The Genius Professor Wants An Easy Life - Chapter 8.1
“Show respect to Master Van!”
The knights rose from their seats.
It was a gesture of courtesy towards the Duke’s lineage, but what unfolded was entirely different.
The knights’ intent was focused on Van.
‘Let’s see how you handle this, you worthless scum.’
Of course, there was no actual intent to harm him.
It was merely a show of force.
Van had thought that if he showed signs of discomfort, they would stop.
‘…What’s this? He’s completely unshaken?’
The knights blinked in confusion.
There was no hint of emotion on Van’s face.
In fact, he appeared almost lethargic.
‘Maybe he can’t even sense our intent? But that can’t be possible.’
At that moment, Van’s gaze squarely landed on them.
“Is this the allegiance? How petty and low.”
“!!”
“If it were me, I wouldn’t have even dared to imagine such childish acts. No, it’s not your fault. Your inadequacy is our Duke’s fault.”
The knights’ faces turned crimson with embarrassment.
It was evident that this incident was entirely their fault.
They committed an embarrassing act due to their resentment towards Van.
Yet, their inability to retort with a single word wasn’t just because of embarrassment.
‘Why does this trash give off such an intimidating aura?’
The knights swallowed hard.
They couldn’t simply dismiss it as mere delusion or misconception; an undeniable sense of intimidation emanated from Van.
It wasn’t lacking in comparison to the Duke’s presence.
For a moment, a particular message popped into their minds.
Foolish lot! Open your eyes and wait. On the day of the duel, Master Van’s greatness will be revealed to the world.
It was a tale circulated by Hans, the mage employed by the Duke’s household.
Had they all been dismissing it as nonsense?
“Could it be?”
At that moment, an angry shout pierced through.
“What are you all doing?!”
“Dear Master.”
It was the eldest son, Ron!
The knights bowed their heads.
Ron’s favoritism toward Van was a well-known fact.
Ron sighed and approached Van.
“Let’s have a moment to talk, Van.”
“Please go ahead.”
“When father arrives, kneel down and beg without hesitation.”
Van stared at Ron intently.
With an anxious expression, Ron raised his voice.
“Do you realize how angry father is? I’ll try to help you in any way I can, so you must absolutely—”
“It’s okay. There’s no need for that.”
“Van?”
Ron was taken aback by the calm tone.
‘Is he really suffering from delusion or misconception?’
Van didn’t stop making remarks that made one question his mental state.
“Don’t worry. After today’s events, Father will deeply regret all the misunderstandings he’s had with me so far.”
“Are you out of your mind?! That’s it! We need to talk to Father about your mental state and get you some therapy right away! Let’s go see a mental health specialist!!”
It was the moment when Ron raised his voice in frustration.
“The Duke has arrived!!!”
Ron’s face turned pale.
The duel was about to begin.
* * *
‘Ugh, I’m trembling.’
I stepped onto the arena.
The hall fell silent.
The duke standing opposite me glared at me with a cold gaze.
I believed in a 100% success rate, but facing him like this made my heart constrict.
“Are you ready?”
Paaah!!
A dizzying force surged towards me.
It was the Sword Master’s ‘intimidation.’
I nearly kneeled subconsciously, but I managed to resist, recalling moments meeting esteemed figures on Earth.
‘Think of him as a difficult customer. A difficult customer.’
Luckily, the charisma of the Dark Flame Dragon supported me.
Despite feeling intimidated, an arrogantly composed voice flowed from me.
“I am prepared, so you need not worry.”
The Duke furrowed his brow.
“If you swear to compose yourself now and show remorse in your military or bureaucratic duties, I will cancel the duel.”
“I refuse.”
No matter how frightening the Duke might be, I wasn’t about to end up suffering in a military or bureaucratic position.
“Hah.”
The Duke, as if ignoring my words, nodded and drew his sword.
“I’ll face you using only the power of my pure physical strength, without utilizing any mana. However, don’t assume the duel will end easily. As your father, I shall give you a final lesson.”
It wasn’t about giving me a chance.
It meant he would defeat me with his sword.
Because if he used mana, it would only take one strike.
The ominous aura in the Duke’s eyes confirmed that fact.
“No, I’d prefer a fair fight. Please, just use mana properly. I don’t want to hear about winning because you held back.”
“What?”
“I have one request. Regardless of any embarrassment you might face today, please don’t get angry and accept defeat gracefully.”
It was crucial to confirm this in advance.
One wrong move and even winning the duel might cost me my life if the Duke got angry.
‘That’s how daring my actions are right now.’
Unfortunately, the Duke didn’t show a positive response.
“This rascal!! Seems like I really need to teach you a lesson!!!”
“Father, please calm down!!!”
“Master Van, I believe in you! Fighting!”
Elder brother Ron and the middle-aged mage Hans shouted, but their words didn’t register in my ears.
‘Oh, that was fast. I can’t see it!’
Of course not.
The Duke’s in-game level was Lv. 7.
It was akin to the level of a 7th Sword Rank.
Called a Sword Master.
As a tiny, insignificant being like an ant, it was impossible for me to react.
Clang!
The Duke’s sword halted in front of me.
“A defensive magic device?”
“I simply used a necessary tool.”
I replied confidently.
In reality, mages typically fought with an array of magical devices.
“Hah. You merely trusted in such a device?”
“It’s not just mere.”
