Chapter 15.5: How Everything Ends…

[Now that she's gone we can talk about what you were sent by your Queen to discuss. We have reports of a massive summoning ritual taking place in the Holy City and we believe it's in response to your daughter.] - Principal

[Hah... How much time do we have before they're ready for an offensive?] - Overprotective Father

[Officially? Probably 2-4 years. But unofficially they're probably already sending out agents to keep an eye on her. Her appearance has greatly sped up their preparations for war. This incident was most certainly prompted by them in an effort to capture her.] - Principal

[Then we have to take her home! It's too dangerous here!] - Overprotective Mother

The man sighs again, looking conflicted and worried at the same time.

[Honey we can't protect her any better at home and at least here she's able to learn what she needs to protect herself, we can't train her at home in the same way.] - Overprotective Father

[B-But our baby girl! I just want to keep her safe...] - Overprotective Mother

[I do too but we can't just keep her away from anything that can hurt her forever!] - Overprotective Father

Glancing back and forth between the two parents as they argued the older shapeshifter held up a finger before interrupting them.

[If I may. I know it's not my place to question how you raise your kids but it IS my job to make sure that my students learn how to protect themselves. I believe that you could probably completely isolate her at home and protect her from any harm certainly.] - Principal

[T-Then we should do...] - Overprotective Mother

[However! How long can you keep that up? Until you die? Until she dies? What about her life? Will she be happy being a sheltered little princess forever? I apologize if I overstepped my bounds but I'd like you to think about it.] - Principal

[But I just want to protect our child!] - Overprotective Mother

[I know you do honey but she's right. If I could I would take our little princess home right now and keep her safe for the rest of my life... but, if I did that I'd be taking away any chance that she has at making a life for herself. Our best chance at keeping our baby safe is in this Academy.] - Overprotective Father

Looking like she wanted to say more but finding herself unable to disagree with her husband she broke down into tears as he hugged her close to himself. The principal shifted uncomfortably in her seat while this display was going on in front of her.

[Ahem... Well I'd like to call a meeting of the Joint Council about this summoning incident but they'll most likely bring up the matter of your daughter... Have you taken all the measure's on your side to protect her from political pressure?] - Principal

Nodding at her question as he continued to hold his wife while stroking her back he sighed again.

[Yeah. It's why we had her enroll in the same Academy as her cousin in the first place. No one will dare to make any moves as long as she's directly associating with royalty. As for the Joint Council... I'll bring it up with the Queen, I'm sure she'll be attending this time. We'll get those bastards for messing with my family!] - Overprotective Father-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[What do you mean you won't allow us to go in to look for her?!?] - Malaise

[I-I'm sorry but the forest is closed to all individuals outside of faculty and search personnel. I assure you that our staff is doing everything possible to bring your friend back alive!] - Unknown Teacher

[Fuck that! We'll just break through by force if you won't let us back in!] - Veronica

[...force through.] - Shade

[I understand that this is a stressful incident but if you attempt to force your way into a restricted area I am authorized to detain you... with force if necessary.] - Unknown Teacher

All three of them flinched as the teacher pressured them with his mana. They could feel the difference in power between the three of them and the teacher and even all three of them would have no chance against the unassuming man. Even so they were so worked up that it was only a matter of time before they tried regardless. It was then that they heard a voice behind their group and the teacher's face was filled with relief.

[Oh? Is that my beautiful daughter? And all her friends too... Now what may I ask are you doing threatening my staff members?] - Principal Night

[...mother.] - Shade

[Ah! Principal Night we were just trying to get assigned to the search personnel for Rose, I know that we aren't powerful enough to be...] - Malaise

[Granted.] - Principal Night

[Huh?] - Everyone

In the middle of her plea to allow them to help Principal Night unexpectedly gave them permission causing everyone present to freeze with surprise. The teacher was the first to recover and immediately began trying to argue with the Principal.

[B-But Principal Night they are just kids they can't possibly...!] - Unknown Teacher

[Are you questioning my decision?] - Principal Night

[N-No I would never!] - Unknown Teacher

Glaring at him as a massive amount of mana flooded the area he immediately balked and backed away while throwing his hands in front of himself as if to distance himself from his previous statement. Seeing his agreement the pressure from the older shapeshifter immediately relented and she gave Rose's roommate's a tired smile.

[Plus even if we could keep them from sneaking into the forest it wouldn't be good for their growth regardless if they weren't able to do something no matter how useless. And on top of that they can act as a guide to the last place they saw Rose. Logically the best decision is to allow them to accompany the teacher's and adventurer's taking part in the rescue mission.] - Principal Night

The man looked like he didn't necessarily agree with her reasoning but the difference in their stations was too much for him to adequately argue his point so after a moment he just gave up.

[I-I understand Principal Night, I'll take my leave now.] - Unknown Teacher

Waiting to leave until Principal Night nodded as soon as she did so he immediately ran away as fast as he could while maintaining as much of his shattered pride as possible. Watching him until he left sight the older shapeshifter once again turned to address the 3 younger girls.

[Now that that's taken care of I want you to gather with the rest of the rescue party. Oh and make sure to follow their instructions to the letter, we don't need to be rescuing even more students now do we. Okay now go quickly! Oh and Shade, stay for a moment so I can talk with you.] - Principal Night

Malaise and Veronica reluctantly left Shade with her mother but seeing that Shade made no motion to stop them they gave her one last look and ran to join the rest of the group. Seeing that they were no longer within earshot the Principal turned towards her daughter.

[...what do you want?] - Shade

[I want to know how you failed in the one thing I asked from you! But nevermind that, what's done is done. What I want is for you to make sure Rose makes it back safe and sound no matter what! I'm sure I don't need to remind you how important she is?] - Principal Night

[...no mother.] - Shade

[Good now don't screw it up this time.] - Principal Night

[.......................yes... mother.] - Shade-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------