A few days later...

"Greetings, Lady Theresa. I am the investigator dispatched from HQ to look into the matter of St. Freya Academy's fund circulation. You may call me Vera."

A young woman with white hair and purple eyes smiled as she addressed Theresa, who stood before her.

Theresa looked at this unfamiliar young woman with some suspicion. She didn't recognize her at all. Even if her grandfather merely wanted to go through the motions, she was still the head of the Far East Branch and a former S-rank Valkyrie of Schicksal. To investigate her, they would have to send someone of no insignificant rank and status.

She had thought her two juniors might come, but unexpectedly, it was this completely unfamiliar young woman.

"Hello, I am Theresa Apocalypse. Welcome to St. Freya Academy, Miss Vera."

Theresa looked at the transport ship behind the other party, which symbolized it was exclusively for HQ use, and the investigator's ID badge signifying her identity, which the other party handed over. She had no choice but to believe this unfamiliar stranger.

"Actually, Lord Overseer is already aware of the situation here. He believes that Lady Theresa is not the kind of person to implement such an elimination system for the lowest-ranking students. There must have been some misunderstanding, leading to these rumors within the academy."

"My mission this time is primarily to investigate this matter thoroughly. Then, in the name of HQ, I will assure everyone that the school can operate normally and that there are no problems with its financial circulation, so everyone can feel at ease."

"In that case, could I trouble Lady Theresa to take me to the academy's financial office so I can review the recent cash flow issues?"

Theresa looked at Vera, whose appearance, though cute, couldn't be considered particularly special compared to most Valkyries. Her smile, however, was very disarming, like that of a girl next door. The defensiveness and tension that had risen in Theresa's heart eased considerably. In the end, she could only sigh helplessly and decide to first admit her own mistake.

"Apologies, there is indeed no problem with the school's fund circulation itself. However, I personally encountered an issue and used a portion of the funds for private purposes."

Upon hearing this, Vera, who had been smiling, showed no change in her expression, still maintaining that cordial and kind smile.

"Is that so? Then Lady Theresa must have had a very important reason to misappropriate public funds, right? Of course, I won't pry into the specifics of this matter. I just want to confirm exactly how much you withdrew for personal use. I will report this to Lord Overseer."

Theresa's shoulders slumped. Since she had decided to admit her mistake, there was nothing more to hide.

However, before Theresa could continue speaking, Vera spoke first, "This isn't a suitable place to talk, is it?"

After hearing this, Theresa also realized it and nodded, intending to lead Miss Vera to her office to sit for a while.

Vera followed behind Theresa, looking around with some curiosity, as if it were her first time at this school. However, her gaze never lingered in one place for long; she would merely glance briefly before moving on.

The two encountered no issues along the way, as it was currently class time for the students.

Upon reaching the office, Theresa, with a pained heart, took out the tea leaves Xin Yu had gifted her and brewed a small pot for Vera.

Vera still maintained her serene smile. But when she took a sip of the tea, which carried a peculiar, clear fragrance, the smile that had constantly been on her face suddenly froze, and her pupils contracted violently. This dramatic change in expression lasted only for an instant before returning to normal.

This made Theresa, who was also savoring the tea in her own cup, completely miss the change that had occurred in the other woman.

"This is truly good tea. I've never tasted anything like it. Is it the tea leaves that are special, or the water quality? Even the best tea from HQ can't compare to this cup. Could you tell me where I can buy it? I'd like to buy some to take back."

Vera lavished praise on the tea in her cup. Theresa was very pleased with her reaction. Even though the tea was a gift from someone else, Theresa felt a sense of pride as if she were being complimented herself.

"It's the tea leaves. The water is just ordinary tap water. These tea leaves weren't bought by me either; they were a gift from a junior. If Miss Vera would like some, I can ask my junior later if he has any more. When the time comes, you can also help me take some back to my grandfather to drink."

"Then I shall trouble Lady Theresa... We were just talking about your private use of public funds. Could you please tell me exactly how much of this fund was misappropriated?"

In the end, Theresa could only, with an embarrassed expression, recount how she had used public funds to buy the latest issue of Homu's Great Adventure manga.

"So, Lady Theresa, all the funds you misappropriated were used to buy manga and some related merchandise, is that correct? The amount spent in this way shouldn't be particularly exorbitant. Lord Overseer won't be too harsh on you because of this matter. However, from a personal perspective, I still hope Lady Theresa can be more careful in the future. After all, as the head of the Far East Branch, the principal of St. Freya Academy, and also the granddaughter of the Schicksal Overseer, your identity and status are extremely special."

After all, if future plans go smoothly, Little Theresa, you are to succeed your grandfather and become the new Schicksal Overseer. You can't be as naive as you are now.

Theresa nodded awkwardly. Afterwards, she took Vera to the financial office to verify the fund flow. After confirming that what Theresa had said was true, Vera, with the report she had compiled, went with Theresa to the cafeteria to have lunch. Then, after resting for an hour in the accommodation arranged for her, she would return to HQ to submit her report.

On the way, since it was lunchtime, students were scattered about in their own little groups, heading towards the cafeteria.

Vera looked at these young and beautiful students, her face still wearing that cute and gentle smile, until she saw three people walking together in the distance.

One was a male in the middle, looking extremely ordinary, with an incredibly low-key presence that made him unnoticeable. If one's attention wavered even slightly, he would easily be overlooked due to others drawing one's gaze.

Another was a young woman with white hair and sky-blue eyes, a member of the Kaslana family.

As for the other, it was the Third Herrscher of the current era. However, she was somewhat different from her file photo. The records described her as a relatively gentle, considerate girl who was somewhat sensitive and self-deprecating. Now, however, she seemed to possess a certain assertiveness and confidence.

Vera's smile became even more radiant.

The targets have appeared.