How To Live As A Writer In A Fantasy World
chapter-326

The path, whose destination I didn’t know, thankfully had an end. At the end waited none other than the principal of Halo Academy.

Aside from the entrance ceremony, I had never seen him before, and this was the first time we were face to face.

He must have quickly arranged the knights as soon as he heard I was coming. The knights dispatched to the academy, the security personnel, were all under the principal’s jurisdiction.

The person who created the path almost like a red carpet was the principal. Though it was one of the rare experiences in my life, I could understand the situation.

“Please have a seat here, Sir Xenon.”

And so, I arrived at the principal’s office. Following the principal’s guidance, I sat down on the guest sofa.

My guards, Adelia and Kate, also took their seats on either side. While sitting down, I didn’t forget to look around.

As expected of the principal’s office, some luxury items caught my eye, but it wasn’t excessive. It seemed appropriate for someone of the principal’s rank.

It’s a private office for personal work, so unnecessary clutter wasn’t needed.

More striking than the luxury items were the portraits of the previous principals. Since Halo Academy was established relatively recently, there weren’t many portraits.

On the other hand, the Ters Academy in the Kingdom of Ters, a cultural nation, was established over 100 years ago.

‘Indeed, they have a lot of money.’

While history and time can’t be bought with money, most other things can.

What if I were included in this? The Kingdom of Ters, despite its reputation, might gradually enter a period of decline.

Of course, with Maria currently on the throne, the future is uncertain. I also have no ill feelings toward her.

“Please, help yourself, though it isn’t much.”

While I was looking around, the principal appeared with refreshments. I turned my attention to the refreshments placed on the table.

There were cookies to soothe a bored palate and steaming coffee. I wasn’t sure what ingredients were used, but it was distinctly different from what you find in a café.

“This coffee is made from beans from the Basos region. The unique aroma is exquisite.”

“I see.”

I took a sip of the coffee after hearing his explanation. To be honest, I didn’t know what was so special about it, but I drank it anyway.

I could certainly tell it was different from ordinary coffee. Even without added sugar, it had a blend of sweetness and acidity.

Additionally, the rich caffeine aroma filled my nose, making me feel refreshed.

“It feels like my mind is clearing up.”

“Right?”

The principal responded with a smile to my impression. I took another sip and observed his face.

He had a clean-shaven head that looked cool, a well-groomed gray beard, and crow’s feet around his eyes with a robust build similar to a musketeer.

Overall, he looked like an older man working in a pawnshop, someone who would cut the offered price in half.

His name was Richard Nelson Girid. His rank was baron, and his administrative abilities were well-known throughout the empire. This was something I had heard from Rina.

As his appearance suggested, he was not a person skilled in combat.

‘He needs to establish a foundation first.’

As mentioned before, Halo Academy was established not long ago. Therefore, they must have placed someone with exceptional administrative skills in the principal’s position.

Moreover, Richard maintained political neutrality. Considering the academy’s nature, they had no choice but to appoint someone neutral.

Of course, things might change once he steps down from the principal position, but that’s not my concern right now.

“So, is the dormitory issue all resolved?”

“Yes. Princess Rina will be arriving shortly.”

I nodded while drinking my coffee. As expected, it seemed Rina would be handling the dormitory tour.

There’s no one more suitable than Rina to guide me through the dormitory. Still, having a princess personally show me around underscored my unique position.

So, how should I navigate my life at the academy going forward? This was precisely why I wanted to meet the principal.

“How will my daily life be handled? I’d like to graduate if possible.”

Even as Xenon, I’m fundamentally a student who loves history. Thus, I want to major in history under Elena’s guidance.

But I also know that this might be difficult. It could even negatively impact Elena and Cindy.

If it would harm them, I’m prepared to give up, albeit reluctantly.

“Hmm… Can I be frank with you?”

The principal seemed to find the decision quite challenging, clasping his hands together as he quietly asked. I immediately gave a positive response.

“Yes.”

“If you can manage it, continuing your studies is possible. However, the likelihood of unforeseen incidents occurring will increase.”

“Are you referring to issues related to devil worshippers?”

So, it is that issue. It’s the biggest problem currently looming over me, even though nothing has happened yet.

Even if they don’t target me directly, they could go after those around me. Elena and Cindy, in particular, are scholars, not warriors.

But contrary to my expectations, Richard was concerned about a different aspect.

“No. You don’t need to worry about that. You’ve been studying under Professor Elena, correct?”

“Yes.”

“Professor Elena, while specializing in history, also has a background in archaeology. She has traveled the world extensively.”

“With Cindy?”

“Yes.”

So, she’s like Indiana Jones. But from the principal’s words, it seems I don’t need to worry about Elena and Cindy.

Having explored the world, they should at least be able to take care of themselves. Moreover, being elves, they can likely use basic magic.

“So, what issues will I need to handle?”

“Very trivial ones. Things like stalkers, or missing items. Especially, even a scrap of paper you casually discard will be taken by someone. At worst, even a strand of your hair might be taken.”

