Chapter 72: Moonlighting As An Author
Moonlighting As An Author
Mid-June.
The official notice from the King, issued from Graypond, the capital of the Griffin Kingdom, was surprisingly creating waves across the entire continent.
In the Griffin Kingdom, still marred by the deep scars left by the dark mage Heralhazard, the Royal Palace granted an official position to a dark mage.
This dark mage, now affiliated with the Royal Family, was bestowed with the title Soul Whisperer.
And he went by the name Deus Verdi.
He was the younger brother of Margrave Norseweden, who was also known as the Giant of the Northern Barrier.
While the neighboring countries were tense due to the sudden changes in Griffin, which had been hostile to dark mages and was now opening its doors, people within the Griffin Kingdom itself perceived the changes as corruption rather than progress.
As a result, adverse criticisms were sweeping through like a storm.
The impact even extended to the Loberne Academy, to which the dark mage was originally affiliated with.
Sigh.
Erica was heading towards the Deans office with brisk steps.
Following Deus confession and surrender, the academy experienced hectic days. The buzz among students was growing louder with each passing day.
Post the incident with Setimas Angel, stability was barely restored after convincing and encouraging the students who had submitted withdrawal letters.
Just when they thought the academy might finally be stabilized after the midterm exams, discussions about Deus resurfaced, causing a commotion once again.
Having knocked and opened the door, Erica found Academy Nurse Caren and Gideon already inside as she entered the room.
Gideon immediately frowned once he saw Erica come in, but she paid no attention to him and spoke.
It doesnt make sense to dismiss Professor Deus again.
Calmly and very composed.
Upon hearing Professor Ericas chilling voice, which almost sounded like her old self, the Dean shuddered and cowered as he replied.
Its not confirmed yet. Sigh, what can we do in such a situation?
Even though he had not officially assumed his position as a professor, Deus name was already on the faculty list.
On paper, he was currently away on his quarterly business trip as per the requirements he had demanded during the contract signing.
Taking the opportunity, Gideon stepped forward.
Do you know how many parents are reaching out to us right now? Many parents want to withdraw their children from the academy saying that they can learn nothing from a dark mage!
Hmph.
That was the problem.
Although the incident with the Setimas Angel had finally been resolved, another similar incident had emerged. Now, there was no way to prevent the students from withdrawing from the academy.
However, Erica interrupted him again.
Professor Deus has been given a new title called the Soul Whisperer by the Royal Family. Dismissing him could be seen as ignoring the will of the Royal Family.
Erica argued that holding onto Deus might be beneficial in the long run, putting the Dean in a dilemma once again.
When he glanced at the Academy Nurse Caren, she just shrugged her shoulders, maintaining a neutral position.
The Dean couldnt understand why this man, Deus, was making everything so complicated.
This gave him the urge to go and confront Deus.
Continuing to exchange sharp remarks, Erica and Gideon engaged in a heated argument.
Gideons fiery temperament and Ericas cold tone clashed like extremes, creating a tense atmosphere between them.
Bang!
Once again, the Deans office door was opened and a girl walked in.
The Dean, who was about to scold the girl, who was wearing school uniform, for barging in, remained silent with his mouth agape.
Looking at the brilliant golden blonde hair that symbolized the authority and pride of the Royal Family, it was probably Eleanor Luden Griffin, who confidently secured the top spot among the first years during the recent midterm exams.
She walked through the gap between Erica and Gideon with domineering steps and declared.
I hear there has been a lot of talk within the academy recently.
At this moment, Eleanor was not here as a student but as a princess.
She was exerting her dignity and authority.
It seems like there is talk about Deus Verdi, whom even my brother, His Majesty, has acknowledged.
Uh
Certainly, you would not disrespect the individual officially appointed as the Soul Whisperer by the Royal Family, would you? Dark Mage Deus is now associated with the Royal Family, and His Majestys favor towards him is quite evident.
Erica nodded calmly, lending strength to her statement.
The Goddess is watching.
And so on.
The slogans were so extreme that it seemed like they would be arrested at any moment for expressing such radical statements.
They even ventured onto the streets with a resolve to become martyrs.
Hmm?
Surprisingly, the reaction from the Royal Army was quite lukewarm. Instead of using force to suppress the protestors, they were just observing them blankly.
Feeling doubtful, Lucia surveyed the atmosphere of the street and naturally entered a nearby shop.
It was the Mersen Restaurant.
It wasnt even that late for lunch, but it was actually the perfect time.
Lucia always visited this restaurant whenever she came to Graypond, and it was considered a top-notch eatery even among the first-rate ones.
Enjoying a cup of coffee by the window while looking at the street view was one of her small pleasures.
Seeing a regular customer of his coming in, the owner of Mersen greeted her with a wide smile.
He knew her identity but chose to play along, for which Lucia was grateful.
Ah
Lucia went towards her usual seat with a cheerful smile. However, she sighed with disappointment when she saw someone else sitting there.
A man was seated there.
He appeared to be quite a tall and attractive-looking gentleman with slightly long hair tied up in a ponytail.
For some reason, there was a gauze on his cheek, which made it look like he had been hit by someone.
Having ordered a coffee and basking in the sun while calmly reading a book, he was charming enough to make the passing womens hearts flutter.
But for Lucia, he was just an unwelcome customer who had taken her seat.
What a shame.
But there was nothing she could do about it.
It wasnt labeled as Lucias seat, and the customer had simply taken one of the many available seats.
Just as she was about to move and look for another seat
Stood.
The man got up from his seat and headed towards the counter.
Seeing him carry the coffee cup and the book, Lucia deduced that he had vacated the seat, and she quickly plopped down in the chair.
Lucky me.
Is the goddess accompanying me?
After thinking like that, Lucia opened the menu and happily pondered over what to order.
Tap.
However, someone suddenly sat in the opposite chair.
The man who had just refilled his coffee was now sitting and looking at Lucia.
Ah
Lucia realized her mistake and quickly tried to get up.
However, the man glanced at the book in Lucias hand and calmly said.
Rose Mary. It is a good book.
His voice was calm and cool, matching his impression perfectly.
Without making Lucia uncomfortable, the man gestured with his eyes for her to remain seated and removed the jacket from the book he was reading.
It was indeed the latest volume of Rose Mary.
Ah.
When Lucia gasped and made a strange expression, the man raised the book slightly and said.
This is by an author I like. She goes by the pen name Lusain but has never officially revealed her face. She is one of the authors I would love to meet someday.
Uh, I see
Lucia felt her face turning red.
Despite being a Saintess, she had secretly written a series of romance novels and published them under the pen name Lusain, which she randomly picked up from her name Lucia Saint.
This was the first time she had encountered one of her avid readers.
Feeling embarrassed, Lucia eventually sat back down.
/genesisforsaken