Stella Academy, known across the Aither continent as one of the top five magical institutions, is not merely a "magic school"—it’s a "magical institution."

Within Stella Academy are over three thousand elite cadets, some of the most talented magical warriors in the world. Yet, that alone is not what earns the institution its renown. Stella’s grounds house not only thousands of magical researchers in the Mage Tower and the Order of Magic Knights but also diverse magic practitioners and tens of thousands of students who come to study magic.

Stella has become such a vast entity that it’s nearly akin to a small nation. And while the pressure from external forces seeking to keep it in check is a matter for another time, the important thing is that Stella now operates to a degree where it can function even without its headmaster.

Eltman Elthwin had built Stella as a large-scale society, preparing a robust system to function in his absence. The Board of Directors and the Council of Elders hold each other in check, ensuring a balance of power.

These groups, always keen on asserting their own authority, often gave Eltman a headache. However, he left them as they were, knowing that their power plays allowed him the freedom to move as he pleased. The Board and the Council were well aware that, as long as they didn’t overstep their bounds, Eltman wouldn’t intervene.

However, since Eltman’s absence had now extended for an unusually long time, the Board of Directors called an emergency meeting.

“When was the last update?”

“A month ago. He mentioned heading to the Land of the Dead Giant.”

“He said he was going personally to stop the disturbance there…”

“That’s exactly why it’s been such a headache. It’s not even Stella’s mages but the ones from the Association he’s deployed, and they keep demanding to know when this mission will finally end. We need to bring them back soon.”

“Isn’t there a way to contact him in the Land of the Dead Giant?”

“It’s impossible. The flow of mana is unstable where the Twelve Moons reside, so no communication can reach him.”

“Damn…”

Several projects needed Eltman’s direct approval, with dozens of magical research endeavors unable to progress without his input. While the Board of Directors struggled to stabilize Stella’s societal structure, it seemed the Council of Elders had other thoughts.

“…Do you really think the mighty Eltman would go out there and just die?” 

The voice came from Parek Lehman, an 8th-class mage and former Vice-Principal. His words drew the attention of the other mages.

At one time, Parek had been considered as a potential successor to the headmaster’s position, possessing significant authority within Stella. But that was over thirty years ago. Eltman’s unusually long life had kept him in the headmaster’s chair, leaving Parek perpetually second in command, and ultimately, he gave up his position as Vice-Principal.

“Of course, Headmaster Eltman will not die.”

“Yes, of course. That’s why I suggest we do a little traffic control until he returns.”

“Traffic control?! What nonsense!”

“Come now. Isn’t it clear to all of you? Right now, Stella Academy relies too heavily on Eltman Elthwin alone. We have a population of over a hundred thousand residing here.”

“He built this city and academy; it’s only natural!”

To this rebuttal, Parek clicked his tongue.

“Just because a king founded a nation doesn’t mean he can oversee every citizen himself. Dividing the realm and appointing lords to manage each area is far more efficient. Eltman’s monopoly over all authority is plunging Stella into chaos.”

“When was Stella ever chaotic?”

“Right now, actually. The moment Eltman Elthwin vanished, you’re all acting like ownerless mutts, completely lost. Isn’t it ridiculous? Is Stella, this world-renowned institution, really nothing without Eltman?”

“M-mutt…”

Despite Parek’s blunt words, the Board of Directors remained silent.

Because, in truth, he was right.

Eltman’s month-long absence had left many of Stella’s functions paralyzed, raising questions among the mages about the reliability of Stella’s supposedly ironclad system.

“If Eltman Elthwin were to vanish, would Stella fall?”

Parek Lehman, with eyes lowered in thought, addressed both the Board and the Council.

“Therefore, we must prepare Stella’s system for times when Eltman Elthwin is absent…”

At that moment, about a hundred meters outside the meeting hall’s window, Scarlet, sitting on her broom, munching on a hot dog with her legs dangling, observed the scene and clicked her tongue.

“Knew it would come to this.”

If the head is absent for too long, those below start to climb up. Eltman must’ve known this would happen.

“Planning to step in yourself?”

“Huh? Me? Why would I? He doesn’t even like me.”

Akihaden, who had climbed all the way to the rooftop to find her, looked at Scarlet with a complex expression.

Though they were a good hundred meters apart, their conversation continued without hindrance.

“You’re staying longer than expected, Witch Queen.”

“Ah~ Turns out it’s more fun here than I thought. And with Eltman still missing, it’s like this place is my playground!”

Akihaden’s expression hardened.

Scarlet had essentially forced her way into Stella, and he hadn’t been able to reject the Witch Queen’s demands. Yet, to his surprise, she had diligently fulfilled her role as a professor. The once mischievous glint in her eyes that hinted at a desire to stir up trouble in Stella had faded.

She had even… grown.

Scarlet’s appearance, which once resembled a middle schooler, now seemed more fitting for a high schooler. Her playful tone was a bit softer, and some of her youthful antics had faded.

“Why are you staring?”

“You’ve grown.”

“Eh? My face?”

“Your face, your body. You’re definitely different from a month ago. Is there a reason?”

“I was going to age myself to an adult all at once, but that would’ve been weird~.”

“…There’s a reason, then?”

“Of course~.”

