So I'm a Snake, Who Cares?

What came through the broken window was a rock with a letter tied to it.

If it hadn't been that, if it had been something like a crossbow bolt.

Or if it had been a bomb or magic.

What I shot might not have been a power-adjusted beam, but rather a dagger.

The power-adjusted beam for subduing is similar to a powerful flick.

It must feel like having a hole in the thigh. That's why they screamed and fell like that.

'What kind of person is this.'

I need to go down and catch them.

But first, I checked what they had thrown.

The letter tied to the rock was bright red paper from who knows where.

Written in rough handwriting:

「The Third Prince is tyrannical and brutal. This must be an obvious ploy to restore your image by acting as that cruel prince's teacher. You power-hungry dog! Who paid you off!」

What is this about?

Acting as the Third Prince's teacher?

No one would throw such a letter just because I teach the Third Prince in class.

The rumor that I struck that arrogant prince's thigh seems to have spread widely.

Could that be why such talk is circulating?

'Even the Chancellor Balanyar did this, why is everyone jumping to conclusions?'

"What conclusions?"

Pelerian glanced at Obern.

"Doesn't he look like someone with a plan?"

'Ugh...'

Balanyar had also asked if I was trying to become a 'Chiron,' meaning were the Court Mage and I trying to back the Third Prince.

Obern was indeed a power-hungry dog, but he hadn't wielded the cane with such grand plans.

'Let's go Obern!'

"Yes!"

Now we understand each other perfectly.

I coiled around Obern's staff, and Obern went out carrying it.

Outside was already in chaos.

Someone must have heard the scream or seen the beam I shot.

Professors and guards were standing near the intruder.

The security at Emerald School should be quite strict, how did they get in?

When we removed the mask, the face revealed was younger than expected.

No, they didn't even seem to be an adult.

"Hey you brat, if you're a student you should act like one! What kind of behavior is this!"

There was a professor shouting at them.

Could it be that the rock-thrower was an Emerald School student?

They looked this way and turned away in embarrassment.

They had been so confident when making that throat-cutting gesture.

"Do you know them?"

Obern approached and asked.

The one shouting at the youth who looked somewhere between a young adult and a boy was none other than the Head of Academic Affairs.

"Ah, Professor Obern, did you subdue this fellow?"

"Yes. They threw this."

He brought the evidence - the rock and red letter.

The Head of Academic Affairs read the red letter and turned pale.

"This... huh."

Apparently, the rock-throwing terrorist was a third-year student.

I've never even taught a third-year class, what grudge could have driven them to throw such a letter?

"Ah, this has become quite troublesome. These youngsters are so hot-blooded during puberty..."

Isn't this something that can be handled by convening a disciplinary committee and issuing punishment?

When Obern asked the Head of Academic Affairs, he whispered quietly:

"You know the Second Prince is studying in the third year. There are quite a few students who follow him, and this seems to be one of them."

"Ha."

Obern let out a laugh of disbelief.

I almost snickered too.

"Technically we should convene a disciplinary committee... but if we make this bigger, the situation will become complicated. Let me take responsibility and discipline this kid, could you leave it to me?"

The Head of Academic Affairs said.

I told Obern to nod.

"Formally apologize to Professor Obern, and bring your parents too."

"What? Please don't tell my father...!"

Seeing them worry about getting scolded by their parents, they really are just a kid.

"Seems like a power struggle between princes. Common enough."

'So did that Second Prince order this?'

"He might have, or this one might have acted alone without being ordered."

The Second and Third Prince seemed to have different mothers.

The Second Prince was already enrolled at Emerald School as a third-year, and his followers apparently didn't like that the Third Prince was following to enroll.

The assessment that he was 'tyrannical and brutal' - the Prince Phili I saw did fit that description.

I also think he's not suitable to inherit the throne.

'Come to think of it, a strong human kingdom wouldn't be good for me.'

"That's right, you monster."

Nanaluk wanted to establish a goblin kingdom.

Then it might be better if human power was weakened, so maybe the Third Prince becoming king wouldn't be bad.

"By the way, professor."

The Head of Academic Affairs whispered to Obern.

He was on tiptoes due to the height difference.

"Is it true that the Court Mage is backing the Third Prince?"

Usually looking down on Obern, now his voice was sweet.

Obern answered appropriately to that question.

"How would I know that person's intentions?"

"Ha, haha... right."

The Head of Academic Affairs forced a smile and pretended to be friendly.

"I heard you volunteered to be the Third Prince's dedicated professor, I thought something was unusual from then."

"...I see."

Obern volunteered?

That never happened, could the Court Mage have had a hand in this?

The Head of Academic Affairs lingered a bit more before leaving.

On the way back to the quarters, I asked Obern.

'Is that old Court Mage really that impressive?'

'He's a powerful figure. Except for the two elderly dukes, he probably has the strongest influence.'

He seemed wealthy.

So such a person is backing Prince Phili.

By attaching Obern to him.

Hmm.

Hmmm...

'Teacher of the king.'

Even teacher of a prince doesn't sound bad, but.

Teacher of the king sounds even better.

While I was thinking that

'The Court Mage also promised a reward.'

'A reward?'

'Yes, he said he would properly reward me if I guide the Third Prince well. He didn't specify what, but he's known for being generous so I can expect something good.'

The artifacts I saw in his storage flashed through my mind.