The Genius Professor Wants An Easy Life - Chapter 181
Senin.
The name that suddenly popped up took me by surprise.
‘I had heard he was specially released from the Mage Tower’s prison not long ago.’
Emily spoke with a bitter expression.
“Senin holds a grudge against us, viewing us as the enemies who ruined his family.”
While the downfall of the Rapalt family was due to Duke Volman’s wrongdoings, Senin wasn’t likely to make such an objective judgment.
At this time, Senin was filled purely with selfish motives.
Despite being a sub-main character, he had a disposition worse than many villains.
“What do you mean, ‘mafia’ is involved?”
“Exactly what it sounds like. Senin stole the technology and, of all things, sold it to the mafia in the Ran Republic.”
I felt troubled.
The Ran Republic was an enemy state to the empire.
Any protest would likely be ignored.
And now, the mafia was involved.
“Which mafia are we talking about?”
“Van, you’re well-informed about the situation in the Ran Republic? He sold it to the Royal Family.”
“The Royal Family? The one led by Grand Duke Rutger?”
“Yes, the worst-case scenario.”
Emily’s complexion darkened.
So did mine.
It was a notorious name.
‘The Royal Family is one of the dominant forces in the Ran Republic.’
The Demonic Realm.
The Seven Kingdoms.
The Ran Republic.
These three are external threats to the empire.
The most fearsome enemy is the Demon Realm, the land of demons.
The most troublesome enemy is the Seven Kingdoms, with whom we have been at war for over a century.
The most powerful enemy is the Ran Republic.
Though not as strong as the empire, it’s one of the continent’s superpowers.
However, don’t mistake it for a typical advanced democratic country from Earth just because it’s called a republic.
‘It’s similar to the atmosphere of some corrupt countries in Latin America, where the mafia controls half the state.’
Actually, it was much worse.
The very birth of the Ran Republic from the Ran Kingdom wasn’t due to a revolution or a declaration of rights for the sake of citizens’ liberties. It was because the mafias toppled the monarchy.
‘Most of the nobility are in cahoots with the mafia, with many leading their own mafia organizations.’
Among them, the ‘Royal Family’ stands at the pinnacle.
Even after becoming a republic, this family still retains the title of a Grand Ducal House.
“If the Royal Family replicates and sells our technology, we have no means to impose sanctions.”
“That’s troublesome.”
“…Yes.”
The opponent was far too formidable.
Count Armand burst into tears again.
“Sob, why has this happened? I have no reason to live anymore. Sob.”
“Calm down, Count. We can’t just sit back and take this. At the upcoming magical engineering expo, we’ll make our grievances known.”
“The magical engineering expo?”
“Yes, it’s a big event held annually in the Ran Republic. I heard they plan to present our stolen technology as their own there.”
The Ran Republic and the empire have slightly different directions in the development of magic.
The empire emphasizes the capabilities of individual mages.
On the other hand, the Ran Republic focuses more on magical engineering technologies.
“Would protesting even have any effect?”
“…Probably not. But we’ll still do whatever we can.”
Emily had a determined look on her face.
“I can’t let the Vanmily Merchant Group collapse like this. I swore on our names that we would make it the greatest merchant group on the continent someday.”
“I, too! I won’t just stand by! To have my dreams stolen by these dastardly mafia, waaah!”
I crossed my arms.
Despite their fighting spirit, the likelihood of this situation resolving smoothly was, frankly, slim.
‘No. What about my money? This isn’t the time to be a bystander.’
I am a co-owner of the Vanmily Merchant Group and a major shareholder of Armand Corporation.
They are my hope.
‘Be it the mafia or anyone else, I won’t let them ruin my dreams of wealth!’
Phuuuo!
My mind raced desperately.
Yet, an easy solution did not come to mind.
Then,
“Waaah, theft, you say. These wretched people! May they all be cursed!!”
I paused.
“What did you just say?”
“Professor Van?”
“Did you say ‘theft’?”
“Why do you ask?”
A spark of inspiration flashed through my mind.
“Perhaps there is a way.”
I pulled a letter from my magic pouch.
The envelope’s antique design indicated it wasn’t from an ordinary sender.
“The Presidential Office of the Ran Republic? Why would they send you a letter?”
“I had some connections before.”
Unfolding the letter revealed its contents:
Regarding the previous matter, we seek to repay our debt.
Please grant us your presence.
Previously,
During the dark auction, while smuggling out the Gray Ritual Tome and dealing with the Massacrist Mage, I incurred a debt.
At the time, I agreed to assist in the development of a national project that the Ran Republic was staking its national fortune on.
‘I had intended to decline with an excuse.’
Not out of irresponsibility.
This project was doomed to fail.
Even with my involvement, it was doomed.
The plan itself was too absurd from the start.
But,
‘It could be used.’
Mafia.
Theft.
Expo.
An impossible national project.
The President.
Combining these keywords, a plan began to take shape in my mind.
It was a scheme that would turn the Ran Republic upside down.
“The people of the Ran Republic will marvel at the greatness of Van the Legend and kneel in worship.”
* * *
Thus,
The second prince’s move to chairman.
The plagiarism incident, summer camp.
Another storm was brewing.
But that wasn’t all.
While Van was busy preparing for his trip to the Ran Republic,
“Are there any further items to add to today’s academy meeting?”
In a vast meeting room,
Individuals who appeared to be professors were in discussion.
Each one exuded a powerful aura, signaling their exceptional talents far beyond the faculty of Ruby where Van was.
