Chapter 52 Dame
An older woman was sitting tiredly, her head backward, resting upon the chair with closed eyes. Only fatigue could describe her haggard look, and dark circles under her eyes indicated her lack of sleep. Stacks of documents scattered in different directions showed how busy she had been these past few days.
The room looked like a typical office chamber with a compulsory bookshelf and an ancient table, both having their own unique stories and origins. With a new semester coming up in a few months, the workload was immense, and with her high position, she had to make all the critical decisions.
Suddenly her phone rang, which woke her from her dull state. She was annoyed that her rest was interrupted, but she glanced at the caller ID to identify the culprit.
Initially, the caller's name shocked her, but that did not slow her pace in answering the call.
[Perspective Change]
"Hello, Edith?" The person from the other side inquired first.
Hearing a familiar feminine voice confirmed the identity. All sleepiness and tiredness left my body; I involuntarily shot up from my seat to stand up.
" Yes, Hello, Good Morning your Majesty." I said it as respectfully as I could.
" Good Morning, I guess you did have my number. I remember we exchanged it few years ago at your designation. How have you been? " asked the Queen.
" Yes, you are right, your majesty. We also met a few months ago during a gathering, but It was only a brief exchange. I am doing fine; Thank you for asking. Can I ask why you majesty called? " I asked directly. I know that Queen doesn't like nonsense flattery, so it is better to be as direct as possible without being impolite.
" Well, I have a personal favour to ask you. See, I need you to help arrange accommodation for a person in the Academy. Just for a few months, but I want someone to guide him in the acting field. " The Queen stated her demands casually, but it is a giant bomb for me.
? " It shall be done, your majesty. May I ask the identity of the person? I must prepare and discuss it with faculty members to better accommodate the person's needs. " I said. First, I agreed on the spot; It was a no-brainer. I knew it would strain the teachers, but I had to do it; you don't want to piss off the royalty and power who support this establishment. I could worry about those problems later, but identity is the main problem.
With a high-profile person comes high risks. They could be snobby elites who looked down upon the craft or someone who just wanted to enjoy and play with celebrities. What better place than Academy to hunt current and future public figures? So, a general idea about the person will give me time to prepare for contingency plans. I already have many problems and responsibilities; I don't want another brat running around the facility, drooling over my students.
" I know that it is a lot to ask for; I have looked into inner status of the Academy and I know that new semester is coming up but I promise he will not cause you any problems for you and the Academy. His name is Samuel Rothchild, my sister Margaret's grandchild and he is only ten years old. I just want you to show him the ropes and other requirements can be discussed with his guardians. I will send you the specifics of his visit later. " The Queen revealed some specifics which made me sigh with relief. A child is much simpler to handle.
" Okay, I will look into it. You can rest assured I will help him anyway I can. " I replied.
We talked for a few more minutes before she hung up the phone. I slouched on the chair with relief, the situation was not so bad, but it will take a lot to convince the teachers. I have to inform the different department heads and assign a supervising teacher for him. I have to call an emergency meeting and devise means to contain the news. More work, great! Sigh.
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Dame/Lady Edith Evans is a respected industry leader known for innovative and flexible teaching techniques.
Dame, appropriately a name of respect, or a title equivalent to lady, surviving in English as the legal designation for the wife or surviving spouse of a baronet or knight, or for a dame of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire; it is prefixed to the given name and surname.
Societies or orders have also used dame to denote female members holding a rank equivalent to the male rank of knight. The everyday use of the word by itself is for an older woman.
Currently, the head of different departments and other key figures are sitting in the conference room along with the principal. They are all called for a sudden meeting; there is no notice and topics given before the meeting, and the whole situation confuses everyone except Edith.
After everyone settled down, Edith got up to address the restless crowd.
" I know everyone has many quentions regarding the sudden summon but It is very crucial sitaution and I needed everyone's opinion but It is imperative that you doesn't leak the information outside under any circumtance. You can say that it is Top Secert. If you can't keep a secert, I will advise you to leave the room right now. Understand? "
The room quieted down to pin-drop silence with the sudden news. They all understood the depth of the situation and nodded to Edith's words. No one left the room; they respected and admired her and knew that she would not intentionally harm them.
Seeing that none left the room made Edith smile and be relieved. She continues-- 𝘧r𝗲𝑒𝔀𝘦𝙗𝓃oν𝑒l.𝐜𝗼m
" I received a call from the Queen few hours ago and we will have a new student for few months. She personally requested and I accepted."