Chapter 13: I’m Infiltrating!
“Young Master Kailun, I will report everything that transpired here to Princess Hilna. I’m sure she’ll have a nice, long chat with you.”
Witnessing Eve and the others sign the contracts, Anderson could only resort to using Princess Hilna’s name as a threat.
This mission’s failure wouldn’t just result in a pay cut, but also punishment.
Kailun chuckled as he collected the signed contracts. “I told you, Princess Hilna and I have a great relationship. Why don’t you believe me? She’s my teacher, and I’m her student. Surely she wouldn’t kill me, right?”
Although said in jest, it wasn’t entirely out of the realm of possibility for the princess.
In Kailun’s eyes, this woman was selfish, greedy, and manipulative. Aside from her decent looks, he couldn’t find a single redeeming quality.
Of course, this was his judgment as her enemy. In the eyes of most, she was still the capable, benevolent queen.
Anderson snorted and stormed out of the classroom, shooting the middle-aged woman a glare as he passed.
He saw her silence as cowardice, unable to utter a word against a noble like Kailun.
To redeem himself, he had to head to the Warrior Academy immediately. Hopefully, he could still salvage the situation by recruiting a few promising individuals.
Headmaster Bullrich discreetly followed Anderson out, leaving Kailun and the others alone.
With Anderson gone, Kailun turned his attention back to Eve and her friends. Now that they were alone, he could speak freely.
“First and foremost, thank you for your trust. I assure you, you won’t regret your decision today. Secondly, there’s something I need to inform you of. Compared to other students, you’ll be starting work earlier. I’ll send someone to fetch you in three days.”
Three days was roughly the time it would take for the Silver Moon Knights to arrive at the Royal City. Training alongside them would provide these girls with the best learning environment and accelerate their growth.
“May we ask what kind of work it entails?”
It was Eve, the black-haired girl, who inquired. She was curious about her future duties.
“War, most likely.” A completely different smile graced Kailun’s face.
In Eve’s eyes, the timid younger brother was gone, replaced by a confident, mature young man. This shift in demeanor evoked a different feeling within her.
Despite the stark contrast, both versions of him made her heart flutter. Even the mention of war didn’t faze her.
“War? Against a neighboring country?” The lively Shirin asked curiously.
They didn’t shy away from combat. In fact, it had become an integral part of their lives.
During their years at the Knight Academy, their primary focus had been on offense and defense. Compared to the Warrior Academy, their training was far more comprehensive.
“You’ll find out when the time comes. If not for this special circumstance, I’d prefer to keep you all by my side as personal guards.”
Kailun reached out and patted Shirin’s head, not forgetting to raise their favorability towards him.
Even the usually boisterous Shirin blushed and lowered her head at his touch.
It was a shame they weren’t important characters. Their increased favorability wouldn’t grant him any attribute bonuses.
But who would refuse the admiration and affection of beautiful girls?
As long as he didn’t get axed, the more, the merrier.
……
While Kailun chatted and flirted with the girls, the middle-aged woman arrived at the Royal Magic Academy.
However, it was already quite late. Princess Hilna was teaching Phils’ class. She had no choice but to wait patiently outside the classroom.
Those who disrupted Princess Hilna’s plans or interrupted her lessons rarely met a good end. Therefore, she decided it was best to wait, even if it meant delaying the bad news.
Unfortunately, the wait stretched for almost an hour. It wasn’t until the students began leaving that she nervously entered the classroom.
Only Hilna and Phils remained.
“Kostja, why are you back? Where’s Anderson?”
Hilna continued organizing her books without looking up.
Phils stifled a yawn. If this wasn’t Hilna’s class, she would have fallen asleep.
“Your Highness, I apologize. The recruitment mission at the Knight Academy… was a failure.” Kostja’s face was etched with shame.
“What happened? Explain everything.”
Hilna set down her books, her gaze sharp and authoritative.
Kostja took a deep breath and said nervously, “It went smoothly at first. We were about to sign the contracts when Kailun Kate showed up.”
Hilna frowned. “Kailun?”
“Kailun!” Phils exclaimed.
“Yes, Kailun Kate. He interfered and offered them an incredibly high salary. We were powerless to stop him. He… he gave me a strange feeling. He’s not as incompetent as the rumors suggest. I believe he’s deliberately targeting you, Your Highness.”
“That’s strange. He was just at the study room not long ago. To think he reached the Knight Academy in such a short time. Could it be a coincidence?”
Hilna tapped her fingers on the table, deep in thought.
As Kostja said, Kailun’s actions today did seem deliberate. He had become a potential threat.
Within a single afternoon, two of her plans had been thwarted. She couldn’t help but overthink.
“Deliberate, perhaps. But targeting me specifically? I doubt it. Knowing that lecher, he’s probably smitten with those three beauties at the Knight Academy.”
Phils’ eyes darted around as she turned to Kostja. “If I’m not mistaken, he must have snatched away those three beautiful girls from the Knight Academy, right?”
“Well, yes, but…” Kostja tried to explain.
Phils waved her hand dismissively, continuing her act. “There’s no ‘but’ about it. Don’t let his innocent act fool you. Deep down, he’s a lecher. When he held my hand earlier, he even caressed my palm. If we were alone, I’m sure he would have made a move.”
As a double agent, she was dedicated to her role.
“Forget it. We need to focus on the next step. Phils, you’ll go home with him tonight. Make sure to bring a recording stone. I want to see evidence of his crimes tomorrow.”
Hilna walked over to Phils and patted her shoulder. “I apologize, but we’re running out of time. I need you to make this sacrifice. I’ll remember your contributions. Once the Kate family is dealt with, your family will become the new dukes.”
“A-Alright…” Phils responded in a melancholic voice, her head lowered.
She wasn’t sad. She was trying to hide her triumphant smile.
Duke? She was aiming for Queen!
Since Princess Hilna was offering her Kailun on a silver platter, she wouldn’t let this opportunity slip away.
She was going undercover, and she was going to do it right!
This girl is more useful than I thought. As expected from someone chasing power.