On My First Day Undercover, the Organization Collapsed - Chapter 153

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

The Organization Collapsed on My First Day of Infiltration Episode 153

Festa Ideas (3)

There are two reasons why Mortis is called an artist of the ages.

First.

Artistic results that leave no room for disagreement.

The collections he releases don’t sell well simply because Mortis is famous.

Each collection has a clear concept.

Quality that makes you understand, no matter how complex it may be.

In other words, items worthy of being called luxury goods.

But there’s an even bigger reason than this.

“To put it simply, the concept is ‘sword’ and ‘swordsmanship’. I’ll draw it like this. Karen?”

“Yes, Lord Mortis.”

Karen, who had been dragged along because Mortis suddenly said he’d use her as an assistant, obediently handed him the brush.

“This is how it goes. Let’s assume this entire area is the Sword School grounds. From here, the entrance, we’ll catch attention with swords of various concepts. We’ll install sculptures. And when you properly enter the Sword School grounds, we’ll install sculptures and paintings that embody ‘swordsmanship’ movements suitable for each event’s theme.”

Mortis explained cleanly and quickly using words anyone could understand while moving his brush without pause.

A work swiftly born from his graceful brushstrokes!

“Ooh…”

“My goodness, Lord Mortis’s skill is truly…!”

“It feels like looking at a perfect blueprint…”

A map representing the Sword School grounds.

The basic arrangement of various sculptures and decorations drawn on it, and the forms of sculptures visible despite being simply sketched!

‘That… if you sold that canvas as is, you could probably get millions of cel for it?’

Just 30 minutes.

That was the time it took for an art piece to be born on the canvas.

Swish, swish swish.

Mortis completed the canvas by inscribing his signature in the lower right corner.

It was both proof and symbol that this was his ‘work’.

The professors watching continued to express admiration upon admiration.

“So what Lord Mortis is saying is that the festa’s concept focuses on the ‘sword’ itself?”

“To be precise, the sword and the person holding that sword. There’s nothing better for revealing and expressing the Sword School.”

That’s right.

Berhal agreed enthusiastically.

“Hmm. Looking at the Sword School festa results so far… we only thought about events that could simply gather people. But if we establish a clear concept like this…”

“Exactly, Department Head. What’s important is presenting an overall sense of unity. This concept is what can provide that unity.”

“Then if Lord Mortis handles the overall design, we can prepare the events.”

“That’s right. Of course, if I review the events beforehand, I think I can match the tone including those events.”

Perfect.

Who would have thought the festa preparations would flow like this!

‘The Arcane School will probably be shocked.’

Mortis joining!

The existence of this unexpected massive reinforcement made Berhal’s shoulders lift with excitement.

The other professors’ reactions were even more enthusiastic, not lacking in the slightest.

“As expected of Lord Mortis… I’m moved!”

“Perfection itself!”

“Really wow…”

Even Isabella, who was always quiet when other professors made a fuss, clapped her hands.

There wasn’t a single person here who wasn’t a fan of Mortis.

Except for one.

“Teacher Ziel, what do you think?”

Among all those people, Mortis specifically pointed out Ziel.

He had secured the modeling promise, but it still wasn’t enough.

‘Not just this once, but going forward too!’

From the moment he recognized that crude bracelet, Ziel had become Mortis’s target.

To completely impress him and make him share in this art together!

It was too wasteful to let that beauty rot away here at the Sword School.

Of course, that’s exactly why it was all the more desirable!

In the midst of this, Ziel answered like this.

“Something more crude would be better. And… it would be even better if it were a bit more modest.”

At that moment, all the professors including Berhal were shocked.

How dare he say that to Lord Mortis?

“Crude? It’s already perfect as it is!”

“Teacher Ziel doesn’t understand art!”

Even Elcanto, who was Ziel’s ardent supporter, rebelled.

“You mustn’t criticize Lord Mortis’s art!”

Gilbert also joined in….

“Boss! How could you say that to Lord Mortis…!”

He tried to say but stopped.

