Chapter 115
HEL SCANS
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No matter how clean it looks, there’s no one who doesn’t release dust when they shake themselves.
So, what if you shake someone who looks like they have a lot of dust?
Inevitably, a clump of dust would fall.
Last night.
Some aspects of the private lives of professors carefully selected by the hero were exposed.
The aftermath could be discerned through an anonymous bulletin board.
-Wow, is it possible to indulge in such luxury with a professor’s salary? There’s a lot to say, but let’s cut it short here.
?Ha, I should tell my family to reduce the sponsorship.
?There must be a reason why the class quality is so bad.
-Congratulations, Professor ■■■, on becoming a VIP at the bar. As a disciple responsible for the local economy, I can’t help but admire.
?Professor~ If you know a good place, let’s go together!
?Some are fighting against the demon army… Some are fighting against hangovers. Rosenstark is doing well.
-A retired professor who seduces his students with all his might, this is interesting.
?It’s only a temporary break, but how will he face people with that face again?
?Forced sabbatical, should I take it?
Someone with professional skills spread gossips with clear evidence.
No one suspected the mastermind.
The target was clear.
The victims were only those who had caught the strings of Merian.
…Of course, money is good.
But the situation must preserve basic honor for its utility.
The professors were greatly embarrassed as the looks in the eyes of the students they encountered as they walked around campus changed.
“Tsk, truly unmatched in villainy.”
“When did they gather such information? How on earth?”
The surviving professors could do nothing but be on guard.
…And that was completely unwelcome news for Merian.
Tuck—
Silence fell in the prestigious guesthouse.
Only the sound of a striking match quietly echoed.
Her attendants, fearing they might offend Merian’s feelings, remained silent, lowering their heads.
After a while, Merian spoke.
Her voice was calmer than expected.
“Hmm, what should I do about this?”
Unfortunately, the same method couldn’t be used to repay them.
The professors on Yussi’s side were relatively clean.
It was difficult to explode gossip on the same scale, and they hadn’t gathered enough information yet.
Merian’s lips dried up.
‘…Interesting.’
If it was a monochrome information war, it could be repaid in her own way.
“I also know something about you.”
The reason Merian rushed to Rosenstark was not only the informant incident but also because she had identified suspicious fund flows.
‘Yussi… Do you think such a large sum of money can be laundered so easily?’
She soon understood the destination of the funds.
‘Hiring a magician from the school of gravimetry, purchasing large quantities of high-grade magic stones and ores….’
There were more suspicious parts.
Even the retired Dawn Knights’ Noubelmag suddenly caused a commotion in the academy.
‘…That stubborn dwarf is not going to produce mainstream goods, but still, something feels fishy.’
After Yussi retired from the Dawn Knights due to an unexpected accident, Merian seized the opportunity and worked tirelessly to increase her influence.
Thanks to this, her father’s scale, which had been tilted towards Yussi, was slowly regaining its original position.
Yussi was not unaware of that fact.
Yussi’s move this time would be a decisive move to turn the tables again.
If she only prevents this, she will ultimately be the winner.
‘…Gravity magician, high-grade magic stones, various ores—high-intensity but relatively lightweight.’
…It was a moment that seemed to grasp something but remained uncertain.
Thud—!
Loud footsteps echoed in the corridor.
Merian, as if surprised, chuckled and reached out her hand toward the whip under her feet.
But the whip did not strike.
“Y-Y-Yussi, Miss Yussi!”
The hand that gripped the handle of the whip paused at the urgent tone.
“…What about Yussi?”
“She opened a conference, saying she found the whereabouts of the last blessing of Zero Requiem!”
Merian narrowed her eyebrows.
* * *
The auditorium was bustling with people after a long time.
Uuuung—
As it was a hastily arranged conference, the seats were not fully occupied.
Instead, dozens, hundreds of communication orbs were transmitting images with bright lights.
“I am confident in the existence of the blessing and was able to roughly determine its location. The process is as follows.”
Yussi calmly explained, looking at the data screen, unfolding the story of the past few years.
