truly did not expect. To be honest, I thought I would hear a harsh reprimand.
Only then could I observe the Principal's complexion.
"..."
Her eyes, which always observed everything aloofly, slightly wavered for some reason. Her face bore a faint heat that could almost be mistaken for anticipation.
...Could it be that Hae Wolhwa's physical condition isn't very good right now?
After all, hasn't she recently gone through quite a tumultuous time?
During the Southern Expedition, she ended up losing her sight after an unexpected attack, and as soon as she barely managed to return to the Capital, she had to suppress the coup caused by Baek Ilyong and even deal with the Witch.
Both Yeon and I also owe her our lives.
Moreover, even after returning to the Cradle, the Principal hasn't had any rest and has been overwhelmed with taxing work.
No matter how much of an out-of-standard mage she is... it is a situation where overexertion is inevitable.
Perhaps the Principal's mutter just now was her unconscious way of expressing her state.
"Ah, that's enough."
Hae Wolhwa waved her hand as she looked at me, lost in thought. She tried to appear nonchalant, but there was a certain awkwardness in her demeanor.
"I..."
"I said that's enough. It was just a joke. A Principal being supported by a student? Imagine if anyone saw it—I'd become such a laughingstock... huh?!"
But just as the Principal was about to take a step forward, her foot caught on a protruding stone on the walking path, causing her to stumble heavily.
"Lady Hae Wolhwa!!"
I immediately extended my arm toward her.
This situation is definitely absurd.
How could a mage of the Principal's caliber not avoid a mere protruding stone and end up stumbling?
To an outsider, it might look as though she was distracted by something, causing her to stumble clumsily. But I could tell.
The Principal is clearly overexerting herself right now.
"Are you alright?"
Being close, I could catch her before she fell. Her body was as light as a feather, so it wasn't all that difficult.
By extending my arm and wrapping it partially around one of her shoulders, it ended up looking as though I was holding the Principal in my embrace. I knew it was inappropriate, but given the situation...
"..."
The Principal froze like a statue, remaining silent. Her breathing was somewhat uneven. The blossoming heat on her face seemed to grow more intense, as if its petals were in full bloom.
"Lady Hae Wolhwa? Are you alright..."
"I-I'm fine."
When I called her again, Hae Wolhwa finally shook her head vigorously. Her state, however, seemed far from fine.
"This... This is the first time in my life that someone has handled this body so carelessly..."
Regaining her composure, she glared at me with a reprimanding look.
"Even boldness has its limits..."
I can't say I don't understand the Principal's feelings. After all, she is a renowned Archmage with towering achievements.
For someone like her to receive support from a mere student must be utterly humiliating.
Still, I couldn't possibly let the Principal fall flat on the ground...
"If I have offended you, I sincerely apologize. I was just worried about you, Principal."
At that, for some reason, Hae Wolhwa flinched lightly.
"...You're worried about me?"
"Yes. Of course..."
My voice was stiff, almost as if I had forced myself to fabricate that apology. Even though it was sincere, did it not reach her?
"Ha, my goodness... Truly remarkable."
Hae Wolhwa let out a dry laugh. Then, with a coy expression, she glared at me again.
"I think I can somewhat understand how those children might feel. However, do not misunderstand. Do you think this body is so easily swayed? If you thought I'd fall so easily, you're gravely mistaken."
"Huh...? Fall for what...?"
Is she talking about the protruding stone?
"Hmph. That's enough."
The Principal turned her head abruptly, showing no intention of explaining further. However, she soon hesitated, slightly turning her head just enough for her slender nose to be visible, and spoke hesitantly.
"But really... will you support me?"
"Yes. It's not difficult at all."
I immediately replied. It wasn't a lie either.
She is someone to whom I owe my life.
Though she was a bit troublesome at first, she is also the one who approved my recommendation for admission.
Thanks to Hae Wolhwa, I've been able to enjoy various conveniences. For example, living in the same dormitory as Yeon Minha.
Compared to all that, supporting her is hardly a difficult task.
I gently guided the Principal to lean on me, allowing her to stabilize herself. Her head naturally dropped, brushing against my shoulder. The refreshing grass scent unique to her tickled the tip of my nose.
"Feel free to lean on me. I'm perfectly fine with it."
"Y-Yes."
Initially, I held her up by supporting her shoulder with my hand, but the posture felt awkward. To make it easier to move, I lowered my hand slightly toward her waist. As soon as I did, a shrill scream escaped her lips.
"Hik...!"
