My Interview With the Heads

Not too long after I pondered, the headmaster finally arrived. He clapped three times to get the attention of the many - specifically the new students.

"May I have your attention?" He asked. Of course, everybody obediently listened as he started his speech.

"Every student deserves a spot in this academy no matter where they come from. I, Fredrich Roadster, as the headmaster, will ensure that this academy values all students the same way with integrity, compassion, and fairness."

'Pfft' equality? The main reason equality happens in this academy is that those of lower status can't afford to send their children.

Meaning to say that there is already indirect discrimination before the actual selection process happens.

In other words, only those who can afford to send their children to the Central City will have the opportunity to enter the Central Academy.

[ Author's Note: Central City is where the Central Academy is, and from the word itself, Central means to say that it is in the center of the four nations - North, South, East, and West, and the ownership of the city are divided into four nations. ]

What they said about 'what you can provide' is not all bluff, but it can be considered a white lie. Suppose there is someone among these students before me that came from a low-class status. The academy won't necessarily say that they indirectly discriminate against them, but instead, they will tell everyone that they promote equality even if it's not true.

Why would they say that? They want more power, and they see all students as a tool. Surprisingly, they don't discriminate when it comes to gaining more chances of power.

That's why students from lower classes that are skilled and talented compared to your average commoners are welcomely accepted.

Who could blame them? I even did the same thing in my early twenties. I guess I'll meet that person I manipulated sooner or after if I manage to keep what's happening the same.

"As much as the academy would like to take in all of you, we can only take a few we will nurture. That is why I would like to express my gratitude to all the students in this assembly today. Some of you will be the future representatives of your respective nations. In advance, I, the headmaster, would like to welcome all of those students who will earn their very own spot here at Central Academy."

I got lost in thought, and I didn't notice that he had already finished his speech. Everybody gave him a round of applause, and another professor walked into the spotlight to provide instructions.

"We will call you one by one for the interview based on the alphabetical order of your surnames." The professor stated with an obligated smile.

Wait... surnames?! I thought it'll be our seat number… Oh, that was the selection process at Core Academy.

Well, my surname is Olphitecus, so I'll be interviewed later. I still have time to deduct all possible questions from the student's expressions when they get out.

"Verphillia Adroguild" The first name was called, it was Lia's.

I probably didn't mind before, but this time, I realized that she was actually the first student to earn the spot out of nearly one hundred students.

Who would have thought that the person I promised to kill is only a few steps ahead of me? Should I kill her today? If I do, then the future I know would drastically change.

The whole history of the North's glory was all because of her, and will it change if I end her very existence right now?

There's only one way to find out. I'll kill her right away, but where is she? She was supposed to go on stage and enter the headmaster's office for the interview.

It's been a while, and she's not yet showing up. Is she late? Was she late back then? I don't quite remember.

The crowd already has a slight commotion, and still, no Verphilla Adroguild around.

How did she earn a spot in this school before? If she is late, her chances of earning a spot will diminish.

The crowd is getting busier, so the professor who called her name called again.

"This will be my last call, Verphillia Adroguild!"

The crowd is quiet, but the tension I feel in the air is immense. Another professor came out from the headmaster's office and whispered something to the professor assigned for calling names. This time the tension lessened.

The professor from the headmaster's office quickly headed back after the whisper. I wonder what happened, but if Lia embarrasses herself, she will also humiliate the Adroguild Family. Of course, I've known her for years, but Lia, at this age, is still like a loyal dog who only follow people's expectations.

Right now, she still doesn't have the guts to go against the many, but she will have if I fail to end her today.

Unfortunately, she is absent for that to happen. Did the future change? Did I do something wrong? Or she really is absent at that time... I mean, this time. The only thing I can do is wait and see if Lia will be around. Now I have no choice but to go back with my problem.

I tried remembering every name called, but there was too much to remember. I don't even remember Lael's surname; what else for the others?

---

It's been so long, and my name is not yet called. The students who had just finished the interview had a terrible shock, and some had disappointed expressions. However, I still can't deduct the possible questions.

"Raphael Olphiticus!" Finally, it's my name! After the long wait, I can eventually go. I went onto the stage, and nobody minded me anymore. I guess that's what you get for waiting a long time.

I entered the headmaster's office, and five exquisite-looking people were in front of me—the headmaster was at the center. He was sitting on an oversized chair that was enough to remind all the professors sitting beside him that he had the highest-ranking position in the academy. Two female professors on his right and two male professors on his left were seated on a smaller chair. There is also a single-seater sofa that is probably the seat for the interviewees.

The professor who came out to whisper something to the professor outside glanced and greeted, "Good morning Mr. Olphiticus, please have a seat."

I properly sat on the sofa as I greeted them back with formalities. "The pleasure is mine; good morning as well."

"I am Cecil Qary, the head of early level department. I will be your interviewee for today." She glanced at me back and forth while looking back through my profile.

Cecil Qary, how could I forget my early-level head? She wasn't my section's adviser as well. Maybe that is why I don't have any familiarity with her.