Discovering the journal of ‘Depikio Lugo,’ tracking his actions, decoding the code he left, and so on.
Evidence proving the existence of the ‘eighth blessing’ was shared one by one.
A plea-like tone followed.
“In the exploration and preparation process, it is expected to require an astronomical amount of funds, so I would like to receive your investment.”
“Hmm….”
As expected, the audience in the auditorium showed a skeptical attitude.
Over the years, there were many who claimed to have found the eighth blessing.
Although it spread as a massive issue, every single one of them turned out to be false without exception.
That’s why interest in the eighth blessing had long since faded.
The reason they didn’t leave the venue was solely because the presenter was ‘Yussi Glendor.’
“The materials submitted by the principal as evidence have been confirmed to be genuine, not manipulated in any way.”
Even with a renowned historian verifying the authenticity of the data, the response was lukewarm.
It was a natural reaction.
Under the guidance of the hero, this conference proceeded without revealing decisive evidence.
Originally, their purpose was not to attract investment.
The real goal was…
“Before explaining the investment agreement, let’s take a short break.”
Yussi stepped back from the stage, and the lights in the audience were turned on.
The auditorium instantly buzzed with people sharing their impressions.
“Are you going to invest in this exploration?”
“Well, I think I need to hear more about dividends and equity descriptions before making a judgment.”
“Isn’t it a bit strange? Principal Yussi doesn’t necessarily need to borrow our hands.”
“There have been some issues at the academy recently. There might be a shortage of cash right now.”
“Hmm, when you think about it, Yussi Glendor, a giant, wouldn’t spread uncertain information for no reason….”
“One, the data is too scarce. Let’s watch a bit more….”
Amidst the confusion of the majority,
There was one person with burning eyes glaring beyond the curtain where Yussi had disappeared.
It was a confident look.
* * *
In the waiting room after the presentation.
A faint voice echoed in the darkness.
“Well done.”
“Thank you… It seems I have talent even in this kind of scam.”
“It’s not exactly a scam. It’s money we’ll eventually return anyway.”
“That’s true.”
Yussi nodded slowly.
According to the hero’s words, it was money that would soon return to its owner.
-Total fundraising limit
-Individual investment limit
-In case the fundraising amount falls below the standard, or if the exploration is cancelled due to unavoidable circumstances, a full refund will be provided.
These were some of the clauses they specified in the investment contract.
This exploration would naturally not proceed as it is a mere illusion.
Therefore, there was a need to prepare for the possibility of not later facing the wrath of the merchants.
‘This should be enough to avoid criticism.’
The core of this plan was to inflict considerable damage on Merian.
It was meant to make Dewis reconsider who would be more suitable as the successor.
“Is there anyone among the giants who will invest right away?”
“No one among the giants. Maybe because the information is only partially revealed, everyone seems hesitant.”
The hero smiled faintly.
“But Merian must be convinced of the existence of the blessing.”
“Yes. Since my sister knows that my funds have been steadily flowing somewhere for the past few months.”
Investigations into her whereabouts must have been conducted.
Merian would be aware that Yussi had been consistently purchasing expensive high-grade magic stones and lightweight but high-density ores.
“Yes, Merian would never think of this exploration as a bluff.”
She had seen evidence of large sums being secretly spent over a long period.
Add to that the sudden joining of the skilled craftsman Noubelmag.
The probability that Yussi judged the situation as urgent and challenged her to a showdown was much higher.
…An unintentional trap that could be set.
Therefore, it was even more deadly and discreet.
“It must feel like having a fire under your feet. If you get hold of the blessing, the problem won’t be the Principalship but the potential changes in the succession structure.”
Therefore, Merian had only one choice.
“To obstruct it for now, She will secretly obtain the materials I’ve been collecting. She will also try to intercept the ongoing contracts one way or another. Whether it’s offering extra money or making threats, she will do it in her style.”
“That’s why your role is crucial from now on.”
Yussi could intervene appropriately in the process, gradually passing on the quantities that couldn’t be overcome.
