" I must apologise though you had sent a request for a meeting weeks ago I could only find some time now " Merlin said as he poured me a cup of tea
" You have no need to apologize, after all it was I who asked for a meeting in such a hectic time, I have heard of how much work has happened over the past months to ensure the safety of the students enrolling this year "
" Ah yes, we have quite the batch this year, you yourself included "
' A batch of students that will include the children of all 5 ducal houses, an imperial princess and even the head of a Marquise family just thinking of all paperwork that such a thing would cause is giving me a headache '
" It seems it is my turn to apologize seeing the extra trouble I have caused you "
" Oh no, your rise to the position of head was a necessity seeing as there was no direct family to act as proxy and it was spurred on you after the death of the previous head without even giving you time to mourn, you have no need to feel any guilt "
His words forced me to recall Nicholos's past, the truth behind Nicholos's rise as head was as simple as it was cruel it was just that there was no one else to inherit it, for an old member of nobility especially one as high a rank as marquis that should have been impossible, however it was made true by the madness of his father who killed them all including his own wife in fear betrayal and having his position stolen.
'No wonder Nicholos grew to be so messed up '
Closing my eyes to push back the memories I proceeded with the reason for this meeting
" It was actually because of my position that I had asked for this meeting "
Hearing my words Merlin merely gave a nod
" I have countless duties related to my territory and while I am able to take care of most duties through a communication crystal I still need to go and check the progress myself as such I can't be forced to stay inside the academy during my stay here I need full authority to leave the island anytime I want not only in cases of emergency"
Yes, an island the academy was built in a middle of a large lake close to the capital acting as a boarding school with an entire city built upon it to accommodate the students. The problem is just like any other boarding school you can't leave unless it is the holiday or if there is an emergency.
" I understand your predicament however if there is no case of emergency I give you authorization to simply leave "
" Then let me make it clear I need to be able to leave to prevent that case of emergency, you should already know that House Arcane are currently the only ones keeping the balance in the underworld and because of that crime rates all around the empire has decreased.
However, if there ever comes a time that I am unable to go when I need to then everything might go up in smoke that very second. Are you truly willing to take that risk? "
Staying silent for a bit Merlin took a sip of tea before replying
" Indeed, it seems I have misjudged the situation instead of a constant leave of absence it is closer to a constant case of emergency is that not so "
" I will make it so that a private transportation gateway is added to your dorm room with the ability to leave at any given moment I believe that is only fair considering the circumstances "
" No that is more than enough I thank you for understanding but if it is possible to add one more thing "
" And what would that be? " Merlin asked raising an eyebrow
" The way I will be addressed in the academy, while I promise I will not use my position to pressure anyone I cannot have others talk to me informally or without my proper title "
" The academy is a place of equality " Merlin said furrowing his brows
" I know however I must maintain my status without it everything I built up could come crashing down, so for that even if it means I have to lower my head to you, I have to insist on this "
" Don't say such things, those acts had long lost their meanings to me "
Heaving a sigh, he said
" If you ever try to pressure any of the other cadets then I'll have you immediately expelled do you understand "
" Yes, you don't need to worry I have no intention of tarnishing my families name by being expelled "
" Good then, is there anything else you would like to speak of Sir Nicholos "
"No, that is all I wanted to say "
Seeing him go back to pouring tea I took that as a signal to leave moving towards the gateway and thanking him one last time before walking inside.
.....
Arriving at the arcane estate again the first person I saw as always was albert.
" Did all go well master? "
" More so than I expected honestly "
Wiping the cold sweat that accumulated on my forehead I could only shudder recalling back when I asked to retain my title. Merlin hadn't exuded any mana or killing intent however his mere presence at the time was enough to cause my whole body to freeze by instinct. When it comes to power it was no wonder it was said he was the strongest his aura was befitting of the only SS+ rank in the world.
" A new gateway is going to be established so make sure to calibrate it accordingly before the beginning of the new year "
" I'll have them ready for work immediately master "
" Good now with two weeks left let us get everything under wraps before I leave "
opening the door, I walked and spoke
" Prepare the carriage we have many of our friends to visit "
And that was how I found myself spending the final two weeks visiting the entirety of the arcane territory to finish all the unfinished business before my leave to the academy.