Noh Goonsang greeted the two men in the Principal's Office with a puzzled expression. "What brings you two here so early? And why the long faces?"
Mae Geuklyom wore a solemn expression, and beside him, Baek Muheun looked like he was being marched to the execution grounds. It was an unusual sight, yet it felt strangely familiar.
"I've come because I have something to tell you, Principal," Mae Geuklyom said.
Baek Muheun mumbled, "I was just dragged along..."
Noh Goonsang tried his best to keep from laughing. If Baek Muheun were a student, he would have looked exactly like someone who had just been caught misbehaving. "Hoho, please take a seat. I'll prepare some tea."
"Let me do it, Principal," Baek Muheun offered.
"Stay put, Mr. Baek. The physician said doing simple things myself would help with my recovery."
Noh Goonsang gestured for the two to sit and prepared the tea himself. His broken bones had mended enough for simple daily tasks, but nothing more.
He could no longer train in martial arts or fight on a battlefield. For that reason, he intended to do everything he could for the Azure Dragon Academy before he was forced to retire.
When the tea was finished steeping, he filled two cups and offered them with a benevolent smile, though his gaunt face betrayed him.
"Now then, Sword Addict. Why have you come to see me at the crack of dawn?"
Mae Geuklyom took a slow sip before speaking. "I have come to take the Principal's seal from you."
"...What?" Noh Goonsang's face went blank for a moment, before slowly lighting up with a bright smile. "Ha! The Vice Principal came by yesterday and dropped a hint. Have you finally made up your mind?"
Mae Geuklyom rose from his seat, straightened his posture, and clasped his hands politely. " Senior Thousand-Armed Bodhisattva, although I am a man of many shortcomings, I wish to succeed you and serve as Principal of the Azure Dragon Academy. Will you grant me your permission?"
Noh Goonsang smiled with deep satisfaction, stood up, and returned the gesture. " If a martial artist like you lacks the qualifications, then what right did I have to become principal in the first place? Thank you for making such a difficult decision during these tough times, Sword Addict."
Not many words were needed. Following this announcement, Mae Geuklyom was appointed Acting Principal of the Azure Dragon Academy, and the transition of responsibilities began.
The two men sat back down and got straight to business.
Noh Goonsang and Mae Geuklyom immediately nodded at each other in mutual understanding.
"The academy is in disarray, so it would be best to postpone the retirement and inauguration ceremonies until after the Heavenly Martial Festival."
"I was thinking the same... Actually, why don't we could skip them altogether? It's a hassle..."
"We can't do that. After we return victorious from the Heavenly Martial Festival, we'll hold a proper retirement ceremony for you."
"Hohoho! Should I say, as expected of the Azure Dragon Hero's grandfather? You both treat victory as a matter of course!" Noh Goonsang laughed heartily, then grew serious. "We must depart in two weeks to arrive on time for the Heavenly Martial Festival."
"Yes." Mae Geuklyom nodded gravely.
Few among the Five Great Academies had attended the festival more times than he had. This year, however, he would be there not as Headmaster, but as Acting Principal.
"Is there anything else we need to prepare?"
"Since the students just went through a major incident, ensuring their safety on the way will be paramount. Close cooperation with the Murim Alliance will be essential..."
Mae Geuklyom shared his thoughts as if he had been waiting for the chance, while Noh Goonsang listened attentively to his successor, nodding along.
Noh Goonsang burst out laughing. "Hohoho! A fellow named Go Juyeol from the Murim Alliance Investigation Team stopped by a few days ago. He was quite forthcoming!"
"Thanks to you, I can rest a little easier. Now then, we've been doing all the talking." Noh Goonsang glanced over at Baek Muheun, who had been sitting in tense silence this whole time. "Why haven't you said a word, Mr. Baek?"
"!" Baek Muheun froze.
Mae Geuklyom replied on his son-in-law's behalf. "I'm thinking of appointing this fellow as the next Headmaster."
Noh Goonsang's eyes flashed with glee. "Oh my! Is that really true?"
Baek Muheun sighed, but he held out a small sliver of hope that he might still get away scot-free. "That's what Father-in-law wants, but if you have any reservations, Principal, I'm prepared to step aside at any time..."
Unfortunately for him, Noh Goonsang shook his head as if he had heard something utterly absurd. "Of course I approve. Where would we find someone else as trustworthy as you?"
"Ugh..." Baek Muheun groaned. Looking like he needed something to do with his hands, he reached for his tea with a pained expression.
Noh Goonsang grinned mischievously. "I heard our Handsome Prince here was quite the character in his youth. They say your talent for climbing walls and wooing young ladies was unrivaled across all Five Great Academies, that you're a true world-class Rooftop Gentleman!"
"Pfft!" Baek Muheun nearly sprayed his tea across the table. "W-Who told you that?! D-D-Don't tell me it was F-Father-in-law?!"
Mae Geuklyom buried his face in his hand and sighed, as if he were the one embarrassed. "Am I crazy? Why would I say something that brings shame to my own daughter?"
Baek Muheun silently vowed to hunt Go Juyeol down and beat him senseless, then scrambled to save face. "Ahem! That man has always been a terrible exaggerator. Not even ten percent of what he says is true. Father-in-law, please back me up here."
Mae Geuklyom hesitated. "Well, I'd say at least fifty percent is accurate..."
"No, It's not. Ugh... never mind, just stay quiet..."
Mae Geuklyom shook his head. "How could I speak ill of an academy graduate?"
"What about me?! Am I not a graduate too?!"
The two old men chuckled at Baek Muheun's indignation, clearly enjoying tormenting their fifty-year-old junior.