Each contract that passed this way would be a loss for Merian.
It would be even better to discreetly throw away the quantities collected before, taking advantage of the inflated prices that would come later.
The price difference would be quite substantial.
“Once your sister’s funds are appropriately invested….”
“You’ll reveal all the remaining information about Depikio Lugo.”
Announcing the presence of the blessing in the ‘sky.’
“…If it’s your sister, she won’t just stop obstructing but will try to get hold of the blessing herself.”
It would lead to substantial spending.
After reaching the sky at the end of countless trials and tribulations, the scene she would witness might only be an empty cave.
“Well, all that’s left is to wait until the bait is taken.”
And then it happened.
HEL SCANS
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“Y-Yussi-nim! Something big happened!”
One of Yussi’s subordinates rushed into the break room urgently and began to report.
“Some of the upper-tier individuals who were supposed to trade magic stones have unilaterally declared contract termination!”
The movement was faster than expected, about two or three times faster.
Their temperament was also hasty.
The hero gazed at Yussi with a smirk.
“Seems like there’s a resemblance between you and your sister.”
“…That’s a bit too much to say.”
“Just kidding.”
As long as the Principalship wasn’t threatened right now.
There wouldn’t be any pressure coming in for a while, considering the sponsorships and recovery costs.
‘If I can buy time and use the money from selling off the quantities, it should work.’
Yussi, now feeling a sense of relief, laughed heartily.
.
.
.
The hero left the waiting room right after that.
Curious about the unusual haste, Yussi asked.
“Where are you going?”
“The isolation ward.”
“Oh, today was the day? It’s the day when Ban Dietrich is transferred to the regular ward. Felson should already be there.”
“Yeah, as thanks for keeping the promise so well, I plan to give him a reward.”
“A reward? What kind?”
Yussi, who had a very curious expression at the mention of a reward, but… no matter what, it was impossible to publicly declare a violation of school rules in front of the Principal.
The hero just smiled without saying a word.
The bronze key in his pocket gave a faint jingle as it silently provided the answer.
* * *
“Professor Dietrich?”
“….”
“I’m here. What were you thinking about being so absent-minded?”
Felson opened his mouth slightly and then closed it.
It was indeed a difficult question to answer about what he was thinking.
“Professor Dietrich?”
It was fine to call him Felson when the two of them were alone.
They were soon graduating, so wouldn’t it be okay to treat each other more comfortably now?
This rather uncomplicated suggestion had been lingering in the air for several weeks.
‘Really shameless.’
Felson considered himself someone who had adapted well to the aristocratic mentality.
Due to the responsibilities associated with his lineage, he never prioritized personal emotions.
Thoughts and actions always aligned with the family’s interests.
Logic and analysis.
Coldness and objectivity.
These were roughly the feelings that composed him.
…That was until he met the heiress.
Felson looked at his disciple, Jenny, who was smiling brightly in front of him.
Let’s evaluate objectively.
She was undoubtedly a person who could easily gain others’ favor.
A face that was not only cute but also adorable.
Her personality was consistently bright without shadows, making her popular on campus, both among professors and students.
But that’s about it.
Even if he attended just one social gathering of the nobles, there were much prettier and well-connected young ladies lining up.
Not to mention his fiancée, whom he had seen a few times, was considered a beauty in the noble society, and she came from a prestigious family.
The benefits that her engagement with Felson could bring to the Dietrich family didn’t need to be mentioned.
…But.
His heart, which was always indifferent to others, felt irregular in front of this modest commoner girl.
Things that he thought would be meaningful became meaningless.
Things he considered worthless began to have value.
“Am I too late, and are you angry?”
“No. Absolutely not. Never.”
“Uh-huh, that’s a relief.”
In other words, something like that.
A clear and cheerful smile.
Felson thought she resembled the puppy he raised when he was young.
The little one that would brighten up, wagging its tail energetically when approached… the soft comfort that made all worries disappear when hugged.
‘Hmm….’
