So I'm a Snake, Who Cares?

Charisma, or perhaps it should be called presence.

People instinctively gauge others' presence.

There are several criteria for measuring how heavy that presence is.

How large someone's physique is and how beautifully they're made are important.

Or things like having an amazing bass voice, or wearing clothes from a very expensive boutique can also have an influence.

The position they hold is of course important too.

Obern Grimoire that students see.

He exuded charisma in all those aspects.

Even students from prestigious families, and even the arrogant prince could feel it.

You could tell by how silence fell instantly at his appearance.

But Obern Grimoire's charisma wasn't just about external aspects.

His actions and words have no hesitation. He seems to fear neither nobles nor royalty.

What could he trust to be able to do that?

Perhaps, his magic.

Because if he wishes, he can manifest miracles from that crystal snake staff he's holding.

That must be where such confidence comes from.

The students unconsciously thought so.

"Explain what's going on."

Obern said.

But no one stepped forward readily.

If they incurred the prince's anger, or even the anger of Cal from the count family would be burdensome.

When no answer came, Obern pointed his staff at one person.

"You. You speak."

The one pointed at was Rania.

She made a troubled expression before giving a bitter smile.

"The prince made students fight each other."

The prince and Cal's expressions became strange. It was too direct an answer.

That was something only a Martein could say.

Rania was legitimate heir to one of the few viscounty families in the kingdom.

She told all the facts without omission.

Including how the prince had acted tyrannically.

"...I see."

When she finished speaking, all students looked at Obern with intrigued eyes.

Would he scold the prince's wrongdoing? Or just let it slide?

Obern was silent for a very brief moment.

And slightly closing his eyes, then opening them again he said.

"Pathetic, barbaric, and tyrannical."

Could the atmosphere get any colder?

"Not at all the magnanimity a prince should show."

The professor directly criticized the prince.

Prince Phili's face twisted harshly.

"Emerald School accepts royal students according to the former king's will - to broaden their perspective by studying alongside nobles and commoners, and to remember that even royalty are human under god."

Such origins clearly existed.

"This cannot be overlooked, I shall use the rod."

Obern pointed his snake staff at three people.

"Prince Phili Aden Solion, Bex Galanz, Cal Leiman. Come down."

Within Emerald School, professors could corporally punish even royalty.

Though it's written in fact, such cases rarely actually occur.

Because it's a burdensome thing to do even for professors.

"Bex Galanz, for acting like a sycophant and clouding the prince's judgment, three strikes."

"Yes..."

"Cal Leiman. As a noble, you had a duty to correct the prince's barbaric words and actions and give loyal counsel. For abandoning that, three strikes."

"I'll accept it."

The two quietly nodded.

"Phili Aden Solion, as a prince who should show generosity, you instead acted tyrannically and disrupted the academic atmosphere. For this, three strikes."

"...Think I'll be scared?"

The prince rather showed a defiant smile.

Corporal punishment happens occasionally at Emerald School.

However, to not severely damage dignity, they follow procedure of striking the back of thighs with a rod.

The prince knew there could be punishment.

Though he didn't expect to receive it on the first day.

"Reflect on your regret, if you move we start over from the beginning."

It started with Bex.

In a rather unexpected turn, Obern decided to employ his serpentine-adorned staff, transforming the ornate walking stick into a makeshift rod for the task at hand.

His resourcefulness was evident, as the staff appeared to serve an impressive array of functions beyond its ceremonial appearance, adapting to whatever need arose.

Whack- Whack- Whack-

Bex made an "ugh" groan, but. The three strikes ended like that.

Next was Cal Leiman.

Whack- Whack- Whack-

This time there wasn't even a groan.

Rather, he only thanked Obern saying "Thank you for the guidance."

"Next."

And it was the prince's turn.

Prince Phili was frustrated.

It seemed the professor was trying to establish dominance, and knowing that made it more frustrating.

Obern probably wouldn't have the courage to hit hard, but still, getting hit on the thighs.

He wouldn't show even a slight change in expression.

The prince who made up his mind stood facing the wall.

Soon, Obern swung the staff.

It didn't seem like a very fast speed.

But the moment the staff touched his thigh.

Whack!

Intense pain.

Like being struck with a whip.

"Kyaaah!"

The prince ended up screaming.

==

When hearing from Rania that the prince was acting tyrannically.

Obern's decision in his heart was 'just ignore it'.

I stopped that. If you just let such a rude person go, of course professional authority would crumble.

Professional authority crumbling means Obern's authority crumbling too.

Then getting dignity steadily from students' respect would become impossible.

Unacceptable.

'Punish him!'

'B-but... Snake-nim. He's a prince...'

'So am I!'

I didn't know I'd blurt out such words myself, but facts are facts.

Eventually Obern stepped forward with grim determination etched on his weathered face, his voice resonating through the chamber as he declared the punishment that could no longer be delayed.

Bex and Cal stood rigidly as the sharp strikes landed across their thighs, each impact making them flinch but neither crying out. When it was done, they withdrew silently into the shadows, their heads bowed but their dignity intact.

I swear, I thought that much was fine.

'Yes, well done.'

It was when the prince's turn came.

How could I know this bastard Obern would loosen his wrist at the moment of striking.

Honestly wasn't the prince the worst among the three?

At this rate it would just tap and pass.

That precious prince would surely sneer thinking 'I knew it would be like that.'

Unable to watch that, I who was hanging on the staff gave my tail a snap.

「Using Tail Whip lv3.」

I can now catch even flying arrows.