Chapter 19
Chapter 19
“…Have you considered becoming a full professor?”
“…Pardon?”
I showed a slightly surprised reaction.
I had no intention of staying beyond a year, but I had to act tempted.
“Thank you for the offer… but I must decline.”
“Why?”
“I have something else to do after this year.”
“…I see.”
Director Mavis brushed back her pink hair, looking slightly disappointed.
“Then it can’t be helped.”
“I’ll still do my best this year.”
Just then—
“Professor Marco?”
A member of the Royal Inspection Team approached.
“We need to speak with you.”
I followed him.
“…You handled things impressively.”
“Did His Majesty tell you?”
“The inspection team reports directly to him.”
He smiled.
“You might receive a noble title.”
‘A title?’
That was… not good.
I had already received a top-grade elixir.
More rewards could attract unwanted attention.
“I only did my duty.”
“You don’t understand. This was a major operation.”
“…I see.”
But inwardly, cold sweat ran down my back.
◈
“The nobles’ power has weakened significantly.”
“I know.”
The Emperor sighed.
“…The punishment feels too light.”
“It can’t be helped.”
“Still… this could strengthen the imperial faction.”
“Yes. Especially with the support of the great ducal houses.”
“…But who will inherit that power?”
The Emperor frowned.
“If it goes to the wrong hands… the empire will fall further.”
“…There is the youngest princess.”
“…Yes. She is our only hope.”
Still—
“Can she survive one more year?”
Even with two guards, she was vulnerable.
“…Still, Damian is trustworthy.”
“Yes. He is exceptional.”
The Emperor tapped the desk.
“…I won’t let him go.”
He wrote a letter.
“Deliver this to Damian.”
◈
Two days later.
A carrier bird arrived.
A letter from the imperial palace.
I opened it—
And froze.
[To Sir Damian.]
“I will grant you a title.”
“A barony.”
“…What?”
I stared at the letter in disbelief.
‘What… is this…?’