第２４５掘：将を射んと欲すれば先ず馬を射よ ではなく、将の首を取ればいい (Part2)
"So, do you have any explanations you'd like to offer? Despite giving us permission, you failed to make preparations for our arrival, sent us away, and then made a sincere student bow their head, all while you, the principal, were just waiting to see what would happen?"
I announced this in a loud voice, ensuring everyone in the cafeteria could hear. Naturally, all eyes turned to me and the principal.
"Ah, gu..."
The pint-sized principal seemed at a loss for words, frozen in place. However, the look on their face clearly indicated they'd messed up. The surrounding people understood that this little one was the principal, and it became obvious they had intended to sweep this issue under the rug by making a student apologize.
"Hmph, I can't believe you don't even have an apology. Hey, old man, is that okay?"
"Ah, yeah, what is it?"
"For example, if an inn employee made a huge mistake with a VIP guest, would you, the innkeeper, say nothing and just make your subordinate bow?"
I posed another clear analogy in a loud voice. The kind-hearted old man immediately replied.
"No, that wouldn't be right. An employee's mistake is a reflection of my poor guidance. First and foremost, as the innkeeper, I should be the one to bow. ...I see. Principal Popuri, or rather, Principal Popuri Lancer. As someone with many subordinates, there's only one thing you should do here. I can't possibly defend you after that. There might be political reasons, but I believe this is a matter that transcends that."
That old man is too cool!
The pint-sized principal, addressed as Popuri, lowered their head with a tearful expression.
"...I sincerely apologize for the great trouble I've caused due to my oversight. I take full responsibility for this matter, so could you please forgive this student?"
Though the voice was young and cute, it held a clear resolve. They weren't called a "loli-hag" for nothing. They admitted their fault and apologized in front of everyone. Good, the tide has turned. This can't be undone later.
"I accept your apology. However, I wasn't angry about Miss Samantha from the start. While she's a bit aggressive, I thought she was a wonderful student. She handled the situation with us properly."
"Ah, thank you!!"
Miss Samantha said this, her eyes glistening, and bowed her head. With my acceptance of the apology, the principal's head shot up. But, that's too naive.
"Then..."
"However, that's me accepting your apology as an individual. The matter of sending away the representative who gave permission is not a personal issue, but an event between nations. I cannot forgive that on my own. We will discuss it again at a later date. Is that acceptable?"
"...Yes."
Build them up, then knock them down. Well, it was their own negligence and poor handling that caused this. They need to reflect properly.
"Then, we will talk at the academy tomorrow. I don't think we can have this conversation any further for diplomatic reasons."
"!? ...Yes."
The pint-sized principal seemed to realize that the audience they had intended to use to their advantage was now being used against them. They looked around, looking even more tearful. Then, they walked out, hand-in-hand with Miss Samantha.
"Ah, tomorrow morning, that's right. Do you have a clock there?"
I called out to the two as they were leaving.
"Feh?"
"Y-yes, we do."
Oh boy, the principal is already crying buckets. For some reason, I feel like I'm the bad guy.
"Then I will visit at 8 AM. And I would be happy if Miss Samantha could come to pick me up. I trust you, and it would be troublesome if something like this happened again. Is that alright?"
"Fai. I-I un-hic-derstand. Sa-man-sha-chan, ple-hic-ase."
"Yes, I understand. So, Principal, please stop crying. It's ruining your cute face."
"F-fueeeeee----n!"
And so, the pint-sized principal buried their face in their ample chest, which could rival Rurua's, and was carried away.
"...Hey, old man, did I go too far?"
Even though she was a loli-hag on the inside, her outer appearance was that of a child, and I worried I had been bullying her.
"No, you were in the right. She's always gotten her way by acting cute, so this is a good lesson. But you guys are amazing, to have negotiated so favorably with Principal Popuri. Normally, people would be unable to push back when she starts crying, but you landed the finishing blow before she could even start. She's too late now, even if she cries."
"Eh, that crying act?"
"Probably. Crying at the end was just a small return favor, wasn't it? It made you feel guilty, right?"
"Ah."
"That was her intention. She's thinking about the next negotiation. All I can say is, maintain your stance. Teach Principal Popuri a complete defeat."
What the heck, how unreasonable can that loli-hag be? To receive support, she must have engaged in some truly wicked negotiations. And that crying face was a lie too?
"Women are scary, Yuki-san."
"Yeah, terrifying. But for now, we're clearly winning."
"Indeed. This should set us up well for tomorrow's discussion."
"Right. But like the old man said, don't let your guard down and go for the kill."
"I know. Oh, and old man, do you have any more fried chicken?"
"Oh, sure. Just a moment. Mom!! There's a man who defeated Principal Popuri, looking so handsome, and he wants a mountain of fried chicken!!"
With that, the old man disappeared into the kitchen. Loudly proclaiming that they were not in the wrong.
" "Old man, too cool!" "
And so, we were supposed to gorge ourselves on exquisite fried chicken to prepare for tomorrow, but...
"Onii-chan, Asurin is sad!!"
"That's right!! To bully a small child, Filia doesn't want to see such a cruel big brother!!"
After returning to our room, the two children scolded me severely. The others, for the most part, understood the situation and said nothing, but their gazes were still stern.
"Taiki-sama, you are a hero, aren't you? Yet, you're dealing with such a small child..."
"No, Airi, listen, that was the principal's..."
"No, I won't listen. Doing something like that is a disgrace to the hero's name. I am sad!! Do you understand..."
Beside me, Taiki was also being scolded. Damn that principal, was this her plan?! No, that's not right.
"Mhm mhm, as expected, Yuki is a devil. There's no doubt about it."
Shut up, Agil, if you were better at negotiations, you'd be sitting here! Haa, I wonder if I can make it to the academy at 8 tomorrow... The lecture lasted until 1 AM.
To those who have read this far, you've probably understood the meaning of "If you want to shoot the general, first shoot the horse" is actually "If you want to shoot the general, just take his head." Yes, taking the head is easy. Well, the original saying is also correct, but I think this was a direct attack on the head. And Yuki and the others are not in the wrong. It was the principal's mistake. Clearly. Also, don't expect this update speed to continue!