“We, we can give opinions….”

But Mortis’s reaction was a bit strange.

“Hmm….”

Crudeness and simplicity.

‘Pursue naturalness, something like that… Ah!’

Eyes flashing with realization in his mind!

‘Right, I was too focused only on catching attention.’

Standing out is important too.

But thinking about it again, the designs he had drawn in advance seemed too flashy.

Excessive flashiness!

This was a design topic that Mortis had been wary of and pondering recently.

Main customers seek even more flashy things.

Big, sparkling, and brilliant.

Because that’s what catches the eye.

But is that right?

‘Have I been only catering to those people’s tastes all this time?’

Art flows according to what one pursues.

Simplicity and crudeness!

The two words Ziel had thrown out created ripples in Mortis’s mind.

“Lord Mortis? Don’t worry too much about what Teacher Ziel said….”

“Ah. Hmm. Please wait a moment. Miss Karen, I need a new canvas.”

“Pardon?”

“Quickly. Right now.”

“Y-yes.”

Karen’s hands trembled.

‘So this was what he meant by having something else to do….’

Karen, who was suddenly selected solely because she had worked at Mortis Boutique!

‘I want to contribute ideas too!’

The scholarship dangled before her eyes.

She would probably be Mortis’s assistant throughout this entire festa.

Since Mortis had personally designated her, it wasn’t a situation she could refuse.

What had he said again?

Since this event was what it was, he wanted to hear the assistant’s opinion from a student’s perspective?

“Here you go.”

“Hmm. The brush should be number 7. Prepare number 13 and number 5 as well.”

“Yes.”

Of course, even that was being watched enviously by the professors.

Gilbert in particular was trembling with his hands.

‘Please use me!’

The moment he first felt jealous of a student!

Meanwhile, Mortis became absorbed in his work again.

This time he didn’t even speak.

About 10 minutes.

Swish, swoosh.

There was no sound except for the brush gliding across the canvas and Mortis’s occasional requests.

And when the blueprint being drawn on the canvas was nearly complete.

“Oh… this is….”

“Something much more than before….”

The professors nodded as if they now understood why Mortis had redrawn it.

Certainly-

“Much more than before….”

“That’s right. Huh, I thought flashiness was everything.”

“This feeling is good too. It actually suits the Sword School’s image much better.”

A blueprint that reduced the flashiness and brought out the beauty of rustic simplicity!

As it came across with a much better feeling instead, the way they looked at Ziel also changed.

‘He didn’t raise objections for nothing.’

‘There was a reason Lord Mortis took it seriously!’

The flashiness was reduced, but the sophistication wasn’t lost.

“I increased the placement of swords but reduced the flashy sculptures. And the sword designs were also made to look like actual existing sword designs rather than unique ones, with differentiation planned through the degree of wear on the swords. Starting with gleaming new-looking swords at first, then moving inward to chipped and worn sword sculptures….”

An explanation that instantly convinced the entire audience!

After finishing his explanation, Mortis asked again.

“How is it?”

Directly to Ziel.

“Good.”

Ziel nodded calmly, and Mortis clenched his fist as if satisfied.

At that sight, the professors were left speechless.

‘What on earth is this? Is Teacher Ziel some kind of master or something?’

‘No, what in the world is this….’

“Of course, it would be perfect if it were a bit more rustic, but considering the entire Sword School, this is good too.”

“I think I was too complacent with the previous one.”

Eyes turned to the previous canvas that was carelessly placed in a corner.

That was complacent?

“This one is truly the art I genuinely pursue.”

Overflowing confidence!

“Good. Then… will you start working on the design right away?”

“I’ll begin immediately. Starting today. I’ll be using Miss Karen as my assistant for the time being.”

Especially Gilbert, who was looking envious!

“We have other personnel available too, so please let us know anytime if you need them, Lord Mortis.”

“Ah. Miss Karen will be sufficient for now. My disciples will handle the rest. They’re specialists, you see.”

Truly full-scale support.

Who could have ever imagined it?