Looking again, she seemed much more beautiful than the young ladies of the noble society.
No, she was definitely prettier.
Felson tried to maintain his composure as much as possible and changed the topic.
“So, what memories did you bring back?”
Graduating students were allowed to freely access the Library of Memories for a certain period and store their memories.
Just yesterday, Jenny suddenly decided to store a memory and requested Felson to accompany her.
From that moment, he became intensely curious about what memory she wanted to keep.
Jenny, as if she had nothing to hide, opened her mouth.
“Hmm….”
Then, she looked up at Felson with a long, trailing end to her words.
Her neatly arranged chestnut hair gently swayed in the spring breeze along her eyebrow line.
Felson couldn’t even blink his eyes.
“…I stored memories about us.”
“I see.”
At the end of the anxious wait, Felson pretended to be indifferent, but he was quite satisfied.
However, Jenny’s words were not finished yet.
“Someday. Sometime in the distant future.”
“Huh?”
“Someone might want to know our story, right?”
“…Someone?”
“So, please take care of me from now on, Felson.”
Felson stood still, staring at Jenny’s approaching lips with a blank expression.
The feeling at that moment was unforgettable.
Laughter that naturally burst out, a happiness that seemed to intensify the colors of the world around them.
A vow to protect her no matter what happened had followed.
“…Ah.”
In front of the tightly closed Library of Memories, Felson blinked, snapping out of his reverie.
It had been almost twenty years since the day filled with his wife’s warm laughter.
The unchanged scenery of this place had pulled out long-buried memories.
‘Ban, is he watching well?’
As soon as he received the key from the hero in the ward, Ban had pestered him to come here.
“I’ll be right back, Father!”
And as soon as he got off the bus, Ban, unable to walk properly, rushed into the library.
There was no time to stop him, and Felson didn’t want to stop him.
Sighing, Felson leaned against a bench.
“Phew.”
Children grow up so quickly.
He started to realize this slowly about six months ago.
“Father, I… want to enroll in Rosenstark.”
Since Ban showed enthusiasm for something after a long time, Felson allowed it without asking or investigating.
He promised full support.
However, more than expectations, there were more worries.
After his wife left.
As much as he was broken, or even more, his son was a mess.
‘It was all my fault.’
There were times when facing his son, who was in a place full of his wife’s traces, was difficult.
So, he continued to wander outside.
Chasing after dreams, he roamed the battlefield.
He didn’t even go home, to the point where colleagues and superiors begged him to take a break.
He couldn’t be by his side during the most critical times.
What would Ban have felt during those times?
For the past few days, Felson recalled the praises that had poured in from acquaintances.
“Facing the Demon Army Commander as a student. Unimaginable.”
“Perhaps because he resembles his father, he’s different from the start.”
“Hehe, I believe he’ll become the best disciple of the hero without a doubt.”
Felson laughed bitterly.
Ban was not like him.
He was a coward.
The noble courage hidden within Ban’s kind heart belonged to someone else.
‘… I thought she disappeared without a trace.’
For the first time in a long time, Felson keenly felt his wife’s presence.
He finally realized the connection with his wife and what she left behind.
.
.
.
“Father.”
Suddenly, Ban, who had come out of the library, called him.
Felson gazed at his son in silence for a moment.
Children do grow up quickly.
The less immature, anxious brown eyes were now drawing a comfortable arc.
Looking at the appearance that vividly contained the figure of his most loved one, Felson laughed heartily as he did twenty years ago.
And then, he lightly tapped his buttocks and stood up.
“Let’s go back.”
“Yes.”
.
.
.
“But, Father.”
“Yes?”
“I was glad to see Father’s new appearance a lot.”
“…New appearance?”
“Are you not good with the opposite sex? There’s another person I know who’s inexperienced with love. He’s one of my friends….”
“……”
…Jenny Dietrich!
Felson laughed awkwardly, then discreetly put his hand on his son’s shoulder.
And he made up his mind.
To the leader who gifted them with precious changes.
To give something precious in return.
HEL SCANS
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