The Villain Professor's Second Chance

Chapter 167: The Queen's Mentor

I didn't flinch. My expression remained as cold and impassive as ever, a mask I had perfected over the years. It wasn't the first time I'd heard that name, nor was it the first time someone had tried to connect the dots. The Queen, in her sharp and unpredictable way, was fishing for something—something she had hinted at before.

I recalled the conversation we had shared after our return from the elven world, where she had alluded to having an idea about who I really was. It seemed she had finally decided to confront that suspicion directly.

There was no harm in the Queen knowing the truth, but that didn't mean I had to confirm it. Nor did I have any intention of denying it outright. Some things were better left shrouded in ambiguity, and I had no desire to give away more than was necessary.

"I do," I replied calmly, my voice as steady as ever. I watched as her eyes lit up with excitement, a spark of triumph flashing in their depths. But before she could press further, I continued, my tone as measured as always. "Dravis Granger is a peculiar adventurer registered in my earldom, Aurelion. He has accomplished numerous difficult quests and risen through the ranks quite rapidly.

He even played a significant role in dealing with the Goblin King in the northern Icevern territory. It's not surprising that his name has reached Your Majesty's ears."

The excitement in the Queen's eyes dried up as quickly as it had appeared, her expression shifting to one of irritation. She snorted, clearly displeased with my answer. "Are you sure you don't know him?" she pressed, her voice laced with frustration. "I've heard that he always wears his hood and hides his face. Perhaps he's afraid that his real identity might be discovered."

Her words hung in the air, a challenge veiled in curiosity. I met her gaze without flinching, my own expression unchanged. "Perhaps he's just a convict trying to live a new life," I replied blandly. "As long as he contributes to the kingdom, I see no harm in it."

For a moment, silence filled the throne room, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. Aurelia's eyes narrowed, her fingers drumming impatiently on the armrest of her throne as she stared at me, searching for any hint of deceit. But I had given her nothing—no flicker of emotion, no tell that might betray my thoughts. Just the same cold, unyielding facade that I always wore.

Disappointment flashed through the Queen's eyes as she slumped back in her chair, the energy that had animated her just moments ago dissipating like smoke. For a moment, I thought she might let the matter drop entirely, but then a new gleam sparked in her eyes, as though she had remembered something.

"Tell me," she said suddenly, her voice sharp as she leaned forward, her gaze boring into me with renewed intensity. "I've heard from my brother that your class is quite… interesting. Very famous, in fact."

I allowed a small, calculated pause before answering, letting her words hang in the air. "It might be famous in a rather unfortunate way, Your Majesty," I replied, my tone carefully measured. I knew exactly what she was getting at, but I had no intention of playing into her game without careful consideration.

Aurelia rolled her eyes, her irritation clear as she snapped, "Stop with your disgustingly humble attitude and just answer the question."

"Yes, Your Majesty," I replied smoothly, inclining my head slightly in acknowledgment. There was no point in arguing—she wanted a direct answer, and I had no reason to withhold it.

For a moment, she seemed to consider my words, her gaze drifting past me as she lost herself in thought. Then, without warning, she turned to the Prime Minister, who had been standing silently by her side throughout the exchange.

"Elric," she said, her voice sharp and commanding. "Didn't you say I don't have a magic mentor yet?"

The Prime Minister blinked, clearly caught off guard by the sudden change in topic. He opened his mouth to respond, hesitated, then finally nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty," he said cautiously, his brow furrowing as he tried to keep up with the Queen's rapidly shifting mood.

Aurelia turned back to me, a sly smile playing on her lips. There was a gleam in her eyes now, one that I recognized all too well—a spark of mischief, of determination. She had made up her mind about something, and whatever it was, I knew it would be troublesome.

"You," she announced loudly, her voice ringing out across the throne room. "Draven Arcanum von Drakhan. Starting today, you are the royal magic mentor of me, Aurelia Thalassia Arctaris Regaria."

