Chapter 253

The position of the second-year top professor is currently vacant.

The first-year top professor was held by Sylvester Armstrong, who was the third-year top professor last year, and as the second-year students advance to their third year, Professor Andres has taken over the position of the third-year top professor.

At this point, with only a short time left before the opening and entrance ceremonies, it was concerning that there was no central figure to lead the second-year students, who constitute the backbone of the academy, even if the first-year students would be under Professor Andres. After all, there is a meeting coming up in just a few weeks regarding the new semester involving the top professors and the chancellor.

Of course, that was that.

“This is this.”

I thought there were few options available to me just because the position of the second-year top professor was vacant. After all, there were many capable individuals besides the speedy Professor Madison who could take on the role; there was no need for me to worry. The upper management of the academy would surely handle it well.

What I needed to care about was when the second-year top professor would be appointed.

All the paperwork that needed the top professor’s approval was being transferred to the academic affairs department. And I am someone who likes quick work.

It felt like I was watching a distant fire across the river, curious about when the second-year top professor would be selected.

Yes, I certainly had that mindset, and it remained unchanged until I arrived at the chancellor’s office.

“Professor Antorelli. As appointed by Professor Madison, can you take on the position of this year’s second-year top professor?”

Such a complacent thought of mine turned to fine ashes and vanished without a trace at the words of the grandfatherly Chancellor Damian, who chuckled and twirled his mustache before me.

No, what is this all about?

“…Excuse me?”

A foolish sound escaped my lips without me realizing it. Of course, if such a sudden topic came up without any prior hint, I couldn’t help but feel bewildered, which is rare for me.

But regardless of that, Chancellor Damian continued to speak. No, this time he was looking at me with an expression of surprise.

“You’re aware that Professor Alan Madison, who was the first-year top professor last year, has submitted his leave of absence this year, right?”

“Yes, I know that.”

“In that case, wasn’t there a prior discussion?”

Were there any previous discussions? As such absurd words reached me, thoughts of ‘could it be…’ began to crawl around in my mind.

“Professor Alan Madison submitted his leave of absence to Acting Chancellor Underwood, and appointed you, Professor Antorelli, as his successor for the next top professor.”

And then, with the following words from Chancellor Damian…

“…Ah.”

I felt an intense desire to ignite a hatred that didn’t exist toward Professor Madison, who was likely enjoying a vacation somewhere.

No, what is this?

Me, being asked to take on the role of top professor? Is he being serious?

I am currently in charge of the theology class for the first-year A class students, who are now in their second year. By that logic, it shouldn’t be an issue. After all, the common subject of theology only occurs twice a week.

I know that my workload as a professor is somewhat lighter compared to those teaching mainstream subjects like magic or combat. If they were to choose someone for a position with increased burdens, then it indeed would make sense for someone like me to take it on.

However, I am also concurrently the head priest of the Caldera Imperial Academy’s main chapel, aren’t I?

Unlike the Cathedral where a bishop exists, I am responsible for involving and managing all religious matters that arise within the academy and its chapel. Even if it mostly involves cleaning the chapel every day and conducting all the ceremonies held there, nonetheless.

In other words, I am already filling two roles. So significant is it that I need to come in on weekends.

Perhaps out of surprise, my words were struggling to come out. Only after taking a sip of warm tea was I able to concisely explain my situation to Chancellor Damian.

Upon hearing my explanation, Chancellor Damian let out a sigh, looking a bit troubled.

“Ah… In that case, it seems Professor Madison perhaps didn’t give you any specific hints.”

“That’s correct. There weren’t any particular hints.”

“This has turned a bit complicated. What should we do…?”

While saying that, he kept glancing at me with a sparkling gaze, leaving me at a loss for what to do. I did my best to avoid Chancellor Damian’s sparkling gaze.

Of course, I wasn’t terribly busy even now, serving in my dual role… but still, managing three duties at once would surely look a bit strange.

…While I say that, the truth is that I did not want to be embroiled in bothersome matters. I just want to quietly continue my life as a professor while occasionally heading to the chapel for worship or ceremonies.

Whether he realized my thoughts or not, Chancellor Damian continued to gaze at me earnestly. His look seemed to say, “If you don’t take this, there will be no one else to handle it,” and I found myself instinctively turning my eyes away in discomfort.

How long did this uncomfortable silence last?

“I understand well.”

In the end, it was Chancellor Damian who broke the silence with a sigh and a defeated expression. Only then could I meet Chancellor Damian’s eyes directly.

“If you say it like that, then there’s nothing I can do.”

“Um… I hesitate to say this, but if I take on all three positions… other professors might express a somewhat negative opinion, don’t you think?”

