Academy’s Undercover Professor-Chapter 350: Ranpaltz (1)

“You’ve certainly stirred things up in a spectacular way.”

That was the first thing Elisa said when she called Ludger into the Headmaster’s office.

But despite the chastising tone, her expression was anything but upset.

It wasn’t her usual polished, diplomatic smile—it was a genuine, refreshingly pleased one.

“How did it go?” Ludger asked calmly.

“How did it go? Thanks to you, things have gotten very complicated. Several of Seorn’s major investors were replaced overnight. The outside world is already in an uproar.”

“Is that so.”

“Yes! You wouldn’t believe how many of my usual journalist contacts pestered me about it. I was exhausted fending them off.”

“And what did you tell them?”

“What else could I say? I just told them the truth—that a generous new benefactor has become our investor. Quite the abrupt reform, isn’t it?”

Ludger nodded slightly at that.

“And your honest opinion?”

“I feel like I’m walking on air.”

This time, Elisa wasn’t speaking as the Headmaster of Seorn, but as a woman expressing genuine relief.

“Those pests trying to meddle with Seorn from the outside... I’ve always hated them, but there was nothing I could do. And now, thanks to you, I’ve wiped them out in one strike. It’s unbelievably satisfying.”

“I’m glad to see you pleased.”

At his polite response, Elisa rested her chin in her hands, studying him. Her golden eyes gleamed with a curiosity that was rare for her.

“Hm. You know, you really are strange.”

“In what way?”

“How old are you again, Ludger?”

“Twenty-seven this year. Is there a problem?”

“That’s what amazes me. You act like someone well into their forties.”

She wasn’t joking, nor trying to tease him.

Ludger’s actions and demeanor belonged to someone far older, someone who’d seen and experienced much.

Talent? Or something even greater?

At first, Elisa had been wary of him. The more skilled someone was, the more dangerous they could become—like a ticking time bomb.

Elisa didn’t trust people easily. She had been skeptical long before becoming Headmaster, and that attitude only deepened once she assumed the role.

But Ludger’s consistent actions, his sincerity and dedication, had eased even her deeply rooted suspicion.

Not erased it entirely—just softened it.

Still, she could trust him with responsibility, at least while their current professional relationship lasted.

If only his identity were cleaner... I could trust him completely.

Though Ludger already held a prestigious post as Planning Director, Elisa couldn’t help but think beyond that.

With his skills, he could be more than just a Director. He could even be... the next Headmaster of Seorn.

Ludger was young, competent, and—despite his constant denial—he genuinely cared for his students. Elisa’s sharp eyes never missed such details.

Yes, his background was murky, with possible ties to criminals, but that barely tarnished his competence.

If no one finds out his real identity, does it even matter? If it’s never exposed, then his disguise isn’t false—it’s simply who he is.

She caught herself thinking such dangerous thoughts.

Thoughts a Headmaster should never entertain.

But Ludger was that ideal of a candidate. Perfect for the role of her eventual successor.

Not that I’m planning to retire anytime soon...

Elisa was still young, but she had a dream: to eventually hand over her position to someone reliable and live out her remaining years in peace.

Even without the Headmaster’s title, she was a Lexuror-ranked mage; she would be respected anywhere.

But Elisa’s dream wasn’t about prestige. She wanted a quiet life.

To stop working. To enjoy a wealthy, leisurely life.

And—if possible—to meet a good man and get married.

A simple dream. But also a difficult one.

Elisa’s high standards made it nearly impossible to find someone she deemed worthy.

Such dreams tend to stay locked away in the depths of one’s heart, like a precious treasure sinking to the bottom of the sea.

And yet lately... that dream seemed to be surfacing again.

All because of the man standing before her.

Elisa found herself imagining handing over the Headmaster’s seat to Ludger... and maybe even—

...No. Don’t be ridiculous. But... should I just marry him instead?

Her gaze sharpened, like a predator eyeing prey.

Ludger suddenly shivered.

“...?”

He frowned. What was that chill?

Don’t tell me Master’s up to something weird again? With her personality, that wouldn’t be surprising...

Then Elisa casually asked:

“Ludger, do you have any plans to get married?”

“...I’m sorry, could you repeat that?”

Thinking she had misspoken, Elisa quickly tried to cover it up.

“I asked if you have any plans. You know, with all the trouble you’ve caused for the old investors. They won’t give up easily, you know.”

“...Ah. That.”

Ludger nodded, apparently accepting the topic shift. Elisa let out a quiet sigh of relief.

