Traveler Starting from Type-Moon, Demon Lord Rimuru! Chapter 6

"Fine. Since you believe you can bring about change... then state it clearly."

Yuri Phis was Kayneth's mentor and, aside from the three great noble families, the only person who could stand on equal footing with them. He appeared as a figure with white hair hanging down and withered skin, much like a necromancer. Although he wore a multitude of rings and pendants inlaid with gemstones, he did not give off a vulgar impression in the slightest. However, there was a strong, gloomy aura about him; rather than ornaments for an old man, they felt more like burial goods for the dead.

"The twelfth agenda..." Yuri Phis's weary gaze finally turned toward Rimuru for the first time, and the latter met his eyes without a hint of fear.

"It concerns whether Lord Rimuru can be reinstated as a professor," Gaiusling spoke up. To diffuse the oppressive atmosphere, he took the initiative to explain: "The position and all arrangements will be handled by the Dean; we only need to provide our own opinions."

"To be precise, it is to decide whether to approve it," Bamesero Lorelei added sternly. "If there are too many objectors, this matter will be postponed further."

"It's just delaying the inevitable, isn't it?" Liddell said softly. "A lecturer of Color rank? It was only a matter of time before Rimuru became a professor anyway..."

"Color rank... Blue?"

A slightly frivolous voice suddenly chuckled, asking Rimuru: "May I ask, Lord Rimuru, is it Blue?"

Damn it... this guy...

Liddell was slightly taken aback, her pretty face darkening. She glared at this man—Meyastia, the Lord of the Archaeology Department, a middle-aged man with a handlebar mustache who never acted without seeing a profit, a petty man just like a crooked merchant!

One had to know that Rimuru had never acknowledged the title of the Blue Twins; he had always referred to himself as Black. This left Liddell feeling somewhat deflated—

The hiring of an ordinary professor would naturally not be this troublesome. In fact, a Lord had the authority to decide whether to hire a certain magus as a professor, but Rimuru was different. His title of professor was, to be precise, more like a ticket to enter the circle of the prestigious families.

Professor Rimuru and Professor El-Melloi were two completely different things!

Whether he could restore the glory of a prestigious family, his privileges, and the recognition of other noble houses were the most important factors.

Once this council motion for Rimuru passed, it meant that a prestigious family would be challenged by Rimuru in the future. Liddell had known someone would make trouble, but she hadn't expected it to happen so soon!

So early!

The twelve prestigious families would inevitably prioritize their collective interests. They fought among themselves, but they would unite against outsiders. From a certain perspective, the twelve families ensured the survival of the Clock Tower, while simultaneously using the Clock Tower to bind the twelve noble families together.

Therefore, whether Rimuru was willing to state his stance was a very important matter.

Titles were granted by the Mage's Association, and the Clock Tower was currently almost the only representative among the three major organizations of the Mage's Association—

So, if Rimuru denied it... perhaps it wouldn't be fatal, but it would be like openly telling an interviewer that you dislike the company's culture—a definite mark against him!

The Clock Tower might seem like the twelve Lords were all equal, but factions were factions, and the three major factions were divided into circles. Where there were circles, there would be leaders!

Facing Meyastia's question, Rimuru was clearly taken aback for a moment, but soon, he began to laugh.

He was different from his predecessor; he lacked that kind of arrogance and the refusal to accept the Blue rank.

In other words, even if such a matter truly touched upon his dignity, he would appropriately set it aside—although most of what he learned in his previous life was business and management, coincidentally, in business, bowing one's head appropriately was always done to eventually devour the other party completely.

He curled the corners of his lips and chuckled: "Ah, that's right, Lord Meyastia."

His voice was very light. Liddell turned back to look at him in surprise, but could only see the gold in his eyes, which had somehow become tinged with a profound depth.

"It is Blue, that's correct."

Perhaps using business knowledge to deal with Lords wasn't appropriate, but Rimuru didn't think... that he, a being possessing the various methods and mindsets of a later era, couldn't outplay this group of rigid magi.

