The Genius Professor Wants An Easy Life - Chapter 10.1
‘Of course, it won’t be easy.’
When I listened to the explanation from the Duke, he mentioned that when appointing professors at the academy, scores are given in a total of seven categories, and the average is calculated.
For reference, my scores were as follows:
Character 0 points.
Performance 0 points.
Experience 0 points.
Reputation 0 points.
Grades 0 points.
Leadership 0 points.
A whopping zero points in all categories.
My character was the worst, there was no performance, no experience, and needless to say, my reputation was nonexistent. My academic grades were at the bottom as well.
Even with the Duke’s recommendation, I could understand why the academy would reject me.
To qualify, I needed to score as much in the ‘Skill’ category alone as the sum of all the other categories.
In other words, I had to achieve 700 points in just the skill category.
It was an absurd task.
However,
“If it’s my greatness, it’s entirely possible.”
Of course, the Duke’s reaction wasn’t positive.
“I know you’ve changed, but it’s impossible. There are several reasons why you’re unlikely to pass, beyond just the objective scores.”
“What are they?”
“Did you already forget how much trouble you caused back in your school days at the Ruby Academy?”
“…”
The Duke’s expression hardened.
“Did you know how many times I apologized to the dean to prevent your expulsion? I’ve probably bought several mines by now with the donations I used to cover up your mistakes. All the professors remember those troublesome school days of yours, and there’s no way they’ll approve of your appointment.”
It was a reason that left me speechless.
Certainly, even I expected fierce opposition from the faculty.
“And there’s an even more significant obstacle. Perhaps, this is the most fatal problem.”
The Duke sighed.
“It’s the Rapalt Duchy.”
I gave him a surprised look.
‘The business lineage.’
In the empire that serves as the setting for the game, there were four major duchies.
Each excelled in different fields, and the Rapalt Duchy was the golden family dominating the empire’s commerce.
‘They wield considerable influence in the academic world based on that wealth.’
By the way, the Ecclesia Duchy was a ‘political lineage.’ The other two duchies were known as ‘swordsmanship lineage’ and ‘magic lineage,’ respectively.
“So, the Rapalt Duchy opposed your appointment.”
“Why is that?”
“…Are you really asking because you don’t know?”
The Duke frowned at me with a frustrated expression.
“Because you gravely wronged the fiancée from the Rapalt Duchy, haven’t our two families become enemies?”
“…”
Come to think of it, there seemed to be such a storyline in the game’s background.
“Especially now, the Ruby Academy relies on the financial support of the Rapalt Duchy. It’s almost impossible for you to be appointed.”
As I listened more, it seemed the difficulty level was anything but ordinary.
All zeros in every evaluation category, professors from my troubled school days haunting me, and on top of that, a colossal patron considering me an enemy.
“Why not try another academy? Places like the Amethyst Academy should be more receptive to me considering the favors I received.”
It was a reasonable suggestion.
Given the circumstances, giving up would be the sensible thing to do.
However, I shook my head.
‘I’ve never given up on a business opportunity no matter how daunting the situation.’
To seize a life of abundance.
No matter what obstacles lie ahead, I will never yield.
“You need not worry. No matter what challenges await, they’ll only serve as tools to showcase my greatness.”
The Duke, realizing the determination in my words, sighed.
“Do you have any other ideas if the recommended appointment is declined?”
“If the appointment is rejected, there’s only one option. I’ll take the official appointment exam through an open recruitment.”
No matter how unfavorably the academy views me, they couldn’t prevent me from attempting the open recruitment.
“…You’ll just be wasting time.”
“We’ll see about that.”
I lifted the corner of my mouth.
“What the outcome will be.”
The Duke remained silent and then nodded as if conceding.
“Fine. Do as you wish.”
I stood up.
“I’ll head to the Ruby Academy right away.”
“Now? Isn’t it still some time before the appointment exam period?”
The professor appointment for open recruitment at the academy took place before the start of the new semester.
“Just a place to stop by.”
Business is, in a way, similar to hunting.
The tougher the hunt, the more thorough the preparation required.
To make sure they choose my product.
This appointment exam was no different.
‘I must be perfectly prepared.’
To the point where no complaints could arise.
So that no one at the academy could deny my success.
It was possible.
* * *
In the center of the Lainhart Empire, which served as the setting for the Hero Academy, there was a free city.
Located at the center of the empire’s logistics and free from the rule of any lord, this massive city thrived as traders from all walks of life flocked to the capital.
It was the empire’s ultimate paradise of indulgence.
Simultaneously, in this city renowned for having the highest crime rate, there was one unique attraction.
It was the Ruby Academy.
Situated in the midst of the boundary between the poverty-stricken slums and the wealthy merchants’ quarters, it occupied a vast area.
In a meeting room within the academy, angry shouts echoed.
Stomp!
Professors of the academy expressed their rage.
“What is this nonsense? Van, that trash noble, dares to take the recruitment exam?!”
“Even for an Ecclesia noble, isn’t this going too far?! Recommending Van as a professor?!”
“Magic studies, of all things? Wasn’t Van’s performance in magic studies all failing grades? Ignoring Ruby is one thing, but this is too much!”
At that moment, the sound of clapping was heard.
“Now, now, professors, I understand your anger, but please calm down.”
“…Professor Valic.”
He was a young man.
At most in his early twenties.
Yet, all the older professors fell silent, trying not to attract his attention.
There was a reason for that.
Professor Valic was a member of the Rapalt Duchy, responsible for the finances of the Ruby Academy.
Though only a distant relative, he held more influence and authority than anyone else in that room.
“Even if noble Van applies, what’s there to worry about? If he lacks the qualifications, he’ll naturally be rejected.”
“…That’s true.”
“Actually, I’m more concerned about Van’s honor. Since the exam is public.”
Professor Valic trailed off.
“Not knowing the topic and causing a scene might further tarnish his already dwindling reputation.”
No concern at all.
Valic’s pupils gleamed coldly.
A gaze harboring some hidden intention.
“How about doing this? Applying a ‘special exam’ for Van?”
Faces around the room showed surprise.
