Ch.276276. ····Your Imperial Majesty, are you listening carefully?

“Lord Selden Alphonse has been seeking me out quite often these days?”

At the time when Headmaster Rupert and Professor Edwin were deep in conversation in the room, Selden Alphonse sat on the sofa and cheerfully waved to the Poison Lady as she entered the reception room.

“Oh, you’re here?”

The Poison Lady sat down on the opposite sofa with a calm expression and spoke.

“I wonder why you’ve called for me again?”

“I called because something interesting has come up.”

“Ah, is that so? That’s good. I actually had something to tell you anyway, Lord Selden Alphonse.”

Selden Alphonse paused and raised his head.

“What is it?”

“It’s information regarding Headmaster Giselle.”

“Tell me.”

As Selden Alphonse tilted his head sideways, the Poison Lady carefully continued.

“It seems Headmaster Giselle is making moves to purchase a pleasure district in our Cheonsonji area.”

“Headmaster Giselle?”

“Yes, it’s reliable information. When I investigated a man trying to purchase a pleasure district with a large sum of money, Headmaster Giselle was clearly behind it.”

Selden Alphonse stroked his chin, deep in thought.

He had intended to deal with Headmaster Giselle someday, but the academy hadn’t even opened yet.

Moreover, he had numerous other matters to handle, so he needed time to think.

“He hasn’t made the purchase yet?”

“No, there aren’t any pleasure districts specifically for sale right now.”

“Then perhaps he won’t be able to buy one?”

“That’s not the case. From his movements, it seems if he can’t buy an existing one, he plans to purchase land and build a new one.”

“Hm… So he’s determined to put down roots there?”

“I believe so.”

“But why would Headmaster Giselle specifically need a pleasure district?”

At Selden Alphonse’s words, the Poison Lady adjusted her posture as if she had been waiting for this question.

“You cut off his funding source recently, young master. So, he’s trying to create a new one.”

“He’s using the money from paying off the academy graduates’ debts to build a pleasure district? It wasn’t enough to build a new one, so he must have had substantial hidden funds.”

“He’s a devil who sucked the blood of the students he taught.”

“Indeed. Now, how should we deal with this fellow…”

As Selden Alphonse pondered again, the Poison Lady displayed a gentle smile.

“How about letting him buy the land and waiting until construction is complete?”

“Why? Do you have a good plan?”

“Most establishments in Cheonsonji are well-established pleasure houses. He’ll likely operate at a loss.”

“You’re underestimating Headmaster Giselle too much. He must be confident in solving such problems if he’s setting foot in Cheonsonji.”

“No matter how well-prepared he is, Cheonsonji is absolutely not an easy place to succeed.”

Selden Alphonse leaned back against the sofa and sighed.

“I currently have mountains of work to do, so I can’t focus on Headmaster Giselle right now. Keep watching him and report if anything unusual happens.”

“Understood. I’ll also try to prevent him from buying land in Cheonsonji.”

“Hmm, if that happens, Headmaster Giselle will be too preoccupied with establishing a pleasure district in Cheonsonji to have time to check on Lake Academy.”

The Poison Lady held a fragrant teacup and gazed steadily at Selden Alphonse.

She had conversed with many people over the years.

However, he was the only one whose thoughts she couldn’t read.

Though his expression always seemed indifferent, his actions were astonishing.

‘Until recently, just a troublemaker from the edge of the Eastern Continent.’

Like a tiger that revealed its claws as soon as he was exiled to Lake Territory.

To the Poison Lady, Selden Alphonse was not only the benefactor who saved her sister Ariella’s life but also an important figure with whom she needed to build a lifelong connection as the leader of Hongwaru.

“I’ll use all of Hongwaru’s informants to monitor Headmaster Giselle’s every move.”

Selden Alphonse responded with a slightly uncomfortable look.

“You don’t need to go that far. Just tell me if anything unusual happens, as I mentioned earlier.”

“No, please don’t feel burdened. I want to do my best for you, Lord Selden Alphonse.”

“Sigh, do as you wish.”

Selden Alphonse shook his head as if he couldn’t dissuade her, and the Poison Lady put down her teacup on the table, her eyes flashing.

“By the way, why did you call me to Lake Territory?”

“Ah, I need to spread some rumors.”

