"I can't believe they would try to get revenge on me and the two of them on the very day. As expected, that guy is beyond redemption."
The time was night, and the location was the Headmaster's office.
As expected, today we weren't talking in my room, but in the Headmaster's office where Anon was.
"To think they were that foolish... Honestly, when they restrained the son of the Marquis of Marseno and brought him here, I was dizzy. But when I heard the reason, I understood. I am equally guilty with Gil for not realizing they were doing something so cowardly..."
"It can't be helped that Anon has had almost no opportunity to speak directly with students. Rather, it was I who should have noticed. I truly need to reflect on this matter."
"Gil has only been here for three days, so there's no need to blame yourself too much."
After that, I reported the situation of Gariel and the other four to the Headmaster, Anon.
Then, we discussed their punishments, and the conclusion was that while they could be expelled, it would be difficult to hand them over to the guards and have them prosecuted. It seems the Marquis family does indeed hold considerable power.
Separately, I had been acting to protect Bern and Melia, but I never expected them to make a move today... As expected, there's no room for rehabilitation for someone whose nature is so rotten.
"...Still, I never expected Gil to desire the expatriation of Gariel, a former student, from the country. He seemed to be quite enraged."
"I believe I gave him a final chance. For Bern and Melia's sake, if I decide to do something, I will do it thoroughly. Gariel had wasted talent in magic and the power of his family, so if he were to seek revenge out of resentment, it would be dangerous not towards me, but towards the two of them. To ensure the two victims can live with peace of mind, the perpetrator must be thoroughly eliminated."
The future of victims Bern and Melia is a hundred times more important than the future of someone like him who harms others.
I heard that sometimes victims have to move when bullying issues come to light in my previous world. It's too unreasonable for the victimized students to have to leave while the perpetrators continue to live carelessly.
To protect the two of them and their families, I have no choice but to strip them of their power and exile them so they never set foot in this country again.
I don't particularly like resorting to such methods, but since they used their power, I used my own means.
"What would you have done if the Marquis of Marseno family hadn't accepted the conditions?"
"I was sure they would accept, but in the unlikely event that their son was more important than anything and they refused, I intended to withdraw. I certainly didn't want to involve innocent citizens in the territory of the Marquis of Marseno family. In that case, I had other means prepared, but if possible, I preferred that the Marquis family handle the punishment as they did this time."
"I see... Well, with those conditions, they would have no choice but to accept. After all, the magic tools Gil invented are all convenient."
"It's a bit unfair, as they are all reproductions of things that existed in my previous world using magic tools."
I am a researcher of magic, but I also make magic tools as a hobby. This other world has something like patent rights, allowing me the authority to sell my inventions, and I earn money if they sell well. Having consistently created various items, I live a life not wanting for money even if I only focus on research.
I'm also using knowledge of home appliances and cooking utensils that existed in my previous world, so it's completely cheating. It's quite interesting to create things that exist in my previous world with magic tools. Furthermore, the potions, which are the result of my magic research, also use technology I discovered.
Perhaps my name is more widely known as a convenient magic tool inventor than as a great sage.
"So far, there's no information that the other four are trying to get revenge on me or the two of them. Once the news of Gariel's punishment spreads tomorrow, they probably won't do anything strange. Besides, I feel like those four have already had their spirits broken."
If they learn that Gariel has not only been expelled but also lost his claim to the Marquisate and been exiled, the other four will likely meekly accept their expulsion and stop bothering Bern and Melia.
"Indeed, the other four besides him had the eyes of dead fish."
While I have no intention of letting my guard down, I believe it's highly likely that nothing more will happen regarding this matter.
◆ ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆
"I'm truly sorry for not noticing this matter sooner."
The next morning.
I had asked Bern and Melia to come to the academy a little earlier yesterday, and in the classroom where no one else was present, I bowed my head to them.
Even if one is an adult, or in a teacher-student relationship, it is human etiquette to bow one's head when one is wrong or does something bad.
"P-Professor, please raise your head! There's absolutely nothing for you to apologize for! Thank you so much!"
"Melia is right! We are grateful that you saved us!"
Saying that, Melia and Bern bowed their heads towards me.
"No, this is the academy's responsibility for not being able to stop what they did. Regarding yesterday's outcome, the five of them have been expelled. And because Gariel broke my warning and tried to harm the two of you and your families, he has been disowned by the Marquis of Marseno family and will be exiled, so please don't worry, both of you."
"W-We already saw the expulsion notice on the bulletin board, but disowned and exiled...?"
"Yes. Information spreads quickly among nobles, so it's likely the other four will meekly accept their expulsion."
"...Um, Professor, since you can expel and exile members of a Marquis family, who exactly are you?"
"Who am I? I'm just a temporary teacher at this academy."
"..."
Mmm, they both look like they don't believe me at all.
It's true that I hold the title of Great Sage, but for now, I'm just a humble temporary teacher.
Now then, after today's classes are over, I need to express my gratitude to Cyril as well.