Since you invited me to this game, then I've arrived. Let's see who the great shark is in the end... and then.

Winner takes all!

"Oh..." Meyastia was also choked by this unexpected answer, and could only twitch his little mustache and say: "Ahem, it seems Lord Rimuru has changed quite a bit recently, ha ha..."

"I have changed quite a bit," Rimuru shook his head and continued: "Is there anything else you would like to ask? Lord Meyastia!"

He deliberately emphasized the name Meyastia.

Aside from letting Meyastia know that he had remembered him, more importantly, he knew that the man belonged to the Neutralist faction and wasn't afraid of offending him. Because regardless, most of the Lords from the Neutralist and Democratic factions would not agree to his entry, as both he and the Achelotte family he was close to were nakedly part of the Aristocratic faction.

In such complex relationships, even Yuri Phis, who was at odds with Achelotte, was more likely to support him than the other party.

After all, the Aristocratic faction held six of the twelve seats, which in itself was equivalent to having veto power. If you added Rimuru to that...

Good heavens, the Faculty Council might as well be renamed the Aristocratic Council.

Watching Rimuru actually pressure a Lord, a flash of surprise crossed Yuri Phis's eyes, while Gaiusling revealed a hint of relief. Not bad, that kid of mine didn't screw me over this time.

On the side, Trambelio slightly opened his eyes, and like an old man who had just woken up, he suddenly said in a ghostly voice: "Speaking of which... Lord Rimuru is currently a third-rank lecturer for all basic subjects, right? If you become a professor, you would likely be a professor of all basic subjects as well, right?"

Upon hearing this, everyone cursed silently. What a shameless old man!

This was clearly a blatant hint: "As long as you agree to be a professor of all basic subjects, I will support you"!!!

The Lord of all basic subjects was none other than Trambelio himself?!!

This was... preparing to get the advantage of proximity?!!

Chapter 010, that familiar Magus Killer...

"Aren't professors and positions arranged by the Dean?"

Hearing this, Rimuru looked puzzled.

"Although it is proposed by the Dean, every magus usually has their own style and specific field of research."

Just as a doctor specializing in biology couldn't go into the field of physics.

"So even if the Dean designates it, it would mostly be based on your subjective thoughts and your performance over the years after he consults with you."

Liddell explained enthusiastically: "Moreover, judging by the Dean's style of conduct over the years, your subjective thoughts will actually account for the vast majority of the influence when the time comes."

In other words, the Director's style is to respect the personal opinions of every magus?

Rimuru nodded slightly to show he understood, then pondered for a moment...

I have to admit, being stared at by twelve big shots is... actually quite thrilling.

"That being said, this sort of thing ultimately depends on the Director's allocation when the time comes," Rimuru politely declined, while nodding apologetically toward Trantbellio. "However, having served as a lecturer in the field of Magic Infection for several years, it is one of the few areas where I have some experience. Therefore, if a change in position does occur, I hope Your Excellency Trantbellio will allow me to retain my lecturer status within Mistics."

Mistics is the name for the large lecture hall used for all foundational subjects.

This response did not surprise the other Lords. After all, this approach was similar to how Kayneth had initially maintained a good relationship with the Yufilis faction after breaking away to join the El-Melloi faction—by keeping his status as a first-class lecturer there.

While the expected answer didn't satisfy Trantbellio, it didn't cause much dissatisfaction either... After all, this was the standard answer and psychological bottom line he had predicted.

In reality, he felt it was nearly impossible to block Rimuru from becoming a professor.

Just as Liddell had said, Rimuru Tempest possessed the support of the Achelotte family, maintained good relationships with the Magician Aozaki Aoko and the Kuonji family—the only surviving pure-blooded witch lineage—and carried the prestige of a noble background. As long as he stepped out of the shadows, stopped being a recluse, and was willing to research magic while accumulating fame, he would eventually ascend to the rank of professor even if they all voted against him.

After all, a professor is not a Lord. Even if this professorship held special significance as a ticket to becoming a Lord, the theme of this meeting was not "Should Rimuru become a Lord," so there was little point in being too rigid.

