Academy’s Undercover Professor

The medal ceremony was uneventful.

Quite a few people had gathered in the hall to watch, but none of them were as interested in Rudger as they should have been since most of the credit went to Passius.

It had been concluded that the Liberation Armys terrorist campaign was stopped largely due to the work of the Royal Guard and the other Master, Trina Ryanhowl. Or, more accurately, thats what the imperial family concluded and covered up the truth.

Of course, the truth could not be completely covered up.

In the case of the black storm on the ground, there were too many witnesses.

The demon Basara attacked the students as they sought refuge in the imperial palace, knocking them all out. Afterward, a huge storm raged, and Third Square was completely destroyed.

No matter how much they tried to block information, they couldnt cover up the truth.

The only good thing was that the students who were caught in the crossfire didnt remember what happened. The reason was that they had been traumatized.

Of course, there are some who have intact memories.

Like Flora Lumos, Rene and Aidan.

For starters, these three had intact memories.

Two of them hadnt been knocked out, and one had woken up quickly enough to be in the middle of the action but there was no need to worry.

Flora would keep his secret but hell have to speak with Rene while Aidan was the only one left, but he decided not to bother with him since Madeline was his master.

Given Madelines usual behavior, he wasnt sure what to expect but she was surprisingly good at following through.

Thats why she was in the Black Ops Alpha team.

As Rudger mulled over the situation in his head, he felt a gaze on him.

He squinted in the direction of the gaze, and there, staring back at him, was a man, Second Prince Ivelon.

Of all the people being honored in the hall, he took a special interest in Rudger.

At first Rudger thought it was a coincidence, but one look into his eyes changed his mind.

Rumor had it that the second prince had a gentle heart and not much political skill. Instead, he excelled in artistic endeavors such as painting and music, and it was said that he even gave up his right to the throne because he loved them so much. But in reality, the second prince was not like that at all.

Rudger, who had met many people and seen countless events, was convinced.

He has a monster in his heart.

It is said that a kindred spirit recognizes another kindred spirit so it was clear that second prince Ivelon felt what Rudger felt.

There was a glint of interest in his eyes as he looked at Rudger but it was only a fleeting moment.

The medal ceremony, which seemed to last forever, was over.

After receiving the attention and applause he deserved, Passius gestured to the center of the room.

Passius! Passius!

Trina! TRINA!

The people cheered and threw flowers at the heroes of their country.

Rudger was inwardly relieved by the enthusiastic response. It was proof that their smoke screen was working.

Even as he thought this, Rudger could not take his eyes off the second prince.

* * *

After the ceremony, Rudger joined the other teachers.

Mr. Rudger, are you feeling well?

Many of the teachers were excited to see Rudger and Chris back.

Even though they had gone to the other side of the battle to help, it didnt change the fact that they had gone to a dangerous place.

Now that theyd come back alive and well, and even earned a medal, there was bound to be some attention.

To Selinas worried glance, Rudger nodded slightly, assuring her that everything was fine.

There wasnt much danger because the others fought hard.

In reality, both Rudger and Chris had been in danger, but he didnt need to elaborate.

Im so glad youre okay, we were all so worried.

Merylda said playfully as she came up beside Selina.

Of course, especially Selina, do you know how much she prayed for Mr. Rudger to come back safely?

Me, Miss Merylda!

What? Why? I was only telling him what really happened.

Oh, no matter how you say it.

Selina blushed and squinted at Rudger. She wasnt usually embarrassed to admit that shed done something like that within earshot of Rudger.

Thank you for your concern.

When Rudger said that, Selinas face brightened, a look that showed her emotions so blatantly.

Merylda gave a small giggle at the sight and Selina shot her an intense glare.

Anyway, Im glad youre back in one piece, Mr. Rudger, and Im sure everyone else is too, except for that guy over there.

As she said this, Meryldas gaze shifted to Chris, who was surrounded by a group of aristocratic teachers.

He doesnt have any injuries, does he?

Its the kind of thing you wish you didnt have to say.

Meryldas hostility was not surprising, considering Chriss usual dismissive demeanor.

Hmm. Well, I wouldnt say hes unscathed.

Oh, really? I was just joking and I didnt think it was that serious. Thats not bad, so where did he get hurt?

His heart.

What?

Merylda asked, wondering what the hell that meant, but Rudger didnt say much more than that.

So when are the others going back to Theon?

Thats something we dont know yet, but Im sure the President will be able to give us a more detailed schedule.

Selina told Rudger that the Theon administration was currently swamped with the messy field trip.

Thats why were here at the Imperial Palace, waiting for them to get back to us.

I see, and besides, the students need to get some rest as well, so perhaps we should stay in the capital a little longer.

Yeah. Thats really thrown a wrench in my schedule for the rest of the school year, and Im already worried about how much Ill have to cram in.

As she muttered that, Selina turned to Rudger and apologized.

Im sorry.

Sorry for what?

That theres nothing I can do to help.

Rudger didnt think it was necessary to apologize for that. But the look on Selinas face told him she meant it.

Youve put too much on your shoulders, Mr. Rudger. Youve saved students and gone down into the tunnels where the terrorists were, even though you didnt have to.

Ms. Selina.

