Academy’s Undercover Professor-Chapter 269: An Unexpected Gift (2)

After hastily fleeing from Ludger’s office, Elisa only slowed her pace once she had put a good amount of distance between them.

Once she composed herself, she resumed walking with a graceful stride.

In the distance, she spotted Wilford waiting for her. With practiced elegance, she walked over to him.

Wilford, in his usual polite tone, asked her,

“Principal, did you deliver the gift properly?”

“Of course. Who do you think I am?”

Elisa answered confidently, having already wiped away the nervousness she had shown in front of Ludger just moments ago.

Normally, that kind of answer would be enough °• N 𝑜 v 𝑒 l i g h t •° to let the matter drop, but Wilford felt something off and asked again for confirmation.

“What exactly did you give him? I recall offering a few suggestions, but you said you’d handle it personally.”

“A gift? Why ask about something like that?”

“For someone like Professor Ludger, ordinary gifts might not leave much of an impression.”

Of course, this was a lie on Wilford’s part.

If anything, that man wouldn’t care no matter what gift he received.

Still, Wilford couldn’t help but worry.

“So, what did you give him?”

“Prepare yourself to be amazed. I gave him a personal dinner voucher. With me.”

“...Pardon?”

Wilford blinked in disbelief.

“Are you serious?”

“What’s the problem? It’s a dinner with me. Who in their right mind would dislike that?”

“...”

Wilford let out a quiet sigh, realizing that his worst suspicion had become reality.

Honestly, he had more or less expected this outcome.

Back in her student days, Elisa Willow had never once given anyone a gift—only received them.

To her, gifts had always been tools for gaining favor.

And if she had no need to win someone over, then there was no reason to give a gift in the first place.

After all, people had always treated her favorably without needing such gestures.

Beauty, pedigree, talent.

She lacked for nothing.

Yet, she rose to the role of Seorn’s principal and pursued a vision in which all students received equal education.

Even if her methods weren’t always spotless, no one could deny that her ideals leaned toward justice.

A flawless superhuman.

That’s how some described Elisa Willow.

But even someone like her wasn’t without shortcomings.

Just like now.

She’s so used to being the recipient of goodwill, she fumbles when it’s time to give it.

Even when she wanted to show kindness, it didn’t always come across that way.

She could issue rewards as a superior—but offering a sincere gift on equal terms? That was uncharted territory for her.

Her upbringing made it unavoidable.

After all, humans were social beings, and environment was the most powerful force shaping a person.

That was why she had been so nervous while delivering Ludger’s gift.

Elisa Willow, the Principal, was flawless—but as a person, she was still lacking in some ways.

“I think the Principal may need to learn a bit more about common sense.”

“Wilford. That’s a rather rude joke.”

“I’m being quite serious.”

“...”

Elisa gave him a sour look.

Wilford was already worried about how much more he would have to teach her in the future.

* * *

“Sedina Roschen.”

“Yes, Professor?”

In the now-quiet office with no more visitors, Ludger placed the last batch of documents on the table and called Sedina’s name.

“You’re aware that Seorn will be leaving soon for field training, yes?”

“Yes, of course.”

Sedina would be going on the field training herself—there was no way she didn’t know.

With all the buzz around campus, students had been chattering nonstop about it whether she liked it or not.

“But why do you ask...?”

“If Seorn is making a move, the Black Dawn Society surely won’t sit idle. Have they shown any signs of activity?”

“Ah, that...”

Sedina hesitated, considering how best to answer, then steadied herself and spoke frankly.

“You might not believe it, but they’ve shown no movement at all.”

“...”

Ludger raised a brow in surprise, then rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

“That’s strange. I was certain they’d use this opportunity to act. Has there been no word from higher up? No orders or instructions?”

“No, only a general order to stand by.”

“A standby order, huh...”

Sedina, though officially still a Second Order member of the Black Dawn, had gained considerable authority recently through her direct work with Ludger.

Her rank might still be Second Order, but the title of “Acting Agent of First Order <John Doe>” carried far more weight.

Because of this, Sedina now had access to higher-level information, and she was privy to nearly everything the Black Dawn Society did.

And yet, even she said that no instructions had been issued regarding the field training.

I haven’t received anything either...

