The Genius Professor Wants An Easy Life - Chapter 7.2
“So, you’ve come. As father can see, your son destroyed the seal of the Lord of Darkness…”
I felt a sudden realization.
‘Will the Duke believe my words?’
Unfortunately, Cal, who should have been a witness, was currently unconscious.
Due to mana depletion, it would take at least 2-3 days for him to regain consciousness.
As expected.
“Be quiet!! You claim to have defeated the Lord of Darkness?! Even if you’re lying, at least tell a believable lie! How can you be so utterly useless?!”
The Duke erupted in a fiery rage.
It seemed like he believed that I caused the accident and Cal handled it.
An understandable reaction.
‘It might be best to let this slide…’
It would have been a simple matter to wait quietly until Cal woke up, resolving the issue. But instead, I raised my head.
An idea had dawned on me—a way to gain something from this.
Coincidentally, the pressure from the Duke triggered the aid of the ‘Charisma of the Black Flame Dragon.’
“Father, I distinctly mentioned that I vanquished the Lord of Darkness.”
“What…!!”
“If what I said is true, what will you do?”
“!!”
The Duke was taken aback.
“Ecclesia stands for justice and the divine lineage. Even if you are the father, should you not bear the responsibility for any wrongful persecution?”
The Duke furrowed his brows.
He had a look as if to say, ‘What on earth is wrong with this person?’
“If I win the duel, in addition to apologizing for this misunderstanding so far, please grant me one request.”
“Ha!!”
The Duke laughed as if the idea was preposterous.
“Very well! Do as you wish. But remember this. The duel will take place immediately tomorrow. If you fail to prove your words, you will be disowned from the lineage on the spot.”
I nodded.
“May I offer one more piece of advice? It’s for the sake of father’s honor.”
“What?”
“During the duel, it might be best to limit the spectators. The fewer witnesses to any potential shame you might endure, the better.”
“!!”
The Duke grunted in response.
I swallowed hard under his intense, almost deadly gaze.
It was intimidating, but I didn’t look away.
‘The duel has already begun. If I falter here, it’s like losing before the fight even begins.’
I recalled the times when I used to negotiate with clients.
Business was tough.
You had to maintain a firm stance, but that didn’t mean you should always yield.
In moments like these, it was crucial to display strength when necessary.
Even if I was nervous and trembling, the charisma of the Black Flame Dragon supported me.
I met the Duke’s haughty and disdainful gaze, and eventually, it was the Duke who averted his eyes first.
“Prepare yourself for tomorrow.”
Swish, the Duke disappeared with his sword.
As I stepped outside, Hans greeted me with the enthusiasm of a waiting chick.
“Master! Master! You did defeat the Lord of Darkness, right? Of course! I always believed in you! Loyalty, loyalty, loyalty! But why is His Grace acting that way?”
Hans shot a quick glance at the back of the Duke.
“Could it be a misunderstanding? Persecuting Master like that? I’ll go and clarify this!”
I shook my head.
“It’s fine, just stay calm. Everything will be revealed tomorrow anyway.”
There was a reason for my continuously overflowing confidence.
<Judgment of the Gambler of the Tomorrow Match is Activated!>
Probability of Landing a Blow on the Duke: 100%
An absolute certainty.
* * *
“Father, are you really going to duel with Van?”
Ron, the poised son of the Ecclesia Duke, asked the Duke.
“Yes.”
“…But Father, there’s no way a duel between you and Van will take place, is there? Van might have acted foolishly again, so you should understand and…”
“I’ve already understood and waited long enough. For more than 20 years.”
The Duke’s cold response silenced Ron.
‘Haa. Van, you troublemaker. How do you end up in a situation like this?’
Ron lamented
He was more sympathetic toward his younger brother, Van.
“Then, how about keeping the duel private? For Van’s honor,”
The Duke furrowed his brow.
He recalled Van’s words:
It might be best to limit the spectators. The fewer witnesses to any potential shame you might endure, the better.
‘Unbelievable.’
Grinding his teeth, he spoke up.
“The duel will take place in the training grounds. Have the White Eagle Knights there to witness it.”
“Father?”
“This time, it’s best for Van to thoroughly understand his place,”
The Duke intended to cast Van out after tomorrow’s duel.
As a father, he believed it was right to offer a final lesson. It might be the last chance for the boy to come to his senses.
‘…Van, what are you trying to achieve?’
Ron looked at his brother with a concerned and dark expression.
“Have you heard the news? Van challenged the Duke to a duel.”
“A duel? Is that some kind of ridiculous joke? Is that goofball out of his mind and seeking death?”
“I heard that after this duel, the Duke plans to cast Van out from the family.”
“Well, finally! I feel relieved. It’s about time that trash gets kicked out of the prestigious Ecclesia Dukedom. He should have been expelled sooner.”
“But recently, he hasn’t caused any trouble, has he?”
“It’s as if he’s gone even crazier. Delusions of grandeur, they say.”
“Really. How insane must he be to challenge the Duke to a duel?”
Members of the Ecclesia Dukedom laughed mockingly at Van.
Especially the White Eagle Knights, affiliated with the Duke, showed more than laughter; some expressed anger.
‘How dare you challenge the Duke?’
‘He doesn’t even know his place.’
Among the knights, there wasn’t a single one who didn’t hold respect for the Duke.
Even before, some were critical of Van. but challenging the Duke to a duel without understanding his place was beyond belief.
The knights were poised and ready in the arena, their demeanor fierce.
‘The Duke won’t even need to lift a finger.’
‘Let’s make him wet his pants before even stepping into the dueling ground.’
The knights exchanged silent glances, planning to intimidate Van as soon as he appeared.
After all, they believed someone like Van wouldn’t stand a chance.
Eventually…
‘He’s here!’
A strikingly handsome man had arrived.
Van had made his appearance.
