The Teacher of Budding Villains Suffers Today, Too - Chapter 117

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

Chapter 117
It was a romantic evening. Lucas and Rachel wandered through the Night Market hand in hand, like any ordinary couple in love.
‘If only every day could be like this.’
Rachel let herself imagine a pleasant future for a moment—what a gift it would be to live this way, without troubles or worries of any kind.
“Rachel, I didn’t bring you here for just one reason.”
“Not just one…?”
Rachel tilted her head, uncertain what he meant. The man reflected in her eyes wore a tender expression.
“If we’re going to establish schools throughout the empire, we’ll need qualified teachers, won’t we?”
It was entirely unexpected. The matter of school teachers was something Rachel herself had been pondering, so she nodded eagerly.
“There’s someone I’d like you to meet.”
“Someone who would be good for me to meet?”
Rachel’s eyes widened at Lucas’s words.
“This way.”
Lucas led Rachel into a worn building. She followed, gripping his hand firmly as they stepped inside.
“Your Highness!”
The moment they entered, an elderly man called out to him, smiling broadly despite several missing teeth.
“Allow me to introduce the Crown Princess—Rachel Swan.”
“I’ve heard much about her.”
“The two of you have much to discuss, I’m sure.”
“Oh yes, quite a lot indeed.”
The old man bowed to Rachel, and she returned the gesture.
“My name is Sam. I’ve been teaching the children.”
“Teaching the children?”
At this unexpected revelation, Rachel’s eyes widened. Sam nodded in response.
“Yes. I’ve been teaching common children for more than a decade.”
Sam began to tell his story. Like Colo of the Swan House, he had once been a butler in a noble household. But when the family fell into ruin, he found himself cast onto the streets.
His only advantage over others was that he could read and write. So he began earning money by teaching, and in time, he accumulated considerable wealth.
But what was the purpose of all that money? Sam always felt an emptiness in his heart. Unable to find the reason, he threw himself into earning more.
Then one day, he took in a child who had lost both parents. Sam raised the boy with devoted care, teaching him to read and write as naturally as breathing.
The boy had a gift for friendship. He constantly brought his companions home, and soon Sam was teaching them as well.
That must have been when Sam’s hollow heart began to fill.
Sam gathered the children and taught them their letters. Those children grew and taught others in turn, spreading knowledge like branches on a tree.
Yet they were not without limitations. The lack of sufficient books and systematic teaching methods meant they faced constant hardship.
When Lucas learned of this, he approached Sam and proposed they work together.
“How wonderful.”
Overjoyed to find someone who shared her vision, Rachel beamed, her gaze shifting between Lucas and Sam.
“If you establish schools throughout the empire, my students will be able to teach the children there.”
The teacher shortage that had threatened to become a serious obstacle was, in large measure, resolved. Rachel bowed deeply to Sam once more.
“Thank you so much. I’m grateful for your help.”
“The help flows both ways, I assure you.”
Sam chuckled warmly.
“There is nothing more vital to the empire’s future than the education of its children.”
Strengthened by Sam’s words, Rachel felt as though she could overcome any hardship that lay ahead.
* * *
Morning arrived. Rachel, too excited to sleep properly, found her exhilaration gradually fade as she sat down to breakfast.
‘Today is the day I seek the Sun God’s Recognition.’
She had no way of knowing whether she was worthy, but she would have to stand before the Sun God regardless. Rachel’s expression grew increasingly tense.
“Teacher!”
It was Theo and Noah. They, too, must have heard about the Sun God’s Recognition. So Rachel forced her expression to brighten.
“Are you going to the Sun God’s Temple today?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“The Sun God will surely recognize you, teacher.”
Theo spoke with absolute confidence. Rachel smiled as she looked at Theo and Noah.
“Teacher, this is… a gift for you.”
“We made it ourselves.”
“You made a gift for me?”
Rachel’s eyes widened—she had never expected such a thing.
“It’s only for you, teacher.”
Theo, who had been standing with his hands behind his back, brought them forward. In his palm lay a Paper Carnation.
“Noah and I made it together. In the empire, Carnations mean good fortune.”
Unlike the original world where carnations signified gratitude, in the Empire they seemed to mean good fortune. Whatever their meaning, Rachel was genuinely grateful.
“Thank you, both of you.”
Rachel smiled brightly as she thanked Theo and Noah.
“Please receive the Sun God’s Recognition!”
“Teacher, you can do it!”
The two children wished her luck several times over before heading back to the Imperial Prince’s Palace.
Watching them disappear with playful steps, Rachel steeled her resolve. She would earn the Sun God’s Recognition, no matter what it took.
* * *
The plaza before the Sun God’s Temple was teeming with people. Nobles and commoners alike had gathered, creating a sea of humanity.
‘…What do I do.’
If she failed to receive the Sun God’s Recognition before all these people, it would be utterly humiliating. The thought made Rachel’s expression grow increasingly tense.
“Rachel.”
Lucas called out to her, but she was so lost in thought she didn’t even hear him.
“Rachel.”
“Yes…! Lucas.”
Rachel responded a beat too late, offering an awkward smile. Lucas then reached up and caressed her cheek. He showed no signs of nervousness, his face as composed as ever.
“You don’t need to be so anxious.”
“…….”
How could she not be anxious?
Unable to voice this, Rachel bit her lip.
“Even if you’re nervous, you don’t have to be.”
Lucas then lifted his hand and gently smoothed her lower lip with his thumb.
“…….”
His hand, hardened and callused from years of swordsmanship training, was rough to the touch. Yet in this moment, it felt nothing but tender.
‘It’ll be alright.’
Rachel gazed at Lucas. He wore the Sun God’s Sword at his side. If he received the Sun God’s Recognition, the blade would glow golden.
‘Please, let it shine.’
Rachel stood beside Lucas, silently praying for the sword to glow. Soon after, the Priest emerged.
“Are you prepared?”
Lucas nodded lightly at the Priest’s question. Rachel did the same.
“Then we shall begin the ceremony. Please follow me.”
The Priest turned and walked slowly out of the temple. Lucas and Rachel followed behind him.
“…My goodness.”
Even more people had gathered than before. Rachel’s face went pale. But Lucas, unfazed, squeezed her hand firmly.
“Don’t worry.”
“…Yes.”
After reassuring Rachel, Lucas stepped before the platform.
“O Sun God who protects Tirnes.”
The Priest began chanting an incantation. What started as a whisper gradually grew louder until all could hear it.
‘How is this possible without any amplification?’
Taken aback, Rachel turned her gaze to the platform. The empty stage began to glow softly.
Soon the light filling the entire platform transformed into the shape of a pillar. A white column of light blazed brilliantly for all to see.
“Now, enter.”
The Priest spoke to Lucas and Rachel.
“Rachel.”
“Yes, Lucas.”
Lucas and Rachel clasped hands. Without a moment’s hesitation, they stepped into the column of light.

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