The Herb King

Chapter 53

53 Fight for the Headmaster Position

“Dad, what’s this battle event all about? Do you know more about it?” Samira asked her father as she gracefully lowered her spoon and fork. Since the Dominion District was the venue of the event, her father should know a lot about the coming battle event.

Lord Harold glanced at her and replied in a calm voice. “You’ve been on the battlefield so you might not know about these things. The Imperial Family is planning to expand the army and recruit the best talents in Lion City. There would be many obscure young geniuses who would certainly join this event because the rewards this time are quite generous. There are even some noble families who are planning to send their young descendants to participate in the competition, but those noble families aren’t after the rewards...”

Samira furrowed her eyebrows as she curiously stared at her father. “In that case, what are those guys planning to achieve by joining the battle event?”

Leric who was quietly eating his food perked up his ears. The conversation was becoming interesting that he could not help but listen more attentively.

Lord Harold placed his spoon and fork down before he replied in a solemn voice. “His Majesty is building an academy that would nurture top talents. This academy would gather young geniuses all over the empire, making it a strong force to be reckoned with. The headmaster position of this academy is what those noble factions are making for!”

“The headmaster of this academy would have a very high authority.” Lord Julius added in a solemn voice.

In the Leone Empire, there are three strong factions that maintained the balance.

Imperial Family. Noble Families. Merchant Association.

Among the three factions, the strongest one is the Imperial Family, followed by the Noble Families, and lastly, the Merchant Association.

.....

Lord Harold nodded his head in agreement. “That’s right. It’s even possible for this academy to have the same level of power as the three strongest factions in our Leone Empire!”

“Those nobles want to get hold of the headmaster position, but His Majesty will not hand over this prestigious position so casually. This matter needs more deliberation since it might lead to a feud between the three top factions.” Lord Julius sighed while shaking his head. He just recovered from his injury, but there were already a lot of problems in the empire.

Leric who was silent suddenly said. “If we think about it carefully, the establishment of the academy is actually advantageous for the empire. I believe that His Majesty has also thought about this.”

Samira glanced at her in confusion and asked. “What do you mean, Sir Aethelwolf?”

Lord Julius, Lord Harold, Madam Antonette, Skylar, and Kathlyn looked at him silently. They wondered what he was going to tell them.

“Problems would only arise if the headmaster position is taken by one of the three top factions since it would destroy the equilibrium between them. However, what if a new faction is added to the three?” Leric’s words stunned them into silence.

That’s right. What if a fourth faction is created? The former three factions would feel dissatisfied, but the balance would remain. In fact, Leone Empire would be strengthened in the process! Just that, who was the right candidate for the headmaster position? It could only be someone who is not part of the three top factions!

Thinking about it, all of them could not help but stare at Leric. This guy fits the criteria. With his identity as a Level 4 Alchemist and his wisdom that was clearly beyond the norms, wouldn’t he be perfect to be the headmaster of the academy?

Leric felt their intense gazes and could not help but feel nervous in his heart. ‘Wait. They’re not thinking about nominating me, right? I hope not. I still want to live a carefree life in my clinic, away from the disturbance of chaos and war. Please leave me alone!’

He then cursed himself for being such a blabbermouth. He should have just stayed silent throughout the whole conversation. Now, it seemed like he shot himself in the foot.

After the sumptuous dinner, Leric hurriedly went back to his room. “Thank you for the meal!”

Samira and the rest stared at his back with various thoughts in their heads.

“I’ll have to inform His Majesty about Sir Aethelwolf’s idea. No! I have to tell him about Sir Aethelwolf as well! Other than him, no one else deserves to become the headmaster of the academy!” Lord Julius muttered.

Lord Harold and Madam Antonette nodded in agreement. Although they just met Aethelwolf and didn’t know much about him, they could trust his integrity as a person. He was also their benefactor and a friend of their Reynolds Household. It would also be beneficial for them if becomes the headmaster.

Samira suddenly recalled something. “Grandpa, I just remembered that we met His Highness, Prince Calvin, earlier. He told me that he will visit us tomorrow.”

“Prince Calvin?” Lord Julius’ eyes narrowed into slits. The second prince was an ambitious individual, but his character was still fine. He was only being held back by his inferior talent if compared to his younger brother.

“Father, it’s not a great idea to visit His Majesty during these days since he is very busy with the matters of the empire. How about we give a hint to the second prince and see his reaction? Perhaps, he might even be willing to tell His Majesty about it.” Lord Harold suggested in a serious tone.

Lord Julius thought for a moment before nodding his head. “Alright. Let’s see what the second prince will do after we tell him about Sir Aethelwolf’s idea. Hopefully, he will give us a good reply.” He then stared at Antonette and said. “Make sure that there will be a feast for His Highness tomorrow.”

“Yes, father.” Madam Antonette nodded her head gently.

Hearing this, Samira wanted to say something, but she ended up not saying anything.

“What’s wrong, Samira?” Lord Julius smiled at her.

Samira shook her head and replied. “Nothing, grandpa.”

“Alright. You guys go and do what you’re supposed to do. I still have to summon my subordinates back since I’ve now recovered.” Lord Julius said.

The others felt elated when they heard this. Lord Julius’ subordinates were top Espers! They would be a great addition to the strength of their Reynolds Household!