"Now, enough with the introductions. What is your knowledge about the school's organization?" She straightforwardly asked.

I smiled and answered, "I know that this school comprises one headmaster and four-level heads and under them is the specialized division of professors." Madam, your question might shock even the royalties, but that question for me is as easy as pie.

Why? I was part of the highest-level graduates of Core Academy—the mother academy of this school.

"How did you know them? Would you mind telling us?" Her question sounded suspicious, and I was caught off guard.

I did something wrong...again, students don't care about the organization, and they know. It seems that I accidentally made them think that I am cheating. This means that they asked all the students before me the same question.

"Oh, it was because of our family butler Lael. He studied here, so he told me some information about the academy." I forcibly grinned as I used Lael as my scapegoat.

Although Lael never mentioned the academy's organization, he studied here. A background check on him is more than enough to prove my statement. I'm not such a fool to use whomever I want as my scapegoat. I carefully choose them so that no other problem will arise.

"I have not encountered a student named Lael. Are you sure he studied here?" She really is confident in her questions. It's as if she's anticipating a high possibility that I'll stutter, which can open up a room for investigation.

Unfortunately for her, interviews like these are my forte. I innocently smiled in front of them and answered, "Yes, our trusted family butler Lael studied here indeed. Perhaps, time is the reason why." I want to laugh so bad. Haven't they thought of the students before the start of their contract?

Dearest level heads and headmaster, he already graduated from Core Academy before you could even study here.

"Enough cornering the young boy Cecil. A background check of our own is enough." Roadster surprisingly interrupted Cecil's interrogations. Pfft, good for her.

"I apologize, headmaster. I will ask another question then." Cecil nodded, and she continued to ask, "Now, Mr. Olphiticus, according to the school requirements per se, do you believe that students aged thirteen should not be allowed to school in any circumstances?"

What?! Why would they ask such a question? They should ask such to the professors. Still, why would they ask that question of out everything? I can say that I firmly believe; however, the question is subjective, and it can open up a debate. Why would they start asking objectively and then shift to subjective questions? It doesn't make any sense!

I secretly sighed.

I can't answer with haste; I need to think carefully.

If I remember correctly, the requirement age of students to attend the academy should be at least fourteen years old or thirteen if negotiations happen. Lia was one of the students I know who managed to enter the school at thirteen, so maybe this has something to do with her?

I took a deep breath and composed myself. My answer might affect Lia's fate, so I can't influence it negatively. I must ensure that Lia can attend this academy no matter what. Meeting her here is a lot easier than finding her in the North.

I kindly smiled as I expressed an expression that of a genius, "Madam Qary, level heads, and headmaster. Since the academy is an exceptional school with unique students from different backgrounds, I firmly believe that it's alright to let someone as young as thirteen to enter if this individual is outstanding enough. However, it still depends on the academy if they're willing to break their requirements to nurture someone earlier."

There was an awkward silence between the heads and me. They didn't show any signs of shock, but they seemed surprised that someone as young as me was able to answer that way. Out of all my twenty-seven years of manipulative living, studying others has become an essential skill, and somehow it became a hobby. That's why it is easy to read defenseless people in their actions despite their social status.

Roadster breaks the silence, "We appreciate your honesty Mr..."

"Olphiticus headmaster"

"Right, you did well for this interview. You can go back now."

Wait, I didn't get the chance to tell something about myself. Although they have my profile, they still need to know more about me, so why is it done? I can't bring myself to ask. One wrong move and they can simply remove my name on the spot. I can read the reactions but still, who knows what they're thinking.

I had no choice but to comply. I tenderly smiled and gave my gratitude as I quickly walked to the door and get out of this room for once.

"There is no need to ask other questions. Your answer is enough to prove that you're different. Congratulations in advance, Mr. Ophiticus." Cecil glanced at me, and I felt that her smile had intentions but who cares? They are always cunning anyways.

I nodded and simply walked out of the room. Their words can't deceive me. For sure, my spot at this school is not yet secured.

Now I know why most students had negative expressions on their faces. The questions asked are all out of the blue. I underestimated them. They know what they're doing, heh. They really resorted to personality psychology tests as if we're some criminals being investigated.

Everyone has to go back to their seats after their interview. The moment I stepped outside, the professor called the next student's name.

"Natalie Sylph!"

A girl walked to the stage and went in the direction headed to the headmaster's office. Since we were in the same direction, I managed to get a glimpse of her. She has a supremely confident stand, and it seems that no ordinary man can infatuate her.

Wait... did the man announce the name Sylph?! Then this girl, could she be the 'Lost Princess' of the West? As she passed by, my body froze in shock. She was the girl exiled by her nation. If I'm correct, she's currently residing in the East under the King's protection.

She was the girl I almost loved. She died because of Verphillia. Who knew that this world turned into chaos because of Verphillia?

"Get back to your seat! Why are you still standing there?" The professor called me out, and I went back to my senses.

"Apologies." I slightly bowed and directly went back to my seat. I almost lost my cool there. This time I will save her, and the only way to do that is to remove Lia's existence.