Chapter 168
The second of the Seven Wonders was resolved.
Mary of the Toilet would never attack people again... or so they hoped.
The female student who had been attacked was frightened, but thankfully suffered no serious injuries.
After receiving treatment from Clael, she regained full consciousness.
Just to be safe, she would likely undergo an examination at the shrine... but there should be no problems.
"Uwaaaaaah! Clael-senseeeeei!"
"Yes, yes. I'm sorry for leaving you behind... Miss Yurii."
If there was a problem, it was more likely Yurii Kanesta.
When Clael rushed to the restroom, Yurii had been left behind, and out of fear and anxiety, she burst into tears.
She cried and clung to Clael, regardless of the presence of other teachers and student council members who had heard the commotion.
Calming Yurii had been more difficult than defeating Mary of the Toilet.
"At this rate... it might really be better to close the academy temporarily."
The scene shifted to the staff room.
Sighing and shaking their head was Amlet, the department head who had received Clael's report.
"Let's also submit a request to the headmaster to cancel the midterms. It would be too late if something irreversible happened."
"That said... doing so would create other problems, wouldn't it?"
"Indeed, Mr. Burn. There would likely be complaints from students and parents."
In response to Clael's words, Amlet shrugged with a weary expression.
For the students, both the suspension of classes and the cancellation of midterms were significant issues.
The Royal Academy was an important institution for training future knights, civil officials, and priests.
Even a single test score could be a crucial point for future employment opportunities.
For students aiming to work at the royal palace, it was a valuable chance.
In fact, there had been cases where students with top scores in midterms or finals were scouted by the royal palace and left the academy early.
(This isn't like middle or high school in Japan... Whether or not you get good grades here determines your career...)
Students whose future was already decided, such as those set to inherit their family business, might be happy about the academy closing.
But... for those aiming higher, losing opportunities would be a serious setback.
"Hic, hic... A-and the martial arts tournament is coming up too... If the academy closes, some people will be in trouble... I really hope we can avoid shutting it down..."
Yurii voiced her opinion between sobs.
Despite being the most afraid of the patrols after school, she seemed to care deeply about the students' futures.
That said... continuing classes as they were could endanger the students' lives.
It was one of those situations where solving one problem created another.
"As a compromise... how about shortening the class hours?"
After thinking for a moment, Clael spoke up.
"We could hold shortened classes in the morning and have students go home early. If it's during the daytime, ghost activity should be less intense."
Though only 'in principle', the Seven Mysteries of the Academy only occurred after school.
If students were sent home before the Seven Wonders became active, major harm could be avoided.
"Of course, there will be people among the students and parents who see the current situation as dangerous. So, we'll make attendance optional. For those who don't come to school, we'll assign homework for home study."
"Yes... Let's relay Mr. Burn's suggestion to the headmaster."
Amlet fanned their chest for no reason, exuding a seductive air as they agreed with Clael's proposal.
After that, the meeting was adjourned, and Clael carried Yurii back to the staff dormitory.
The next day.
After an early morning staff meeting, Clael's proposal was adopted.
The academy shortened its class hours and moved to optional attendance.
The midterms were postponed for now... but the task of creating homework for home study ended up increasing the burden on Clael and the other teachers.