“Those investors weren’t content with what they already had. They wanted more. Now that they’ve been forced out, they’ll be furious. For now, they’ll stay quiet because they’ve lost face, but...”

“You’re saying they won’t give up.”

“Exactly. They’ll come to Seorn directly, offering shady backroom deals.”

“Shameless.”

“Shameless, yes. But that’s how they got to where they are, Ludger. People like that don’t see anything wrong with their behavior.”

“I understand perfectly.”

Ludger had seen such greed many times before—people who trampled over the weak to satisfy endless ambition.

“Don’t worry. If they come, I’ll personally throw them out.”

“No need. Leave them to me instead.”

“...Pardon?”

“This is a matter for the Planning Department. If they have complaints, they should come to me, not to you.”

“Do you really think they’ll tolerate such humiliation? They used to hold Seorn’s biggest financial leverage, and now you expect them to talk to a mere first-year Director?”

“If they can’t tolerate it, then... too bad for them.”

Ludger’s blunt answer was almost refreshing.

“They’re the ones in need, aren’t they? Let them bow their heads.”

Elisa laughed, delighted. “You’re absolutely right. Fine, I’ll trust you with this.”

“I have no intention of showing leniency. I’m already quite annoyed by their arrogance.”

“That’s exactly what I wanted to hear.”

Ludger gave her a polite bow and turned to leave the office.

But before stepping out, he paused and asked:

“Headmaster.”

“Yes? Something else?”

“Do you have any plans to get married?”

“...!”

Elisa froze, her eyes widening. At that moment, she realized he had heard her earlier slip.

Her cheeks flushed faintly.

“Well... considering your age, it wouldn’t be strange to think about it,” Ludger added with a nod, as if understanding.

Elisa snapped.

“That’s not what I meant!”

* * *

As promised, Elisa redirected all investor inquiries to Ludger.

It didn’t take long for the first visitor to arrive.

The man stormed into the Planning Office, demanding to see Ludger. The staff, already informed in advance, calmly guided him to Ludger’s desk.

The visitor—Mordo Ansen from the Ranpaltz Corporation—sat down, glaring at Ludger, who continued reviewing documents without even glancing at him.

He’s not even looking at me?

Mordo’s face twitched with anger.

Who did he think he was?

Ranpaltz wasn’t just some company—it was one of the biggest conglomerates in the entire Exilion Empire.

And yet this mere academy official dared to treat him so casually?

“Do you know who I—”

Ludger raised a finger without looking up.

Shhh.

A gesture for silence.

It was absurd, insulting... and yet Mordo instinctively closed his mouth.

The oppressive atmosphere Ludger exuded made it impossible to speak.

The only sound in the office was the soft rustle of paper as Ludger turned the pages.

It felt as if Mordo had been bewitched.

Finally, Ludger set the papers aside.

“So. What brings you here at such a busy time?”

The sound of Ludger’s voice snapped Mordo out of his trance.

He immediately scowled. “Ludger Cherish, Planning Director. You’re in charge of this mess, correct?”

“Yes. I oversee the budget and investor list.”

“Then what’s the meaning of this? Why has Ranpaltz been removed from Seorn’s list of sponsors?”

“Why are you asking me that? Ranpaltz chose to withdraw.”

Ludger’s calm, lake-like gaze met Mordo’s.

“Yet you storm in here, shouting at me. I fail to see your logic.”

“We never withdrew! We merely requested better terms!”

“Yes. And you said if we didn’t agree, you’d pull out. We simply declined. Now do you understand?”

“Even so, you can’t just make such a major decision unilaterally! There are procedures for this!”

Ranpaltz hadn’t come to negotiate. Mordo’s goal was to push, intimidate, and overturn the decision through sheer force.

Ludger smirked.

Elisa had expected cunning schemes and bribery. She was wrong.

They were far cruder than that.

“And replacing us with who? Some street rat from the slums—!”

“Be silent.”

“...What?”

“I said, be silent.”

Ludger’s tone shifted, all politeness gone.

Mordo sputtered, enraged. “Is that any way to treat a guest—”

“That’s my line. You barge into someone else’s workplace, raising your voice. You’ve already far exceeded the limits of courtesy.”

Ludger’s mana flared, pressing down on the room.

“Even honored guests are expected to maintain decorum in Seorn. You can’t even manage that, and you dare to shout here?”

The air grew heavy as Ludger’s icy blue eyes glinted, flames dancing in their depths.

“Did you mistake Seorn for something you could trample?”

His voice dropped, dangerously calm.

“If you wanted an audience with me, it should have been your Chairman who came—not some lackey like you.”