The Genius Professor Wants An Easy Life - Chapter 193
Muse Juliet.
She is a protagonist who is unique in many ways.
If one were to describe her in a word, it would be this:
The most talented protagonist.
To be more specific,
A protagonist with a talent that could bring forth the envy of the heavens.
Among the protagonists, many are talented.
Indeed, all 16 could be considered geniuses in their own right.
Even Joanna, who faces frustration due to lack of talent, holds the potential to ascend one day.
However, no one could compare to Juliet.
Her talent was truly exceptional.
‘It’s no coincidence she’s the most famous star in the empire.’
Even citizens who don’t know who the Emperor or the Duke is would know of Juliet.
‘If we’re to solve the erosion, Juliet’s talent is absolutely necessary.’
The problem is that it’s no easy task.
Juliet is inherently kind-hearted.
Many people lamented her future trials, known as ‘The ill talent.’
If she knew about the republic’s situation, she would undoubtedly roll up her sleeves and help.
But
‘Those around her won’t simply let her do that.’
As mentioned, she is the ultimate superstar.
Her worth far exceeds even the top celebrities on Earth.
So, how could she possibly be left to venture into dangerous places like the sites of erosion?
‘That’s exactly why I need to make contact with Juliet at the masquerade.’
Juliet is always followed by an entourage, but a place of deviation like this is an exception.
It will be possible to persuade her without interference from those around her.
“But how do I start a conversation?”
I glanced over.
Juliet was surrounded by countless people.
They were like bees drawn to her aura.
It was impossible to have a proper conversation amidst that crowd.
‘Even if I suggest talking alone, she’ll think I’m up to something and put up a strong front.’
Even now, while she entertained the conversations of many, when the discussion shifted that way, Juliet was quick to put up walls like a blade.
‘Still, I might be different.’
Who am I?
I’m the ‘Desirable Man’ chosen by Gossip Daily.
Ahem, I cleared my throat and spoke to a lady in a mask who had been glancing my way.
“Did you come alone?”
“Hoho, yes. Nice to meet you.”
“The moonlight is truly beautiful tonight. It blesses our meeting.”
“……”
“How about a toast? But be careful. My brilliance might cause an earthquake in your heart.”
“Ah, I have some illness that would kill me if I drink. I’ll be leaving now.”
With a cold look, she quickly turned and disappeared.
‘Hmph, I was just saying that anyway.’
It’s okay. I have a secret weapon prepared.
“Theren, it’s time for you to shine. Go charm that bunny mask… No, make friends.”
“Are you encouraging me to have an unhealthy relationship with a student?”
“No, I mean just be friends. Aren’t you good at making friends?”
Theren shrugged and walked over.
Then.
‘Oh?’
Indeed, the ultimate social butterfly of Ruby!
Juliet burst out laughing after a few words with Theren!
Theren didn’t stop there; he pulled out a camera and snapped a few selfies with her.
…Both were wearing masks, and it was unclear what the point of the photos was, but they seemed to have quickly become friends.
However,
“Why did you just come back?”
“That girl was a bit odd, you know? Kept calling herself a princess. And her way of speaking, it kind of reminded me of you, professor. Anyway, I’m not just going to be friends with anyone.”
“Even though you took a picture?”
“That was just out of politeness. It’s better to spit in someone’s face than to leave without taking a photo and parting ways.”
…That Theren. For a moment, I thought maybe he’s not a social butterfly but rather obsessed with taking photos.
‘Now that Theren has failed, what should I do?’
While I was pondering this, an announcement was heard.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I hope you’re enjoying your evening. The ‘Night of Romance’ will now begin. We invite those talented among you to enrich this night with beautiful melodies.”
It was a common event at balls.
Those confident in their musical abilities would go up on stage and showcase their skills.
Playing an instrument is a basic cultural skill for nobility. Exceptional musical talent was an attractive trait for both men and women.
‘’Van’ was said to be quite good at playing instruments.’
It might have been because of his mana insensitivity that he turned out twisted, but in his childhood, Van was said to be surprisingly talented in various ways.
‘Anyway, whether it’s a night of romance or a night of nonsense, it wouldn’t be of use for me….’
I hesitated.
No, that wasn’t it.
‘Juliet is a musical star. Maybe I can catch her interest with my instrument skills. Let’s give it a try.’
It was a nothing-to-lose situation, and, for some reason, I felt an inexplicable confidence.
My performance would surely resonate.
“I will go next.”
As I stepped forward, all eyes turned to me.
Though often spouting cringeyness, This charismatic Black Flame Dragon was no less impressive than Juliet’s aura.
Juliet gave me a fleeting glance, but soon lost interest and looked away.
Being the best musician herself, ordinary performances wouldn’t catch her attention.
I sat down at the piano.
“……”
Why?
I felt a strange tickling in my heart.
It was a peculiar ‘welcome’ feeling, like encountering something long forgotten.
I had never played the piano on Earth, so this must be ‘Van’s’ nostalgia.
Why I was feeling Van’s emotions was something I questioned myself, but I dismissed it.
My hands moved.
