I Was Summoned as the Academy’s Janitor… But I Accidentally Became the Most Overpowered Harem Protagonist?!
Chapter 43: Shadows of Diplomacy — When Alliances Are Tested

‎Scene : Council Chamber of Velmara Academy (Mid-Morning)

‎‎Sunlight filtered through stained-glass windows in the vaulted Council Chamber, casting colored patterns across a massive round table carved from white marble. Runes of binding glowed faintly along its rim—symbols that kept any darker intent from poisoning the council’s deliberations. Today, that table was surrounded by representatives from every realm: Queen Caterina de Glorieux of Arventia; Duke Aldric Everfrost from Frosted Court; an uneasy truce formed by Prince Kael Umbros of the Obsidian Dominion; and Lord Drakon Flameheart, elder of the Flameheart Clan—each draped in finery that reflected their homelands. At the head of the table, Headmaster Greaves presided, his emerald eyes hidden behind ornate silver-rimmed spectacles.

‎‎Zephyr stood beside the head table—still clad in his teal-and-silver brocade coat accented with broom-bristle embroidery. Beside him, Arwen Galehart wore her Frosted Court diplomatic robes, an elegant marriage of ice-blue silk and silver filigree. Rosalia de Glorieux glowed in a white-gold gown trimmed with phoenix feathers; Drakynia Flameheart leaned against a pillar in crimson and black scale, her Dragonfang Blade sheathed but ever-present. Selena Frostveil sat at a smaller desk adjacent to Zephyr’s spot, her Frostbrand Grimoire open and quills at the ready. Seraphina Noctis lingered near a projection mirror that displayed real-time ward stability data—eyes shuttered behind shadow-lenses.

‎Greaves tapped a slender staff against the marble, and the chamber’s murmur subsided.

‎‎ Headmaster Greaves (voice measured): “Thank you all for assembling on such short notice. Our realms have stood divided far too long. The events at Frosted Court revealed a common foe: those who would seize the Mopnarch’s power to destabilize every kingdom. Today, we must forge a united front.”

‎A ripple passed through the representatives. Duke Aldric cleared his throat, his voice resonant with frost-touched authority.

‎‎ Duke Everfrost: “Frosted Court’s wards were stripped bare by corrupted sigils. The Recall Seal nearly dragged our princess into eternal darkness. I demand guarantees: that our borders remain secure while we cooperate.”

‎Queen Caterina inclined her head gracefully.

‎‎ Queen Caterina: “Arventia pledges a contingent of holy knights—my personal guard—to reinforce Frosted Court’s perimeter. But we require Drakon’s forges to craft divine warding talismans, and Kael’s... unique abilities to detect shadow rites.”

‎‎Lord Drakon Flameheart straightened, the heat of the Flameheart Peaks seeming to radiate off his armor.

‎‎ Lord Drakon: “Our volcanic forges will produce talismans of pure draconic iron. But this alliance cannot be lopsided—Flameheart’s borders are vulnerable to shadow incursions. We need Obsidian Dominion’s aerial scouts in return.”

‎Prince Kael Umbros leaned forward, his violet cloak swirling like smoke.

‎‎ Prince Kael (smoothly): “The Obsidian scouts patrol every crevice of our isles. We will lend them to Flameheart—provided Arventian flames do not scorch our heritage in the process. Mutual trust requires mutual respect.”

‎A tense silence followed. Drakynia’s amber gaze flicked to Kael; restraint warred with her instinct to roar. But Arwen spoke first, her voice crisp like frost on glass.

‎‎ Arwen Galehart: “Then let us codify these terms. Flameheart supplies talismans. Obsidian scouts patrol Peaks. Arventian knights protect Frosted Court. And Velmara Academy provides the binding wards. Any breach of this accord means war.”

‎‎Greaves raised his staff, signaling the scribe to inscribe those words into the Treaty of Shared Light and Shadow—a scroll that would bind the realms in arcane law. Zephyr watched as each representative dipped quills in ink infused with Phoenix-feather ash, seal stamps pressed into molten silver wax.

‎‎When the treaty was complete, a hush of relief passed through the chamber. Greaves lowered his staff.

‎‎ Headmaster Greaves: “So it is written. May our combined strengths ward off any darkness. Let this be a new dawn.”

‎‎Applause rippled through the chamber as the representatives rose, exchanging guarded smiles and nods. Outside, a white dove—sent by Rosalia—took flight, winging through beams of light toward the courtyard below.

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‎Scene : Zephyr’s Quarters (Early Evening)

‎‎Velmara’s hallways, toned muted by evening lamps, led Zephyr to his chambers: modest quarters near the janitor’s wing, where simple furnishings contrasted with the grandeur of the council’s victories. A single window overlooked the Academy’s inner courtyard, aglow with lantern fires and the soft hum of restored wards.

