So I'm a Snake, Who Cares?

Seems he couldn't be sure if I was really his master.

"There probably isn't a snake as petty as you in the world."

'But...!'

Even if Pelerian criticizes me, I had something to say.

'It's a bit awkward to acknowledge first when your heavenly master is caught pretending to be a staff...'

"What heavenly master, heh heh."

That was actually true.

It was my idea to enter as Obern's staff.

That way, I could absorb the staff's hell magic while also receiving dignity through Obern.

'Next time I should acknowledge him first...'

I plan to tell him when there's a chance to meet Amain privately in a quiet place.

Kid, it's so good to see you after so long.

And more than anything else.

If you ask whether it was worth getting my subordinate Obern accepted as a professor at Emerald School...

「The connected target's fame spreads.」

「Two followers have been gained.」

「Gaining 'Dignity' due to trait 'Royalty'.」

The effects were actually quite substantial.

No, I really can't understand.

How can he get followers just from one class?

Before I received followers as Ouroboros, I had to end a war and defeat enemy generals.

"He speaks better than expected."

'Well, that's more important for teaching.'

Obern's magical talent was just at a 'gifted' level.

But combined with his looks, speaking skills, and Pelerian's knowledge, he was creating truly genius-level synergy.

Just now too. The problem Amain brought was solved mentally by Pelerian who gave the answer at a glance.

It was a very favorable situation for me.

But something slightly strange happened.

It was when we entered the professor research building where Obern's personal office was.

Suddenly the Director of Admissions rushed to Obern.

"Professor Grimoire."

"Ah, Director."

"You'll have a lot of work. Can you handle it...?"

"What do you mean..."

Even when asked back, the old Admissions Director just laughed and left.

Other professors also approached Obern.

"A handsome young fellow like you is perfect for the role."

"They would dislike old folks like us. We probably wouldn't communicate well."

"Don't worry too much. Whatever the case, they're students once admitted here. You are a professor of our Emerald School."

They each threw such words and left.

The sudden encouragement was funny but.

It seemed there was also a sense of relief like 'Glad it's not me.'

"Still, it's an honor. To be in charge of His Highness the Prince."

We could soon understand what it was about.

This year, the third prince of the Solion Kingdom was entering Emerald School as a freshman.

And to help the enrolled prince adapt to school life, one professor would be exclusively assigned to assist with studies, counseling, and management.

That honorable position went to the new professor Obern Grimoire.

Probably due to the principle of dumping work on the new guy.

"So a real prince appears."

Let's see what a real royal looks like.

==

Actually, teaching a prince should be an honor even for professors.

Even if the third prince is far from the line of succession.

The title of 'Prince's Teacher' is something anyone would covet.

They're giving that to the new professor Obern Grimoire?

Even though he was hired with high praise from the chancellor, to a young man from a fallen noble family with no experience or backing?

The world doesn't work so easily.

Fruit that everyone avoids usually has flaws.

Either too sour, or too bitter.

Third Prince Phili Aden something something Solion must be such a bitter fruit.

Obern and I came to meet this third prince.

It was for a consultation before entering classes.

'Hmm, he doesn't look very princely.'

That's what I thought looking at Prince Phili whatever.

The name Phili also felt somewhat carelessly given, and his appearance was just ordinary.

Brown hair, freckles below his eyes.

If there were any distinctive features, it would be his sullen gaze and the dark circles under his eyes.

'Actually, Amain looks more like a prince.'

"Being royalty doesn't make them special. This one looks particularly like a withered cabbage."

'Hey, that's too harsh. He just looks ordinary.'

But the royal status seemed to be quite burdensome for humans.

Obern's attitude was very tense.

"Your Highness, I've arranged your curriculum like this for now. I've included all the classes I teach to first years. Are there any other classes you'd like to take?"

Of course, he didn't act servile.

That was Obern's own way of handling things.

Being respectful but dignified. That was rather the way to avoid being looked down upon.

"Nothing particularly, anything is fine."

Look people in the eye when talking!

The prince wouldn't meet eyes at all.

He just looked around the room while shaking his leg.

Obern didn't point that out. If it were me, I would have scolded him not to shake his leg as it drives away fortune.

From the ordinary-looking Prince Phili's mouth.

Not so ordinary words popped out.

"...Boring as hell."

"..."

Obern didn't reply. Or rather, couldn't.

"Heard you're a genius professor so thought there might be something interesting here. But this place looks even more boring than father's office."

"A professor's work isn't that exciting."

"Obern was it? Who even are you?"

Prince Phili only looked like a commoner. His way of speaking was indeed that of a delinquent prince.

"Grimoire? Never heard of it. Are you really a genius magician?"

"..."

Gasp, could there be some royal insight?

The recognition was surprising, but his continued impudence was becoming hard to tolerate.

"That ugly staff is kinda interesting though."

'...Me?'

"Give that to me. Let me look at it."

The prince thrust out his hand. Demanding the staff be handed over.

Professional authority has hit rock bottom.

Obern, you should scold such a student, right?

"Alright."

But Obern tried to hand me over.

'You crazy bastard why are you giving me away.'

'Ah, sorry. I'm weak against authority...'

Obern froze in the position of holding out the staff.

"What are you doing? Not giving it?"

"..."

I made Obern say:

"Your Highness, would you look over there for a moment?"

The moment the prince turned his head.

I used magic.

「Using Invisible Hand lv16」

The invisible hand struck the prince's temple, and Prince Phili collapsed like a puppet with cut strings.

A knockout punch learned from Langrey!

"Huk, huuuk!"

Obern was shocked.

'It's okay, calm down. I just knocked him out.'

Honestly, I didn't expect it to succeed so cleanly either.

'If, if we get caught...!'

'I have potions. We can end this cleanly.'

It's not like the prince actually died, so no problem.

He may be Prince to you all but to me he's just an ill-mannered kid.

And I didn't use force just thinking of punishing him.

'Let's see what royalty possesses.'

Wonder if there's anything worth taking in the prince's status window.

I focused my eyes and examined Prince Phili.