Chapter 14: A Different Morning at the Academy Head’s Office

Morning sunlight crept lazily through the stained-glass window cracks of the Academy Head's office, warming a room filled with rows of old bookshelves and the scent of ancient parchment. 

I sat upright on a cushioned wooden chair right in front of Professor Orion Grandis's large desk. 

Outside, morning birds chirped merrily, but the atmosphere inside the room felt deadly silent and tense. 

Last night, the impromptu battle between Raven and me in the backyard field apparently left quite severe traces of destruction—ranging from evenly frozen grass to thick layers of ice that only managed to melt near dawn. And of course, the report regarding that incident landed straight on the Academy Head's desk this morning. 

Professor Orion sat behind his desk, resting both hands on the surface while staring intently at me through silver-rimmed glasses. His expression was flat, expressionless, typical of a senior wizard who was hard to read. 

"Lady Alicia Valerian," Professor Orion began in a heavy, calm voice. "Last night, the night patrol reported a large-scale magic energy explosion in the backyard training field area. And from the leftover ice elements lingering there... that magic unmistakably belongs to you." 

My heart hammered wildly against my ribs. 

*I'm dead! I'm definitely getting suspended or put before the academy disciplinary committee for destroying school facilities! If Duke Valerian finds out his daughter caused a midnight riot, I might actually get exiled to the North Pole!* 

Cold sweat streamed down my neck, but on the outside, I desperately maintained my villainess mask. I lifted my chin slightly, staring at Professor Orion with an ice-cold gaze and a subtle, arrogant smile. 

"You needn't beat around the bush, Professor," I spoke flatly and with authority. "If the damaged grass is the issue, the Valerian family can certainly cover the repair costs at any time." 

Professor Orion sighed softly, took off his glasses, and rubbed the bridge of his nose. 

"It's not about grass or repair bills, Alicia," Professor Orion said, surprising me slightly as he dropped my first name without my noble title. "What I want to know is... why did you choose to fight secretly in the middle of the night with Raven D'Ark?" 

*Gulp!* 

*Did Raven snitch on me already?! Or does the Academy Head have owl spies watching everything?!* 

"It was merely a private matter between students," I answered coldly, trying to deflect. "Nothing important to worry about." 

Professor Orion narrowed his eyes sharply, as if reading every single inch of deception behind my calm face. 

"A private matter, is it..." Professor Orion murmured softly. "As you should know, Alicia, in last year's reports, your magic control was never this extraordinary. The absolute zero freezing you used last night to shatter Raven's lightning is an advanced technique that even senior mages struggle to master." 

Professor Orion leaned forward. 

"Your power is developing far too rapidly. This drastic change... has made many people on the academy council begin to wonder, what on earth is happening to Alicia Valerian?" 

Inside my head, emergency alarms blared loudly. 

*He's suspicious! The Academy Head is starting to suspect I'm not the real Alicia! If this reincarnation secret comes out, they might think I'm possessed by an evil spirit and cast me out of this world!* 

With my remaining courage and best acting skills, Professor Orion's gaze was met without blinking once. I arched one eyebrow arrogantly. 

"People learn, Professor. Is it a crime for someone to work hard and push past their own limits?" my voice rolled out cold, sharp, and full of fake confidence. "Or does the Royal Magic Academy feel threatened seeing a student whose power exceeds their expectations?" 

Professor Orion fell silent for a moment. His brow furrowed, then slowly, the corners of his lips curved upward into a very mysterious, faint smile. 

"Incredible... An answer full of confidence, fitting for a true heir of the Valerian family," Professor Orion said while putting his glasses back on. "Very well. Regarding last night's incident, I will not issue severe punishment. But in exchange... you will be assigned as the primary tutor for next month's basic magic practical group." 

My eyes widened instantly. 

*Huh? Basic magic group tutor?! That means I have to deal with even more students and... oh god, please don't let it be a group with Elena or Cedric again?!* 

"Final decision, Lady Alicia. You may return to your classroom," Professor Orion concluded with an absolute tone. 

I stood up stiffly, gave a half-hearted respectful bow, and walked out of the Academy Head's office with graceful steps on the outside, while internally, I was crying hysterically at the thought of my upcoming overtime nightmare at this academy.