Chapter 283: Trust
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 283: Trust
"PRO! FESSOR! PRANG!"
"Would you like some coffee?"
"Ah, thank you, Professor Glen."
"You're quite welcome. You're a rare guest in this office."
"This coffee is actually quite good."
"Hoho, of course it is. I grew these beans myself; you can't buy them on the market."
"Is that so? Then might I have the honor of... Wait, no! I didn't come here to drink coffee!"
Muen, nearly led astray by Professor Glen, snapped back to his senses. He looked at the old man leisurely sipping coffee across the desk and slammed his hands down.
"Professor Prang! Why did you suddenly make such a bizarre rule? Weren't you the one who invited me to represent the Academy in the Holy City?"
"I did indeed invite you. As I said before, it was a decision made after considering many factors."
Professor Prang took a slow, deliberate sip of his coffee and said calmly, "But I also told you, didn't I? The Academy's rules are rules. They don't conflict with the fact that I invited you to the Holy City. Besides, I didn't single you out. The announcement I posted applies equally to everyone."
"But... but you can't just say things like that."
Muen sighed. "Saying that status and rank won't play a part, and that there will be no subsequent retaliation... those words are clearly aimed at me. In the eyes of those people, I'm just a Duke's son who's useless without his status."
"What? No confidence?" Professor Prang glanced at Muen.
"Of course I have confidence." Muen shrugged. "Quite the opposite, actually. The reason I don't like it is... I think it's a waste of time."
"A waste of time?" Professor Prang raised an eyebrow in surprise.
"Exactly. A waste of time," Muen repeated, his expression dead serious.
"Is that so?"
Gazing into Muen's eyes, which held not a trace of a joke, Professor Prang paused. He set down his coffee cup and sighed softly. "It seems I've overstepped. However, since I've already made the announcement, you'll just have to bear with it."
"Even Professor Prang knows how to play dirty..."
Muen clicked his tongue, but then his gaze suddenly sharpened. "Speaking of which, I have one more thing to ask you."
"What is it?"
"Who are the Academy's escorts for this trip?"
"Oh?" Professor Prang instinctively tapped the desk twice, looking surprised. "You're actually interested in that?"
"Of course. This concerns my life and safety," Muen said with total gravity. "I can't afford to be careless."
"Heh, you were talking about confidence just a moment ago, yet it turns out you're still a coward."
The corner of Professor Prang's mouth twitched into a meaningful smile. "Rest assured, the Academy will certainly do its best to protect you all. Aside from the necessary teachers, there will be a special powerhouse accompanying the group."
"A special powerhouse?" Muen asked. "Who? Do I know them? How strong are they?"
"You know them, naturally. But as for who it is, you'll find out when the time comes." Professor Prang stroked his chin. "As for how strong... I can only say they are no weaker than a Crown Bearer."
"No weaker than a Crown Bearer?"
A Crown Bearer was a Crown Bearer. What the hell did "no weaker than" mean?
Was there some monster out there who wasn't a Crown Bearer but could stand on equal footing with one?
Among the people he knew, was there anyone like that?
"What does that mean?"
"Like I said, you'll find out when the time comes."
"Fine."
Seeing that Professor Prang was unwilling to say more, Muen lost interest in pressing further.
However, he immediately fell into his own thoughts.
Just to be safe, should he make some extra preparations of his own?
*
After Muen left.
Professor Glen sat in the seat Muen had just vacated and asked curiously, "Stirring up hatred like this doesn't seem like your style. Are you still holding a grudge against that kid like before?"
"Heh, I'm not the one who dislikes him the most right now."
Professor Prang picked up his coffee cup again and took a calm sip. "I am merely acting on orders."
"Oh?"
Professor Glen blinked, then realized the implication. He let out a cheerful whistle. "I see, I see. So it's a family matter."
"No."
Professor Prang rejected the notion immediately, his voice stern. "This is state business."
*
"Hmph, now Muen Campbell won't be able to follow us to the Holy City. Serves him right."
On the way back from the auditorium, Ariel watched the restless crowds searching for a certain someone and nodded with satisfaction, hands on her hips.
Justice still existed in this world after all.
So what if he had a bit of money and status? In the end, this world relied on one's own strength!
Muen Campbell would finally have to taste the bitter fruit of his own arrogance!
"But... but I don't think it's a certainty," Liya suddenly spoke up from the side.
"Eh? Why?" Ariel looked over, puzzled.
"Because Muen Campbell has been working hard too. His final exam scores were all above ninety."
"Huh? Really?"
Ariel thought about it but had no memory of it.
It made sense; aside from a select few, she rarely cared about anyone else's grades, let alone Muen Campbell's.
"But spending all his time cramming for exams just proves his actual strength isn't up to par, doesn't it? After all, he was at the bottom of the barrel in every category last semester. How could anyone possibly catch up in both comprehensive strength and exam scores in just one semester? Don't you agree, Liya?"
"...Yes."
Liya nodded slightly, looking as if she wanted to say more.
But seeing Ariel's face full of absolute conviction, she ultimately remained silent.
Because, in truth, there was someone who had managed to catch up in both comprehensive strength and exam scores in a single semester.
That person... was Ariel herself.
She had also entered the school as the illegitimate daughter of a Count, enduring ridicule and prejudice, before rising like she had Explosion Magic strapped to her feet. In just one semester, she had soared to the top, slapping the faces of everyone who had looked down on her.
"Wait!"
Ariel suddenly turned around, looking at Liya warily. "How do you know about his grades? Don't tell me... you've started paying attention to that guy like everyone else?"
"No, no, no! Not at all!"
A cute flush crept onto Liya's cheeks as she waved her hands frantically. "I just... I just happened to see it by accident. When the results were posted, Muen Campbell's name was quite close to mine."
"Is that so?"
"O-Of course! Muen Campbell is a notorious villain. How could I possibly care about him?" Liya clenched her pink fists and spoke with total sincerity.
"I see."
Gazing into Liya's pure eyes, the sliver of doubt in Ariel's heart vanished.
At the same time, she felt disgusted with herself.
Dammit, how could I doubt Liya? Liya has almost no interaction with Muen Campbell. What's with this inexplicable unease?
Am I being too high-strung?
It seemed she needed to reflect on herself. Trying too hard to hold onto Liya would only cause her pain.
The Experienced Lady's Seduction Guide, Part Three: Giving the other person appropriate freedom and sufficient trust is the true fuel for a relationship!
"Anyway, let's not mention that annoying Muen Campbell anymore. I'm going to go train now. What about you, Liya?"
"...I'm going to the library."
"Then I'll see you tonight?"
"Yes, see you tonight."