Vol 7. Chapter 44: Social Obligations

Before parting with Muse, Leon asked which clan the student who had gifted her the gemstones came from, and what their family name was.

Muse answered honestly.

Leon nodded without saying much, only reminding her to pay close attention in her afternoon classes.

After that, Leon returned to his office.

He summoned a Prayer Messenger Dragon, and placed the valuable gemstones into the bamboo capsule strapped to the dragon’s back.

Once sealed, Leon wrote a letter addressed to Rosvisser.

In it, he noted the names of the parents who had gifted the gems and instructed Rosvisser to return the gesture with a gift of equivalent value.

This method was a bit roundabout—but it was the safest and most cautious approach.

It was obvious the gift had been a subtle bribe for the new vice principal.

As the saying goes, “a mouth fed by others can’t speak freely; a hand that’s taken can't push away.” If the family accepted the present, and the sender later came asking for favors or backdoor assistance, it would be hard for Leon to refuse.

And besides, Leon had always disliked—if not outright rejected—this sort of behavior.

Back during his time in the Dragon Army, there had been plenty who tried to butter him up with gifts, hoping to get a cushy promotion or position.

But Leon’s unit was a front-line combat division. One weak link could get hundreds killed. He never once accepted a bribe, nor did he ever appoint anyone irresponsibly.

“Master always warned me: the moment you hold power, never use it for personal gain. Especially not gains you didn’t earn.”

In this situation, though, outright returning the gems would make him look stiff or unfriendly as a new vice principal.

So a return gift of equal value was the best move.

It sent a clear message: “I don’t accept gifts”—without leaving the other side feeling slapped in the face.

After taking care of everything, Leon signed off the letter by saying he’d return home this weekend to help Rosvisser write the next Dragonheart episode.

Once the Sweetheart Dragon chapter was finished, Leon leaned back in his office chair and let out a long sigh.

He glanced at the growing pile of reports and documents on his desk and muttered:

“Alright, back to work.”

Not long after, there was a knock on the door.

“Come in.”

Samantha stepped inside.

“Vice Principal, this evening you’ll be attending a formal banquet with Principal Wilson and several members of the school committee. Please arrange your schedule accordingly—we’ll depart at six o’clock.”

“A banquet? Oh, right.”

Leon had nearly forgotten—Wilson had mentioned it yesterday.

Officially, it was a fundraising event for the Academy. In reality, it was a welcoming banquet for Leon, the new vice principal—and a chance to expand his network and connections.

“Got it.”

“Then I won’t take up any more of your time.”

Samantha gave a slight bow and turned away, the click of her heels fading as she left.

Leon sighed again. After sitting for a bit, he put down his pen, got up, and walked to the window, gazing out over the school field.

The children were playing and laughing there. The afternoon sunlight was gentle, and a cool breeze drifted in, carrying with it a rare sense of comfort.

Out of nowhere, Leon had a thought:

How nice it would be to enjoy this kind of afternoon with Rosvisser.

But sadly, in the elegant, polished office, he was alone.

...

...

That evening – Banquet Hall, Sky City.

An extravagant banquet was underway.

Principal Wilson gave a speech, and then smoothly introduced Leon, inviting him to say a few words.

Leon didn’t flinch. He took the stage and delivered the address Samantha had prepared for him, line by line.

Afterward, he followed Wilson around, greeting the various dragon kings and noble guests.

Leon blinked at the massive crab in the banquet hall buffet, then couldn’t help but smirk.

“If I pocketed all these merit awards, I could probably coast through the rest of my life in luxury, huh, Rosvisser?”

Samantha, who hadn’t caught what he said, tilted her head.

“Pardon, Vice Principal?”

Leon snapped back to reality and waved a hand.

“Ah, nothing.”

He steadied himself, suddenly struck by the realization:

Without that dragoness here, there wasn’t a single person who got his terrible jokes.

“Is this the new vice principal of your Academy, Leon Casmod? Truly young and impressive, a fine-looking man.”

A dragon king approached, holding a glass of champagne.

“I’m a high priest of the Ironclaw Dragon Clan. It’s an honor to meet you, Mr. Leon.”

Leon raised his own glass in response.

“Likewise. Pleased to meet you, High Priest.”

Samantha leaned in slightly, lowering her voice with a discreet reminder.

“He holds a high rank. You should ask his name directly, Vice Principal—instead of just calling him ‘High Priest.’”

Leon replied just as quietly,

“Titles during work hours.”

“...Understood.”

Samantha returned to her spot beside him and calmly wrote in her notes:

“Use formal titles when working with the Vice Principal.”

“Come, Mr. Leon. Let’s drink together,” the priest said with a smile, raising his glass.

Leon hesitated for a moment, glancing down at the champagne in his hand.

He could usually hold his liquor well—but this was a social event. He couldn’t outright refuse.

It wasn’t quite at the level of “if you don’t drink, you’re insulting me,” but still, some politeness was expected.

After a brief pause, Leon clinked glasses with him.

“Sure. Cheers.”

But the newly appointed General Vice Principal still hadn’t learned one thing:

At these events, it’s either don’t drink at all—or once you start, you don’t stop.

Over the next few hours, people kept coming by to toast him, congratulate him, cozy up to him.

Before long, Leon’s head was swimming. His stomach twisted and turned.

He finally claimed to feel unwell and slumped into a chair.

Just then, a curvaceous woman in a deep-V, backless gown walked up.

She had a graceful figure, a trailing tail, and reached out her slender hand.

“There’s a dance segment coming up. May I have this dance, Vice Principal?”

Leon didn’t even look up. He just waved her off.

“Mm. Pardon me.”

The woman awkwardly turned and walked away.

Wilson appeared at his side a moment later and warned him:

“That was a lady baroness from the Blue Ice Dragon Clan. Even the Constantine family treats her with utmost respect. Next time, please don’t reject her so bluntly, Your Highness.”

Leon sat up straight and rubbed his temples, his voice quiet.

“I’m married, Principal Wilson. I don’t dance with anyone but my wife.”

“...Ah. Your Highness, it seems you still haven’t gotten used to this new job of yours.”

Leon didn’t reply. He simply stood, shaking his golden hair out of his eyes.

“The banquet’s ending soon, Principal. I’ll head back now.”

“Take care. Do you want an escort?”

“No need. Thank you.”

Leon had Little Eagle fly him back to the Academy.

Hours passed, and he was still dizzy.

He tossed his coat over his shoulder, his feet hovering unsteadily as he staggered across the school field.

The night breeze was cool, but his forehead and face were burning. Leon had the distinct feeling he might come down with something tomorrow.

And in that moment, he couldn’t help but think again of Rosvisser—

If only she were here with me right now...

But the sudden sound of footsteps pulled him out of his thoughts.

He looked up.

It was already late—who would be running laps at this hour?

He focused on the small figure up ahead, using the moonlight and streetlamps to make out the features.

Long silver hair draped down a slender back,vdeep blue eyes gleaming beneath the lights, a white towel hung loosely around the neck, circling the track quietly, alone.

“...Noa.”