Thats what bothered me. I was in the safety of the Imperial Palace, and there were students out there, struggling, and I couldnt help them.

Selina hated that. She felt that she had done a terrible job as a teacher in Theon.

More than that, she felt that as a human being, she had a responsibility to step in and help in this situation.

Of course, Selina was not to blame. She was the one who had prevented the people inside from going outside but that didnt matter to Selina.

There was something I could have done, and I didnt do anything.

She lowered her head in a somber tone while Rudger stared at her for a moment before speaking.

Ms. Selina, the events in the capital are certainly unfortunate. However, none of the students were actually seriously injured.

Miraculously, none of the Theon students were harmed in this incident thanks to their mentors, who did their best to protect them.

While some students were slightly injured in the chimeras attack, none were fatally injured.

Although many of the students fell victim to Basaras psychic waves, they were able to shake them off quickly and without any lingering effects. It was safe to say that there were no real casualties.

But even if the students were safe, that doesnt mean there werent any victims. Many of the capitals citizens were killed or injured, and many were left homeless, and are still struggling in relief barracks.

I wont deny that.

I also feel bad that I wasnt there to help them, because if I had been, I might have saved at least a few more lives.

.

Selina was right. If she, an accomplished elementalist, had stepped in, the damage would have been less than it was.

The death of a person is a heavy thing. But most people are numb to the deaths of others who are not related to them.

They may feel sad, but they cant express genuine sorrow and condolences since its not their business.

But Selina was different. She mourns even the death of strangers.

Suddenly, Rudger remembered what Selina had been through in the past.

She had lost people she cared about, and her village had been burned.

Although that was all Esmeraldas fault and had nothing to do with Selina since she was nothing more than an artificial spirit that Esmeralda had created to remind her of her innocence, a false personality, in a way.

But were the emotions and feelings she was showing now really fake?

They werent.

Ms. Selinas reaction is understandable. But at the end of the day, this is what happened. You can grieve and feel sorry for yourself, but thats it. You dont have to dwell on it anymore.

Selinas eyes widened in surprise and she was about to ask why he was speaking so bluntly when Rudger continued.

On the way to the capital, I saw the situation outside. The streets were broken and ruined, and workers were hard at work moving materials and clearing debris, and its only been a day since that terrible thing happened.

Thats.

Im not saying theyre immune to the devastation Im sure they grieve, Im sure theyre angry, Im sure they feel hopeless but they were there, sweating it out, rebuilding. Do you know what that means?

Selina hesitated before answering.

I dont know.

It means that in the end, they will get through it.

Selinas eyes narrowed and she timidly retorted with a trembling voice.

But there might be some people who didnt.

Yes, Im sure there are, and those people will need help.

Then.

But its not up to us to guide those people. Its up to the grieving persons neighbors, friends, or family people who can genuinely empathize with their grief.

.

So we dont have to be sad, we just have to believe that theyll get through it.

At that moment, Selina realized why Rudger was telling her this.

He was telling her that he was worried that she was dwelling too much on her grief and wanted to reassure her that she shouldnt be so hard on herself.

His caring gesture meant the world to Selina.

Im not sure I answered your question, Selina.

No, its more like an overflow, and from the sounds of it, I must have been going off on the wrong track.

Selina smirked at Rudger with that answer. It was a warm, springtime smile that seemed to make flowers bloom all around her.

I feel like Im always getting help from you, Mr. Rudger, thank you.

Not at all.

Rudger was momentarily speechless at Selinas smile but he quickly regained his composure and replied, I dont think so, but there was no way Merylda, who had been secretly eavesdropping, could have missed it.

Uh-oh.

Selina blushed as she regained her composure.

Me, Ms. Merylda!

Huh? Why?

Well, what was that reaction?

What reaction?

That, thats,!

Just then, in the distance, Passius spotted Rudger and came running toward them.

Ah, there you are, Mr. Rudger Chelici.

All eyes turned to the man who had been so instrumental in solving the attack but unperturbed by the stares, he turned to Rudger.

The First Princess has asked to see you privately to recognize your work in resolving this situation.

Rudger nodded his understanding and turned to Selina and Merylda.

Ill excuse myself for a moment, then.

Oh, okay.

Rudger quickly followed behind Passius, who walked straight ahead and they arrived in an ornate drawing room.

Welcome.

Eileen, who was waiting for them, turned to Rudger and said.

The pure white sunlight streaming in from the window illuminated her silver hair and Eileen was a shining jewel in her own right.

From her demure demeanor to her facial expressions, she exuded charisma and dominance.

I was tired of waiting.

Why dont we meet in the garden where I saw you that day?

Its the same yard where my mother and siblings moved and I dont need to draw attention to myself. I dont mind being seen, but you do, right?

In short, she was saying that she was going to all this trouble for Rudgers sake.

Im overwhelmed with gratitude.

Yes. Be more grateful. You owe me.

I would be more grateful if you hadnt said that.

But if I didnt say it, you were going to pretend you didnt know.

Rudger didnt bother to reply, instead he casually sat down in the empty seat across from Eileen.

Eileens jeweled eyes sparkled, and she clasped her hands together and jammed them against her chin.

Lets talk about what happened down there.