So people exude dignity just by walking.
Obern was like that.
anwhile, 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 handso, isn't he?'
"Hmm, he is indeed."
Even Pelerian acknowledged it, so that says it all.
First bonus points as a retainer candidate.
A handso one would be better anyway.
Co 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 ca to the capital?"
"I arrived yesterday."
"So you ca right away, thank you, hohoho-!"
The Court Count seed to like Professor Obern very much.
I was curious about the relationship between the professor and Court Count when a familiar word ca up.
"I heard you have an interview scheduled at Erald 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 an?"
"Working here after playing in the Empire's big waters. I heard your research achievents are recognized even in Imperial academia. No matter how prestigious Erald 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 seed to please the Court Count even more. Handso 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 mber 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 , who wants to enter the Empire and Imperial palace soday.
"I have high expectations for you."
"You flatter ."
"The Third Prince will be enrolling this ti. 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 an? Since I fed him sothing, 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 beco a professor, though that won't happen, it would be very troubleso."
"I will live up to your expectations."
After that, useless small talk continued.
And when I thought they would skip it this ti, 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."
Seed like too light a bribe, but.
The Court Count's expression brightened.
"Oh, this is Els isn't it!"
"You recognize it."
Must be a brand na. 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 sothing.
"I have sothing I want to give you too, where..."
He felt around beside him and grabbed .
Then let out a sigh.
"Ah..."
What? Why.
"This is..."
Just as the Court Count was about to put back down.
Professor Obern said sothing cool.
"Oh, what a magnificent piece."
"You like it? Take it if you do."
The Court Count handed over with a beaming smile.
Though his attitude was a bit suspicious... well, not bad.
Obern received and bowed slightly.
"Ah, perhaps this item..."
"About that."
Looking at the Court Count's face, he had clearly forgotten about .
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 specin that died in a crystal transformation petrification trap.'
Obern smiled for the first ti.
"...How demonic. I like it."
This guy, even his smile is handso.
I left the mansion in Obern's hands.
==
Obern Grimoire.
Beca a full mber of the Imperial academia in his early thirties.
Known for his beautiful appearance and excellent magical ability.
After building a brilliant career in the Empire, he returned to the kingdom.
To beco a professor at Erald School.
Could I make soone this impressive my subordinate...?
Such thoughts occurred to .
I already had experience making subordinates.
People like Roil, Amain, Dunkel, or Zain.
But this ti, unlike before, my confidence faltered.
Obern seed like a big shot.
Actually, thinking about it, the heroes I've t - 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 seed 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 on the desk.
Adjusting the angle, positioning like an objet d'art.
Then he stared at 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 ..."
'What's he talking about?'
Obern stroked like that then.
Suddenly he collapsed into his seat.
"Damn it, Court Count...!"
Then suddenly he pounds the ground, bursting with anger.
That startled .
"After acting so high and mighty but couldn't even get accepted!"
Ah, is this about the professorship?
Obern grabbed his head and beca 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 Els accessories... thought my heart would stop. Hope the fakes aren't discovered. Sigh, I ca back trusting only in that bastard."
Gasp, what kind of person is this?
Don't tell even that sensible gift was fake.
Both Pelerian and I were shocked.
"Wh-what an amazing fellow."
'How is this possible?'
He seed 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, co to think of it, that's not wrong.
Looking at that conman crouching alone in front of , pulling at his hair.
A brilliant idea occurred to .
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