If it was just spreading rumors, he could have sent a letter rather than summoning her.

The Poison Lady tilted her head with a puzzled expression.

“You could have sent that in a letter…”

“Isn’t it nice to use such excuses to see each other’s faces once in a while?”

The Poison Lady cleared her throat as her face gradually turned red.

“Ahem!! I always think it’s a pleasure to see you, Lord Selden Alphonse.”

“Besides, if you see the information with your own eyes, you can convey it more vividly to others, right?”

Selden Alphonse smiled gently.

The Poison Lady nervously swallowed.

That smile…

What was he plotting this time?

Knock knock-!

Just then, Butler Pedericks hurriedly entered the reception room after knocking.

The Poison Lady’s curiosity didn’t last long.

“Young master.”

“Huh?”

“His Imperial Majesty the Emperor has arrived.”

*

“Selden Alphonse of the Alphonse family greets His Imperial Majesty, the Star of the Eastern Continent.”

Unlike the peaceful clouds spread across the sky, the Lake Territory mansion was bustling.

Emperor Malius Silonia of the Eastern Continent.

He had unexpectedly visited Lake Territory.

Emperor Malius stepped out of his carriage adorned with golden phoenix emblems and looked at me with a pleased smile.

“Why such formal greetings between us?”

The knights, mercenaries, and especially the Guardian Corps members whispered in surprise.

-What? Why does His Imperial Majesty seem so friendly with our young master?

-Is it because he stopped the monster wave?

-No, but to personally visit Lake Territory? Not even Alphonse Territory?

-They seem to be on really good terms!

And then.

From the corner of my eye, I could see Headmaster Rupert and the professors gaping in astonishment.

The territory’s residents and tourists also gathered, having heard the news, creating a sea of people in front of the mansion.

I curled up the corners of my mouth and bowed respectfully.

“I’ll guide you to a quieter place, as there are many people here.”

“No, let’s go to the academy first.”

Once again, Headmaster Rupert and the professors staggered with wide eyes.

They couldn’t believe it.

It was indeed unbelievable that Emperor Malius wanted to visit an academy that hadn’t even opened yet.

“As you wish. Although it’s not perfectly prepared yet, if Your Imperial Majesty wishes to see Lake Academy, I’ll guide you there first.”

I deliberately raised my voice, causing another stir among the crowd.

Enjoying the situation leisurely, I slowly walked forward.

Eventually, we arrived at the academy building.

Emperor Malius let out a short exclamation of admiration and spoke.

“Let’s go inside.”

“Yes, of course.”

Under the strict control of the Imperial Knights, Emperor Malius, the Poison Lady, Headmaster Rupert, and the professors toured the academy building as I began explaining.

“This is the main building of the academy, where students will receive their education.”

Emperor Malius pointed to the adjacent building.

“Then what is that building?”

“Ah, that building will be used as a library for students. It already houses thousands of books, and we plan to acquire more in the future.”

“Oh, and what about that building over there? What’s its purpose?”

“That contains dormitory facilities where students can sleep and a dining hall where they can enjoy delicious meals.”

“A dining hall… certainly essential for growing academy students. May I go inside and see it?”

“Of course, Your Imperial Majesty.”

I explained enthusiastically as we toured every corner of the academy buildings.

Well, Emperor Malius asked so many questions that my head was starting to overload.

“Having more academies in the Eastern Continent is a good sign. It means more talented individuals will emerge.”

“Haha, indeed.”

“And I hear you’re implementing a differential tuition system…”

At this, Headmaster Rupert and the professors tensed up, their ears perking.

I curled my lips slightly and bowed.

“Yes, that’s correct. We plan to implement a differential tuition system between nobles and commoners.”

“Hmm, are you familiar with noblesse oblige?”

“Yes, it refers to the moral obligations and responsibilities that come with noble status.”

“This seems like an excellent example of practicing noblesse oblige. Since nobles value honor more than commoners, I don’t think anyone would object…”

Emperor Malius trailed off and turned his gaze toward Rupert and the professors.

“What do you think?”

Rupert hid his flustered expression, bowed, and spoke.

“Your words are most wise, Your Majesty.”

The atmosphere became solemn.

I quietly approached the Poison Lady, who had followed us to the academy building, and whispered in her ear.

“…Is the Emperor listening carefully?”