Chapter 14: You become a dormitory supervisor!

“Passed? She passed?”

Princess Krimhild’s eyes narrowed as she meticulously polished her rapier.

The agent, kneeling on one knee, bowed his head and reported respectfully.

“After cross-verification, it appears to be certain. The decision was made by the dean’s authority, without any significant debate for or against.”

“But it should be impossible without Professor Bishop’s silent approval, no? Isn’t that why the successor position has been vacant all this time?”

Kamala Bishop was the foremost authority on black magic research within the academy.

Throughout history, talent capable of replacing her was rare.

Talent, intellect, creativity, initiative, and a challenging spirit.

She was a once-in-a-generation prodigy who had dominated her era in every aspect.

But the agent, once again, dashed his master’s hopes.

“I hear that Professor Bishop was the first to approve. That is why Dean Roakan was able to make the appointment without hesitation.”

“…”

Professor Bishop led the approval?

Former academy graduates would faint if they heard such a thing.

Satisfying such a person with one’s skills is no easy feat.

Especially when it comes to choosing a successor to follow in one’s footsteps.

Wouldn’t choosing a subpar successor tarnish the reputation of the predecessor?

‘Just what is her identity?’

How exceptionally skilled must she be?

“What about the successful candidate’s personal details? From which region did this magician operate?”

“We have not been able to ascertain that much detail yet. There is a confidentiality agreement for the applicants, and the academy also seems to be cautious about disclosing information.”

“I see. You are dismissed for today. I will call for you again if needed.”

“As you command.”

At his master’s order, the agent bowed and rose from his position.

Then, with stealthy steps, he left the princess’s room and vanished.

Once her subordinate had left, Krimhild lifted her rapier and gazed at its blade.

The always-pristine steel reflected her face like a mirror made of metal.

Luscious red hair like a ripe apple, brilliant eyes that burned like fire, and delicate, distinct features.

A daughter who looked exactly like her dead mother, a woman of iron and blood whom every sword master praised as a candidate for the next Sword Saint.

It was a beautiful self-portrait of a rose holding an unyielding flame.

‘An unexpected variable has appeared.’

Krimhild sheathed her rapier and thought to herself.

Honestly, she had never dreamed that Ferdinand’s choice would succeed.

She believed it wasn’t a viable option from the start, regardless of her brother’s abilities.

The opponent was Professor Kamala Bishop, after all.

A woman of rebellious spirit who had refused to even take on renowned rising stars as her assistants.

That was why when Nathaniel had mentioned searching for a magician to recommend, Krimhild had inwardly scoffed at his decision.

She had thought that such an obvious trick would only cost him points before he even started.

But for a result like this thunderbolt to appear?

‘Did Nathaniel have such an outstanding connection?’

Then why hadn’t he brought them to his side until now?

Currently, she and Ferdinand were in a fierce, daily struggle for the throne.

Naturally, they were keenly aware of each other’s movements.

But she had never heard any information about such an excellent magician being under Ferdinand’s command.

Frankly, wasn’t even the 5th-rank Nathaniel a considerable burden?

As her thoughts reached that point, a single question arose.

That magician who got the professorship.

‘Is she really Nathaniel’s connection?’

“…You there.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

At the princess’s call, the maid who had been quietly attending to her approached.

Krimhild then handed her rapier to the maid and issued a new directive.

“Investigate Nathaniel’s every move before his spontaneous combustion. Report everything to me—where he went and what he did under Ferdinand’s orders.”

“As you command.”

“And relay a recall order to the agent planted in the investigation team.”

“An agent? You don’t mean Golden Fallen Leaf, do you?”

Golden Fallen Leaf. As the maid mentioned the codename the princess had personally given, Krimhild nodded.

“I will be departing for the academy dormitories soon. I intend to bring her along, disguised as a fellow student. The paperwork has already been completed, so there should be no issues.”

“Understood, Your Highness. I will obey your command.”

Watching the respectfully bowing maid, Krimhild gave a faint smile.

She then reached for the pure silver goblet on the nearby table.

A vessel treated with various measures to prevent potential poisoning. Inside it, a wave of ruby-red wine shimmered.

‘He must be ecstatic. That detestable child.’

Sip. She slowly savored the wine’s aroma, her mood souring.

The thought of Ferdinand celebrating his success was already turning her stomach.

The image of him swaggering around with a professor on his side was utterly unpleasant.

‘But it doesn’t matter.’

With a bitter smirk, her crimson eyes flashed.

Connections are fluid, after all.

Isn’t poaching an enemy’s subordinate through negotiation a daily occurrence in politics?

She didn’t know how, but if that troublemaker could entice a top-class magician, then it wasn’t impossible for her.

No, she was confident she could do it ten times better than her incompetent brother.

Wealth, honor, power, an excellent marriage prospect. She would gladly grant whatever was demanded.

Even if it meant making the professor her closest confidante, her most cherished pet on a leash.

‘I will definitely make you mine, my mysterious Professor of Black Magic Defense.’

“Pikatchoo!!”

Damn it. Is someone talking about me again?

I frowned, rubbing my itchy nose.

Every time I let out a cute sneeze, I was reminded again that I had turned into a woman.

Anyway…

‘How did it come to this?’

The sudden appointment to the position of successor professor. Recalling this, I let out a helpless, bitter smile.

No wonder the reaction was so intense; I realized they were recruiting a professor, not just a staff member.

A fig-flavored candy was melting in my mouth.

It was supposed to be sweet, but funnily enough, my tongue felt as bitter as if I were eating powdered medicine.

‘…Should I ask for a demotion?’

I considered it for a moment, but it was a foolish idea, so I gave it up.

The position I had initially aimed for was just a simple staff role.

It was a useful position that didn’t require excessive contact with students, while simultaneously allowing me to watch for an opportunity for revenge.

