Chapter 225: The Handsome Man in a Mask (2)

Some people exude dignity just by walking.Obern was like that.

Meanwhile, his sharp hazel eyes and straight nose bridge, firmly closed lips and large hands coexisted with masculinity.

"It's been a while, Professor."

"Have you been well, Court Count?"

He places his hand on his chest and bows slightly in greeting.

That too was exquisite.

Perfect etiquette, yet respectful without appearing servile.

He doesn't force a smile by raising the corners of his mouth.

Completely different from the people before who grinned as if they would offer even their liver.

'This guy's quite handsome, isn't he?'

"Hmm, he is indeed."

Even Pelerian acknowledged it, so that says it all.

First bonus points as a retainer candidate.

A handsome one would be better anyway.

Come to think of it, Roil looks too much like an uncle. Well, that's natural since he is one.

"How long has it been since you came to the capital?"

"I arrived yesterday."

"So you came right away, thank you, hohoho-!"

The Court Count seemed to like Professor Obern very much.

I was curious about the relationship between the professor and Court Count when a familiar word came up.

"I heard you have an interview scheduled at Emerald School?"

"As expected of the Court Count. You see through everything even from here."

I was a bit impressed.

This professor had the talent to make obvious flattery not sound like flattery at all.

Maybe it's because he speaks in such a serious tone and looks so proper.

"Hehehe, well this much is nothing. But more importantly, will you be alright?"

"What do you mean?"

"Working here after playing in the Empire's big waters. I heard your research achievements are recognized even in Imperial academia. No matter how prestigious Emerald School is, it's still a school in a small country."

For a Court Count to call his own country small - this old man must be a cosmopolitan and globalist.

"I returned with the mindset of taking a brief rest."

"Rest? Hoho, hahahaha!"

To call a professorship at the kingdom's most prestigious school 'rest' - incredibly arrogant.

But that seemed to please the Court Count even more. Handsome guys can get away with anything.

"That fellow seems to be a mage. Mature enough not to reveal his true level."

'Oh, really?'

"Yes. And if he's a full member of the Imperial academia, he must be quite capable. He'll have a solid foundation and might even have connections to the Imperial family."

He sounds better and better.

He's an appealing talent for me, who wants to enter the Empire and Imperial palace someday.

"I have high expectations for you."

"You flatter me."

"The Third Prince will be enrolling this time. I hope you'll manage him well from the side. Need to watch out for what flies might try to approach him."

"Yes."

"Well, if you're by the prince's side, there's nothing to worry about. Hahaha!"

And the Court Count added as if in afterthought.

"I did pass along your story, but even I can't handle Director Balanyar freely. You understand what I mean? Since I fed him something, he won't fail you at the interview just to be stubborn, but..."

"That was unnecessary. With my own ability, a professorship would..."

"Haha, hahaha! Yes, that's right. But well, there are procedures, right? Just show a little of your ability. Then becoming a professor is certainly assured."

Obern bowed slightly.

He doesn't appear humble.

"If by chance you don't become a professor, though that won't happen, it would be very troublesome."

"I will live up to your expectations."

After that, useless small talk continued. Stay tuned to M-V-L

And when I thought they would skip it this time, there was still the gift exchange ceremony.

However, what the professor handed to the Court Count wasn't money but golden accessories for shirt cuffs and ties.

"A tie pin and cufflinks I brought from the Empire."

Seemed like too light a bribe, but.

The Court Count's expression brightened.

"Oh, this is Elmes isn't it!"

"You recognize it."

Must be a brand name. Seems famous.

"Yes, and this is a design I've never seen before... I do receive their collection catalogs."

"Huhu, it's a custom-made piece."

"I heard they were a workshop with high standards, but they do custom orders! As expected of you."

So that's how you should give gifts - with sense. Learned something.

"I have something I want to give you too, where..."

He felt around beside him and grabbed me.

Then let out a sigh.

"Ah..."

What? Why.

"This is..."

Just as the Court Count was about to put me back down.

Professor Obern said something cool.

"Oh, what a magnificent piece."

"You like it? Take it if you do."

The Court Count handed me over with a beaming smile.

Though his attitude was a bit suspicious... well, not bad.

Obern received me and bowed slightly.

"Ah, perhaps this item..."

"About that."

Looking at the Court Count's face, he had clearly forgotten about me.

His vague words were:

"A snake with wings, cursed by crystal... I think that's what it was."

Seems it changed from 'wingless wyvern cub specimen that died in a crystal transformation petrification trap.'

Obern smiled for the first time.

"...How demonic. I like it."

This guy, even his smile is handsome.

I left the mansion in Obern's hands.

==

Obern Grimoire.

Became a full member of the Imperial academia in his early thirties. Searᴄh the NôvelFire.nёt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Known for his beautiful appearance and excellent magical ability.

After building a brilliant career in the Empire, he returned to the kingdom.

To become a professor at Emerald School.

Could I make someone this impressive my subordinate...?

Such thoughts occurred to me.

I already had experience making subordinates.

People like Roil, Amain, Dunkel, or Zain.

But this time, unlike before, my confidence faltered.

Obern seemed like a big shot.

Actually, thinking about it, the heroes I've met - notably Gunter, Viscount Martein, Heilit Langrey - might be more impressive.

However, in terms of presence, Obern exceeded them.

I'm not sure about reality, but he seemed stronger than that weird woman Heilit and as cold as Gunter.

'Hmm, he's definitely intimidating.'

Obern was staying in a hotel room in Solion Impel.

It was a luxurious and clean room reflecting his taste.

He placed me on the desk.

Adjusting the angle, positioning me like an objet d'art.

Then he stared at me intently.

"...Beautiful."

This guy making a snake blush.

"But inside is red and ugly."

Well, you should always listen to people's words until the end.

"Just like me..."

'What's he talking about?'

Obern stroked me like that then.

Suddenly he collapsed into his seat.

"Damn it, Court Count...!"

Then suddenly he pounds the ground, bursting with anger.

That startled me.

"After acting so high and mighty but couldn't even get me accepted!"

Ah, is this about the professorship?

Obern grabbed his head and became very anxious.

"Aah, what should I do. If my true ability is discovered by chance... I'll really end up in the underground prison."

Oh.

The earlier dignity was completely gone from Obern who was biting his thumbnail.

"That bastard Court Count is collecting Elmes accessories... thought my heart would stop. Hope the fakes aren't discovered. Sigh, I came back trusting only in that bastard."

Gasp, what kind of person is this?

Don't tell me even that sensible gift was fake.

Both Pelerian and I were shocked.

"Wh-what an amazing fellow."

'How is this possible?'

He seemed so impressive, but was it all just bluffing and acting?

If so, he's skilled enough to be an actor instead.

Though he should be sent to prison rather than a stage.

"Isn't this actually better?"

'What?'

"Just the right level to use as a slave..."

Oh, come to think of it, that's not wrong.

Looking at that conman crouching alone in front of me, pulling at his hair.

A brilliant idea occurred to me.