Mortis and his disciples coming to design for the Academy Festival!

‘We’ve truly secured an incredible advisor.’

And the person who brought that Mortis was none other than Ziel.

“Instead, may I make one request of Teacher Ziel?”

Berhal readily nodded and looked toward Ziel.

‘A request?’

“I would like Teacher Ziel to serve as my advisor.”

“…!”

The audience was shocked!

“As you just saw, Teacher Ziel is someone who gives me inspiration for my work. It would be enough if you could drop by occasionally to give advice, so please don’t feel too burdened.”

“It’s impossible during class time. Meal times as well. But other times are possible.”

In the midst of all this, Ziel was actually telling Lord Mortis when he was and wasn’t available.

“Of course. We should work around Teacher Ziel’s schedule.”

And Mortis immediately accepting it.

“This is surreal…”

Merhen muttered without realizing it.

Idel and Elcanto nodded in agreement beside him.

“Really… what a strange sight.”

Isabella also joined in.

A liberal arts instructor at Sword School, no, an official teacher.

To think that someone who wasn’t even a professor or from some great family could make the Empire’s greatest artist come running.

‘Arcane School is going to be absolutely shocked.’

Berhal smiled contentedly.

Until now, the festa had been Arcane School’s domain.

Sword School couldn’t compete with Arcane School’s spectacular festa that showcased magic and magical tools.

But from this festa onward, that wouldn’t be the case.

“Hmm, and… would it be possible to receive some magical support?”

When the word ‘magic’ came from Mortis’s mouth, the professors flinched.

‘Magical support?’

“When you say magical support…”

“We don’t have that much time. If we add some magical elements, we could complete it faster and more perfectly…”

Naturally, Mortis wasn’t well-versed in the internal politics of this academy.

As they were pondering how to explain this situation.

“There’s someone who can help.”

Ziel answered.

The other professors were flustered.

‘Who? Another outsider this time?’

‘Right, if it’s an outsider, that would be fine.’

Just when everyone thought it would be an outsider.

“We can ask Professor Emeric Kent from Arcane School.”

Ziel once again cast silence over the meeting room.

* * *

Around the same time.

A festa-related meeting was also being held at Arcane School.

“This time too, well, wouldn’t it be fine to go with something similar to last year?”

“There doesn’t seem to be anything special to prepare. Can’t we just slightly modify what we did two years ago? The event will be ready in no time. The spectators go crazy just seeing magic, you know?”

At Titus’s words, the other professors who had been uncooperative recently also nodded.

“Let’s just go with what we’ve always done. We’ll be getting busy as the end of the semester approaches anyway.”

“That would be better.”

The atmosphere was quite different from the Sword School.

While solemnity wasn’t necessarily required, compared to the Sword School overflowing with determination, they seemed to be doing almost nothing.

Like watching a flowing river.

“Anyway, the festival has always been our Arcane School’s stage. The Arts School just rents one exhibition hall for something modest, and sets up a few food stalls there.”

“We don’t need to worry about the Sword School either. This year will be similar. What would those sword-wielders do? Probably some barbaric gladiator show. Did they do that two years ago?”

“It was the year before that. Back then, one student got seriously injured and it was a huge mess, wasn’t it?”

They seemed confident that if left alone, the fish would enter the trap on their own.

It was understandable.

The Arcane School’s festival drew spectators like clouds, so crowded that people had to get waiting tickets and wait before they could enter.

That was certainly the case until last year.

“Still, how about we try something new this year too?”

Professor Emeric cautiously offered his opinion.

Titus, who had been smiling happily as other professors agreed with his words for the first time in a while, furrowed his brow.

“Professor Emeric, so do you have some brilliant opinion?”

He had been humiliated once, but rank was still rank!

Titus asked confidently, backed by the support of the other professors.

Of course, Emeric didn’t back down easily either.

“Looking at the spectator surveys from last year and the year before, there are opinions that similar events are always repeated, even if not very many.”

“So what? Aren’t those just those people’s opinions?”

