Chapter 376 Expelling Catherine?
The new department head had been thrown into the role in a rush.
With the university eager to remove every last trace of Franklin's faction, the replacement had been arranged hastily. To avoid any further entanglement with Franklin's circle, Imperial University had recruited entirely from overseas.
Daryl Fields had only just wrapped up his projects abroad. He knew little about the politics on campus. All he had heard was that Franklin's removal somehow involved a student named Catherine.
"What does your family do?" Daryl asked, his tone sharp.
Catherine's voice was calm. "It's all in my student file, Mr. Fields. You can look it up."
"I'm asking you now. Just answer the question," Daryl snapped.
He hated students who danced around instead of giving straight answers. He was the teacher, and she was the student—end of story.
"My parents are unemployed. My grandfather is old. We farm."
The Windsor Mansion in Tranquil County did, technically, run farms—only those farms happened to encompass nearly all of Tranquil County's agriculture.
"I hear you have brothers?"
"Yes. Small business owners."
Daryl's lip curled. Another student from a family with no real standing, probably the type to stir up trouble on campus. Franklin's fall likely had nothing to do with her. And the matter with Lyra? That only confirmed his suspicion—Catherine was just another calculating student. The kind he despised most.
"Go back to class. Your exemption request is denied. Show up to lectures on time or forget about graduating. Do you think this school is your personal playground? No discipline at all. Is that how your family raised you?"
"I can withdraw," Catherine said evenly.
The words hit him like a slap. He was used to intimidating students, but no one had ever thrown that back in his face.
"Is that a threat? You think you can scare me? Ridiculous. Who exactly are you hurting by not going to school?"
Still muttering, Daryl flipped open her file.
The first line froze him in place.
[Catherine Windsor, Imperia City. Member of the Windsor family. Granddaughter of former Stellara Navy Admiral Marcus.]
[Recipient of multiple Stellara Honor Medals. Specially invited to Imperial University as a key talent.]
[Recognized for outstanding contributions to Stellara's scientific advancement. Awarded the Special Contribution Medal under the Galactic Aurora Collective Lab.]
Even written so briefly, the weight of it was staggering. These were honors he could never hope to touch in a lifetime.
"I—" Daryl's throat went dry. A moment ago he'd told her to drop out.
Catherine adjusted the strap of her bag. "Mr. Fields, if that's all, I'll go file my withdrawal."
He could already imagine the fallout if she actually left. The administration would tear him apart.
Otis passed by just in time to hear. "Don't drop out. Come to my department. Full scholarship. No need to attend classes if you don't want to."
Ever since the research summit, when he'd learned Catherine was the legendary Alioth who had shaken the entire scientific community, Otis had treated her like a priceless artifact.
"If you join us, I'll put your name on the lab."
"Your lab doesn't meet my requirements," Catherine replied without hesitation. "A bit too outdated. And I prefer research staff with hair."
Otis's hand went to his bald head. He'd been bald for years, but being openly called out for it still stung—especially because it was true.
"What kind of standard is that?" he asked, half laughing, half pained.
"Because it's more pleasant to look at," Catherine said simply. Aesthetics, after all, could affect morale.
Otis looked like he might cry.
"But you're welcome to visit my lab," Catherine added. "I've finished the jewelry design I promised you."
Who would turn down a visit to the most advanced lab in the country? And she'd remembered the jewelry. Otis's mood flipped instantly.
"Good. I'll make time."
He glanced at Daryl. "I know you've been buried in research overseas, but you should understand—administration decisions aren't wrong. Franklin's removal was his own doing. Don't think you can dig into it through Catherine. Some people may have talent, but their character is questionable."
Then, with a grin, "And if you're unhappy in the design department, Catherine, the computer science department would welcome you."
Plenty of departments wanted to poach her. Catherine had chosen jewelry design, yet Daryl didn't even realize what a treasure he had—and was trying to push her out? Madness.
Daryl's face burned. "No, no, I never meant for her to leave. If the previous arrangements were approved, we'll stick to them. Catherine can attend whenever she likes. Just show up for finals—actually, even that's flexible."
He was scrambling now.
Catherine didn't seem to care. She attended lectures only when she felt like it. The university could teach her little; any member of the Galactic Aurora Collective was qualified to teach here. But she did enjoy the youthful atmosphere—a rare experience for her. The Windsor family wanted her safe and happy. If that meant attending classes occasionally, so be it.
"I'll come when I can," she said, swinging her bag over her shoulder. She didn't spare Daryl a second glance.
Otis chuckled. "We've got a discussion panel coming up. I'd like you to attend—if you'd be so gracious. I asked your grandfather, but he said it's your call."
"Sure. I have a new system I want to develop—one for elderly companionship and end-of-life care, and another for locating missing children. We can discuss them there."
Otis's eyes lit up. Being part of any Galactic Aurora Collective project was an honor. He conveniently forgot she'd just called his lab outdated.
"These are all social welfare projects?" he asked.
"Yes. There's plenty of money in profit-driven ventures. I'd rather spend some on things that cost money."
Only Catherine could say that with such casual arrogance.
Otis laughed heartily. "Good. The Galactic Aurora Collective has heart. That's the way."
Eternal Light Cathedral.
Brad studied the tarot spread before him, his brow furrowing. "This doesn't look good."
The wizard who arrived at the scene was completely speechless.
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