Divine Luck: SSS-Rank Battle Maid Harem

"I…would like unrestricted access to the library for being forced to give a speech without notice. If I can stock up on knowledge ahead of time, maybe I'll be better prepared next time, even if no one tells me."

The principal looked at Zach for a moment before nodding.

"It won't be unrestricted since there are things in there that no one, especially young students, should interact with. But if there's anything special that you want to read or see, just tell Kami here, and I'm sure something can be arranged." The principal smiled as he pointed at the purple-haired instructor, who gave a slight nod to Zach.

Zach returned the greeting and then looked at the principal again.

"As for the matter of almost dying to the Academy's lacking maintenance…"

"You want more?" The principal raised his eyebrows, interrupting Zach.

"Pardon me if I don't think getting to read more books is worth more than my life."

The principal looked a little taken aback at Zach's words as the latter began to slowly stand up.

"Nonsense! Sit back down and tell me what you want right now."

"Well, if you insist." Zach raised his hands in defeat and sat down again.

"I was thinking of giving you the chance to earn back my trust in you and the Academy, principal."

The principal's eyebrow shot up again.

"Oh?"

Kami was starting to have difficulty controlling his expression and the urge to laugh.

Zach nodded.

"If I ask you for help or a favor in the future, please answer positively."

The principal simply looked at Zach with a blank expression for a moment or two before speaking.

"Is that it…?"

"Of course. Do you want me to ask for more?"

"No, that's not necessary. It's just that…I can't make such a promise. Although you can hold me responsible for what happened today, I have priorities that supersede the life of a single student. Although regrettable, I am in a position where I must choose the life of the many over the life of the few."

"That's a given. You can rest easy. I'm not going to ask anything of you that you won't be able to handle. And if one day a situation where you must choose between me and the Academy should arise, all I would ask then is that you look for a third option. Why choose the life of the many when you can save everyone, am I right?"

"Understood. I will do my best to fulfill any one request or favor you ask of me in the future. Of course, you're also free to come see me if you have anything else to discuss. Setting everything else aside, you're a student, and I am the principal. It's my duty to hear you out."

Zach nodded.

"Sure thing. That's all, right?"

"Yes. Make sure to rest up and prepare for the practical lessons. Since you've gotten a preview of what to expect, I'll expect great things from our freshman representative."

'Preview?'

Zach was curious about what the principal meant but the meeting had already ended, so he gracefully took his leave with Yanael.

As soon as the door closed behind Zach, Kami bent over with laughter.

"Pahaha! Oh, man, what a guy! How long has it been since someone treated you like that, principal? Not only did he give you some advice, he also said—Ha!—He also said he's giving you a chance! The balls on this kid are larger than the Academy!"

Kami steadied himself with a hand on the principal's chair as he continued chuckling.

The principal swiveled his chair and broke Kami's balance, but even as he fell to the floor, Kami continued laughing.

The principal sighed and glanced at Kami before answering the question.

"I stopped counting the years, but I'm pretty sure I haven't been treated as nonchalantly by anyone like that ever since I became a summoner."

"Haha! Doesn't he know who you are? This is great! Thanks for making me an instructor at this place Principal."

"It's certainly refreshing, albeit worrying. What if he treats the emperor or something the same way he talked to me?"

"Oh, he'd die for sure. The emperor is such a brat."

"Heh. Calling that guy a brat…It doesn't fit, but it fits. Seriously, though, Kami. Pull yourself together. We still have another matter to deal with."

"Right, right."

Kami slowly got up and stopped laughing like a maniac. He and the principal turned their attention to the dark-haired corner decoration. Jarron had failed to blend in with the wall and become one with the building. The principal and Kami had not forgotten him.

***

Since no one was actually affected or injured by the incident during the morning's entrance ceremony, classes continued as scheduled with the only late arrival being Zach. But everyone, including the instructor, saw the principal bring him away, so they waited the few minutes he was late.

Well, it was more than a few minutes since Zach didn't know where the class was held or how to find where it was held.

But before long, Zach arrived at the training grounds where his classmates and a short instructor with a large robe but small body were idly chatting.

"Ah, there he is! Welcome, Zacharia Evandiel, to Skills in Theory and Practice."

"Sorry, I'm late."

"It's no biggie. We're just happy you could make it after this morning, especially me. After all, what happened was an excellent example for today's lesson."

"It was?"

"Of course! I'm not sure you saw it very well, but everyone else did. That golden barrier that appeared around you and your maid was a skill, most likely the contract skill you got when summoning her."

"I see."

"Yes, and until you master it," The instructor looked at the other students, too. "I will have you keep putting yourselves and each other in danger."

The instructor put their hands together and gave a brilliant smile that clashed with the chills running down most students' spines.