Echoes of Legacy

"Beneath the Discipline"

Mayumi had always found herself in situations like this-about ten to twelve times a month-so she wasn't typically afraid. But this time was different. The possibility of being banned from the upcoming trip, essential for her physical training, left her nervous. As she entered the principal's office, her heart raced. The old principal, who had known her since her admission, was used to her behavior and wasn't shocked at all.

"Enji, you know I can't do anything about this girl," the principal said with a sigh. "The only thing I've ever considered is suspending her."

For the first time, Mayumi felt a pang of real fear. The principal continued, "We can't suspend her, though. She's from Ren's headquarters, and I know him too well. He wouldn't be pleased."

Mayumi tried to hold back her tears. The principal's voice hardened. "Call Robin. He knows her well and will make her regret this right in front of me."

Panic surged through Mayumi. "Sir, please! Please, give me a chance to explain myself," she pleaded. But neither Enji nor the principal paid attention to her words. Enji left to summon Robin, and Mayumi began shaking with fear. Suddenly, she felt a fever coming on.

When Robin entered, Mayumi didn't dare make eye contact. She stared at the floor as he gave her a judgmental look before sitting down.

"So, within a week, you're supposed to go on that trip, right, Mayu?" Robin asked calmly. Mayumi nodded, her body tense.

Robin continued, his voice dangerously calm, "What if I report that you won't be going?"

Mayumi flushed red, her whole body stiff as she tried to control herself. Robin, ignoring her distress, called out to Enji. "Enji, please call Mr. Joseph, her father."

Enji dialed, and after a brief conversation, Joseph arrived at the office. As soon as he understood the situation, he slapped Mayumi hard. Without hesitation, he signed the agreement that she wouldn't be allowed on the trip, citing her unstable mental health. Before leaving, he slapped her again and forced her to sign as well.

"Dad... please..." Mayumi whispered twice, but her words fell on deaf ears. As Joseph left, Mayumi bit her lip, trying to hold back her tears, her face tense and trembling. Her childish attempt to control her emotions made Robin and the others laugh, finding it both cute and pitiful.

Robin called out to her, "Come here."

She ignored him, still focused on keeping her tears in check.

"Now!" Robin shouted.

Startled, Mayumi obeyed, but as soon as she approached, she fainted from the high fever she'd been suppressing. Robin, as if he had anticipated it, lifted her effortlessly and carried her to her room, his face reactionless as if this was routine.

---

Jack rushed into the city, his mind focused solely on getting to the hostel as fast as possible. His heart raced as he pushed through the streets, ignoring the blur of people and noise around him. He couldn't afford any distractions-not with Mayumi in the condition she was in.

When he reached the hostel, Ted was waiting by the entrance, his eyes red and puffy, clearly remorseful. The second Ted saw Jack, he walked toward him with a slight limp, guilt written all over his face.

"Jack... I'm so sorry," Ted said, his voice trembling. "Please, take me home. And... I'm really sorry for what happened with Mayu."

Jack stared at Ted, his anger simmering beneath his calm exterior. He knew Ted could feel the weight of his stare, and it made him shift uncomfortably. But before Jack could fully express his frustration, he gave Ted a single, firm command.