"Principal? Are you alright?"
"N-Nothing...! It's just... uh..."
I wondered if there was a wound on her waist that I hadn't noticed, but the Principal shook her head. After hesitating for a moment, she reluctantly spoke.
"M-My waist is... rather sensitive..."
***
After that, I continued walking along the path with the Principal leaning on me. It was almost like being a listener to her endless grievances.
"Honestly... even if I had ten bodies, it wouldn't be enough at this point... The Cradle is a mess, the Capital is in chaos... and the intelligence reports flying in from the Northern Region..."
Because of how close we were, the Principal's voice sounded almost like a whisper.
Though her lips kept muttering complaints, I could tell that the sharp attitude from earlier had softened considerably.
Above all, the fact that she naturally leaned into me and matched her steps with mine...
"It must be tough for you. Is there anything I can help you with?"
"That's enough. I wouldn't stoop so low as to borrow a student's hands."
Hae Wolhwa shook her head vigorously, half-buried in her thoughts.
"If you truly care, just occasionally keep me company for a chat. I've been feeling stifled, having no one to confide in."
"If I'm good enough for that..."
"..."
Then, a slightly awkward yet satisfied smile emerged on the Principal's lips. It was a refreshing smile, one that could make someone believe she was just another Cradle Freshman.
She must have had quite a lot bottled up.
"By the way, you told me a lie."
While we continued walking, the Principal asked in a casual tone.
"A lie...?"
"I'm talking about your power. Surely, you wouldn't deny it now, would you?"
"..."
The Principal's calm demeanor made me feel even more flustered.
Honestly, I had always thought she would eventually discover the true nature of my power. Especially since I had openly displayed it in front of the Professors.
Naturally, it was only a matter of time before it reached her ears as well.
"A man with the Witch's Authority... My, after living so long, I truly have seen it all."
Each time I heard such words from her unwrinkled face, it always felt surreal.
"Only now do your past achievements make sense. The Tendril Serpent subjugation, the annihilation of PLF's 1st Regiment... I always found them suspicious, but..."
"...Are you going to kill me? Or perhaps arrest me...?"
"Why would I?"
Even as I asked, she cocked her head nonchalantly.
"Isn't it obvious..."
"You saved the Cradle in critical moments. Your past contributions are too numerous to count. Why would I ever persecute someone like you?"
Then she gave me a slightly disappointed look.
"Or is it that you don't find this body trustworthy? If that's truly the case, I think I'd be a bit disheartened. I've been wholeheartedly supporting your life in the Cradle, after all..."
"There's no such thing. I'm always grateful to you, Principal."
"Hmph..."
Though the Principal turned her head away coyly, she couldn't hide the faint smile on her lips. Soon after, she collected herself and cleared her throat before speaking.
"Ahem, anyway, there's no need to worry about that. The Professors gathered that day were all prepared to sacrifice themselves to protect the students. Each one of them possesses noble character. Although I strictly ordered them to keep silent, even if I hadn't, they would have kept their mouths shut for your sake."
"Thank you."
"Between us, there's no need to make a big deal out of this. However, I do feel a bit offended. I will certainly hold your master accountable for deceiving me, so keep that in mind."
"..."
I couldn't even begin to imagine what kind of punishment the Principal would impose. I was just relieved that I wasn't the one facing that storm. Sorry, Unit Commander...
"In any case, cause and effect must be clear. It seems necessary to uncover the origin of that power. Perhaps it might even provide a clue to confront those things."
It was a reasonable question, but I had nothing particular to say. Other than the fact that my Divine Power originated from Soo-ah, I didn't know much either.
That being said, I couldn't reveal Soo-ah's true identity to her immediately. No matter the circumstances, a genuine Witch and someone possessing a Witch's power are different. After all, even Yena is imprisoned in Anhwa, isn't she?
Moreover, the Principal seemed to harbor considerable hatred toward those things...
"...How disappointing."
The Principal sighed softly, looking slightly disappointed after hearing what I had to say.
"I had hoped to grasp some unknown clue all this time..."
"I'm sorry."
"It's fine. It's not your fault."
The Principal waved it off nonchalantly. By then, the walking path was coming to an end, and we had reached the edge of the garden.
After walking in silence for a while, the Principal spoke quietly.
"Still, your existence brings me a small amount of joy."
"Me... you mean?"
"Yes."
The Principal nodded and then began speaking in a wistful voice.
"Do you know? Since I was young, I was praised as a prodigy of the ages."
Suddenly, self-praise out of nowhere...?