‎‎Inside, Selena Frostveil waited by a low desk strewn with scrolls and notebooks. Her midnight-blue robes were replaced by a deep-sapphire gown—comfortable enough for stargazing, yet still lined with protective runes. When Zephyr stepped in, she closed the Frostbrand Grimoire, setting it aside.

‎‎ Selena (softly): “We did it. Every kingdom signed the treaty—shared wards, patrols, knights. The combined wards are already stabilizing the bleed from Frosted Court.”

‎‎Zephyr removed his cloak, revealing a simple teal tunic. His mop rested in the corner, bristles still warm from channeling Purification Surge earlier. He moved to the window, gazing at the courtyard where students drifted like glowing orbs.

‎‎ Zephyr: “I never imagined custodial duties would lead to this. It’s… overwhelming.” He turned to Selena. “Thank you… for all your research, your wards, and for believing in me.”

‎Selena’s cheeks tinted faintly pink beneath her ice-lens glasses. She stepped closer, glancing at the mop where its phoenix-infused bristles faintly flickered.

‎‎ Selena: “I… learned that magic isn’t just formulas. There’s heart, instinct—things no chart can predict. And that’s why you’re essential to all of this.” She reached for his hand, resting her open palm against his.

‎‎Zephyr looked at her hand, then into her eyes—icy blue depths mixed with warmth.

‎‎ Zephyr: “You’ve taught me that logic and compassion can coexist. Without you, I’d be lost in endless corridors of doubt.”

‎‎She pressed her forehead to his, exhaling a breath that fogged the windowpane. The warded glass cracked slightly, pictograms of ice and light weaving into a protective sigil at their touch.

‎ Selena (murmuring): “I’m proud of you, Zephyr. And… I want to keep learning, with you.”

‎Outside, a soft breeze rustled the curtains. Arwen Galehart slipped into the room, carrying two steaming cups of lavender tea—a silent peace offering after their midday duel over ward designs. She handed one cup to Selena.

‎‎ Arwen (quietly): “Warded successfully. Everything holds, for now.” She offered a small, almost shy smile to Zephyr. “I… I’m glad you’re not alone.”

‎Drakynia Flameheart burst in next, tossing an ember-shaped briquette onto a small brazier. The coals glowed bright.

‎‎ Drakynia (gruffly): “Smoke signal from Rosalia—she’s sending dinner from Arventia kitchens. Said we all need to keep our strength for tomorrow’s ward reinforcement.” She glanced at Selena. “And stop squealing like wounded seagulls—there’s work to be done.”

‎‎Rosalia appeared last, framed by the doorway in white-and-gold robes. In her porcelain hands, a small golden birdcage spun gently, containing a single white dove—symbol of unity. She approached Zephyr, placing a gentle kiss on his cheek.

‎‎ Rosalia: “Brother, our unity is blossoming. Each realm’s flame, frost, shadow, and light now stands behind you. I wanted you to have this.” She opened the cage, and the dove flew free—its wings brushing Zephyr’s shoulder before ascending into the twilight sky.

‎‎Seraphina Noctis settled onto Zephyr’s bed frame, observing the group from her usual silent vigil.

‎‎ Seraphina (softly): “Peace is… fragile. But tonight, let us enjoy it.” She nodded to Selena. “Your wards are impeccable. Rest now—tomorrow, I’ll need you to help me reinforce the academy’s southern perimeter.”

‎‎Selena nodded, exchanging a meaningful look with Zephyr. Drakynia rolled her shoulders, flames dancing across her knuckles.

‎‎ Drakynia: “I’ll take first watch. No dark sigil or shadow hound dares breach our wards on my watch.”

‎‎Arwen placed a hand on Drakynia’s arm.

‎‎ Arwen (gently): “We’ll split the shifts. I’ll guard the northern battlements. Together, we ensure no darkness finds a foothold.”

‎Zephyr gazed around at each of them—at their resolves, their small acts of tenderness and loyalty.

‎‎ Zephyr (whispering): “Thank you… all of you.”

‎‎He set a hand on each nearby shoulder—first Selena’s, then Arwen’s, Rosalia’s, Drakynia’s, and Seraphina’s. The warded symbols on the floor around them glowed in response: a circle of entwined broom, flame, ice, light, and shadow.

‎‎ Zephyr: “Tomorrow, we reinforce these wards together. But tonight… we rest as friends—united.”

‎‎The group settled into companions’ repose, the brazier’s embers crackling, and lavender tea steaming in the soft lamplight. Outside, the academy’s towers shimmered in the gathering dusk; the new wards held firm like a promise.

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‎End of Chapter 43