-740- Doesn't matter

"Reapply for admission...?"

Rozen's words left everyone in the room astonished, especially Henri. Despite her instinctive fear of Rozen, she vigorously shook her small head.

"N-no way! I... I can't formally enroll!"

This was Henri's immediate thought.

Where were they?

Walpurgis Royal Academy of Machinart.

The foremost institution in the magical world, a leader in the world of automatons. Graduating from here guaranteed success in the military, with invitations from major enterprises and influential factions. It was a stage where geniuses from around the world gathered, competing and excelling, creating a world-renowned platform for talent.

Even the Wiseman was born here, and the strongest mage of the 19th century served as the academy's headmaster. How could just anyone enter such a place?

Leaving aside the events of "Cannibal Candy," even students who couldn't keep up with the curriculum or the progress of their peers ended up voluntarily withdrawing.

Given this, how could Henri possibly talk about entering the academy?

"I... I'm not as beautiful as Onee-sama, and I don't have magical talent. Let alone controlling automata, I can't even handle ordinary puppets. The only thing I can do is release magical power, nothing more."

Henri described herself in extremely self-deprecating terms, and the more she spoke, the lower her voice became. Eventually, only a gloomy expression and gaze remained, causing her to lower her head.

This seems to be the inferiority complex that Henri has been harboring.

Having such an outstanding sister like Charl, it's quite normal for Henri to feel this way in such a stark contrast.

"I-it's not like that! Henri isn't useless!"

Charl hastily reassured her, but it didn't bring any comfort to Henri.

"A-anyway, someone like me can't survive here. Absolutely not. Instead of enduring shame here, I might as well die!"

Henri expressed herself in such words, showing not determination but rather a pitiful demeanor, as if on the verge of tears.

In response, Avril also spoke up.

"Allowing Henriette to enroll is highly unrealistic. Setting aside talents and qualities, the tuition is a major issue. The tuition here is no joke, and you should be aware of that."

At these words, Charl and Anriet fell silent.

Indeed, this was the most practical problem.

The tuition at Walpurgis Royal Academy of Machinart was not cheap, and one could even say it was extremely expensive. Only major enterprises, influential factions, noble families, and government bodies could afford such a sum. For others, it was mostly a distant dream.

So, individuals couldn't afford such tuition. Only those with sponsors could smoothly enroll. Charl, thanks to her scholarship, managed to enroll. Otherwise, considering the current situation of the Belew family, it would have been impossible for her to afford enrollment.

Rozen, similarly, was sponsored by Karyusai, the preeminent puppet craftsman. With the ability to sell any automaton at exorbitant prices, Rozen's benefactor could afford such a significant amount of money. Additionally, the support of the Japanese military was crucial in this matter.

Even the power that can mass-produce artificial geniuses like the "Divine Works" faction only managed to enroll limited individuals like Loki and Frey. This gives an idea of how expensive the tuition fees are here.

If Henri were a true genius, finding a sponsor willing to finance her education would be possible. Unfortunately, the girl's talent is quite ordinary, making it impossible for her to thrive in this academy.

Rozen could only smile wryly. "Indeed, I spoke too lightly."

While Rozen had ways to solve the tuition fee issue, he couldn't do anything about the talent aspect. Even with his vast knowledge, capable of summoning deities and resurrecting the dead, he couldn't change a person's innate abilities and aptitude. That realm belongs to the domain of miracles.

Given this..

"Then why not continue staying without formally enrolling?"

When this statement echoed in the reception room, someone walked in from the door.

"Pro... Professor Kimberly!?"

Charl exclaimed in surprise. The person entering from the door was none other than Kimberly.

Kimberly, dressed in her usual white coat and professor's attire, walked in.

"I happened to need someone to assist me, so I applied to the academy council to recruit a dedicated servant. This vacancy has now been filled by Henriette."

In front of everyone, Kimberly, rarely seen smiling, continued, "From now on, Henriette is my servant, and I will take responsibility to take good care of her."

This was fantastic news.

It's important to note that Kimberly was not just an ordinary professor but an active member of the Mage's Association. Having her responsible for Henri meant the association would protect her.

With this arrangement, Henri wouldn't easily face danger, at least not like this incident where she was used as a hostage to threaten Charl.

"Is this acceptable, Secretary?"

Kimberly asked Avril with a faint smile.

"...This is your matter. As long as it doesn't violate the academy's rules, I have no reason to object."

Avril sighed after a moment of silence.

In other words, the academy would also acknowledge Henri's continued stay.

Henri wouldn't lose her place anymore.

"That's great! Henri!"

"Onee-sama...!"

Charl and Anriet embraced each other happily.

Charl even wiped away a tear from her eye, a rare sight, and bowed to Kimberly in gratitude.

"Thank you, Professor Kimberly."

This rare scene of gratitude was quite unusual for the usually straightforward Tyrant Rex.

However...

"Instead of thanking me, why not thank 'Fimbulvetr's Winter'?"

Kimberly unexpectedly mentioned this.

"He specifically asked me to do him a favor."

These words surprised both Charl and Henri.

"You...?"

Especially Charl, who looked at Rozen with disbelief.

Doesn't this mean...

"You... did you already plan to help Henri from the beginning?"

Charl's tone was complex.

Now, everyone began to understand that Rozen's suggestion for Henri's enrollment wasn't just a casual remark.

The true arrangement, in fact, seemed to be different.

"I did such things to you, why would you..."

Charl's emotions were truly complicated.

Rozen immediately chuckled.

"Well, you already owe me one favor, so owing a second time doesn't make much difference, right?"

Rozen teased in a somewhat mocking tone.

"Of course, once you owe a second time, owing a third time doesn't matter either."

As Rozen said this, another group entered from the door.

"The Dark Princess...!?"

Charl called out the name of the newcomer.

The ones entering were Hinowa, Subaru, and Mutsura trio.

Surprisingly, a steel-colored small dragon accompanied them.

"Sorry, I'm back."

The small dragon apologized with a mature and calm tone, accompanied by a slight bitter smile.

"Sigmund...!"

Charl finally shed tears of joy and rushed out.