A Core Ship From The Start
Chapter 1473 - 995 Preparation Work_2

Chapter 1473: Chapter 995 Preparation Work_2

Of course, she and Banriya transferred to Duanmu Huai’s Ryuo Academy as well. Actually, Banriya was completely against it at first—she even smugly pulled out a driver’s license and claimed that if a policeman asked why she wasn’t attending school, she’d simply say she was already an adult... To that, Duanmu Huai immediately delivered an Iron Fist of Justice and thoroughly pummeled Banriya back into submission.

"You’re coming to school obediently, and you’re not going anywhere else!"

But before that, Duanmu Huai had another issue he needed to address.

"Sigh..."

Staring at the door labeled "Mystical Science Research Society," Duanmu Huai let out a muted sigh, then knocked on the door. Moments later, Liliath’s voice came from inside.

"Oh, it’s Teacher Duanmu. Please come in."

"Sorry to bother you."

As he spoke, Duanmu Huai opened the door and stepped into the Mystical Science Research Society room—unlike before, this time the room had only Liliath and Akeno Ushima present; the other three members were absent. Liliath sat behind an office desk, her gaze curious as she looked at Duanmu Huai.

"Teacher Duanmu, what brings you here? Don’t tell me you’ve changed your mind and want to become one of my followers?"

"That’s impossible; give it up."

Duanmu Huai rejected her outright... then looked at Liliath.

"Actually, I do have something I need your help with."

"Hmm... So you just rejected my invitation, and now you want my help?"

At this, Liliath’s expression turned somewhat speechless.

"Teacher Duanmu, you’re really bossy... But for you to come to me for help... what is it about?"

"I remember you said you’re an upper-ranking Demon from Hell, right? Considered a noble?"

"Of course. Our Jimongli Family is a prestigious and historic household... Why do you ask?"

"Sigh... It’s a long story..."

Duanmu Huai plopped himself onto the sofa while Akeno Ushima hurriedly handed him a cup of tea. As Duanmu Huai sipped his tea, he recounted the events of the past few days to Liliath. Listening to his story, Liliath couldn’t hide her shock.

"I’ve heard about the Wilbert Family’s situation before. But as I recall, after the Wilbert Clan Leader passed away, his brother took over managing the family... So, there’s actually a daughter left behind in the Human World..."

"In any case, I’m living with her now, and she’ll be attending Ryuo Academy soon as well. Since you’re all Demons, looking out for her shouldn’t be a problem, right?"

"Hmm..."

Liliath paused in thought.

"It’s not entirely impossible... But I’m part of the Jimongli Family, and she’s the heir to the Wilbert Family. Judging by what you said, they’re currently embroiled in internal struggles over inheritance, aren’t they? Honestly speaking, as a member of the Jimongli Family, I don’t think it’s appropriate for me to get involved in another family’s internal affairs."

"That’s not the issue."

Duanmu Huai shook his head.

"I just want you to help her with club activities."

"Club activities?"

"Exactly."

Gesturing at the room’s surroundings, Duanmu Huai continued.

"A transfer student wants to join a club, and as the head of the Mystical Science Research Society, helping out a new member shouldn’t be an issue, right?"

"... Do you think that reasoning will work?"

Faced with Duanmu Huai’s shameless argument, Liliath was rendered speechless. Indeed, interactions between two upper-ranking Demon families might pose political issues. But Naruse Mio joining Ryuo Academy, becoming a part of the Mystical Science Research Society, and receiving guidance as a student? That scenario fits the duties of a student perfectly; no one could object.

Of course, while it all sounded simple on paper, everyone knew the truth was far more complex.

"The Wilbert Family won’t agree with your rationale."

"Relax. Whether they agree or not, they’ll have to agree."

At this, Duanmu Huai snorted coldly.

"I’ll give them an offer they can’t refuse."

"Honestly, I’m really curious why you’re so determined to get involved in this mess."

Sipping her tea, Liliath gave Duanmu Huai another probing glance.

"Frankly, the disputes between the Jimongli Family and the Wilbert Family are purely Demon issues, Teacher. You’re just a Human—why are you so insistent on stepping into this? Furthermore, by your account, Miss Naruse is merely your neighbor, but everything you’ve done for her has gone far beyond what a helpful neighbor would do, hasn’t it?"

"If you’re asking whether I like her, of course, I do. She’s beautiful, cute, and has a great figure, doesn’t she?"

Duanmu Huai answered Liliath’s probing without a care, openly acknowledging his thoughts.

"But the main issue is, I’m already involved in this."

"Why do you say that?"

"As I said earlier, a Demon attacked Naruse Mio and killed her parents. To save her, I took down that Demon myself."

"That’s true."

"Hmm... I later found out the Demon was named Zorke. Apparently, he’s quite famous among you Demons, isn’t he?"

"... Crash!"

Liliath’s teacup slipped from her hand, smashing onto the ground. She stared at Duanmu Huai, utterly stunned and disbelieving.

"Wait, wait. Are you saying... You killed Marquis Zorke?"

"Yep. Some old guy with horns who looked smug. Judging by your reaction, I assume he’s pretty well-known?"

"Well-known is an understatement!"

At this point, Liliath nearly leapt out of her seat.

"Marquis Zorke is one of the few remaining elder-level figures from the Demon Clan after the Three-Way War. He’s an ancient expert in Demon magic... Even the current Demon King shows him great respect!"

"Oh, sounds bad."

Utterly unperturbed, Duanmu Huai placed down his teacup and shrugged dismissively at Liliath.

"So you see, I’m already wrapped up in this."

"... Very well, but we can’t be certain that you took down Marquis Zorke himself—it’s possible you encountered one of his clones or illusions..."

Liliath exhaled heavily, sitting back down.

"I’ll investigate this matter. Still... Teacher, you truly have guts..."

"Just average, I wouldn’t say too much. Shall we leave it at that for now?"

"... I can only say I’ll consider things before making a decision."

"So that means it’s settled."

Duanmu Huai stood up, nodded to Liliath, and said.

"I’ll leave it in your hands. I’ll take my leave first."

Saying those words, Duanmu Huai walked out of the Mystical Science Research Room. Watching his departure, Liliath turned to Akeno Ushima with a serious expression.

"Akeno, investigate this matter immediately—the Wilbert Family, and Zorke..."

"Understood."

"Sigh..."

After issuing her orders, Liliath slumped against her desk, letting out a long sigh.

"That teacher... Always knows how to create trouble for me..."

She muttered softly to herself afterward.