“··· ···”

Why does Cherry come to mind when I hear that? She was the one who confirmed I was Xenon just from my handwriting and a strand of hair.

Of course, at that time, Cherry was in a serious state, practically halfway to confessing. Nonetheless, her obsession was quite formidable.

If more people like that appeared here? As the principal said, I would have to handle it all.

It could be worse than Cherry, as she didn’t cause me direct harm. In fact, she’s now working diligently as a co-author.

“If you can still manage to deal with such issues, you may attend classes. However, please understand that preventing all such incidents is practically impossible.”

“…I understand. Hearing this, I realize such incidents could indeed occur. Thank you. Has anyone else experienced similar incidents?”

“Many. Particularly, it often happens to royalty and high-ranking nobles. Recently, it happened to Prince Leort.”

“Prince Leort?”

I widened my eyes in surprise. I hadn’t heard of such incidents from Lina either.

Looking to the side, I saw Adelia was also surprised. As a teaching assistant, she would have heard various rumors, but she seemed unaware of this one, indicating it must have happened very recently.

The principal, noticing our reactions, nodded and spoke in a rather serious tone.

“While Prince Leort’s personal belongings were not stolen, items he used were taken. For example, the utensils he used in the dining hall or the teacups he used in the café. The prince noticed something was off and quickly took action.”

“Did they catch the culprit?”

“Yes. The culprit’s name is Sophia Alain Berdo. She had apparently been infatuated with Prince Leort. She has since been expelled and sent back to her family.”

The name sounds vaguely familiar, but I’m not sure. In any case, if it happened to Leort, it could easily happen to me as well.

No, it will probably be worse. Unlike Leort, I’m clumsy and tend to leave things lying around.

If I leave an item somewhere even for a ‘moment,’ it will likely disappear. Especially if that item is a notebook for my writings, the situation could become serious.

“…This is more troublesome than I thought.”

“Yes. You’ll need to be more cautious in your daily life than usual. Just that alone can increase stress, which is why I expressed my concern.”

“Sigh… I understand. I will think about this gradually, but for now, I will continue my studies. I think that would be best.”

“I will respect your decision, Sir Xenon. If you change your mind, feel free to come to me anytime. Oh, and…”

It seemed the principal had something else to say. His demeanor changed to one of great caution.

He clasped his hands together and hesitated to speak. I waited patiently to see what he had to say.

“This may be an impertinent question, but do you have any plans to share your knowledge, Sir Xenon?”

“My knowledge?”

“Yes.”

“About future events?”

At first, I thought the principal was asking because he considered me a reincarnator or a prophet.

However, I quickly realized that was a wrong assumption.

“No, no, not at all. I was simply wondering if you could teach the students how to write.”

“How to write? You mean composition?”

“Yes. If it was an inappropriate question, I apologize.”

“There’s no need to apologize…”

I wasn’t bothered at all. In fact, I felt a bit flattered.

It seemed the principal regarded my writing techniques as a kind of secret skill, akin to the secret techniques martial artists pass down to their disciples.

But there’s no secret technique, writing is just about mastering the basics. It just takes time to refine it and develop one’s own style.

‘Come to think of it…’

I recalled the books published in this world. While the techniques of papermaking and printing were as advanced as those on Earth, the quality of writing was often lacking.

For example, writing excessively long sentences without breaks, repeating words, or using unnecessary phrases.

This was similar to web novels from my previous life. A strong foundation in the basics is essential before one can delve into literary fiction or web novels.

Cherry was an exceptional case. She had a natural talent for writing, to the extent of creating her own unique style.

‘Is he suggesting I establish a creative writing department?’

It’s not a bad idea. However, realistically, it would be very challenging.

If I established it, the lecture hall would be overflowing, and my personal time would be significantly reduced. This is something to consider later.

“It’s a good idea, but I’ll have to decline. Not because I don’t want to teach, but because I don’t have the time.”

“Hmm… I understand. I apologize for overstepping.”

“No need to apologize. Your suggestion actually makes me happy. If I become more accustomed to my schedule, I’ll consider it.”

Knock knock knock

“Principal Richard, it’s Rina. May I come in?”

Just as I finished speaking, Rina arrived with impeccable timing. As I stood up, my guards and the principal stood up as well.

Now, all that’s left is to head to the dormitory where I’ll be staying. I thanked the principal.

“Thank you for your advice.”

“The pleasure is mine. If you ever decide to take up the offer, feel free to come to me.”

“Yes.”

Honestly, it’s an appealing option. While I might not have the capacity to be a full professor, I could certainly teach someone, like I did Cindy.

‘And as for the stalker problem…’

That’s something I need to think about gradually.

‘I should probably tell everyone not to mess with the pink-haired girl.’

Let’s make an exception for Cherry. Like with Hiriya, she might end up being a stalker who helps me.

‘But why does Cherry only follow me?’

It might be a good idea to have a counseling session with her soon.

‘And I still need to find Leona…’

There were still too many things left to resolve.

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