It could be said that regardless of whether this motion passed, the moment Rimuru expressed his willingness to accept the Director's summons, he had already been nominated as a first-class lecturer, and the title of professor would fall upon him within a year at the latest.

So, why did the twelve Lords bring up this motion at all?

It was simple: to exchange interests and communicate attitudes.

Now that Rimuru's attitude clearly aligned with the Aristocratic faction while also explicitly expressing a desire to remain on good terms with Trantbellio, there was no need for him to hold the other party back.

After all... no matter how much Rimuru jumped around, he could never topple the absolute status of the Three Great Noble Families.

It was better to clearly show that he could go with the flow at this moment; I can support you, but you must remember the favor.

Regarding this, Barthomeloi Lorelei, as the Director's assistant—who effectively held the authority for final summaries and rulings—watched coldly from the sidelines and did not interfere with the conversations of the other Lords.

The arrogance in Barthomeloi's bones was one reason they disdained to intervene, and the fact that the Director's assistant must maintain absolute neutrality was another. Beyond the immense power the position granted her, it also resulted in the Barthomeloi family being generally isolated by other prestigious houses.

Fortunately, Lorelei didn't care about this. She tapped her pen tip lightly, causing the notes recording the meeting to stop automatically. After looking around at everyone with a cold gaze, she rubbed her forehead and said, "If I recall correctly, this is the seventh motion..."

"Let us end the discussion regarding Lord Rimuru here."

"Then how do we resolve the seventh motion?" Liddell's eyes lit up. "Does this count as agreeing to my proposal?"

"..." Barthomeloi looked at Liddell coldly and said emotionlessly, "After discussion, it has been decided that the Academic City of Sila will remain as it is, and Norjiri will continue to serve as the Department Head regarding investments..."

"Eh?!!"

"Lord Achelotte." The old woman who had been silent until now—the teacher of Aozaki Touko, Inorai, whose presence made even Rimuru feel a sense of dread—spoke up.

She said with her usual gentleness, "No matter how much the Modern Magic Department has declined, it still possesses its own basic dignity. Likewise, the person who takes it over must have the most basic obligations and responsibilities."

"Lord Rimuru's qualifications and resume are worthy of recognition, but he ultimately lacks the experience and demonstrated ability in managing an Academic City."

"As the Director's assistant, Lorelei needs to consider more than just your thoughts; she must be responsible for all the students in this department. Similarly, if Lord Rimuru becomes a professor, it means he must shoulder the obligations of a professor and the responsibility toward the students."

"Therefore, I suggest that the motion regarding the Modern Magic Academic City be shelved for now. Let us make a decision only after Lord Rimuru has been a professor for a full year."

Lorelei's words fell upon everyone's ears. Aside from Liddell's slight dissatisfaction, the neutral members also showed helpless expressions. Although the old woman's words directly rejected Liddell's proposal, they also indicated that she was optimistic about Rimuru becoming a professor.

With two of the Three Great Noble Families now expressing support—and both being representatives of the Democratic faction—unless the Aristocratic faction's Yuri Phis adamantly opposed it, Rimuru becoming a professor seemed like a done deal.

But fortunately... the few Lords at the bottom of the rankings looked at each other; it was only a professorship... not yet a Lordship...

After struggling for a moment, the few Lords slowly raised their hands and said dejectedly, "Seconded."

There was no other way; the two great families were the only point where the Democratic faction could contend with the Aristocratic faction so far, and they were the only ones calling the shots for the Democrats. Since the bosses had spoken, even if they felt aggrieved, they had to be the first to show support!

Thus, the situation became clear.

Lorelei glanced at the old woman with a look of slight dissatisfaction. Was she explaining things on her behalf?

Clearly not. She was simply using this opportunity as an entry point to state her position and finalize the result.

Moreover, she had no reason to refute it.