Of course, Ludger had already been given a mission, so it wasn’t strange not to receive anything further.

In fact, the Zero Order might be intentionally keeping things quiet, knowing that Ludger wasn’t truly John Doe.

Still, Ludger shook his head at that thought.

Knowing the Zero Order’s personality, they wouldn’t bother with something so tedious.

He didn’t know much about the Zero Order personally, but he had enough reason to believe that.

If the Zero Order cared about such things, he wouldn’t have sat silently during the Synod meeting while others gossiped and speculated.

Even though someone unknown had taken a senior position in the organization, the Zero Order had simply let it happen.

They had chosen indifference.

That made them hard to read—but it also confirmed Ludger’s suspicions.

So the Black Dawn really isn’t planning to act during the field training?

Then a thought occurred to him.

“Sedina. You said you have access to most of the Black Dawn’s movements.”

“Yes, I did.”

“But not all of them. Is that correct?”

“...”

Sedina hesitated, clearly finding it painful to admit her own limitations in front of someone she respected.

“I’m not blaming you. It’s simply not possible to know everything. But in the case of the information you couldn’t reach... is it tied to Nikolai?”

First Order Nikolai.

Among the Black Dawn executives, he was particularly skilled in intelligence and information handling. If anyone could suppress internal leaks, it was him.

As expected, Sedina’s face stiffened slightly and she gave a reluctant nod.

“Yes. That’s right.”

“I see. So unless we know what he’s planning, we can’t say for sure whether the Society will act or not.”

Ludger hoped things would pass peacefully—but in matters like this, one always had to plan for the worst.

Looks like I’ve got more work to do.

Originally, he’d intended to use this field trip to the capital as a chance to investigate and possibly steal fragments of a relic.

Under normal circumstances, infiltrating the Imperial Palace would be impossible, with its ironclad security.

But this time, there was a unique opportunity—students had been granted permission to tour the palace as part of their field training.

The Imperial Family probably just wants to leave a good impression on the kids who’ll one day be important members of society.

It made sense.

And thanks to that, Ludger—acting as a chaperone—would be able to step foot into the highest walls of the empire.

However, if the Black Dawn got involved, things would change dramatically.

Judging by Nikolai’s behavior at the meeting, he’s the type who enjoys scheming behind the scenes.

Not to mention, Nikolai had suffered public humiliation at Ludger’s hands during the last gathering.

Considering his personality, it wouldn’t be strange if he wanted revenge.

The Zero Order doesn’t discourage infighting among executives, after all.

From Nikolai’s perspective, this was perfect: his personal enemy, John Doe, and one of his major targets, Seorn Academy, would both be in the capital.

Would he really let such a golden opportunity slip by?

Of course, he wouldn’t do anything too extreme.

Spilling Ludger’s identity as a Black Dawn executive would go beyond mere retaliation—it would be considered betrayal of the organization itself.

Nikolai surely knew that. He’d operate within the boundaries of what the Zero Order allowed.

A competition—just within the rules.

Whatever happens, this field training is going to be anything but ordinary.

* * *

HSSSSHHHK!

The train surged forward on the rails, spewing brilliant white steam.

As the scenery outside the window began to rush past, the students in their seats erupted with excitement.

“It’s finally time for field training!”

“I’m already excited!”

“Who do you think our mentors will be?”

If Rederbelk, adjacent to Seorn, was a bustling metropolis of magic, magitech, and science—

Then Lindebrune was renowned as a historical city filled with relics of the ancient millennium empire, a beloved tourist destination.

Students who had never been to the capital couldn’t contain their anticipation, fidgeting with excitement in their seats.

“Who’s making all this noise on the train?”

Just then, a voice rang out that was colder than a blast of ice magic, instantly dousing the overheated mood.

The chattering students immediately recognized the voice and shut their mouths.

Ludger Cherish.

Sitting among them as the escorting instructor, he silenced the rowdy students with just a few words—and a single glance.

Even the noisiest train car quieted in an instant after Ludger’s cold gaze swept over it.

Whispers stirred among the students behind him.

“It’s field training. Can’t we at least enjoy it a little?”

“I know, right? Professor Ludger is way too strict.”

