Professor's Return

Adolf disappeared before his eyes, and the nails of Hui Dun's clenched fist, hidden beneath the table, dug deeply into his palm.

He knew Adolf had always disagreed with his relationship with Melinda. It was only because of his status as Count that Adolf had maintained a facade of indifference.

However, he hadn't expected that Adolf, who always stayed secluded in the academy and never concerned himself with external affairs, would suddenly change his attitude at this moment, shifting from indifference to forceful intervention.

"Tru."

Soon, the door opened again, and an old man in a servant's uniform entered.

"Go summon Tofis. I need him to prepare a welcome banquet for Professor Pempes' return."

"Yes, my Lord Count."

After Tru left, Hui Dun looked out the window, a meaningful smile appearing on his face.

He always remembered his teacher's dying words: he needed to unite all available forces now, and Adolf's visit was an unspoken exchange.

At the same time, this Dean had likely witnessed his rash behavior clearly. The fact that he could offer terms of exchange now might stem from his guilt towards his teacher.

Adolf was telling him that he, Adolf, along with Professor Pempes, two Platinum Rank powerhouses, could become his backing, including the entire Huidun Academy.

But the sole condition was to abandon his engagement with Melinda, and this was only after he became King.

Because only when he became King would he have the power to annul his engagement with Melinda, as the engagement was an agreement between the current King and a Prince.

However, Hui Dun harbored no resentment for Adolf's disregard, as he knew it was all his fault. His teacher had also sensed something amiss long ago and had warned him.

But he had stubbornly gone his own way in the end, leading to the current tragedy.

For him, the true murderers of his teacher were not only Vine Dragon Withered Wood but also Jamir in the church.

The academy's celebration for Professor Pempes' return had been prepared for a long time. Chen Cheng, a special student with a legendary background, was naturally among those welcoming Professor Pempes back.

Chen Cheng looked at his spotless school uniform. He held great expectations for Professor Pempes' return this time.

Some of the professor's magical theory research had a deep connection with his recent studies on "reducing magic," and perhaps this time he could have a good academic discussion with this world's academic professor.

Moreover, he would rely on this professor's help for his current injuries.

In short, Chen Cheng was waiting at the academy gate with an excited heart for the professor.

During these past few days, the previous clamor for Fini to grant Chen Cheng freedom had also subsided, as this girl had actually attacked those ill-intentioned individuals as Chen Cheng had suggested.

It was unclear if some nobles were secretly involved, but there had been no news of Chen Cheng's release in recent days.

Meanwhile, outside Hui Dun City, Earl Huidun had already arrived at the city gates with an honor guard early this morning to await the professor.

Perhaps this would be an opportunity to forge a friendship with the professor, which would be of great help to his future endeavors.

Soon, the guards on the city walls spotted a bright red flag appearing on the distant avenue, followed by a fully armed knight squad surrounding a carriage heading towards Hui Dun City.

Upon seeing this, the guards on the city walls shouted loudly:

"The professor's escort has arrived."

Hui Dun, below, heard this and adjusted his attire. Seeing that it was still neat, he waited with a smile for the professor's arrival.

The carriage moved quickly, and soon Hui Dun and the others saw the escort team sent by the Royal Academy to escort the professor.

As the escort team approached the city gate, Hui Dun stepped forward with a smile to greet them.

"Welcome back to Hui Dun City, Professor Pempes."

However, just as he was about to approach the carriage, the knights guarding the carriage drew their weapons and blocked Hui Dun.

Through their iron masks that covered their faces, their cold, gleaming eyes could be seen. Although Hui Dun felt he had lost face, his temperament prevented him from becoming enraged.

He knew these people were under orders, and no one could approach the professor's carriage until the professor had been safely escorted.

The carriage curtain was lifted, and a plump, bald old man poked his head out from inside the carriage.

Seeing Hui Dun blocked outside, he revealed an apologetic smile.

"Please forgive me, Lord Count. These knights are acting under the orders of that old man Riddon from the Royal Academy. While I appear to be protected, I am actually being monitored."

Saying this, the old man alighted from the carriage, holding a briefcase in his hand.

Upon hearing that the order came directly from Dean Riddon, Hui Dun lost all his temper.

Dean Riddon was an Epic Rank powerhouse and the head of the Cormo branch of the Continental Scholarly Alliance, his status in the kingdom being transcendent.

He approached Hui Dun and gave him a very formal bow before turning to the knights and saying:

"I have returned. You may leave. And tell that old man Riddon that I will settle the score next time I see him."

Professor Pempes' words had a distinctly common touch.

"Professor, please go ahead. I have prepared a welcome banquet for you."

Professor Pempes was taken aback for a moment, then burst into hearty laughter.

"Really? I didn't expect a banquet for an unwelcome old fatty like me. Hahaha, that's great, truly great."

His words made it difficult for Hui Dun to respond, and he could only chuckle along.

Surrounded by the crowd, the professor was led into the city.

After a bit more small talk, Professor Pempes slapped his forehead and said:

"Earl, I forgot one thing. That old guy Adolf said the academy's students and instructors have also spontaneously prepared a welcome party for me.

That old fellow doesn't bow his head to me very often. You can keep this banquet for me for now. I'll come back after I've had a good time mocking that old guy. What do you say?"

Hearing this, Hui Dun almost had his face fall. However, considering the professor's past behavior, he knew this was just his personality.

He just didn't know if the professor had done it intentionally.

After repeatedly apologizing, the professor took his luggage and headed towards the academy.

Some of the nobles following behind Hui Dun sneered disdainfully. In their eyes, no matter how high Professor Pempes's magical attainments were, he was still just a country bumpkin.

Others were simply watching Earl Hui Dun for a laugh.

When they heard today that the Earl was going to welcome that country bumpkin Pempes, most of these nobles came with the intention of watching the show. Now that they saw Hui Dun being slighted, they wanted to see how he would handle it next.

However, the Earl's disposition was not something ordinary people could compare to. He had grown up enduring all sorts of discrimination and insults, and he had already considered this situation today.

He paused only slightly, and then Hui Dun, acting as if nothing had happened, led everyone towards the banquet.

"Everyone, today is a joyous occasion for Professor Pempes's return. This banquet is to celebrate Professor Pempes's return, and at the same time, the agricultural tax due this quarter will be waived."

Meanwhile, at the entrance of Huidun Academy, many instructors and students had been waiting for a long time. When they saw the plump old man with the suitcase approaching, the instructors immediately swarmed around him.

Seeing such a grand reception, Professor Pempes couldn't help but laugh heartily. He knew that such a display meant that old guy Adolf had conceded to him, which made him very happy.

After exchanging pleasantries with many instructors, he looked at Melinda and said:

"Melinda, you're still as beautiful as ever. Grandpa Pempes has heard that there's a legendary genius in your class recently."

Melinda didn't expect Professor Pempes to mention Brown right away. She immediately pulled Chen Cheng, who was behind her, and pushed him towards Professor Pempes, saying:

"Grandpa Pempes, this is that young fellow."

Chen Cheng held great respect for scholars like this and immediately bowed to greet Professor Pempes.

At first glance, Professor Pempes noticed the slave collar around Chen Cheng's neck. However, he didn't show anything and directly grabbed one of Chen Cheng's hands to examine him.

When Melinda saw the relaxed smile on Professor Pempes's face, the worry she had been holding eased.

Afterward, Professor Pempes met with several student representatives, and he praised Fini the most among them.

After all, Chen Cheng's background was somewhat complicated, and Fini was the most monstrous genius after Chen Cheng in this place.

As Professor Pempes chatted with Fini, he also shared a lot about magical cultivation with her.