The Teacher of Budding Villains Suffers Today, Too - Chapter 72

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Episode 72
“How very unexpected.”
The Empress chose her words with utmost care, weighing each one. She too had been raised in the highest circles, and she believed that life itself should differ according to one’s station.
For her, the fact that the Empire’s Magic Tower was being opened to a mere baron’s daughter was something of a shock. The Tower Master leading the way was an even greater one.
“It seems the Tower Master’s resolve has softened somewhat.”
She did not wish to acknowledge Rachel Swan’s ability. More precisely, she found it unbearable that a baron’s daughter possessed a power her own son had never attained.
Part of her was wounded in pride. Her own illustrious House had failed to produce a single mage, yet how was it that Rachel Swan possessed such power?
“Observing Rachel Swan has given me much to reflect upon.”
Lucas continued speaking without hesitation, even as he detected the first crack in the Empress’s composure.
“How many have lived their entire lives trapped by their rank, confined even more broadly by their station, never discovering their true abilities?”
“I wonder what exactly you are trying to say.”
The Empress expressed her displeasure.
“Have I offended you?”
The Empress said nothing.
“Then what has displeased you?”
“It sounds as though the Crown Prince is saying that station is of little importance. I care not, but I fear that foolish people may misunderstand your passing remarks and spread them about.”
“You regard it as merely a passing remark?”
“Crown Prince.”
Steel entered the Empress’s voice.
“The future Emperor cannot entertain thoughts that shake the very foundations of the Empire.”
“The foundations of the Empire.”
Lucas gently swept his thumb across the rim of his teacup.
“I love this nation above all else. I desire her strength and prosperity more deeply than anyone. For that to come to pass, we must indeed change. True innovation is necessary.”
“And this innovation is to grant power to a baron’s daughter, no less a commoner?”
“It is to give each person a position worthy of their abilities.”
“Do you truly intend to place Rachel Swan in the Magic Tower?”
“Yes. That is my intention.”
“And after that?”
The Empress made no attempt to conceal her displeasure. She narrowed her eyes sharply, fixing Lucas with a withering gaze.
“Next you’ll be raising commoners to the throne!”
“The future is unknowable to us all.”
“Crown Prince!”
Unable to contain herself, the Empress’s voice rose.
“I will say nothing against placing Rachel Swan in the Magic Tower. But that is where it ends. Do not attempt anything further. Anything more would shake the very roots of the Empire.”
The Empress pressed her fingers to her temples. She released a sigh so heavy it seemed to shake the earth itself, then rose from her seat.
“I shall take my leave.”
Without waiting for a response, the Empress turned away. Lucas made no move to stop her, instead taking a measured sip of his tea.
“I hear His Imperial Majesty will return to the palace soon. I intend to demonstrate Rachel Swan’s Mana Activation to all during the welcoming banquet.”
“Do you speak in earnest?”
“When have I ever spoken otherwise?”
Lucas smiled softly, but there was an ineffable power in that smile—a force that admitted no resistance.
“You will come to regret this.”
The Empress issued her warning. You will regret this, she said without words.
* * *
“Teacher, after you spend time with us, what will you do?”
Theo asked with gleaming eyes.
“Are you going to the Magic Tower?”
Noah’s eyes too were bright with curiosity.
‘The truth is complicated enough without a full explanation.’
She was indeed going to the Magic Tower. But since she would not be entering by the usual means, the standard phrase “going to the Magic Tower” felt somewhat imprecise.
Conditional Acceptance.
That was Rachel’s current position.
Lucas and the Empress had engaged in a fierce debate over Rachel’s admission to the Magic Tower. Silent rumors had circulated and eventually reached Rachel’s ears.
Lucas stood in support; the Empress stood opposed. Between them, neither had yielded an inch.
The Tower Master’s situation was similar. He had debated with numerous mages of the Magic Tower. The Tower Master wished to accept Rachel; the mages opposed him. They too had argued at length before finding a compromise somewhere in the middle.
They would observe for one week before deciding anything. It was tantamount to testing Rachel for seven days.
To be honest, Rachel was not pleased with this arrangement. More precisely, she felt something close to displeasure.