“Well, can you blame him? He got caught in that train bombing on his way to Seorn.”

“Oh... right. You think that’s why?”

After that brief hush, the train arrived safely in the capital.

Led by the instructors, the students filed out of the station in droves.

“Wow.”

“So this is the capital.”

“It’s gorgeous...”

The Imperial Capital of Lindebrune was a city that could only be described as pure and beautiful at first glance.

Even the streets from the station to the central plaza felt like one enormous piece of art.

Whereas Rederbelk—a city of similar size—often gave off a dark and hard-edged atmosphere, Lindebrune’s colors were warmer, its ambiance more pastoral.

The students couldn’t stop murmuring their admiration. And though he didn’t show it outwardly, Ludger too was swept by a wave of nostalgia. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

It’s been a long time since I’ve been here.

This was the very place Ludger had first come to after leaving his teacher’s side—Lindebrune.

Even back then, it had been a vast and breathtaking city. But now, it looked far more developed than he remembered.

Well, it’s been over seven years. That makes sense.

In a world where magic and science advanced daily, seven years was more than enough time for a place to transform.

Still, not everything had changed—walking through the streets, he saw faint shadows of the past layered over the present.

Now that I think of it, something happened here back then...

Back when he had just entered the outside world, searching for work.

One night, while walking down a dark alley, Ludger collided with someone around a corner.

They wore a robe over their head to conceal their identity, but their distinctive presence and golden hair were still clearly visible—even in the shadows.

—Who are you?

—Who are you?

They had asked the same question at the same time.

Even in the darkness of the alley, Ludger had been maintaining his magical sense in case anyone tried to follow him.

And yet, he hadn’t noticed this person until the moment they collided.

The other party was no different.

They had been holding an artifact that erased one’s presence, as well as one that sensed nearby people.

And yet, from what was supposed to be an empty alley, someone had appeared.

Both of them were hiding secrets.

That was the first encounter between the First Imperial Princess and Jack the Ripper.

And now, that same person has become the Empire’s primary heir, widely recognized as the next Emperor.

Given that the previous Emperor had been weak-willed and timid, it was no wonder her presence now stood out all the more.

She’s probably still holed up in the palace working tirelessly... or knowing her, scheming something behind the scenes again.

To the public, Princess Aileen was known as a benevolent, intelligent, and dazzlingly capable “Iron-Blooded Empress.”

And that reputation wasn’t entirely wrong.

She was capable enough to deserve the title.

But those rumors didn’t capture everything about her.

Thinking about her temperament... she’s not someone I ever want to deal with again.

If Ludger had to compare her to anyone, he’d immediately think of Principal Elisa or the Zero Order.

People whose thoughts you couldn’t read. People who carried a shroud of conspiracy. People who worked in the shadows.

And yet, bold, lofty, and unyielding in every way.

I do respect her—as one human being to another.

But if I had to be around her... I’d sooner bite off my own tongue.

That’s how exhausting and detestable Princess Aileen was to him.

If it weren’t for that, he wouldn’t have chosen to disappear without a trace—despite having the next Emperor as an ally.

But then again, they’re from the same bloodline, so why is that one...

Ludger’s eyes turned toward Erendir, who was enthusiastically explaining every last detail about the capital to her juniors.

It seemed like she was trying to assert her seniority by flexing her knowledge.

But her chatter was so excessive that the first-years listening looked less impressed and more exhausted.

Watching her talk nonstop, Ludger couldn’t help but wonder—Is she really the younger sister of that First Princess I knew?

Naturally, the way Ludger looked at Erendir was with a mixture of pity and exasperation—completely devoid of warmth.

Maybe she takes after their father?

If so, it couldn’t be helped.

Shaking his head, Ludger turned his gaze back to the city.

In the end, I’ve returned after all.

Originally, he should have come here under the name Gerald.

He would’ve met Hans, who was waiting here, and begun quietly establishing his foothold.

But this time, he returned under a very different identity—that of a teacher at a magic academy.

No one could predict the future, they said. And fate, it seemed, had a curious sense of humor.

“This is the central plaza!”

“It’s huge!”

As the plaza that had looked far off finally came into view, familiar faces began to appear.

The mentor magicians had arrived to greet the students.

They merged seamlessly into the group.