Chapter 60

Clearly, the department head thinks that being forced to intuit the department head's jokes is some kind of torture. It feels so unfair. I sometimes hold back even when my mouth itches, but the identity bully in front of me does it without any qualms.

'Is it because he's so old?'

Even when I feel wronged, when I think about the department head's age, a sense of pity arises. To spend a solo life without even getting married, let alone having children, at his age, if he finds joy in making such jokes, I must endure it willingly. That is the duty of a young person dealing with an elder.

"Ah, what are you thinking about?"

But it seems that the pity I felt for the department head showed in my eyes, as the hand that was still stroking my head tightened.

"I was thinking that I need to have the same sense of humor as Your Excellency to have my subordinates follow me better."

"Oh, it seems you have a lot of hard work to do, don't you? It will all be fine with time."

'I don't want that.'

The department head branded me with the terrifying stigma of 'you'll be like me when you get old.' It's said that a mage who has reached a high level has power in his words, and I became a little scared.

And despite my feelings, the department head seemed to be in a better mood, his smile deepening.

"I met the child you're talking about 8 years ago. I only taught magic to someone once."

"Is that so?"

That's a relief. If Louise is the only one to whom magic was taught, it means that there aren't disciples of the department head scattered everywhere, unknown to anyone. It would be a problem if there were many, but one can be considered within the range of the department head's whims or hobbies.

The emperor's suspicion doesn't extend to such trivial personal matters. I was worried that the emperor might cast a suspicious eye on the department head, but since he is a duke, he must have already considered the issues I can think of.

Anyway, 8 years ago would be when Louise was around 9 years old.

'Just a year difference.'

The free part of the story even mentioned when she was 8 years old. It's surprising that the paid part starts with the incredible story of the duke and Louise learning magic. Is this a marketing strategy?

"The child didn't know that the person who taught her magic was Your Excellency. It was sad to see that she didn't realize it was the luck of her life."

"I didn't want to cause a commotion while traveling."

The last question was answered. It seems that hiding his identity was just a whim during his travels. Indeed, it would be a headache to cause a commotion during a trip for rest.

Now I feel relieved. Although it was bewildering to have a forced meeting with the department head, at least I could clearly know the truth from the person involved. The department head is not the type to lie about such things.

"Is the child doing well?"

"Ah, yes. She is doing well and is healthy."

The department head, who had taken his hand off my head, asked about Louise's recent situation. Even if it was a whim, he must be curious about the one he taught.

"When I first met her, she had a very sad expression. It's good to hear that she's doing well."

I nodded quietly at his words.

The truth the department head told me turned out to be a simple story of a commoner obtaining a rare opportunity. Compared to the serious discussion with the principal, it was a rather anticlimactic result. Of course, it's more convenient to deal with a minor issue rather than a major event.

With a smooth ending, my business with the department head is over, and now I can return to the academy.

"Ah, give me one more cup."

"Yes, Your Excellency."

But why isn't the elder leaving?

I held back the words that rose to the tip of my tongue and carefully poured tea into the cup the department head offered.

It was clearly because of the invasion of privacy that the department head summoned me to the inspection department. I've been forgiven, and I've talked about everything related to Louise, so there's nothing else to talk about. Yet, the department head has no intention of leaving.

"Is the academy a good place to stay?"

For a moment, it felt like a grandmother asking her grandchild, "Is school a good place to go?" But I must keep this to myself and not say it out loud.

"Yes, I've gotten used to it."

"It must have been fun to hear that you're going to the academy."

"Ha ha."

My suffering was entertainment for our Your Excellency.

"When I was there..."

The department head, reminiscing about his school days, trailed off awkwardly and took a sip of tea. I quietly lowered my gaze at his appearance.

The department head's reluctance to mention his age is a well-known secret, though it's embarrassing to call it a secret. Elves are generally indifferent to age, but the department head is a half-elf, not a pure elf. Moreover, he lived among humans, so his values are closer to those of humans.

No matter how much he intellectually accepts his overwhelming age, his human-like heart will show a strong rejection. He probably closed his mouth quickly to avoid revealing his age while talking about his school days. After all, most people already know the department head's age.

'100 years ago graduate.'

But this is also something I must keep to myself. The department head showed displeasure even when the Iron-Blood Duke treated him respectfully. I don't know how he would react if I, a mere successor, mentioned his age.

"They say the academy has changed a lot recently. I might even want to visit."

