The Fox with Tiger's Claws
Anyone could tell that the fox with tiger's claws had a subtle edge to her aura, even without being a genius. The two women sized each other up coolly, like rivals appraising one another, yet without crossing the line of propriety. Rose wore an expression that said she had a rough idea of what was going on, but Jeong-jae couldn't fathom why Margaret—who rarely breached etiquette with strangers—would suddenly provoke his disciple by calling her "immature." If the hypothesis that Margaret liked him was true, this could be jealousy, but why target Jenis Hacker of all people? Because Jenis had been friendly with him during their conversation? Wasn't that just normal between teacher and student?
Unless Margaret knew something about Jenis that justified jumping straight to jealousy—but that didn't make sense. Margaret wasn't the clingy type who grilled him about every woman he met. And even if she did like him, Jeong-jae was certain she wasn't the sort of elf to act that way.
"I've heard the Hacker Count treasures his only daughter as the family's pride, and indeed, you've raised a daughter worth boasting about. The little one's spirit alone makes her seem like a dragon's whelp."
"You're too kind. To receive such praise from Eramenia's greatest fairy princess in thousands of years, who has brought the kingdom's dignity to the world—it's more than I could have dreamed."
It sounded like polite compliments, but the atmosphere was tense enough to cut. Jeong-jae felt like he should intervene between them soon, but Rose patted his shoulder, signaling to watch a bit longer. Playful as Rose could be, she wasn't one to let things escalate to real trouble, so Jeong-jae decided to follow her lead and stay quiet.
"Do baronial houses typically send their ladies as messengers? It's not that I suspect ulterior motives—I'm just noting how unusual it is for you to come in person just to deliver news."
"Of course not. I volunteered. Considering what's ahead, building more rapport with Baron Harriet would be helpful."
"Wasn't the teacher-student relationship over? Why would you need more interaction for 'what's ahead'?"
"Ah, I forgot to mention. Starting the day after tomorrow, I'll be taking up the position of aide to the lord of Harriet territory."
"What?"
This time, Jeong-jae couldn't hold back and jumped into the conversation. Margaret whipped her head toward him, silencing him with her glare before turning back to Jenis.
"The Hacker Count's only daughter, coming to serve as aide in a tiny barony?"
"It's a good opportunity, Princess. Father's getting on in years, and the Hacker family's estates are vast. I've already met the graduation requirements, so no need to stay at the academy longer."
"When did you fulfill all the graduation requirements, Lady Hacker?"
"Three months ago, Princess."
"And you've been attending classes for three more months after that?"
"I thought it would help at the time."
Margaret put a hand to her forehead, looking utterly exasperated. Walter had once described Jenis Hacker as "a fox who inherited a tiger's spirit." Margaret could easily see why. This silver-haired kid was a fox through and through—a natural-born one raised watching her tiger of a father!
"Fine, I get it. Don't get too cocky. We'll see each other again soon enough."
"I'll always look forward to it, Princess."
Margaret turned on her heel as if she had nothing more to say, brushing past Jeong-jae toward Rose. Jeong-jae hesitated, sensing it wasn't the moment for a farewell. But just as it seemed Margaret would vanish from the spot with Rose, she whipped her head back and pointed accusingly at Jeong-jae and Jenis.
"I'll be back soon, so wait for me!"
"Uh, y-yeah, got it. See you. Later."
Jeong-jae waved awkwardly. Jenis bowed politely to the elven lord.
Margaret strode a few more steps with Rose, then suddenly spun around again as if remembering something.
"Be ready anytime. I'll drop by without warning—often!"
"Margaret, come on, let's go. This is embarrassing."
Finally fed up, Rose dragged Margaret away while giving Jeong-jae a light wave. Jeong-jae waved back at Rose, and Jenis dipped her head in a brief show of respect to the imperial princess.
"Still, we crossed paths with Her Highness, yet I didn't get to exchange a word. I hope she doesn't think I'm some rude lady who skipped proper greetings."
Jeong-jae shook his head with a smile.
"Rose? She doesn't sweat the small stuff. Besides, the mood back there wasn't exactly letting anyone divert attention from Margaret... More like, I have no idea what got into her. Surprised you?"
"No. She was... interesting. Very... interesting..."
Jenis murmured the last words softly, as if rolling them around in her mouth. Margaret had called this girl a "dragon's whelp." Jeong-jae knew Margaret didn't toss out evaluations like that lightly. To him, Jenis was just an exceptional student—the only one who truly engaged with and grasped his lectures. Sure, graduating three months early was impressive, but it wasn't unheard of; plenty of oddballs delayed graduation to avoid the Magic Tower's vibe or rack up more tangible achievements first. Still, he wondered what Margaret knew or had seen in Jenis. Her poise—standing firm without flinching under Margaret's pressure—marked her as strong-hearted, no doubt. But was that enough for such high praise?
