Chapter 129
Chapter 129
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 129
Chapter Title: Wolf's Nest
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Zolf.
The unfortunate grad student currently drawing the most attention in Jefrin had suggested we move somewhere else to talk, so I headed to the convenience store with him.
"So this is the 'Wolf's Nest,' huh."
"...What's that supposed to mean?"
"His Highness Prince Wolfram von Loengrin's hideout. The eighth magic lab."
"It has a name like that?"
"Yep. They say in Jefrin, only those chosen by His Highness himself dare to set foot here."
Who the hell started that rumor?
If customers stop coming to the convenience store, what am I supposed to do?
"I see. So Zolf, you've boldly stepped into the Wolf's Nest of your own accord?"
"If I were wise enough to worry about getting bitten to death by the wolf, I never would've become a grad student."
Well said. Got nothing to say to that.
I grabbed a couple of drinks at random and cut to the chase.
"Alright, let's hear it. You want to join my ranks... What exactly does that mean?"
"Exactly what it sounds like."
"I don't get what that means literally. Give me the full explanation."
This is the guy who asked if he needed to sign a collateral agreement just to get snacks from me at church on Sundays.
Of course, after that, he heard he didn't need to show up anymore, but still, he's not the type to sign deals lightly.
"Got it. His Highness must have been busy since then, so I'll keep it brief."
"Permission granted."
"First off, our lab fell apart after that. How could research continue when the professor's under investigation? And since it was an imperial commission, they issued a halt order, and another lab took it over."
"Does that even make sense? Stealing an ongoing project? Sure, you can keep the records of past research, but you can't steal what's in people's heads—the future ideas and direction. It could be a total waste of time."
"When the imperial family flexes its muscle, even that great professor gets swept away in an instant. Haha."
"......"
Right.
The Loengrins don't move much, standing like mountains in place, but when they do, there's no mercy.
When Regina Cielra insulted me, even she—the leading candidate for heir of the Cierra family— was prepared to face expulsion.
That's the weight the guardian of humanity carries.
Crushing a professor's research or smashing a lab? Piece of cake if the imperial family gets involved.
"So what happened to Professor Lanticia Grace?"
"Still under investigation. She's denying the charges, getting support statements from other professors, pulling every string she can... but since the imperial family stepped in directly, it won't wrap up easily."
"What about your grad research now? Too late to find another professor, right?"
"...Does His Highness know how thesis reviews work in Jefrin's grad program?"
"Not in detail."
"Simply put, six experts in the field review the thesis. Ratings like 'sufficient for a degree' or 'some shortcomings but fine for graduation.' Officially, it's 'the grad student and professor agree on six from the list,' but really, the professor picks them."
"And?"
"Simply put, I'm at the center of this Jefrin grad scandal. With no professor, I can pick the six reviewers myself. Another professor in the field will compile the results, but they won't want any fallout, so it'll pass without issue."
"I see. So your degree is basically guaranteed. Congratulations."
"Nothing to congratulate yet. The real war starts now. And... that's why I came to you."
"Right. Your graduation being a sure thing isn't reason enough to join my ranks."
"...Yes. So, to the main point."
"That was a long chat. Get on with it."
"The imperial family announced they're watching this closely and will create a 'Professor Evaluation System by Grad Students.'"
"Hm."
Grad students evaluating professors?
That won't work properly, will it?
Might as well have complaint letters in the army run things.
"They say it'll be anonymous evaluations of labs and professors by grad students. Like Jefrin's status books, everyone can view it... Haha. I know from that look on your face, Your Highness—it won't work."
"Good that you know."
"Yep. It'll be packed with stuff like 【Write top ratings for everyone in the lab this week】 or 【Low raters do another year. Got it?】—no jokes, all serious. And moreover..."
"...In the worst case, the imperial family sets up this face-saving system and calls it done. No big additional oversight staff."
"Haha... Spot on, as always, Your Highness. I'm in awe of your insight."
Well, yeah. No society has a whistleblower system that actually works.
"Now the real point. I—we—want to privatize that system. For that, we need you, Your Highness."
"......Keep talking."
"Even after I graduate, I want a system improving grad student conditions. I might change once I get my degree, but if the system runs right, my juniors will have better lab lives."
"And for that, you need the Loengrin name to keep the system alive?"
"Yes, exactly."
Simple.
With the mighty Loengrin name backing it, and constant Loengrin oversight, that 'Professor Evaluation System by Grad Students' has a shot at actually running.
