The Genius Professor Wants An Easy Life - Chapter 18.1
“Hey, you bastards!! What the hell are you doing right now?! Put away your blades immediately!”
Hans roared in frustration.
However, backpedaling didn’t seem particularly helpful.
‘It’s okay. They’re just bluffing anyway; they can’t kill me. …Yeah, they really can’t kill me, right? Haa.’
My heart pounded, but as always, the Dark Flame Dragon supported my dignity.
The blades aimed at me seemed pitiful, and a nonchalant voice flowed as if mocking them.
“Put those blades away.”
“Answer first. How did you know about the Watcher?”
“I told you to put those blades away.”
“!!”
The woman, Lyran, glared at me fiercely.
However, my Dark Flame Dragon was not to be underestimated either.
As I nonchalantly brushed off the threat to my own life, She bit her lip, then flicked her fingers.
Snap!
‘Alright!’
Her subordinates disappeared, and I inwardly heaved a sigh of relief.
“How do you know about the Watcher?”
I silently stared at Lyran.
I was anxious that she might attempt to strike my throat again, but having been through thick and thin, I knew now was the time to stand strong.
“Your tone remains insolent. Are you a fool?”
“…What?”
“I hope you’ve at least pondered on the significance of ‘Van Ecclesia’ knowing about the watcher.”
Lyran’s expression hardened.
I smirked.
Intentionally exuding an air of arrogance.
As if I were the one in control here.
“It seems my leg is hurting. First, let’s change location. Since our conversation might take a while, it’s better to offer some hospitality. However, my tastes are quite discerning, so it would be wise to serve a suitable tea that befits my standards.”
* * *
We followed Lyran towards the inner part of the slums.
Crumbling buildings stretched endlessly, resembling castle walls.
It was the first of the Four Dragon Stronghold.
“Hans, you wait here.”
“But, but!! I must protect you with my life, Master!”
“…Saying that while backing off doesn’t make it very convincing. Or do you really want to go in together?”
“Oh! Although my desire to go together is as strong as a chimney, I realized that we need someone to request rescue in case of a similar situation!! Oh, it’s so unfortunate!!”
I glanced at Hans.
Boasting loudly about protecting me seemed like the typical behavior of a yes-man.
‘Well, it’s not that surprising, considering it’s the Dragon Stronghold.’
Originally, I would never have come here.
‘It’s okay. Lyran can never harm me.’
I reassured myself once again.
The one in control in this situation is me. It’s me
“Here is the tea requested by the Young Duke.”
Clatter.
After entering the building, Lyran brought out the tea.
The subtle aroma made the tea seem luxurious, just as I had described, but in my heightened state of tension, I couldn’t really taste anything.
“Now, let’s continue our conversation from earlier.”
“You’re being overly formal.”
I took a breath.
Now was the crucial moment.
I opened my mouth with an indifferent tone, pretending not to care too much.
“So, you being one of the leaders of the rebellion, the ‘Watcher,’ is not that big of a secret.”
“!!”
Indeed.
This was Lyran’s true identity.
Not just a figure in the slums but a leader of the rebellion!
“…What the hell.”
Lyran’s gaze sank sharply.
The look of someone contemplating whether to kill me and silence me right here.
“Don’t entertain foolish thoughts. Do you still not understand the significance of me knowing your identity? I’m well aware of the rebels’ capabilities.”
“!!”
Lyran clenched her fists tightly.
Then, after a moment, she let out a deep sigh.
“I underestimated the Ecclesia Duchy too much. Perhaps, I never thought you from the Ecclesia Duchy would know about me being the Watcher in the rebel forces.”
Well, that was a misunderstanding.
The Ecclesia Duchy doesn’t even know that she’s the Watcher.
However, I allowed her to misunderstand.
It was more advantageous that way.
‘I need to turn Lyran into a pawn for my use.’
“Why do you think the Ecclesia Duchy, knowing your identity, is letting you be?”
“…What do you mean?”
“Because there’s utility in using you.”
Lyran’s face hardened.
“What do you mean by that?”
“The true goal of your rebellion is to stop ‘Ouroboros.'”
“!!”
A shock, incomparable to before.
It was inevitable.
Ouroboros was the shadow organization of the ‘Hero Academy.’
At this point, nobody knew about it.
‘Actually, Ouroboros is not their real name. Well, Lyran wouldn’t know that at this point.’
Lyran stammered in response.
“H-How could the Ecclesia Duchy be involved with Ouroboros? Could it be that the Ecclesia Duchy is also opposed to Ouroboros?”
The Ecclesia Duchy also didn’t know about Ouroboros’ existence, but I silently let her misconception persist.
“Do you know why I wanted to become a professor at the Ruby Academy?”
“I thought it was just one of those whims of the Young Duke, but could it be?”
“Yes, it’s to drive out the shadow of Ouroboros entrenched in the ruby Academy.”
“!!”
Lies flowed effortlessly.
It was true that Ouroboros had its influence in the ruby Academy.
However, I had no intention of getting involved.
The challenging events against Ouroboros were meant for the protagonists entering the academy.
“Now do you understand why you should help me?”
Helping me means assisting in the battle against Ouroboros’ shadows.
I was trying to convince her in this way, but Lyran brought up something unexpected.
“By any chance, is the reason you want to oppose the Rapalt Duchy because Ouroboros’ shadow has also infiltrated them?”
…Not really?
However, I vaguely responded.
“Think about it yourself.”
I didn’t confirm it, but it seemed like the answer was yes!
Indeed, Lyran seemed completely convinced.
