Chapter 4
Professor Scott hated being treated like an old man.
Objectively speaking, he was indeed elderly. After all, one could hardly call someone approaching their seventies a young man.
But despite that, Scott detested being treated as old.
It's surely the same principle as how a woman approaching forty trembles with rage when called "ma'am."
'I'm still robust. In terms of ability, I'm actually superior to most young people.'
These youngsters cursed him behind his back as a stubborn old man, but what was so wrong with trying to maintain proper etiquette and rules?
'I'm not the one who's wrong.
I'm certainly not some outdated old man.'
Scott had lived with such thoughts. He had never once doubted that this mindset might be wrong.
...Until today's events.
"I apologize for being late. An urgent matter came up suddenly."
First day on the job. Late to an important final interview, no less.
The new professor who made such a grand entrance by being tardy couldn't possibly have impressed Scott, especially since he wasn't even focusing on the interview and seemed lost in thought.
Even after Scott cleared his throat pointedly, the man showed no sign of proper contrition. His brazen attitude led Scott to immediately brand him as 'one of those ill-mannered youngsters these days.'
When the fellow made those strange discriminatory remarks about cotton-pickers and whatnot, Scott even lost his temper and scolded him.
However... Scott was actually the one in the wrong.
"How on earth did you discern my true identity!"
The young man was actually a demon in disguise.
Professor Ryan hadn't been spacing out - he'd been alone in detecting and staying alert to a malevolent presence.
Those strange discriminatory comments from earlier were actually a kind of code hinting at the other's identity. If Scott had only noticed, things could have been resolved much more easily.
"I'm disappointed. I had some expectations since this was the prestigious Imperial Academy's faculty, but in the end you're all just low-class people."
At first glance, it seemed like criticism of the professors who failed to catch his blatant hints.
But the perceptive Scott now understood.
That in such an emergency, that professor wasn't foolish enough to thoughtlessly criticize allies. That there was a hidden intention behind those words.
"Get out of here right now, you hideous thing! Did you really think you could hide your vile nature before me?"
Those exaggerated expressions were clearly meant to protect them all.
In a situation where no one else recognized the enemy's threat.
If the enemy had launched a surprise attack in such circumstances, not just the other professors but even Scott wouldn't have survived.
That's why he drew attention with such over-the-top behavior.
He provoked the opponent to focus their attacks on him instead of the "small fry," deliberately making himself the target.
In the end, Ryan maintained his composure even in a crisis and made the best possible move. He used himself as bait to save even those who had been cursing him.
Yet Scott had dismissed this young man simply because of his age. He hadn't listened to his words, and because of that nearly caused numerous casualties.
'Even though I tried to make up for my mistake after realizing it.'
Far from making amends, he repeated the same error.
Until Ryan stepped in, Scott hadn't considered that the demon might target the children.
This so-called professor was so fixated on the enemy before him that he completely forgot about the students he was supposed to protect.
He had gone senile.
A disgraceful blunder that couldn't be excused even if others called him names.
That's why Scott had now come to find Professor Ryan.
To apologize for his mistake and make proper amends.
"I'll hand over the right to oversee this year's top freshman class, Class A, to you."
His mouth moved awkwardly, embarrassingly so.
The Saintess of the Holy See and the Imperial Princess.
The opportunity to become the mentor to such distinguished individuals.
Scott himself knew better than anyone the political value this position held.
How many influential figures in the Empire had fought over this position? And how much behind-the-scenes maneuvering had he himself done to secure this honor?
He couldn't forget even if he wanted to.
His heart still dropped when he remembered the time a professor planted by the Golden Duke tried to assassinate him.
But even so...
"You're the one who belongs in this position. An old has-been like me would only look unseemly clinging to it."
It was time to finally admit it.
That he really was just a stubborn old man after all.
Age had made his thinking rigid. His prejudices had clouded his vision so much he couldn't even recognize that young man's character.
Education is about helping people grow.
How could someone who can't even properly see people hope to nurture students? Perhaps it was time to consider retiring from teaching.
"I've already spoken with the Principal about this. Please help these students grow in my stead."
He patted the new professor's shoulder and turned away.
The old man exits, and a capable young man takes the stage anew - that's how today's events should conclude.
That was certainly Scott's intention, but...
"Please wait a moment!"
A voice from behind stopped him. Ryan spoke urgently, not even giving him time to respond.
"How could someone like me possibly take the place of my senior! That's absolutely impossible!"
From any angle, these seemed like mere pleasantries.
'Ah, this polite young man is trying to preserve an old man's dignity until the very end.' Thinking this, Scott turned his head - only for his face to be painted with shock.
He couldn't help but be shocked.
"I've heard stories about you, senior! About how much you've accomplished, how many talented individuals you've nurtured with your own hands."
Because not a trace of deception could be detected in his words.
The greatest opportunity anyone would covet.
Despite obtaining it, the man showed no joy whatsoever. If anything, he only appeared burdened.
...He's serious.
That expression couldn't possibly be an act. Ryan was speaking these words with complete sincerity right now.
"I respect you, senior! It's because of you that I wanted to join the Academy!"
Professor Ryan even choked up as he shouted those words.
Overwhelmed by that desperate voice, Scott found himself unable to speak. No words would come out.
"Even if you call yourself a has-been, I at least know this. That your integrity hasn't changed one bit even after decades."
Acknowledging one's mistakes and working to correct them.
The desire to always do what's right remains unchanged even now.
That's why you are noble.
That's why your spirit hasn't aged yet.
The professor before him shouted these things toward Scott.
That Scott wasn't just some stubborn old man. That he was someone who always strived to do what's right, and therefore someone he wanted to emulate as his role model.
...Emotions welled up.
When the words he most wanted to hear came from the person he most wanted to hear them from, he couldn't contain his feelings.
Tears rose unbidden, foolishly. Though he felt like he might collapse and start wailing at any moment.
Fortunately, he retained enough presence of mind not to make a spectacle of himself in front of his admiring junior.
He turned his head so Ryan couldn't see his face. Quickly wiped away his tears with a handkerchief.
With the skilled composure that came from years of experience.
Without letting any tremor enter his voice, Scott straightened his chest and declared proudly:
"I shall never forget today's kindness."
Of course there would be those who object to a new professor being given the responsibility of teaching royalty.
And for someone as exceptional as him.
Sharp stones always draw the hammer, as they say. There would surely be those who envy his talents, and those who fear his growth and try to crush him preemptively.
But that was no longer any problem at all.
"If you ever need help, just let me know. If an old man's hand would suffice, I'll lend it anytime."
The knight who once conquered a nation single-handedly.
Because 'Iron-Blood Duke' Scott Fenrir would stand by his side.
*****
The professor who suddenly started bawling after I praised him then ran away.
Left alone, I stood there dumbfounded before realizing one crucial fact.
Professor Scott, who said he would hand over Class A to me and had already discussed it with the Principal, never retracted those words until the very end.
Thank you, contact me anytime...
He kept deflecting with strange comments while avoiding my eyes, then suddenly fled.
Judging by that situation, no matter what I say tomorrow, Professor Scott absolutely won't take back his decision.
In other words...
'Did I just get dumped with extra work by my superior?'