“Even so, if we plan and organize one or two new events, it could give a fresh feeling.”

“Ha, this is ridiculous. Professor Emeric, let’s just do what we’ve always done. Aren’t these all ‘proven’ events so far? If we lose spectators for no reason, will you take responsibility?”

“….”

“See? Let’s just do what we’ve always done. Professor Emeric’s voice has been getting a bit loud lately, but there’s such a thing as seniority, you know?”

Titus took this opportunity to land a blow.

Emeric actually gave up on responding.

‘There’s no answer.’

Not because maintaining the status quo was truly the best choice, but because it felt like he was doing it out of sheer laziness.

“I understand. My thinking was short-sighted.”

“See? If we really need to later, we’ll do it then, Professor Emeric?”

“Yes.”

Whatever happens, happens.

Yeah, well.

Why bother doing anything troublesome?

Just do what I’m told and that’ll be enough.

“Well then, let’s wrap up the meeting. How about we all have a meal together for old times’ sake?”

However, Titus’s authority didn’t last long.

“Ah, I have some work to take care of…”

“Oh.”

“I also need to go because of my research today.”

“I have an Academic Society meeting…”

Titus was rejected by all the professors.

“Ahem, cough. It can’t be helped then.”

Left alone in the conference room with only Emeric again, Titus recalled that embarrassing memory.

“…Ahem. I’ll go first.”

“Yes, please go ahead, Professor.”

After Titus left like that, Emeric also waited a moment before leaving the conference room.

“Sigh.”

Right.

Perhaps I was being too greedy on my own.

‘I should continue with my research too.’

It was just as he was about to take a step while sighing.

“You’re sighing quite loudly.”

Emeric was startled.

“T-T-Teacher Ziel? How did you come here again?”

“I just came.”

“D-didn’t they say anything at the entrance?”

“No one saw me.”

“Ah….”

This place is a building exclusively used by Arcane School.

Although entry is free, they wouldn’t just stand by and watch a Sword School teacher come in….

‘What kind of person is he?’

“I read in a book that sighing deeply means you have deep worries.”

“A book…?”

“Yes. A novel book.”

“Ah.”

Before the flow of conversation could become even stranger, Emeric asked.

“But what brings you here….”

“I have a favor to ask of Professor Emeric Kent.”

Ziel made his proposal without delay.

“Please help with the Sword School festa design.”

“What? S-Sword School festa?”

“Yes.”

Emeric almost immediately refused.

The magic doll setup matter at least had justification.

After all, Professor Titus had officially lent it.

But this has no justification….

‘No wait, there’s plenty of justification.’

5th Circle entry!

He had finally escaped from there.

Although almost no one knew yet, Emeric was now able to envision a better future as a mage!

And that was thanks to the enlightenment he gained from Ziel’s single remark.

‘An opportunity to repay him like this has come.’

Emeric didn’t deliberate for long before accepting.

“Understood, Teacher Ziel. I’ll help with everything I can do.”

A historic moment when another powerful ally, and a mage at that, joined the Sword School festa!

“What should I do?”

“Please help Lord Mortis with casting magic.”

“Understood. Lord Mortis… Huh? Who?”

“Mortis Allen. The person we call Lord Mortis.”

Emeric couldn’t help but burst into laughter at that historic moment.

“Come on, Teacher. What are you suddenly talking about?”

“What do you mean by what am I talking about?”

“I mean about Lord Mortis. He’s not exactly someone who would suddenly appear in our conversation, is he?”

Ziel tilted his head in confusion.

“He’s someone I know, and he’s in charge of the design for Sword School in this festa. He said magic was needed in the design process, which is why I came to find Professor Emeric Kent. Is there anything strange about that?”

“…”

Emeric considered the plausibility of the story he had just heard.

Someone Ziel knows is Mortis.

And that person is ‘designing’ the Sword School festa?

‘Does that make sense?’

That’s what he thought…

The problem was that his counterpart was Ziel.

Someone completely removed from plausibility.

Starting with his face.

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————