[An hour later]

A heavy sense of dread filled the air inside Daffodil Academy’s principal office.

Xander Emerson showing up unannounced was not something Principal Patrick could avoid. But seeing him sit there, calm and composed, only made it worse.

Did something happen that I don’t know about? was the first thought that crossed Patrick’s mind.

But the moment he looked up and met Xander’s deadpan gaze fixed on him, his throat went dry.

"Mr. Emerson... what a pleasant surprise," Principal Patrick said with an awkward smile.

"...."

The smile died instantly. Because Xander did not react. Not even a twitch.

Principal Patrick had dealt with every member of the Emerson family whose children studied at the academy. They were all difficult in their own ways, and he had mastered the art of polite acting just to survive their visits.

But Xander was different.

The man was like a walking time bomb, silent and unpredictable. His presence alone was enough to make people question their life choices. Among all the Emersons, he held the most authority. Even the elders thought twice before crossing him.

And now he was here, in his office, unannounced.

Patrick resisted the urge to cry. Why is he staring at me like he’s about to peel my skin off? He screamed internally, already regretting every career decision that had led him here.

Across the room, Taylor stood quietly, watching the scene unfold.

He glanced at the beads of sweat forming on the principal’s forehead and almost sighed.

This poor man... he thought. Just a few more years and he could have retired peacefully. What a shame he might get transferred before that.

Meanwhile, Patrick’s mind was spiraling.

Did I expel someone by mistake? Did a teacher complain? Did Leo get into a fight? Oh God, is this about fees? It’s never about fees...

Before he could dig himself deeper into panic, Xander finally spoke.

"I presume Principal Patrick is tired of his job." His deep voice echoed through the room, freezing Patrick in his seat.

Even his thoughts stopped.

Taylor blinked once, then looked away, pressing his lips together to stop himself from reacting.

That... was a direct attack.

Principal Patrick’s soul practically left his body.

"T-tired?" he repeated weakly, forcing out a laugh that sounded more like a cry for help. "N-not at all, Mr. Emerson. I am very passionate about my job. Extremely passionate. In fact, I was just thinking this morning how much I love working here. I might even work another ten years."

Taylor lowered his head slightly. Impressive. The man is fighting for his life with words.

Xander remained unmoved, his gaze steady and unreadable, while Patrick clutched the edge of his desk under it, his fingers trembling.

Why do I feel like I’m being interrogated for a crime I haven’t committed?

Taylor, standing beside Xander, silently offered the principal a moment of sympathy.

Hang in there, he thought. If you survive this meeting, you deserve a promotion. Or therapy. Possibly both.

Principal Patrick swallowed hard, forcing himself to sit a little straighter, as if posture alone could save his career.

"S-so, Mr. Emerson," he began carefully, choosing each word like it might explode, "to what do we owe this... unexpected visit?"

Taylor glanced at him.

Brave. Very brave.

Xander’s fingers tapped once against the armrest of his chair. The sound was soft, but in the suffocating silence, it felt deafening.

"I came to discuss my son."

That was it.

Simple, short, yet terrifying.

Patrick’s mind immediately went into overdrive.

Discussion? What discussion? Good discussion? Bad discussion? Termination-level discussion?

He forced a smile that looked painfully stretched. "Leo is an excellent student," he said quickly. "Very well-mannered. Bright. Discipline. Not a single complaint."

Taylor almost nodded in agreement. That part, at least, was true.

Xander’s gaze remained fixed on him. "I did not ask for a report."

Patrick’s soul quietly exited his body again.

"I... of course," he stammered, nodding rapidly. "Then perhaps... I should ask what exactly you would like to discuss?"

Taylor shifted his weight slightly, already sensing where this was going. Or rather, where this poor man thought it was going.

Xander leaned back slightly, his expression unchanged. "I was informed there have been... incidents."

Incidents. The word echoed in Patrick’s head like a death sentence.

Incidents?! He almost choked.

Which incident? There are too many incidents! Children run, fall, cry... that’s the entire system!

"I-incident?" Patrick repeated, his voice rising a pitch despite his best efforts. "I assure you, everything is under control. Completely under control. Nothing worth your concern."

Taylor pressed his lips together again. This was getting worse.

Much worse.

Xander’s eyes narrowed just a fraction. "Is that so?"

That was it and Patrick snapped internally.

"Unless... unless this is about the sandbox argument," he blurted out suddenly. "But that was resolved immediately. Or the crayon situation. Though technically, that was more of a sharing disagreement. Or... or the lunchbox exchange misunderstanding. But I personally supervised that!"

He stopped, breathing heavily as deafening silence filled the room.

Taylor slowly turned his head to look at him.

Sandbox... crayon... lunchbox?

He was not helping himself AT ALL.

Xander said nothing for a few seconds, letting the weight of the silence stretch. However, Patrick nearly melted under it.

"None of those."

Two words. And yet, they hit harder than everything else.

"...."

Patrick stared at him, his mind now completely blank. If it was not the sandbox, not the crayons, not the lunchbox... Then what on earth was left?

He laughed weakly. "Then... I must say, I am slightly confused, Mr. Emerson."

Slightly? Taylor almost admired his courage.

Xander’s gaze did not waver. "My son mentioned someone has been troubling him."

That did it, and Patrick’s brain restarted with full panic.

Troubling? Troubling?!

His hands instantly came together on the desk. "Who? Which child? Name, class, section, blood group—I will handle it immediately."

Taylor coughed lightly, turning his face away.

Blood group?

Patrick was spiraling, and he knew he was being foolish. Despite that, he still continued to wait for Xander to speak, and when he did, his eyes widened in shock. 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

"Nate Emerson"

As soon as he said that name, Patrick couldn’t help but gulp.

"N-Nate Emerson," he stuttered, watching Xander’s unwavering gaze. But mentally he was crying....

’Why did I even consider doing this job? Now I really need a transfer’.