After a moment of silence, Barthomeloi Lorelei tapped her pen tip. Once the contents of the seventh and twelfth motions appeared simultaneously, she finally looked at Rimuru and asked, "Do you have any opinions regarding the handling and proposals for Sila?"

"None." Rimuru shook his head quickly. He really had no thoughts about Sila at all. Even if he could get it, he would only be thinking about how to sell it to Waver in the future, or perhaps use it as a favor?

You could ask him to manage a company, but managing a city... forget it!

In Rimuru's view, this was simply not in his system!!

"Then... regarding the twelfth motion..." Barthomeloi Lorelei scanned the crowd again and asked, "Does anyone else have any opinions?"

Although she asked everyone, her gaze was clearly fixed on only one person: the gloomy, white-haired old man sitting beside her, Yuri Phis.

The Aristocratic faction should logically be led by Barthomeloi, but because Barthomeloi was isolated due to her role as the Director's assistant, the primary spokesperson for the entire Aristocratic faction had become Lord Yuri Phis, the only one capable of contending with the Three Great Noble Families.

Although Gaiusling and Achelotte had already leaned toward Rimuru, if Yuri Phis firmly opposed it, she would still need to consider it carefully.

"I think... I have no reason... to oppose." Yuri Phis stared at Rimuru for a moment and shook his head slightly.

He simply had a disagreement in philosophy with the Achelotte family, not some deep-seated hatred. The expansion of the Aristocratic group held only benefits and no drawbacks for him.

This situation left Barthomeloi feeling somewhat helpless. She looked down at the event log as the final result appeared automatically, feeling a bit emotional. She estimated that even Liddell and the Director hadn't expected—

That Rimuru would pass with a unanimous vote.

Well, one couldn't exactly call it unanimous; at least Meyastia had raised an objection. Hmm, though that guy eventually chose to second the motion... tsk, a fence-sitter.

Well, that is the old tradition of the neutral faction, after all.

Very good. Seeing the excitement and joy on Liddell's face, Rimuru couldn't help but wear a faint smile himself.

In this way, once the semester starts, he will be a professor. That can be considered... not embarrassing the name of a transmigrator, right?

"Then, let us move on to the eighth agenda item."

Barthomeloi Lorelei tapped lightly, turning the page of the case file, but she suddenly frowned.

Why is it... Rimuru's matter again?

"Oh?" Trantbellio, sitting to the side, clearly noticed this as well. He looked at the magical text appearing in the center of the conference table and let out a soft chuckle.

"So this is the reason why Lord Rimuru is here today, then?"

"Tsk." Kayneth tilted his head slightly and let out a clicking sound of annoyance.

Liddell, on the other hand, directly exuded a killing intent that felt almost tangible, and in an instant, the atmosphere of the entire meeting became tense.

"Regarding the agenda of a Clock Tower lecturer being assassinated within a Lord's protected territory." Barthomeloi quietly closed the case file.

"This 'within a Lord's protected territory'..." Liddell narrowed her eyes, sweeping her gaze across all the Lords in a highly dangerous tone before finally fixing it on Yuri Phis. "That is a truly subtle choice of words."

"..." The wrinkles on Yuri Phis's face, which resembled that of a dried corpse, twisted together like withered vines. After glancing at Liddell, he said in a deep voice, "I would not stoop to such low-handed tactics to deal with a mere lecturer, Miss Achelotte."

"Besides, if I truly cared about this, I would not have agreed just a moment ago."

"Perhaps you only agreed out of a guilty conscience to cover it up?" Liddell narrowed her eyes, smiling sweetly.

"Achelotte!" Lord Gaiusling tapped the table to stop Liddell's outburst. Liddell was slightly taken aback, let out a somewhat unwilling huff, and sat back down in her seat.

Lord Gaiusling was her uncle in terms of seniority, so she still had to give him some face...

"Indeed, Liddell."

At this moment, Rimuru couldn't help but find it amusing. He placed his hands on Liddell's shoulders to knead them, smoothing her ruffled feathers as he did so. "At the very least, the mage who assassinated me used a modern weapon. Clearly, that was a magus."