But a professor at the academy? And the professor in charge of a compulsory subject at that?

Wouldn’t this place all sorts of restrictions on my actions and draw a huge amount of attention?

If someone were to suspect me of being a witch…

‘No, let’s not look at it so negatively.’

I changed my line of thinking while munching on the candy.

When I think about it carefully, there are some advantages to being a professor.

My range of activities will expand, and I can exercise broader authority than a staff member.

Most importantly, the income is much more stable than that of an academy staff member.

And don’t you get a pension for life after retiring?

Maintaining a livelihood after revenge and preparing for my old age.

Considering those aspects, this could be seen as a fortunate turn of events.

“Hoo, okay.”

‘Let’s decide on the details after the entrance ceremony.’

Having made my decision, I raised my arm and cast a shadow magic spell.

I was currently in the academy’s grand auditorium, bustling with preparations for the entrance ceremony.

As soon as I was formally appointed, I started helping decorate the venue for the celebration with magic.

In fact, it wasn’t just me; most of the faculty members were busy supporting the work.

This year, an unprecedented number of outstanding freshmen were enrolling.

With the attention of all nations focused on them, the academy was also striving to show only its best side.

“Ah, Professor Anastasia?”

A voice suddenly called me.

I turned my gaze and saw a female professor approaching with a smile.

The former professor of the Black Magic Defense course and a legendary figure who had the longest attendance record in the academy’s history.

Kamala Santrella Bishop, the person from whom I had to take over various duties.

“Hello, Professor.”

“Hehe, no need for formalities. I’m just an old woman who will be retiring soon anyway.”

Kamala responded to my greeting in a friendly tone.

She was famous for being demanding and tough, but surprisingly, her first impression was affable and kind.

It reminded me of a kind-hearted lady who bakes cookies for children.

Did she leave her burdens and temper behind when she decided to leave her teaching position?

“Ahem, ahem. Professor Anastasia? A great senior has arrived, so… I’m sorry, but the candy in your mouth…”

It was the staff member accompanying Kamala who was being strict.

From the academy’s perspective, I was just a newly appointed rookie professor.

He was pointing out that it was rude to be munching on candy in front of an elder.

But before I could respond, Kamala stopped the staff member first.

“It’s fine. Don’t say unnecessary things. A young magician should have that much spirit.”

Professor Bishop seemed to find it endearing, seeing it as a sign of youthful vigor.

Of course, in reality, I was just licking it for my own peace of mind.

“Professor, even if that’s fine…”

However, still having a complaint, the staff member, who was looking at me with displeasure, whispered something in Professor Bishop’s ear.

After listening to the whispers, she snorted and said confidently.

“What’s wrong with her attire being a bit flashy? That’s also an expression of individuality. I trust she won’t provoke delinquent students over uniform issues or have a negative influence on the dormitory students.”

…Why are they making a fuss about my fashion?

This is a high-end designer product I bought for a high price.

I could only pity the aesthetic sense of that staff member who didn’t know the coolness of crow feathers.

“Now, let’s stop with the useless talk. First, take this. I bought it from the store in case you were thirsty. I heard that young people these days prefer cold things.”

Kamala handed me a dark coffee with ice floating in it.

Seeing that her own cup was steaming hot, it seemed she had deliberately bought a different kind, considering my taste.

“Thank you.”

I bowed my head and took the coffee cup.

Then, I took a sip. I held the bitter black drink in my mouth with the candy.

The sweet and bitter tastes mingled, creating a strange aroma in my mouth.

“So, how do you find it now that you’ve seen it yourself? Do you think you can handle being an academy professor?”

“It seems like a good place. Compared to the harsh environment of Kyev, it’s a paradise.”

“Hehe, the climate in the Northeast is harsh. But thanks to that, strong saplings like you can grow, can’t they?”

Kamala smiled, savoring her steaming coffee.

“As you know, from this semester onwards, you will be in charge of the classes instead of me. You’ll have to create your own curriculum according to the established school rules.”

“I see.”

“Don’t be too nervous. I’ll be coming to work for a while to help you adjust to the teaching profession. If you have any questions or difficulties, feel free to come and see me.”

Those were grateful words. Honestly, Crowley Altra had no experience teaching others properly.

For a person who was about to retire, offering to guide me so I wouldn’t be flustered was a great consideration.

“By the way, Miss Anastasia? Why did you apply for the academy professorship?”

Kamala asked, drinking her steaming coffee.

“Warlocks usually have a free-spirited nature and don’t want to leave the forests of the Northeast. They don’t want to belong to a closed place like the academy. Was there a reason for you to come all this way from such a distant place?”

Seeing her sparkling eyes through the monocle, it seemed she had an answer she was expecting.

It was certainly a unique case for a warlock to apply for a professorship, and for the academy to accept it.

Honestly, if it were a short-term cooperative exchange, perhaps.

But there had never been a warlock who wanted to stay at the academy until now.

Of course, I had my own real reason for coming to the academy.

But I couldn’t possibly answer a professor with, ‘To kill that bastard prince.’

“…I once failed to protect someone I should have.”

I chose the story that was most likely to come from the heart.

“I don’t want young students to make the same mistake. That’s all.”

“…”

At my answer, Kamala made a somewhat strange expression.

Therefore, it was hard to tell whether it was a satisfactory answer or an unsatisfactory one.

But looking at her relaxed eyes, it was clear that it wasn’t a bad answer at least.

“As expected, my judgment wasn’t wrong.”

Sure enough, Kamala nodded, saying something very meaningful.

Then, she suddenly said something I had never expected.

“I can entrust you with the position of housemaster of the Obsidian Dormitory.”

“…Pardon?”

Did I hear that correctly?

Is she asking me to do something else besides being a professor?