Scarlet casually replied as her gaze drifted to Stella’s vast grounds. From high atop the tower, she could see Baek Yuseol walking down one of the corridors.

Surrounding him were girls with unique destinies, each interacting with him in their own way. To some, he offered friendship; to others, trust; and to others still, affection.

Watching this, Scarlet had a realization.

“He seems to prefer older women~ So, if I want to get on his good side, looking a bit more mature might help, right?”

‘What is she talking about…’

Akihaden, with no knowledge of Scarlet’s connection to Baek Yuseol, was utterly baffled.

“Anyway, shall we head back?”

“Are you going to a lecture?”

“Huh? No, no. I’ve taught all I can. You only learned a bit, but I think he got the message.”

In other words…

“You’re finally… leaving?”

“Yes. Aren’t you glad? Aren’t you glad? Haha! I can see it all over your face, kiddo.”

Scarlet chuckled, balancing on her staff.

“Just in time, too. Here comes Eltman, flying this way with that terrifying look on his face.”

Sensing Scarlet’s presence, Eltman was speeding toward her, stretching the space around him to accelerate despite not being in peak condition.

Scarlet waved playfully toward Eltman before winking at Akihaden.

“If I’ve done this much, it’s time for me to run!”

With that, she conjured a door in mid-air and paused, casting one last look at Stella. There was a hint of reluctance in her gaze, a stark contrast to when she’d come purely to cause trouble. But knowing she couldn’t stay, she stepped through the door without hesitation.

“See you next time!”

Thud!

The door closed and disappeared into thin air, just as Eltman Elthwin arrived.

Whoosh!

Eltman’s icy gaze lingered on the spot where Scarlet had stood before he turned his attention to Akihaden.

“What happened here? Keep it brief.”

Akihaden sighed, bowing his head. Despite his high position as Stella’s Vice-Principal, he couldn’t help but feel at the mercy of these 9th-class transcendents.

For the first time in ages, he found himself questioning the value of his life as a black mage.

---

**[Emergency Recruitment Notice for Exchange Students]**

In the lower levels of the main tower, a notice board displayed messages that could be read like holograms, allowing students to search for specific content.

During exam results, this function would be overloaded with students, but at quieter times like now, it was easy to read through each announcement.

“Emergency recruitment…”

Flame found the wording strange. In the original *Princess Love* novel, exchange students were never recruited at this time.

“It’s because of Professor Scarlet.”

“Huh?”

Hae Wonryang, who had appeared beside him, wiped his sweaty forehead with a towel.

“Professor Scarlet’s classes were captivating to the point that many exchange students canceled their plans just to stay.”

“Ah, really?”

“Ultimately, it didn’t make much difference, though.”

For the past month, Professor Scarlet had earned immense popularity at Stella with her engaging lectures and close rapport with students. Then, out of nowhere, she canceled all her classes and abruptly left. Although Vice-Principal Akihaden had tried to offer an explanation, Flame suspected the real reason.

‘The headmaster’s back.’

Eltman, who had been absent for

 a month, finally reappeared. Given their contentious relationship, it was no wonder Scarlet had fled.

But why had she even come in the first place?

In the original novel, Scarlet was barely mentioned—a mythical figure who lived in isolation and, if she chose to intervene in the human world, could overturn history.

“Feels a bit disappointing…”

“She was a good teacher, even if we didn’t understand her intentions fully. Her teachings were helpful.”

True to his nature, Hae Wonryang absorbed every bit of knowledge, not overlooking anything from Scarlet’s lessons, despite any suspicion of her hidden motives.

“Flame, are you thinking of joining the exchange program?”

“For now? I’m curious about the elves’ magic academy. And, well, I hear they’re all pretty good-looking. What about you?”

“Hmm…”

“You’re not going?”

According to the original storyline, Hae Wonryang was supposed to be part of the exchange group.

“I’ve recently thought of a new spell. I’d rather work it out here than leave for new teachings.”

“Oh, really?”

Though so much had changed, Flame took it in stride.

It had been a long time since he’d trusted in the future he knew from the original story.

“What about Baek Yuseol? Is he going?”

“Yeah, he’s on the list.”

Some time ago, Jellyel from Star Cloud requested Flame to persuade Baek Yuseol to join the exchange program. Flame had tried to approach Baek with casual comments, suggesting he join or playfully asking if he was interested in going.

But all that effort seemed pointless when Baek Yuseol casually replied, “Of course, I’m going.”

It seemed there was something specific he needed to resolve at Starflower Academy.

But what intrigued Flame more was Jellyel.

Why did she seem so desperate for Baek Yuseol? Flame still vividly remembered the expression on her face—not one of ambition or self-interest, but rather a look of pure, heartfelt longing.

Jellyel rarely showed any emotion, but he was certain about one thing: the character set to play the villainess in the [Starflower Academy Exchange Program] arc was already enamored with Baek Yuseol.

So… who would be the antagonist now?

In the original plot, this arc should have focused on Jellyel’s severe harassment and the resilient mental strength of Angel to overcome it.

But if there were no villainess…?

If both Hong Biyeon and Jellyel were in supportive roles…

‘What’s going to happen, then?’

Thinking about the uncertain future, Flame’s heart beat a little faster.