Take Me as Your Supervising Professor (2)
"Take me on as your supervising professor."
He slid a piece of paper toward me. It was a blank check emblazoned with the crest of the Burlington Ducal House.
"We'll cover all the expenses for your next adventure. Write down whatever amount you want and cash it at the bank."
A blank check, huh. I studied the duke's face. He looked utterly unconcerned, even if I cashed out a fortune.
The Burlington Ducal House. Richer than the royal family itself. That's why the royals were always squeezing them for money. In return, they got commensurate power and economic privileges like trade monopolies. They were practically the royal family's lifeline—which was why Viscount Bishtent had targeted Duke Neville first.
"If this is about what happened before, you don't need to worry. I was just doing what needed to be done. I wasn't expecting any reward."
"Nonsense. I've looked into you these past few days. You've walked an impressive path. This isn't about saving our house from assassins. I just see business value in partnering with you."
"In that case..."
There was no reason to refuse. Adventures cost money, so the more patrons, the better. With their support, I could get manpower and resources on a scale I couldn't manage alone. Plus, there were times I needed their intangible assets—like noble connections. A duke's network had to be monstrous.
Accepting his goodwill wouldn't hurt at all.
"I'll put it to good use."
I took the blank check, rolled it up, and tucked it into my pocket—a sign I'd accept his sponsorship. The duke smiled contentedly.
"And one more proposal. I'm planning to establish a guild for excavating ancient relics soon. I'd like you to be its guild master. In return, I'll pay you an astronomical sum every year."
Astronomical sum! Just how much was he talking about? Rich people really were on another level.
"Anything else you need, just say the word. I'll support it all. Oh, and the guild branches won't just be in the kingdom—they'll be across the continent. I'm aiming to create a mega-guild like none before."
Whoa. Guild master of a mega-guild!? That was basically my own kingdom!
He must really like me. Why, though... It felt burdensome. But damn, it was tempting. I licked my lips. Part of me wanted to jump in. The bigger the guild, the better the intel flowing in—and with that, it'd be easier to seize opportunities and operate smoothly.
God, I want to. But...
As I hesitated, Duke Neville stroked his chin, deep in thought.
"Hmm..."
He seemed to think his offer was too plain, since I wasn't answering right away. He was pondering what was missing, what more he could offer.
"The people working under you will be hero-class talents famous across the nation. Anything else you desire? I'll buy whatever it is—don't hold back. I don't know much about adventure guilds, so I'm not sure what else to prepare."
"No, no."
I scratched behind my ear calmly.
"I appreciate the offer, but I'm sorry. I'm already in a guild. I'm close to the guild master there—like family—so I can't leave."
"Thunderfield, right?"
"Yes. We've known each other since I first arrived in this kingdom. We grew together, so it's hard to go."
"What if we bring her over too?"
"She'd never go for it. She's got a strong attachment to the guild she built."
"Hmm..."
Duke Neville looked genuinely disappointed.
"I really wanted you as guild master. What a shame."
At that moment, in the guild master's office at Thunderfield Guild.
Guild Master Olivia, with her slit eyes, let out a deep sigh.
"Naru..."
Her brow furrowed slightly.
"It's almost been a week since he returned to the capital, and he hasn't come to see me. How rude."
She gazed down at the gift box on her desk.
"Did I buy this for nothing? That jerk."
She opened the lid. Inside was an isle.
It was a gift Naru had bought during his provincial trips over the past few months. Something with a fun function that might help him. That function was...
Ejaculate seedless semen for perfect contraception.
She'd stumbled upon it at a rural market and paid a hefty sum. With Naru divorced and probably lonely, she worried he'd hit up brothels, blow his load repeatedly, and accidentally knock up a whore. Like an older sister, she'd bought it out of concern...
"He hasn't visited once. So sad."
Olivia sighed deeply again.
"Take care going forward. Come to me anytime if you need anything."
"Please have a dagger or some clothes made with the Burlington crest. I'll carry it on adventures to promote your house."
"Oh, excellent idea. I'll discuss with my advisors and figure out something good."