The position of top professor is not something just anyone can get. It represents the faculty of a whole year, giving the bearer a voice in the academy’s significant matters, as well as granting attendance rights to important academy meetings directed by the chancellor, the top professor, and a few key faculty members.

Moreover, holding the top professor position for a long time could even open the door to the chancellor’s role down the line. The royal family tends to keep an eye on top professors who have a wealth of experience and proven skills, considering them for the next chancellor role.

There are likely many ambitious professors who are quietly vying for this year’s second-year top professor position, although they may not say it outright. After all, it is an opportunity to aim for the chancellor position at the Caldera Imperial Academy, the country’s top prestigious educational institution—who wouldn’t want that?

In that sense, me being appointed as the next top professor seems increasingly nonsensical. And understandably so…

“As you know, I have only been in my second year of employment, right?”

I have only been at Caldera Imperial Academy as a professor for just a year. This year marks my second year.

The top professors of the other years, Professors Andres and Armstrong, have spent 8 and 17 years at Caldera Imperial Academy, respectively. In fact, Professor Andres faced quite a few disturbances when he first took office, as he didn’t have as many years of experience while still being a top professor.

But now, I am about to butt in between those two?

…I do not want to face public backlash. I am not even aspiring for the position of chancellor; to take on a role that would increase my burdens twofold is even more undesirable.

Whether my thoughts were conveyed accurately, Chancellor Damian, who had been pondering for a moment, eventually nodded and spoke up.

“Professor Antorelli does make a valid point.”

“That is true. So…”

“However, I believe that the validity of that opinion is lacking.”

“…Excuse me?”

What could he possibly mean by that? As I stared at him in confusion, Chancellor Damian continued with an unwavering gentle smile.

“There’s no specific regulation in the academy that one must have a certain number of years of experience to become the top professor, correct?”

“…Well.”

That sounds too much like a false argument, doesn’t it?

If we’re going that far, there’s nothing wrong with me saying the chancellor has alopecia. Because that would be the truth.

However, the reason I don’t say such things is due to the unspoken rules and customs among people. Calling someone bald to their face might be considered rude, and could easily lead to others mocking the bald individual.

Yet, I swallowed all those thoughts down my throat. After all, I could not just openly say such words in front of Chancellor Damian, who actually suffers from this condition.

Just as I was showing signs of discomfort, a weathered, wrinkled hand reached out to me.

I stared blankly at the hand offered before me. A hand with wrinkles and scars. One that was obviously calloused, looking like it belonged to an artisan who had devoted decades to something, or to a warrior wielding swords and weapons.

And those two hands, holding the weight of those tumultuous years, were being offered humbly in front of me.

“To be honest, Professor Antorelli, you are the only one I can trust to take on the top professor position.”

“…Why is that? It would be normal for the other professors, having worked at the academy longer than I, to be more trustworthy than me, wouldn’t it?”

“Do you know how you were selected for this professor position, Professor Antorelli?”

Chancellor Damian’s question was unexpected. I looked at him with a blank expression, then promptly shook my head.

“I do not know. I don’t even know how I became a professor at Caldera Imperial Academy.”

“It is a simple reason. I trusted you and appointed you as a professor.”

This was somewhat predictable. The person who had been particularly kind to me during the interview was Chancellor Damian, after all.

However, there wasn’t a specific reason for that…

“And the reason is that your predecessor personally wrote a letter of recommendation for you.”

“…Excuse me?”

Fundamentally, professors at Caldera Imperial Academy do not write letters of recommendation easily. They are stingy with students and even stricter with newly appointed professors.

The fact that someone wrote me a recommendation, regardless of any talk, was surprising enough.

“My predecessor…?”

My predecessor. The professor of theology who held my position before I arrived here.

Chancellor Damian, who had been gazing at me with slightly sunken eyes as if penetrating my thoughts, slowly nodded solemnly.

“Professor Helena wrote a letter of recommendation for you, Professor Antorelli.”

“…Ah.”

“And that is why I have no choice but to trust you, Professor Antorelli.”

I was left speechless. Only now did I understand why Chancellor Damian seemed to know the details of my entry so well.

Above all, what Chancellor Damian said seemed somewhat of a fallacy. “Helena recommended you, so I trust you.” What does that even have to do with each other?

Before I could voice my confusion, Chancellor Damian preemptively hit me with a follow-up statement.

“You must be puzzled. I understand.”

“…Chancellor.”

“Therefore, I want to make a second request here. This time, I would like to request it from Sub-priest Sofia as well.”

I straightened up in my seat and focused on Chancellor Damian’s ongoing words.

“Professor Antorelli, and Sub-priest Sofia. I hope you will protect Caldera Imperial Academy, no matter what happens.”

What he said was so unexpected that—

“…Excuse me?”

“Eh?”

Once again, both Sub-priest Sofia and I could only respond with foolish sounds.