Like it was enchanted, it moved on its own.
Pling.
Previously, I had a client who enjoyed attending piano concerts.
They said that one could tell the difference just by the sound of the keys, and although I nodded, internally I thought, ‘Really? But that sounds super exaggerated.’
A piano key sound is just a piano key sound, how different could it be?
But in this moment, I realized that what I had heard was not an exaggeration.
‘Van.’
No, ‘my’ fingers produced a distinctly different sound from the previous performers.
Clear and piercing.
Enough to capture even Juliet’s attention.
It went as planned, but I couldn’t pay attention to Juliet.
My fingers continued to move on their own.
The performance was surprisingly skillful.
‘It’s not just the Versatility of a Thousand Transformations. This is ‘Van’’s true skill.’
A fleeting memory crossed my mind.
Diligently practicing instruments will help with your mana control.
Everything in this world is related to magic.
Music is no exception.
In this world’s music, imbuing performances with mana to maximize emotional expressiveness was a critical element.
Van clung to instrument practice like a lifeline.
I’m sorry, but it seems playing an instrument was too challenging a task for Young Master Van. Perhaps the Young Duke should give it up.
‘Yet I play it so well.’
Though I’m not an expert in music, this performance seemed to surpass that of many accomplished pianists.
The reason ‘Van’ received such harsh criticism was simply because he couldn’t imbue his performance with mana.
Yet, ‘Van’ didn’t stop practicing.
Initially, it was a struggle to infuse the performance with mana, but later, it became about the love of playing.
Even if he was harshly criticized, playing allowed him to forget everything and find solace.
Those emotions of ‘Van’’s surfaced, unsettling my heart, and suddenly, I thought:
I want to resolve ‘Van’’s regrets.
Swwoooosh.
Mana began to weave into the performance.
You can’t just forcefully imbue it with strong mana.
This isn’t magic, it’s music.
The amount of mana needed must be just right, neither too much nor too little, to enhance the performance.
And it had to change moment by moment, matching the evolving melody.
It was a daunting task, but simple for me.
Not just because of my magical talent, but because of the musicality of ‘Van’ combined with it.
And also the deep sorrow that ‘Van’ harbored in his heart.
Who said that?
Music, art, is the expression of emotions.
Explosive emotions swept through the ballroom.
Daan!
The performance came to an end.
A deathly silence fell over the hall.
Everyone was staring at me, dumbstruck.
Tears welled up behind their masks.
Some had even removed their masks and were sobbing openly.
Then, breaking the silence, applause rang out.
It was Juliet!
Striding forward, she ignored the gazes of others and approached me.
Then,
“Sniff. That was such a moving performance. This princess would be honored to discuss music with you. Shall we move to a different spot?”
I had caught the target.
* * *
The plan was successful, but there was a problem.
‘Of course, she wasn’t alone.’
I grimaced.
There was a boy glaring at me, as if he could devour me with his eyes.
A familiar face.
A very important character in Juliet’s character storyline.
Specifically, the ‘villain.’
“You intended to talk about ‘music’, but I didn’t expect there to be another uninvited guest.”
Juliet flinched at the boy.
A puzzled expression.
If one knew their relationship, it could be understood.
“Ha! Talk about music? Professor Van, do you think I don’t know that you have some kind of hidden motives in Her Highness Juliet?”
Highness.
Juliet was a princess from a fallen royal family.
The strange way she spoke to me earlier was because she actually was royalty.
As for this boy.
“Kizen, don’t be too harsh. I was the one who asked to discuss music first.”
“No, Your Highness! Don’t you trust me?”
“Ah, no, I do trust you. Who else would I trust if not you, who has remained loyal to me since seeking refuge in the empire?”
The boy was Juliet’s knight.
He had been her hands and feet all this time.
“Remember, Your Highness, that I am the only one in this world who truly cares for you.”
“I know well. I trust only you.”
I shook my head at this and brought up my request.
“Actually, I do have a favor to ask of Your Highness Juliet.”
“What is it? Speak through me, the ‘manager.'”
The boy’s eyes narrowed again.
I explained the whole situation.
Naturally, the boy was infuriated.
“How absurd! How dare you suggest that Her Highness step foot in the Erosion Fixation?!”
“No, Kizen. Isn’t it an important matter? It’s something that could help many people. I want to do it.”
“Are you in your right mind, Your Highness?! Think before you speak!”
Juliet flinched again.
The comment was too rude to be just out of concern.
I frowned.
“I know it’s dangerous. In return, I’ll offer something equivalent.”
“Ha. What kind of recompense?!”
“I will ensure that Her Highness can attend the academy.”
Juliet and the boy looked bewildered.
“What do you mean? I am already enrolled at the academy.”
“But you haven’t been able to attend any actual classes, have you? You’re being treated like a slave by this boy.”
“!!”
I continued, looking at the boy and reflecting on Juliet’s character storyline, ‘The ill talent,’ and its first disaster.
“I know that up to now, Your Highness has not received any settlement. Through legal support, I will help you terminate your management contract with this boy and transfer you to the Vanmily company.”