"Anyway, what do you mean you're my aide?"
Jeong-jae finally asked what had been nagging at him. Jenis nodded, unable to hide her smile.
"Just as you heard, Professor. Or should I say Baron or Lord now? Which do you prefer?"
"Whatever feels natural... But the Count decided to send you as my aide?"
"Of course. But no. Because I volunteered myself."
Jeong-jae looked even more puzzled. The Hacker Count was advanced in age, unlikely to have another child, so it made sense for his provisional sole heir, Jenis, to start lordly training. But if so, why not install her as regent in one of the vast Hacker estates? There was no reason to send her to a minor barony like Harriet.
"Maybe because I've got zero experience and you want to help?"
"Something like that. Harriet has a castle and village, so all the basics, but really, that's it—nothing else. Father said it'd be good experience."
"Experience, huh..."
"And this is a not-so-secret secret..."
Jenis leaned in close. Jeong-jae realized she wanted to whisper and brought his face nearer.
"Father's curious about the Hero's intentions."
"Walter's intentions?"
Jeong-jae whispered back instinctively. Jenis nodded slightly and continued in a hush.
"Harriet's small, but symbolic—Simon Harriet's old haunt. Could hold keys to the mystery of the previous Hero's disappearance..."
"The Harriet disappearance mystery..."
Jeong-jae recalled the legend: after slaying the Demon King, Simon Harriet lived in the territory before vanishing like the wind one day. What point was there in digging into it now? When he'd first heard the tale shortly after arriving in this world, Jeong-jae had wondered if some goddess reincarnator had rewarded him with a new life. But as far as he knew, no such helpful goddesses existed here. Male gods were out too, needless to say.
"Basically, the Hero wouldn't appoint anotherworlder to an otherworlder ruin site like this without reason."
"So you're also here to keep tabs on what I do in the territory."
Jenis pulled back, looking glum at his words.
"That's cold. I'm not here to spy."
"N-no, that's not what I meant. I just..."
"It's fine! Life in the territory is its own thing!"
Jenis brightened instantly, her silken silver hair fluttering in the wind with her lively steps.
"Either way, having a noble-trained aide is reassuring. Honestly, I was feeling lost."
"You'd do fine without me, Baron. But you'd do better with me. How's 'Baron' sound? Getting used to it?"
Jeong-jae shook his head vigorously.
"Not at all. I almost turned around thinking you meant someone else."
"Honestly, I'm not used to it either. Once a professor, always a professor."
"Thanks. You're the only one acknowledging my teaching days."
Jeong-jae meant it sincerely. His classes—"Attending Park Jeong-jae's Lectures"—were popular, but the content? Not so much. He'd preferred the academy over the Magic Tower, but who wouldn't feel insecure? While top students treated his enrollment numbers like trophies, without Jenis actually keeping up, he might've seriously debated which was worse.
"Um, Professor, one thing I'm still curious about."
"Shoot. If I can answer, I will."
"The incident that got you fired—that magic. Can you tell me roughly what it was? Even if it was summoning an ancient demon or a curse turning the guy's whole family bald, I wouldn't be shocked."
Jeong-jae had no idea how she'd dreamed up that horrific curse, but this was one question he couldn't answer. Closing his eyes, he pondered how to dodge it, then decided to pretend he hadn't heard.
"Ah, I should head back to the Tower. About now, the guy next door's probably passed out mid-research. The only time I can shower without his screams giving me chills is when he's quiet..."
"Come on, Professor. If you don't wanna say, just say so. Don't mind me! I mean... don't feel burdened! I'm not here to dig into the Baron or anything! Okay?"
"Never thought that. It's just tricky to explain, and explaining why it's tricky is tricky too."
"Fair enough! Like my father humming tunes sometimes—know what country they're from?"
"No clue. What?"
"Tricky to say."
Jeong-jae was momentarily speechless. Seeing his blank look, Jenis waved her hands frantically.
"Sorry! That was a weird analogy, huh?"
"Nah, it's fine. Could happen..."
That wrapped up their conversation. Before parting, Jenis reminded him earnestly.
"Tomorrow morning, a carriage will come to the Tower front. Father and I will be in it, so hop on with us. Got it?"
"Appreciate it. Will do."
"We'll cover lunch and dinner, so just eat a big breakfast, pack, and come. Details tomorrow. See you then!"
Jenis waved simply and vanished down the road. Baron. Yes, now he was the Baron. Baron Park Jeong-jae of Harriet. At that moment, one couldn't help but wonder where his fate would lead from here.