“There are none. Thank you for your efforts, Chancellor!”
What was surprising was the appearance of the person presumed to be the chancellor.
He seemed to be in his twenties, but the respect shown by the professors was astonishing.
Utterly respectful.
Typically, academy professors are known for their pride, and it’s rare for them to show such deference to anyone, even the chancellor.
This young chancellor was genuinely revered by the professors.
“Then let’s conclude the meeting here. Please continue your hard work for the academy today.”
The young chancellor smiled gently as he walked through the hallway.
Students, seeing him, also bowed their heads in respectful admiration.
The students, each carrying an aura sharp as blades, seemed to possess skills far surpassing those of Ruby’ students. Soon after entering the chancellor’s office, a woman greeted him.
“Did the meeting conclude well?”
“As always.”
“I have a report. The ‘Knight Commander’ has been eliminated.”
The young chancellor slightly furrowed his brows.
“Haven’t I mentioned to refrain from such reports within the academy?”
“My apologies.”
“Well, it’s done. It seems they fell for the ‘Butler’s’ scheme.”
This conversation was astonishing.
Knight Commander. Butler.
These were titles used by the administrators of Abyss.
“What should we do next?”
“It doesn’t matter. Just leave it as is.”
“What about the regular members under the Knight Commander?”
“They’ll figure it out themselves. Whether they join other administrators or leave. It’s our principle not to stop members who wish to go.”
The young man answered disinterestedly.
“There’s no need to urgently report such matters to the academy. Be mindful next time. You’re not the ‘Secretary’ of Abyss here; you’re the secretary to the chancellor of the academy.”
“My apologies.”
Another shocking term was used.
‘Secretary’.
One of the four administrators of Abyss.
Then, who was this young man?
“Hmm, but the Knight Commander’s death is related to Van the Legend?”
“It is somewhat connected.”
“Should we invite him to our side?”
“He will undoubtedly refuse.”
“Again with that. I’m speaking as the chancellor of the academy right now.”
The young man.
The chancellor of one of the four prestigious academies, the ‘Fighter’ Sapphire Academy.
Simultaneously, the most formidable villain who had reached the level of a Lv. 8 Seeker, one of the Ten Demons.
The Lord of Abyss, the Celestial Demon Schneizer, spoke playfully.
“I’m intrigued by that Professor, Van the Legend.”
* * *
This time, it was Ruby Academy.
Late at night.
With the term nearing its end, there was an air of melancholy over the deserted campus.
A figure was walking through the grounds, cloaked in ornate jewels, and despite the darkness of the night, holding a floral-patterned parasol.
It was Chancellor Karak.
“Hmm-hmm, hmm-hmm.”
He seemed in a good mood, humming to himself.
Chancellor Karak was headed toward a sealed area.
But then, something strange happened.
The monsters of the sealed area seemed pleased to see Chancellor Karak.
Kiii, Kiiiinng.
As if dogs were greeting their owner.
Even for Karak, a Level 7 super-strong, this was an absolutely unheard-of scene.
Chancellor Karak, seeing the monsters, gave them a bright smile and then,
Swoosh. Slice. Slash!
He drew a sword from the handle of his parasol and slaughtered them all.
“Hmm-hmm, hmm-hmm. La-la~”
Continuing to hum, soaked in blood, he moved on to somewhere.
After walking through the vast sealed area, passing several barriers, and breaking through formations, a dilapidated mansion appeared astonishingly.
Creeeak.
Karak opened the door as if he was familiar with it, and inside, an even more astonishing sight awaited.
Ugggghhhh.
Two elderly figures, a man and a woman, were wandering aimlessly.
They were not in a normal state.
Decayed skin.
Lifeless eyes.
They were undead.
Merely corpses animated to walk, the lowest grade of ghouls.
It was a repulsive sight, but Chancellor Karak’s smile grew even brighter.
“Ho-ho, father, mother, your Karak is here.”
Karak embraced the two corpses.
The lifeless corpses scratched and hit Karak, but he did not resist. He hugged them even tighter, as if their actions were endearing.
“You must have missed me a lot. I felt the same. I love you both so much.”
Was it an illusion?
Upon hearing Karak’s words, the two corpses shivered as they felt fear.
Karak, with an even deeper smile, whispered to the two corpses,
“So, please stay by my side forever, suffering as you are now.”
* * *
Then,
Boom!!
With a loud noise, a figure collapsed to the ground.
“Keugh, keugh…!”
A familiar face.
It was Amanda the Black Bird!
Her entire body was soaked in blood.
A boy yawned lazily in front of her.
“Haaah, why did you follow me? Didn’t you know you stand no chance?”
“You… I-I will never forgive you.”
“Hmm. I didn’t want to kill my sister, though.”
Amanda gritted her teeth.
“Die!!”
The boy, Alpha Zero, shook his head.
Flash!
Light flashed, and blood sprayed.
It was an event that occurred in an unnamed mountain.
* * *
Lastly,
At a mansion belonging to a prestigious magical family in the capital.
“Are you really going, Lady?”
“Yes, Mother doesn’t know, does she?”
“That’s true, but…”
“It’s an absolute secret from Mother. If she finds out, I’ll be in trouble, so keep your mouth shut.”
A haughty girl,
Joanna spoke with her nose in the air.
“I will win at the magical engineering expo in the Ran Republic and prove my excellence. To Mother, and to that presumptuous Professor Van.”