"The principal would be happy if Your Excellency came."

"Really? I wonder if there are any vacant teaching positions."

No, please.

As my eyes trembled at the words that slipped out, the department head shook his head lightly and said,

"But I'm busy with the Mage Tower duties, so it would be difficult. It's a chance to be in the same place as our Ah."

"I also feel regretful."

The department head, who smiled slightly, put down his teacup and finally stood up. His gaze then turned to my arm, which I raised to see him off.

"Do you need it?"

"No, it's fine. There's still plenty left."

As I tried to roll up my sleeve, the department head waved his hand to refuse. Indeed, since I was selected just before being dispatched to the academy, there should still be plenty left. Before the possession, the blood donation cycle was about 2 or 3 months, right? It's a bit risky to donate now.

"It seems like good results will come soon, so look forward to it."

"I'm glad that my blood is valuable."

"That's good to hear. Drop by the Mage Tower later. You should go back comfortably."

"Thank you for your consideration."

With those words, the department head left the inspection department. The clean, white hair that shone in the sunlight and dragged on the floor was always impressive. They say it doesn't get dirty no matter how much it's dragged, even with magic.

'Robot vacuum...'

The place the department head passed through is always spotlessly clean, which shows the magic effect is truly amazing. It's like a living vacuum cleaner.

I sat down again, thinking this somewhat irreverent thought. Speaking of which, he said good results would come soon.

'Sooner than I thought.'

Through the war in the north, I discovered physical characteristics I didn't know I had. An incredibly resilient life force and an amazing recovery ability. Thanks to this, I've survived in the north countless times, and the department head also noticed my bizarre body.

I was surprised when a duke-level person came to the inspection department and asked me to sell my blood for an experiment. Of course, since I had the experience of exchanging two chocolate pies for blood, I accepted it without much resistance. There was no reason to refuse when he offered a fair price for it, and it wasn't forced.

'But what does "soon" mean?'

"Soon" by the standards of a 120-year-old half-elf... It must be quite different from the general use of the word.

Not long after the department head left, a knock was heard.

"It's over. Come in."

As I answered, the officers rushed in. Exactly five of them. It seems they were all gathered, with none wandering outside. Or perhaps they were hastily summoned due to the department head's visit.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, no problem."

I nodded at the deputy director, who asked on behalf of the group. It was indeed a meeting without any major issues. The deputy director sighed in relief at the peaceful outcome of a visit by a duke.

"Director, did you come because you missed the place where we were? You're not being honest, are you?"

1st Section Chief, realizing it wasn't a serious situation, immediately made a joke. I found it very annoying how he ran over when I waved my hand.

"Ugh──!!"

"It's a personal matter, not a work issue, so don't worry. Just do your job as usual."

I explained to the other officers while pulling 1st Section Chief's lips. This time, it wasn't a misunderstanding of a work-related visit like the Golden Ball incident, but a disaster due to my personal oversight. Thinking about it again, it makes me angry, that bastard Information Director.

"No, what could have happened for the department head to come in person? It's hard to see him outside the Mage Tower."

2nd Section Chief, stroking his chin, opened his mouth. I thought about keeping silent as it was a personal matter of the duke, but since he told me, it must mean it's okay for the inspection department to know.

"There was a noble who received the department head's unique magic. I wanted to know more, so the department head told me himself."

"Unique magic? Even if I don't know who it is, what a fortunate person. If they are the department head's disciple, they would be sought after just for breathing."

"It's Louise."

2nd Section Chief quickly bit his lip and twisted his face. It's a known fact that Louise is the president of the club I'm in charge of. The miraculous probability of the noble I'm in charge of being the department head's disciple might make them burst into laughter, marvel, or offer sympathy.

"Amazing."

The deputy director's low murmur represented everyone's feelings.

"Ugh─ Ugh."

"Oh, right."

Just as I was about to sigh, I heard a pitiful groan from the side. I had been holding 1st Section Chief's lips the whole time.

"Are you going back right away?"

"Since there's nothing to do in the morning, I'll rest for a while before going back."

"Understood."

The meeting with the department head, which I didn't want to have, is over. I had already informed the principal, vice-principal, and Villar that I might be late. Besides, the club time is still far away. I can take a short break before going back, a small reward for my hard work.

While resting, the communication device glowed brightly.

"Ah."

I just came back, but it seems the rumor has already spread.

I should have gone back right away, not thinking about enjoying a luxurious life.