The Genius Professor Wants An Easy Life - Chapter 164

In the outskirts near the capital,

Not in the neighborhood where the Ecclesia family resides, but another place.

A grand mansion was situated.

Its immense size overshadows even the palaces of moderate kingdoms.

It was the mansion of the Rapalt Duchy, the wealthiest in the Reinhardt Empire.

Within its most splendid room, a butler wore a look of deep concern.

It was because of the content in the newspaper the Duke Volman was reading.

   

For days, articles about Van had been plastered everywhere.

Given that Duke Volman always gritted his teeth at the mention of Van, one could hardly imagine his current displeasure.

“We are considering various ways to expel that Trash. A plan will emerge soon….”

“It’s fine. Whatever happens to that Van trash doesn’t matter anymore.”

“Excuse me?”

The butler doubted his ears.

But it wasn’t a lie.

Duke Volman’s face was the epitome of calm,

As if he truly didn’t care.

“Thanks to Van making a scene this time, things went smoothly for me. All attention was focused on that trash.”

“Your Grace?”

“That’s enough. You may leave now.”

And then, a little while later,

A chilling voice was heard.

The great endeavor is near at hand. I congratulate you in advance on achieving the Shangri-La Academy project.

“!!”

Duke Volman was startled and quickly turned his head.

A mysterious entity enveloped in shadows had appeared.

“Did I not tell you not to come here?”

Haha, that’s rather cold. Are you treating us like villains just because we’re known as the Three Evils? Aren’t we all in the same boat?

The Three Evils and Duke Volman were in cahoots?

A startling revelation.

From beyond the shadows, a sinister voice flowed.

Even if we are called the Three Evils, it would be problematic to forget the grace you’ve received. Remember who is responsible for the Rapalt Duchy’s growth to such prominence.

Duke Volman swallowed hard.

The Rapalt Duchy was already known as the richest family in the empire.

But their overwhelming wealth was amassed only in the past five years,

Thanks to the help of the Demon Brain.

The Demon Brain connected the Three Evils and the Rapalt Duchy.

‘Was it really the right decision to join hands with the Demon Brain?’

He had his regrets, but there was no other choice.

At that time, the Rapalt Duchy’s business foundation was shaking to its core.

‘I’m already riding on the back of a tiger. It’s too late to turn back now.’

Duke Volman clenched his fist tightly.

‘All I need is to successfully complete the Shangri-La Academy project. Then, I will become the true King of Commerce.’

At that moment, the other party brought up the related topic.

I ask out of concern, there are no issues with the Shangri-La Academy project, are there?

“That’s correct.”

There must absolutely be no problems. Not like the incident with Professor Erich last time.

A mention implying Duke Volman was not unaware of the Three Evils’ spies being appointed as professors at Ruby recently.

Do not forget. The reason we have supported you thus far is all because of the Shangri-La Academy project.

“Worry not. There will be no problems with the project.”

Even around with that Van the Legend?

“!!”

Ssshh.

The shadow dissipated, leaving behind a chilling warning.

The help you have received from us remains a debt. And what happens if that debt was not paid?

“…….”

Bang! It would end terribly, wouldn’t it? Both for you and the Rapalt Duchy. Please let us remain the benevolent villains to you. I will take my leave.

Thud.

Duke Volman collapsed onto his chair, drained of strength by fear.

Indeed, did he really make the right choice?

But soon, he bit his lip hard.

‘The project is nearing its end. I won’t have to endure such humiliations any longer. No matter how terrible it gets, it doesn’t matter.’

The truth is, Duke Volman’s attempts to dominate Ruby were not for the sake of gaining academic prestige.

It was all because of the Shangri-La Academy project. Something more abhorrent and terrible than anything else in the world.

It can’t be helped.

To avoid being devoured by a demon, one must become an even more terrifying demon.

Duke Volman picked up a communicator.

The counterpart was ‘Demon Brain.’

The one who dragged him into this hell.

Are you ready?

“Yes.”

Duke Volman answered with bloodshot eyes.

“I will announce the ‘Shangri-La Academy Project’ to the press.”

That day,

All media outlets in the empire were turned upside down.

A shocking event had occurred that completely overturned the hot topic of Van Legend.

The merger of Ruby Academy and Shangri-La Academy was announced.

 

* * *

 

I woke up from bed.

Thanks to Duke Alfonso’s treatment, I was in fine condition, but the world was in chaos.

   

‘It has finally begun. The worst episode among all the events that have happened so far.’

It might seem strange.

Why would a merger between academies be a terrible event?

In an empire known as the land of the academies, competition was fierce, and mergers between academies were not uncommon.

The media’s opinion was generally optimistic.

‘The biggest reveal isn’t the merger between the academies. A vile conspiracy is hidden beneath.’

Of course, the empire doesn’t only have the four prestigious academies; there are countless smaller academies.

Among them, some perform as well as the top four and are called ‘semi-prestigious.’

Shangri-La Academy is the most outstanding among them.

