Elite Instructor at a Third-Rate Academy

47 – This is the end of the ordinance☆

Power is sweet.

The reason Warren risked his life for promotion was because he loved power itself. Some claimed that he did so because he was rejected and heartbroken by Visalle, but he denied it. He didn’t boast it to others, but when he served as the military administrator, he was firmly on the path to lieutenant colonel. In other words, he was successful to the point where few people could resist him.

“From tomorrow, all members of C-8 will attend school.”

─Senior, the work is getting too difficult.

Warren declared during the ordinance time. It was a morning when the hall was packed with people even beyond the classroom. Everyone came to see what kind of speech the military administrator would give, but all that came out of his mouth was a simple order.

“If you don’t come, we will enforce it, so please inform your friends.”

The phrase “enforcement” puzzled the eighteen students in the class. The word “enforcement” used uniformly in the entire institution meant that it was compulsory. In other words, if you refuse to attend school, you will be dragged out. Of course, Warren’s attendance book contained detailed personal information of each student and ways to persuade them.

“Cheuxa – Let them know that studies can bring them greater wealth than immediate labor.”

−Senior, this is not my way.

Why not just go to Cheuxa and promise that if they graduate at the top, they will be given a position in the military? This method could be criticized as not education, but whatever. I am a military administrator. No one can interfere unless they’re a commanding officer. If you’re not satisfied, become a lieutenant colonel too, he thought as his concerns melted away like snow.

“Um… Lieutenant Colonel?”

Ochiai raised his hand.

“Our teacher… during ceremonies… always spoke kindly.”

All eyes turned towards the lectern. Honestly, Warren had no expectations for Lailand and no intention of getting close to the C-8 class students. It wasn’t because he was cold-hearted but rather because he was part of the Imperial Administration’s leadership. Being at the top of the hierarchy meant he couldn’t afford to consider the emotions of each individual below.

“The temporary homeroom has a very simple message for you.”

─ Somehow, I feel like I’m similar to a senior?

Warren raised an eyebrow like Kenees.

“Power is everything.”

With that, he exerted force between his thumb and forefinger, breaking the eyebrow-raised gesture before turning away.

─ What if the students fall for it?

For a different female student, maybe someone like Ochiana Sennitra, it would be a pleasant feeling. On the other hand, the girl with a fierce expression and legs on the desk was detestable. Warren only liked women who exuded a feminine vibe. One side expressed their gender through the body, while the other did so through an atmosphere, which naturally drew his attention.

“Do you have anything else to say?”

“Right, who doesn’t know that power is great!”

An unknown girl interjected. What was her name, or what class was she from?

“Was it Carpediea?”

“It’s Mercadia!”

Annoyed, she complained about how someone of Colonel rank could casually change people’s names. The small figure inside Warren wanted to put on the gauntlet of power and rampage. If it weren’t for the fact that it was students being taught by seniors, Mercadia might have been renamed Carpediea. Administrative officers in the military had the authority to change individuals’ names.

“I will entertain questions instead.”

If they challenged him now, it could open up opportunities for their future. Meeting them formally later on, Warren might be able to assign them to a more comfortable position. Of course, idiots who couldn’t even pass the officer qualification test would have to discard such ambitions.

“I’m curious where the instructor went!”

“The instructor?”

“No, I want to know the whereabouts of Temulic Staind, the instructor.”

“What kind of nonsense is this about teaching some kind of legal code?”

“I told you. These talented brats can leave for other places at any time!”

It was a provocative insinuation from the two troublemakers with bruises on their faces.

“The major went to suppress the flooding in the north.”

“I have a question too.”

Clang! Along with the sound of the iron ring, a clear voice echoed. It was spoken in a slightly melodic tone, and without realizing it, Warren found his heart melting. Someone had asked a question just now, but ignoring it shouldn’t be a big problem.

“Speak.”

“Mr. Warren, I heard that Temulic specialized in engineering.”

─ That’s about it.

“The major is an expert in hydroengineering.”

And then, everyone stirred again at the mention of assassination.

“Causing the enemy to drown is also a field of assassination.”

“What, is it not cool at all?”

“As expected, Master!”

“Um… I actually want to ask something completely different.”

—Was it Ochia?

“Ask anything.”

Warren looked at her with a warm smile. Then, she fidgeted, playing with her bangs and hesitated.

“Teacher… um, are you, by any chance… having complicated issues with women?”

A sudden stillness descended over the entire classroom. Sensing the uncomfortable silence, Ochia immediately made an excuse.

“We… in the past… had difficulties with such things.”

All eyes turned towards them again. Now, even from beyond the classroom, the gaze could be felt. The beautiful girl with scattered curls was looking in their direction. Somehow, Warren, with a twisted stomach, handed over all authority to his alter ego.

“This concludes the ceremony.”

[#47 – Sacrificial Lamb]

Kennis finally concluded the negotiation proposal. Now, all that remained was Goldeen’s agreement. How would he react to going this far to save the bloodline of the Van Cliff? The dilemma deepened, but at the moment, this seemed to be the best course.