Yet Rachel showed nothing of it. She could not let the efforts of Lucas and the Tower Master come to nothing.
“Wow, why would the Magic Tower do that? They usually only accept nobility with high ranks.”
Theo spoke his thoughts aloud without tact—words that should never have been said in front of Rachel, a mere baron’s daughter. Catching the tactless remark, Noah gave Theo’s foot a subtle kick.
“Ugh, why!”
Theo, still utterly oblivious, raised his voice. But Noah let out an exasperated laugh.
“Think before you speak.”
“Is that what you tell your elders? Maybe you should take your own advice.”
The atmosphere between them soured in an instant. It looked like they’d start fighting any second. Rachel forced a smile and quickly stepped between them.
“Don’t fight, all right?”
“He started it!”
“You’re the one talking nonsense!”
“Weren’t you both curious about what goes on inside the Magic Tower?”
In moments like this, redirecting the conversation was key. Rachel quickly dangled something they’d find irresistible.
“Yes, we are.”
“Completely.”
“If you two don’t fight until tomorrow morning, I’ll tell you everything about what happens inside the Magic Tower.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
Theo and Noah exchanged glances, then raised their hands for a high five.
‘That should do it.’
Rachel chuckled softly and stood up.
“I’ll be heading out now.”
“Yes!”
“Have a safe trip!”
Children who would normally have slumped over their desks instead smiled brightly and waved her off.
‘They really are curious, aren’t they.’
Rachel, receiving what she could only describe as the royal treatment, waved back at them.
‘If I get thrown out after one day, I won’t have much to say for myself.’
Even if the Magic Tower did accept her, the thought was unsettling.
‘Expelled or not, I’ll do my best while I’m there.’
It was the only way to spare Lucas unnecessary trouble. Carrying that weight of responsibility, Rachel made her way toward the Magic Tower.
Her second visit to the Magic Tower felt entirely different from the first. That initial visit had been little more than sightseeing. Now, as an apprentice with grave responsibilities, the difference in weight was palpable—each step grew heavier than the last.
“You look uncertain about something.”
“Oh? Lucas.”
Rachel, who had been watching her feet as she walked, looked up sharply to find Lucas approaching. Surprise widened her eyes as she met his gaze. He smiled warmly, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear.
“What brings you here?”
“To offer encouragement. It may not be much.”
“It’s not nothing at all. It gives me real strength. I promise I’ll do my very best to live up to your expectations.”
“Just do as you normally would. That’s more than enough.”
Lucas smiled again, but Rachel’s academic fire had already been burning hot for some time. She wanted to repay his kindness however she could. And that “however” narrowed down to one thing.
‘I need to earn the Magic Tower’s recognition.’
It was the only thing she could do right now. She wanted to prove herself worthy at the Magic Tower, to show that Lucas’s judgment was sound.
“I hope I haven’t burdened you unfairly.”
“Not at all. If anything, it’s given me strength.”
Rachel spoke with genuine feeling. Lucas squeezed her hand gently.
“If anything troubles you, tell me at once. I send you to the Magic Tower partly out of my own ambition, but I know well enough that it’s no easy place.”
“I’ll show you I’m not someone to be trifled with either.”
To the world, she was an unsophisticated baron’s daughter. In truth, she was nothing of the sort. The extent of Rachel’s public life was running Swan Knight Academy.
But beneath that surface lay something entirely different. Having worked countless part-time jobs throughout her university years, she was far from inexperienced in navigating the complexities of society—she could easily outmaneuver pampered mages who’d been raised with silver spoons.
‘I’m not someone who just takes everything lying down.’
She’d already anticipated the unkind looks she’d receive. But if that mild jealousy ever escalated into real harm, Rachel had no intention of staying silent about it—regardless of Lucas’s fears.
“I’m grateful to hear you say that, but it makes me feel guilty all the same.”
The worry etched into Lucas’s face eased away.
“Then I’ll be going.”
Rachel gave Lucas a light wave. It was strange—until recently they’d greeted each other with such formality, and now they’d grown so close.
Thinking briefly of all that had happened in that short span of time, Rachel stepped toward the entrance of the Magic Tower.

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