Ch. 118 Something That Cannot Be Erased or Covered (2)
“It’s been some time, Marquis Burgess.”
Ian entered the dean’s office and gave a small bow to the Marquis waiting there. The old man had a very unpleasant expression on his face. Ian could guess why the Marquis wanted to meet discreetly, and it seemed that the older man had found out that his daughter was part of the “kissing incident.”
“Your Highness.”
Noble titles were not allowed in the Academy, but Ian nodded without correcting him. He didn’t think there was anyone who really cared about that rule anyway.
“I don’t understand why you have to be involved. This is a private matter for my family.”
“You’re asking me if I have the right to be here, Marquis.”
Ian put on a friendly smiled and explained.
“As you know, I’m the head of the Academy’s student council. We take care of the lives and education of the students while they are away from their parents.”
“And now that the parent is here, you may step back.”
“Yes. However, since we are inside the Academy, there are still a few things for me to do.”
“To do?
“To persuade you, Marquis, that there is a way to benefit the student.”
The Marquis held out a few sheets of paper towards him. It was a document that would cancel Teresa Burgess’ enrollment and return her home.
“Is there any better benefit for my daughter?”
He was clearly displeased. Perhaps he believed that the young man that was Teresa’s lover was unworthy, and he wanted to keep them apart.
Ian swallowed his words, telling himself that the Marquis was not a bad man.
“Her lessons will continue of course. We can invite the best professors to the mansion, and she can have a higher quality of education. This will catch the eye of a decent suitor, surely.”
“Marquis.”
“If there is anything better for my daughter, please tell me, Your Highness.”
Ian felt the ghost of Louise’s touch on his hand and he clenched his fist.
“What concerns me.”
Ian settled himself into a seat.
“Is the timing.”
“The timing?”
“You are understandably concerned about what was written by the court officials. No name was recorded, of course.”
The Marquis gripped his cane, his expression still dark.
“But what if the officials return, and it is recorded that the Marquis’ daughter left the Academy? Wouldn’t that be a point of suspicion?”
Not suspicion, but fact.
“Of course, I don’t know if anyone would look into this private matter…but I’m sure the Marquis wouldn’t want that kind of anxiety hanging over him.”
Ian looked back at the stack of Academy documents.
“So, the more beneficial path is clear.”
He folded up the papers and smiled.
“It is not safe to leave any information in the Academy. The admission must be completely voided.”
“Completely voided…?”
“It’s not unheard of. It’s allowed in the Academy policy. Isn’t that right, dean?”
The dean gave Ian a look of astonishment.
“But President, what if the student wants to continue learning at the Academy–”
“It can’t be helped if the guardian doesn’t want it.”
The dean was stunned at how Ian had so easily given up. The dean had summoned him in hopes that he would use his outside status to persuade the Marquis otherwise.
“Marquis.”
The dean decided he needed to step in himself.
“If you are uncomfortable with the other male student, he can take a leave of absence.”
But it was too late to change his mind. The marquis stood up from his seat, growling, “I need to void the admission it right away.”
(TN: My guess is the last part was supposed to be spoken by the dean, but Ian’s icon is in the raws.)
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“The process is not difficult.”
Ian was helpfully explaining the procedure.
“You can request the original copy of her academic records, and with the approval of the dean and we go through the disposal process.”
“What happens to the disposed documents?”
“We can keep them here or you can take them to your home.”
The dean, who was standing in front of the two, sighed.
“…You are well-versed in Academy policy.”
“I only skimmed over it with the student council. It’s something I need to know as president.”
Ian shrugged and opened the office door, then ran into Louise, Claire and Teresa, the youngest daughter of Marquis Burgess.
“…President.”
Teresa looked at Ian with surprise, but when she spotted her father she took a step back. The Marquis walked towards the clerk and in a loud voice demanded that the documents be given to him.
“Yes, I see. You mean Teresa Burgess?”
The clerk scribbled down a note and left to retrieve the paperwork that was safely stored in the archives. While they all waited for him to return, the marquis turned on his daughter.
“Teresa Burgess. Be prepared to leave immediately. Your maid is waiting outside the Academy, and she will help you with your luggage.”
“…”
“Now!”
At that moment, the clerk returned from the archive room with his head tilted.
“I’m sorry, Marquis, but Teresa Burgess’ documents are restricted. You cannot access them.”
“…What the hell does that mean?”
“Just as I said. No one else is allowed access except Miss Burgess.”
“I’m Burgess!”
“That is true. But the Marquis is not Miss Teresa Burgess.”
The Marquis whirled around to his daughter.
“Ask for the papers now!”
Teresa shook her head. Her eyes were wide with fright, but her face was set. The Marquis advanced on her threateningly.
“Teresa Burgess. If you understand anything about family honor, you had better ask for those documents.”
Ian suddenly spoke up as if he had just remembered with something.
“Come to think of it, didn’t Teresa’s birthday already pass?”
“Yes. It was yesterday.”
Louise answered with a smile.
“That means as of today she doesn’t require her guardian’s signature, right? I can’t believe I missed this important detail. As student council president, I am quite ashamed. Marquis.”
Ian looked back at the older man and bowed slightly.
“While young Louise Sweeney over here must share all the documents with her guardian, an adult student like Teresa has the right of choice.”
He raised his head with a regretful look on his face.
“It’s important to protect the paperwork. According to Academy policy.”
Ian took out the papers from his arms.
“She alone has the authority to complete and sign these documents.”
He approached Teresa and handed her the papers.
“But don’t worry, Marquis. There is still the matter of tuition. No matter how generous the dean may be, this Academy is not a charity. Your beloved daughter will return home safe and sound. Of course, the newspapers may be concerned about your economic situation, but that is a trivial matter. “
A moment, and then the Marquis let out a defeated sigh.
“You’ve certainly caught me in a bind…Your Highness.”
“Teresa Burgess will benefit more when she’s at the Academy. In the future, you may rebuke me for my mistake. Although technically I did nothing.”
“Your Highness.”
“It was a student council job.”
A student group that fought against injustice.