The words hung in the air, reverberating through the vast hall like the tolling of a bell. The court, already shocked by the Queen's earlier inquiries, now seemed to hold its collective breath, stunned into silence by the unexpected declaration. Even Elric, who had served the Queen for decades, looked momentarily at a loss for words.

I, however, did not react. My expression remained as cold and impassive as ever, my mind quickly processing the implications of the Queen's announcement. Being named the royal magic mentor was no small responsibility—it would place me in close proximity to the Queen, giving me unprecedented access to the inner workings of the court. But it would also mean greater scrutiny, greater risk.

My every move would be watched, analyzed, and judged.

For a brief moment, I considered refusing the position. It would have been within my rights to do so, and I had no doubt that the Queen would have found someone else to fill the role if pressed. But then I dismissed the thought just as quickly as it had come. Refusing would be seen as a slight, a challenge to the Queen's authority, and that was something I could not afford—not with so much at stake.

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"Your Majesty," I said, my voice calm and even as I inclined my head once more. "It would be an honor to serve as your magic mentor."

Aurelia's smile widened, satisfaction gleaming in her eyes as she nodded in approval. "Good," she said, her tone still carrying that sharp edge. "I expect nothing less than excellence from you, Draven. After all, you're not just serving the crown—you're serving me personally."

I met her gaze without flinching, my own expression as unreadable as ever. "Of course, Your Majesty."

Elric, who had finally regained his composure, cleared his throat softly, drawing the Queen's attention. "Your Majesty," he began cautiously, "if I may, this is a rather… sudden decision. Perhaps it would be wise to consider—"

"Consider what?" Aurelia cut him off, her tone impatient. "I've already made up my mind, Elric. Draven is the best choice, and you know it."

The Prime Minister hesitated, clearly reluctant to challenge the Queen further. He knew, as well as anyone, that once Aurelia had made a decision, there was little point in arguing. Still, he tried one last time to appeal to her reason.

"Your Majesty," he said carefully, "the position of royal magic mentor is a significant one. It requires not only skill but also trust. Perhaps it would be prudent to—"

"To what?" Aurelia interrupted again, her voice sharp. "To wait? To hesitate? We don't have time for that, Elric. Draven has proven his loyalty time and time again. He's the only one I trust with this."

Elric fell silent, clearly realizing that any further argument would be futile. He bowed his head slightly, his expression resigned. "As you wish, Your Majesty."

The Queen turned back to me, her gaze still sharp and unyielding. "I expect you to start immediately, Draven," she said, her tone leaving no room for argument. "We have much to discuss, and I have much to learn."

"Of course, Your Majesty," I replied smoothly, my voice as calm as ever. "I am at your service."

Aurelia's smile returned, though this time it was tinged with a hint of satisfaction. She had won, and she knew it. "Good," she said, her tone softening just slightly. "We'll begin tomorrow."

With that, she turned on her heel and began to walk away, her long gown trailing behind her as she made her way toward the exit of the throne room. Elric, still looking somewhat perplexed, followed closely behind her, his expression a mixture of resignation and concern.

I remained where I was, watching as the Queen and her entourage disappeared through the grand double doors. The throne room, once filled with the tension of our exchange, was now empty and silent, the echoes of the Queen's declaration still lingering in the air.

Becoming the royal magic mentor was not a role I had anticipated, but it was one I would embrace nonetheless. The Queen, in her impulsive and unpredictable way, had granted me a position of power and influence, one that could be used to further my own goals—whatever they might be.

But it was also a position fraught with danger, with potential pitfalls that could easily ensnare even someone as careful as myself.

As I turned to leave the throne room, I allowed myself a small, private smile. The game had just become much more interesting, and I was more than ready to play.

Why is it that interesting?

Because a quest finally popped up again.

And if I finish this beautifully, I could use the store currency to buy the skills I've been aiming for.

[Quest: The Queen's Mentor

Objective: Make the queen satisfied with her first class

Rewards: +1 Store Currency +500 mana]