It was regarded as having surpassed Ruby in practical terms, and had it not been for tradition and history, it would have replaced Ruby as one of the top four prestigious academies long ago.

‘A few years ago, the Rapalt Duchy acquired 100% of the shares and took full ownership.’

Thus, this merger was a combination of academies where Duke Volman owned 100% and 51% of the shares, respectively.

‘Through the process of share readjustment, Duke Volman will completely obtain the decision-making power over Ruby Academy.’

Ruby is basically Duke Volman’s, as he recently secured 51% of the shares again.

However, this doesn’t mean he can wield Ruby at will.

Because of the Ministry of Education.

To prevent one-sided decisions by the academy administrations, all academies are required by education law to have a certain share owned by the Ministry of Education.

The shares held by the Ministry of Education have golden voting rights, allowing them to interfere in the academy’s affairs with a minimal share.

In essence, to initiate any action, the academy administration must receive permission from the Ministry of Education.

However, the story changes when the share exceeds 75%.

The golden voting rights held by the Ministry are overwhelmed, allowing independent actions as long as they do not violate education law.

‘But, Duke Volman must overcome the final hurdle.’

That is the ‘Academy Battle.’

The newspapers were also abuzz with this news.

   

Merging doesn’t mean combining the two campuses.

One becomes the main campus, and the other becomes a branch.

The side that becomes a branch after losing the battle will face tremendous disgrace.

‘That’s not the important part. According to education law, the main campus secures 25% of the branch’s shares.’

This was precisely Duke Volman’s goal.

To make Ruby a branch of Shangri-La and secure more than 75% of the shares.

Thus, proceeding with some dreadful plans without needing the Ministry’s approval.

‘There’s no chance for Ruby to win the Academy Battle.’

The Academy Battle is conducted in multiple dimensions.

The recent research and achievements of the faculty.

Contests of educational outcomes among students from each department, and so on.

It would be a landslide victory for Shangri-La.

‘Not to mention the faculty’s achievements, the students’ abilities are also superior on Shangri-La’s side.’

However, there was something Duke Volman hadn’t anticipated.

‘Ruby has its protagonists.’

Due to the protagonists’ efforts, failing to secure the desired share ratio and subsequently forcing matters led to the revelation of the terrible conspiracy, ultimately resulting in the downfall of the Rapalt Duchy. This is the content of the ‘Disaster of the Golden Spirit’ episode.

‘This time, I should be able to relax.’

I thought leisurely.

This time, it’s truly an episode where the protagonists play the main role.

I just need to slack off quietly in the background, so I might as well indulge in laziness on this opportunity!

‘But should I? Really?’

“…….”

I remained silent.

All the events I had experienced so far flashed through my mind.

There’s always some crappy, unexpected occurrence.

There was no guarantee it wouldn’t happen this time as well.

It seemed like I was going to have a hard time again!

‘Forget it! I’ll think about it after returning to the academy. Today, I rest! Because today is a special day!’

What’s so special about it?

Duke Huam gave me a gift.

Tch. Why are you always dressed like that? Here’s a card, go buy some clothes. And if there’s tasty snacks, buy some to eat.

I didn’t respond with ‘I’m not a child, you know.’

It was a Dad Chance Card!

How envious I had been seeing those rich kids swiping cards their parents gave them?

‘The limit is incredibly high. I’m going to indulge today. Hehe. I, too, am a diamond spoon, you know?!’

“Mari, let’s go. Today, we’ll show the world what real luxury is.”

Meat! Meat!

Master… I’m glad… you survived… But… Aren’t you taking me with you? I like Red Wine too…? Master? Master?

Bang.

I never had much affection for the Demon Sword, and after it nearly got me killed, my feelings haven’t improved, so I left it behind and stepped out.

Upon reaching the bustling streets, I took a deep breath.

The sky was clear.

‘Ah. The world is worth living in. With the Dad Chance Card, I am a diamond spoon. Kukukuku.’

But then, something irritating happened.

‘A villain!’

Menacing-looking men and women approached.

They seemed to be villains around Lv. 4.

As I was on guard,

“Are you Van the Legend?”

“What do you want?”

“Could we take a photo with you?”

“…What?”

“We’re fans.”

“You guys, aren’t you villains?”

“We are villains who strictly separate public from private matters. Publicly, we are your enemies, but privately, you know, we are fans.”

…What the hell does that even mean?

But it seemed they weren’t lying.

Many people on the street were looking at me with eyes full of envy.

“There, that’s Professor Van the Legend.”

“Look at that dignity. So cool.”

“They say it’s all an act? That makes him even cuter.”

“In Ruby, they call him Van Cutie.”

Listening to those whispers, I realized.

‘Ah, I’m a celebrity now.’

My popularity was greater than I thought.

I had become a superstar.

And that wasn’t the only surprise.

‘Why is he here? Is he looking at me?’

Cool and stylish.

A beautiful young man with an ice-cold, aloof style.

Yet, there was a hidden sorrowfulness in his gaze.

The swordsmanship department’s villain-type protagonist, ‘070 Alpha Zero,’ was staring intently at me.