"It's an honor to forge this bond with you, Your Grace. Looking forward to working together."
"Couldn't be happier."
I shook hands with the duke and stepped out of the carriage. Buzdra Academy's gates loomed ahead, swarming with students heading to class.
"I'll be off."
"Study hard."
Alicia, who hadn't said a word the whole ride, followed me out.
"See you later!"
The carriage departed.
Duke Neville was a big-hearted man. He was ready to lavish money on me—it was almost overwhelming. But I was grateful. He'd taken a liking to me. Later, I'd have to fetch something he wanted from an adventure. I always repaid favors in kind.
But...
I passed through the gates into the campus and glanced sideways.
Why is she walking right next to me?
Alicia was strolling alongside me like we were friends. We'd come in the same carriage, so walking together made some sense, but... were we that close?
I figured she'd bolt the second we got out.
Weird. Why was she sticking with me? This was odd...
As an assistant professor here, I couldn't just tell a student walking beside me, "Back off." That'd make me a lousy educator. No matter how rotten the kid, you had to embrace them with an open heart, right?
Awkward, but I had no choice. I walked with Alicia.
"......"
"......"
Silence hung between us. She stared straight ahead with a haughty expression; I did the same. Nothing to say, really. No shared topics.
Instead, the surroundings buzzed.
"Oh my god, look. Over there. Alicia and Naru together."
Students' gazes poured in. Guys and girls alike stopped dead, staring blankly.
"Whoa... they look good together."
"Both so gorgeous, it's blinding."
"Naru's full of surprises. Doesn't look outclassed next to Alicia at all."
"Not like a servant—more like a boyfriend, right?"
Those kids... weren't the honorifics backward? They should call me Assistant Professor Naru and her Lady Alicia. I'd let it slide—back in my student days, we'd call teachers by name among friends.
"Aigoo, milady! You're here!"
Wigrev, the 12th-year joint class assistant professor, burst out of the building with a beaming smile. He rushed up, acting like a butler.
"Give me your bag. I'll carry it. Goodness, so heavy. How could a delicate lady like you bear this? This way."
Wigrev glanced at me, then scowled.
"Why are you walking next to our lady? You'll cause misunderstandings."
"Ask the lady yourself."
I nodded toward Alicia and brushed past them.
"Milady, what did that jerk mean? Ask what!?"
Alicia yelled indignantly behind me.
"I was just matching her pace since she wouldn't leave! Don't get the wrong idea!"
Oh, so that's it. More considerate than I thought. I waved without looking back and entered the building. Straight to Melissa's office.
"Honey! How was it without me? Miss me?"
She threw herself at me, pouting.
"Said you'd sleep one night and be back—why stay three? You man-eater, devouring all my students."
"Feels like I'll live there forever. Nice house."
"What~!?"
"Clean your place and move in. I'll give you a room."
"Hmm... maybe? My house is too big to manage alone. Perfect. Gotta relax at your place. Save money too."
Knock knock.
I released my grip on Melissa's ass—hands deep under her miniskirt—and snapped to attention.
The door opened. Holland from the Floristry Department and Anne entered for the morning meeting.
"Assistant Professor Naru, sit there."
Melissa switched to professor mode in a blink, her tone all business. I cleared my throat like nothing happened.
"Yes, Professor."
"Well, if it isn't the hero who saved the capital!"
Holland joked as he greeted me.
"No trouble at home?"
"None. Lucky our place was spared after all that chaos."
I shook his hand lightly and turned to Anne.
"You okay, Anne?"
"Yes. Thanks to our hero's protection."
She'd done heavier makeup than usual today, flashing a seductive smile. When I went to shake her hand, she lingered, brushing my skin with her thumb, leaving a lingering tingle.
Is she seducing me?
Melissa clapped sharply.
"Alright, great to see everyone after so long. Let's clear the backlog. Oh, and Naru, head to the principal's office after. Principal's looking for you."
"Me? For what..."
Melissa grinned.
"Must be something important, right?"
Was he going to make me a professor?