Chapter Twenty-Seven: From Arrogance to Humility
Her expression, which had originally shown impatience, suddenly turned clear and serene.
She stood up in a fluster, almost knocking over her tea.
Ignoring her own awkwardness, she quickly nodded and bent down, smiling as she accepted the business card handed to her by Yifu.
This business card was specially customized for Yifu by Her Highness Princess Alice, said to be capable of resolving Yifu’s troubles at certain times.
Yifu originally thought it was some magical item, but upon receiving it, she couldn’t help but chuckle.
Because Alice had engraved the honorary medal she awarded to Yifu along with its number on the business card. Although it was just for Yifu to introduce herself, its special nature as a product of the Imperial Royal Family made its efficacy self-evident.
A mere dean of the Church Academy, no matter how high her position, could not behave arrogantly in front of someone recognized by the three giants of the Empire.
“Ah, how rude of me.”
“Yifu… Miss, right?”
The dean looked at the name, unable to help but furrow her brows and fall silent for a moment.
Faced with this sudden silence, Yifu instinctively tensed up. Could it be that she had noticed something?
After all, her name hadn’t changed, only her surname had…
“What a beautiful name. How could there be such a melodious name in this world?”
The dean hesitated for a few seconds, actually racking her brain for flattering words to compliment Yifu.
It proved that she didn’t seem very skilled at this; after all, she was usually the one receiving such flattery from others.
“I don’t even know how to express it. You see, I talk too much… Please, have a seat, and I will personally make tea for you.”
The dean wore a smile, displaying a warmth and kindness that Yifu had never seen before. It was worth noting that when Yifu was still a Cardinal Deacon of the Church two years ago, her interactions with this dean were nothing like this.
The two had been in nearly equal standing within the Church system, and their usual dealings were merely polite exchanges.
There was absolutely no way such a servile attitude could occur in the present situation.
“Here, drink tea. This is top-quality tea. Leia, have a cup too. You have no idea how worried we’ve been searching for you these past few days.”
The dean moved a stool and sat beside the two of them. Instead of choosing to return to her high-backed chair at her desk, she opted for a small stool that could barely accommodate her slightly fuller figure.
“I’m really sorry. Because of various reasons, my daughter and I have been separated since she was very young, and it wasn’t until now that I finally found her…”
Yifu began to recount the story she had crafted in her mind hundreds of times, considering many details for the sake of authenticity.
However, it was evident that the dean was not interested in the story Yifu was telling. She could not help but shed tears upon hearing about the honorary badge bestowed upon Yifu by the princess.
“What a touching story. I never expected, Leia, that the academy has not been aware of your situation.”
“Ah, if you had issues, why didn’t you directly seek my help?”
“The academy’s policy has always been quite open-minded towards students facing difficulties like you. For instance, there are student loans…”
The dean wanted to say something nice about the Church Academy, but after pondering, the academy’s somewhat personified policy amounted to just a student loan.
Moreover, this sole positive policy had been left behind by the previous Cardinal Deacon, the executed Crimson Witch.
Neither she, as the dean, nor the Church behind her had any relationship to it…
The policy was set by the witch, and the funds were allocated by the Imperial Royal Family.
The only connection the Church had to it was probably its covert siphoning of a large portion of the interest…
“Dear Dean, let’s get back to the main topic. About my daughter being unable to graduate…”
“Impossible! There must be a misunderstanding. Leia is bright, clever, and excels in her studies. How could she possibly be denied graduation?”
“But… you haven’t even asked about her grades?”
Yifu’s words made the dean slightly awkward. She wiped the cold sweat from her forehead. It wasn’t just that she hadn’t asked about the grades; she hadn’t even inquired what level Leia was in for graduation.
“There must be a misunderstanding. I will send someone immediately… No, I will personally investigate this matter.”
