Chapter 96: A Lesson for the Principal
**Thelma Zane’s POV**
“It’s normal to feel sad,” I said gently, hugging Avril as tears streaked her face. Dorothy and Mara joined in, wrapping their arms around her In a show of solidarity. “Sometimes, sadness needs to run its course before the healing begins. Let it out, cry as much as you need. It’s the best way to release the pain.”
The warmth of our embrace seemed to comfort her, but the situation had escalated far beyond a private matter. As expected, the incident had reached the ears of the school administration. Before we knew it, the principal had summoned us to his office for a meeting
The moment I entered his spacious, meticulously organized office, the grey–haired principal gestured toward a chair. “Good afternoon, Miss Zane,” he said, his tone formal and measured. “Please, have a seat.”
“Good afternoon, Mr. Principal,” I replied as I took the offered chair. My tone, however, lacked any pretense of politeness. “I assume this is about Ryan, isn’t it? I know exactly what he’s been trying to do, and let me make one thing clear–I won’t apologize to him. Whatever he’s experiencing now is nothing more than well–deserved karma.”
The principal frowned, his expression darkening at my bluntness. “Mind your language, young lady,” he reprimanded sternly.
“Very well,” I replied, leaning back casually. “I’m sure you’re considering some sort of disciplinary action–perhaps calling his parents, issuing a public reprimand, or maybe even suspending me to make an example. So, what will it be?”
The principal shook his head, surprising me. “Actually, I don’t plan to do any of those things,” he said. “I understand the importance of loyalty to one’s friends, Thelma, but wasn’t it a bit excessive to attack someone in public? Have you thought about the repercussions? How
will
you and
your friends integrate back into the school environment now? And have you considered how Ryan might face his peers after this incident?”
I rolled my eyes, unable to suppress my irritation. “Oh, come on, Mr. Principal. Spare me the moral sermon. It’s clear you’ve been out of touch with student life for a long time. Let me enlighten you—your ideals of honor and shame hold no relevance among today’s students.”
I leaned forward slightly, narrowing my eyes at him. “In fact, my friends and I will be just fine. We’ll likely have an even better time now that bullies understand we’re not to be trifled with. And as for Ryan, why should I concern myself with his ability to save face? Did he consider the consequences for others when he bullied them? When he humiliated and belittled others, did he ever think about their futures?”
Chapje te A Lesson for the Principa
The principal’s jaw tightened, and his voice became colder. “You need to correct your attitude, Miss Zane. This isn’t the royal palace. Your noble temper will get you nowhere here.”
“So, you acknowledge that I’m a noble,” I said with a sly smile, twisting a strand of my hair idly. “Tell me, Mr. Principal, how much do you think I know about you? Is it just your accolades and stellar resume, or should we delve into the less flattering details?”
I leaned closer, my elbows resting on the desk as I stared him down. “Do you think Her Majesty hasn’t scrutinized this school before allowing me to enroll? Do you believe I don’t have access to reports about its staff and students? Shall we discuss your private dealings, or will you deny them?”
His face twitched, but he maintained a forced smile. “Her Majesty is a fair and just ruler,” he said, his voice strained. “She would never stoop to invading a citizen’s privacy.”
“Of course,” I replied with a soft chuckle, leaning back into the plush chair. “Her Majesty is as virtuous as you claim. May the Moon Goddess bless her.”
Though I spoke with an air of nonchalance, it was clear I’d struck a nerve. In truth, my parents had no time to concern themselves with my school life, and the Queen had no personal interest in this place. However, the security department’s report on the school had passed through my hands, and it had contained enough details to give me leverage.
The principal took a deep breath, his smile faltering. “Let’s leave irrelevant matters aside,” he said, attempting to regain control of the conversation. “You need to understand that minor disputes among students are common. You can’t resort to violence every time-”
“Minor disputes?” I interrupted, my tone sharp. “You call public insults, stripping someone of their earned roles, and instigating fights with knives *minor disputes*? Are you seriously equating bullying and harassment with harmless misunderstandings?”
I stared at him, my voice dripping with disdain “Forgive me for being blunt, Mr. Principal, but your standards for judgment are appallingly low.”
His face darkened further, veins beginning to bulge on his temple. “Stay on topic, young lady! We’re discussing your actions here, not Mr. Ryan’s shortcomings. Didn’t Miss Mara provoke him first? A young woman should exhibit more restraint-”
“Restraint?” I interrupted again, unwilling to hear another word of his outdated rhetoric. “Is there a new rule for this year’s graduation ceremony that I’m unaware of? One that says girls are forbidden from inviting their preferred dance partners? Or is it only when Ryan’s pride is at stake?”
I leaned back with a smirk, crossing my arms. “We both know why you’re so quick to defend Ryan. His so–called talent brings prestige to the school, which boosts your reputation. Other students are disposable in your eyes because they don’t contribute to your agenda. And let’s not forget Ryan’s father–his ‘generous contributions‘ to the school must make it difficult for you to hold Ryan accountable for anything.”
The principal’s eyes widened, and he stammered, “That’s preposterous! These are baseless accusations, Miss Zane! I won’t tolerate threats”
“Threats? Accusations? Those are your words, not mine,” I said with an icy smile. “Consider this a small lesson, Mr. Principal. If you value your position, I suggest you find what little integrity you have left and start using it to benefit the students Otherwise, you might discover that your carefully constructed façade isn’t as solid as you think.”
Without waiting for a response, I stood up and walked out of the office, leaving him flustered and fuming behind his desk. Sometimes, it takes a firm hand to remind people where they
truly stand