Labs are closed groups, so odds are still low, but complaint letters could reach me directly. If I tell the imperial family, 'This came up—let's investigate at the imperial level,' they'll send some half-assed team just because it's the emperor's bloodline speaking.
And that's enough. Bloodline privilege for the win.
That alone pressures the professors into basic fairness.
What I get? Future grad students. The scholars who'll lead under Loengrin.
If I play up that the system survives because of my benevolence, they'll be my loyal followers.
Whatever, though.
"How many grad students follow you?"
"About fifty."
"One condition."
"I'll hear it humbly. No matter the command..."
"Buy my products regularly. School supplies, meals, snacks, drinks. I'll set up regular deliveries."
"······················Pardon?"
"I'll give you a 10% discount off retail. Send a list, check what you want, place the order. Ship to Patrasche. Free delivery."
"What does that... Ah... Aha. I get it. It subtly shows you're part of the Wolf's Nest. Haha. Not some shady spy in the shadows, but openly in the wolf's faction. ...Yes, understood. Our fates are linked."
What are you talking about?
I just gained fifty steady customers.
"Good. Call a meeting tonight."
"Tonight?"
"Since we're doing business, we should at least meet once. Right?"
"Quite right. I'll call them now."
"Good. Serve loyally. Order as much as possible."
"Grad stipends are 1.8 million rin. Mercy."
"10% off and free shipping, and still?"
"...You're right. Cheaper than retail."
"Mm."
"Heh. Thanks for the repeated generosity."
That evening, Zolf's allies gathered and even had a little party in front of the convenience store.
Cleared inventory nicely. Of course, I got paid.
Gulp.
Nice.
Quick cash, and a new client to boot?
Just honorary advisor to one organization? Bargain.
Right?
A few days later.
Eve von Loengrin burst into the convenience store, dark circles under her eyes.
"...Wolfram."
"Eve. You look like death today—truly the perfect example for the hundred thousand students of Jefrin that their student council president leads. Keep up the good work."
Eve and I flipped each other the bird with smiles. Haha. Such great bloodline buddies. Would've been twice as good without you.
"So, what's up?"
"I heard some intel."
"......?"
"...You met with the grad students?"
Met?
Was it that big a deal?
"Word travels fast."
"What are you thinking?"
"They came to me, so I took them in."
"......"
Eve glared at me.
Whoa, eyes full of murder.
"Word among the first-years is you're the one raising 【Iron Fist】 Milmyu. The ones without grudges against you admire and idolize you. And now you're taking in grad students too? Your faction's gonna explode. Congrats."
"......"
Is that how it looks?
"...We imperial heirs—legitimate ones—always become student council president in Jefrin. To build our own faction before leaving this model garden."
"Yes."
"Planning to build yours now? Scooping up innocent first-years and abused grads...?"
Whoa, that makes me sound like total trash.
"Believe me if I say no?"
"Sure. Of course you'd say no. But your ambitions are huge. Undermine my rep, toy with me, and you'll split Jefrin in two. My term becomes the most worthless in history."
"You think that?"
"Don't play dumb. Plus, you've got the second-year Knight Division top as your royal guard, third-year Magic Division top as your fiancée, the strongest assassin still in third-year Magic... and even your great ancestor's foster daughter in fourth-year. Your forces are terrifying—politically, in skill, in legitimacy. And at the center, the merciless Wolfram von Loengrin."
Whoa, really.
I didn't know that truth.
Can you introduce me to that Wolfram guy? I'll watch your ad for 60 seconds grinning.
Can't keep up with Eve's story.
Head spinning.
"Wolfram. Wolfram von Loengrin. You're setting your sights on the throne now?"
Ah.
Finally something I get.
Throne? Yeah.
I know it. Money pit, that thing.
"The throne's already mine."
Eve ground her teeth and glared.
"Oppa or unnie aren't pushovers. Or... you know that already."
No way she's calling me oppa... Ah, she's talking about them.
Why bring them up?
Eve's all over the place.
"Fine. You seized the throne proxy during my term, so maybe it's my fault you grew this far. I won't pettily revoke your dorm authority now, but I won't lose either."
"......"
"I'll watch you, follow you. Your ambitions are dangerous!"
"Whatever. Do what you want."
"......I'll definitely keep up!"
Yeah, yeah.
That age, huh.
So all that bitching was just 'I wanna tag along'?
"Then get a swimsuit ready within two weeks."
"......Pardon?"
She's begged so tearfully to join the party—even bloodline mates can't say no.
"Departure in two weeks. Details later."
"············?"
I get it, really.
When will she grow up?