Over the years, negotiating various relationships, Kennis had come to realize one thing. The kindness and grudges he extended now would return someday. So, it was best to conclude things in a way that minimized harm to everyone. Perhaps, one day in the future, Lord Roman Van Cliff might repay the favor. For now, the priority was to keep everyone alive.

“I wish to see Lord Roman.”

Now that he was neither Goldeen’s son-in-law nor Van Cliff’s son, he addressed him by name.

“Come in.”

The guards silently ushered him in. The man, still not in good health, nervously paced back and forth.

“I stopped by before seeing my lord.”

“Is the negotiation proposal complete?”

How old was Roman? At most, he seemed to be in his mid-thirties. With a six-year age difference, he was similar to Terra Simond. Being unable to give up the formalities was perhaps the last remaining pride as a noble. It wasn’t wrong that Van Cliff’s influence was stronger than Lada’s. However, the fact that he still couldn’t let go of himself was unsettling.

“Yes.”

Kennis showed him the original and the copy separately.

“Please read the original that I will deliver to Lord Goldeen.”

The contents were sweet to Goldeen but bitter to Roman.

“Is it telling me to become a traitor and go into exile?”

Kennis nodded. There were only two options left for Roman Van Cliff at this point.

One was to go to another country and live as a commoner forever. It was better not to reveal the Van Cliff bloodline unnecessarily, as he might be caught and eliminated at any time, serving no purpose. The opposite case was similar. Even with extreme rewards, his defection might break the family’s prestige, leading to sending an assassin. If he tried to survive at the expense of others, he might face backlash.

“For the sake of Genoa, that’s not possible.”

Kenneth didn’t need to delve into her circumstances, but considering everyone’s interests had now solidified into a fortress.

“What will happen to my life from now on?”

“Read the draft before asking.”

It was a casual response, but Roman felt the shame in it, his face turning red. If he were to return to the empire, the remaining option of a life spent farming would naturally be discarded. His ambition was too great for such a path. Judging by his desires beyond his abilities, he would either endure great hardships ahead, or ultimately face someone’s blade and die.

“Are you asking me to secure the parchment supply contract myself?”

“If you want to continue living as a noble, then yes.”

The format of the original and the draft was the same, but there were differences in the details.

In the document seen by Golid, it promised to resume the parchment supply contract and granted asylum to Roman, labeled as a foreigner from the country ‘Randelien.’ This was due to the earnest request of the post-Imperial era and also a plea from Baron Cliff.

On the other hand, the document seen by Roman stated that he should secure the parchment supply contract directly from ‘Randelien.’ There was no mention of the Emperor or Baron Cliff. It simply contained detailed instructions regarding Kenneth’s orders and future events.

“Is it achievable?”

What could be done about this wretch who doubted even the only lifeline?

“As soon as I leave here, I will instruct Commander Varus to attack the castle with siege weapons. Since you are designated for asylum, our bombardment will start the day after you leave. Run to Randelien without looking back. Hand over the asylum documents and something that can vouch for your identity, and show them this document that I wrote.”

Kenneth took out a scroll that he had tucked into his bosom.

“This must not be revealed to anyone. Keep it with you at all times. Show it to the high nobility or the king of Randelien when you meet them. Claim that you wrote it, so be familiar with the contents. It would be good to read it during the days of asylum while waiting. If you fail to secure the parchment supply contract, you must somehow persuade your father-in-law. If the situation is unfavorable, you will have to negotiate the terms. If successful, send the finalized details to Engellar and negotiate again.”

Whether he returned as a hero of Engellar or maintained the status of kinship between Baron Cliff and Engellar, becoming the person in charge of parchment supply to Randelien, one of these could be achieved. From here on, it depended on Roman’s abilities, and there was nothing more to be done. However, as he was about to leave, Kenneth grabbed him when he attempted to leave.

“The cost will be incredibly high.”

“Understood.”

Roman replied simply. If he didn’t expect words of gratitude, it would likely be a lie. However, there was no reason to change the plan just because he didn’t hear such words. As he was about to head towards Goldin to discuss negotiations, Kenneth stopped him.

“Just a moment!”

When Kenneth turned around, he pulled out a gold ingot from somewhere.

“It’s not necessary.”

Regarding wealth, the Radha family’s vault was full, and the silver coins sent by Raven were to the point of being unusable.

“I have one younger sister.”

“Is it Lady Genoa Van Cliff?”

Roman was momentarily surprised but nodded willingly.

“It was left as a marriage dowry.”

Damn, I shouldn’t have thought about my sister.

Kenneth succumbed to mercy again. Thinking of Visalle, who had become an orphan, he accepted Roman’s request.

“If I survive, I won’t forget to write you a letter.”

“Where are you from?”

“I am a soldier of Rendellien.”

He reached out his hand. Roman’s palm trembled faintly. Has he finally regained his conscience?

“If I were to write a letter, would you be able to deliver it?”

Of course, he said, reassuring him that this gold ingot was given in advance, not as a betrayal, and to believe that he never betrayed the country. Then, without any warning signs, tears burst out of Roman’s eyes. Kennis promised to comfort him, as Genoa Von Cliff would not hate Roman Von Cliff, who was six years younger than him.