So I'm a Snake, Who Cares?

My snap probably wasn't even visible.

Whack!

But the impact sound was definite.

"Kyaaah!"

He who was so confident just earlier could make such a scream.

The prince's scream rang loudly.

Everyone's expectation of a moderate strike was betrayed.

The prince turned around in surprise.

All students looked at me and Obern.

And something I didn't expect happened.

「You have publicly punished royalty.」

「Many people are impressed by the connected target's righteous conduct.」

「Gaining considerable dignity.」

Gasp.

So that's it.

Being impressed by a teacher's unflinching resolve as they delivered just punishment to a delinquent prince, who had clearly never faced such consequences before. The instructor showed no special treatment despite the royal bloodline, treating the transgression as they would with any other student.

The prince was frozen in his surprised posture.

Seems he remembered well the words 'if you move we start over from the beginning.'

And the second strike.

Whack!

This time I gave a bit gentler snap.

Still must have hurt though. The prince squirmed with a "kieek!"

And at that moment, I met eyes with Amain up there.

He had a surprised expression.

Could he have noticed my snap?

"He moved!"

Who knew he'd suddenly shout that.

Amain saw that I moved.

But suddenly the prince shouted.

"Th-that bastard! I really only moved a tiny bit."

He broke down in tears, bitterly acknowledging his actions through choked sobs as the weight of the unfair accusations bore down upon him. The raw emotion in his confession spoke volumes about the injustice he felt.

Obern had no choice but to start over from the beginning.

The prince received a total of five strikes.

Obern cast healing magic on all three to destroy evidence.

And the lecture hall's order was properly reestablished.

Obern's charisma shot through the roof.

Also, Amain became a crazy person who blocked the prince and managed to add 3 more strikes to his punishment.

And I gained dignity.

So all went well. Clap clap clap.

==

As soon as we entered the professor research building, someone approached fuming.

It was the Academic Affairs Director.

"Professor Obern Grimoire, are you crazy?"

Word spreads fast, how does he already know?

"Punishing His Highness the Prince. And on the first day!"

Though Obern was extremely nervous inside, he went forth boldly as I instructed.

"I didn't act against school rules. And proper procedures were followed."

"School rules my foot. Why is this young person so rigid? Even His Majesty the King is concerned about Prince Phili's enrollment. Haven't you heard the Third Prince is His Majesty's sore spot?"

Obern stared firmly at the Academic Affairs Director.

'Um what should I answer here?'

"I don't know either."

I don't direct every detail of Obern's acting.

Should say I'm the type that respects actor autonomy.

And Obern had the qualities of a great actor.

"What does that have to do with me?"

"W-what?"

Kya.

Actually, there was a reason the usually timid Obern could be so bold.

Because Principal Balanyar appeared behind them.

"Now, you two don't fight."

For some unknown reason.

Principal Balanyar greatly favored Obern.

"Would Professor Obern persecute the prince out of personal feelings?"

"Nng..."

"And well, there were no injuries. Actually, I heard something from His Majesty..."

Principal Balanyar was actually drinking buddies with the king.

"Never indulge the Third Prince's tantrums. If he doesn't listen, punish him until he cries. That brat needs his behavior thoroughly corrected."

"Huh..."

"Not my words, just saying that's what His Majesty said. Haha."

If that's true then this was actually the right action.

The Academic Affairs Director couldn't stay angry anymore.

"...Principal, you're too lenient with Professor Grimoire."

"Haha, does it seem that way?"

The Academic Affairs Director withdrew while glaring unnecessarily.

The principal approached us.

That gnome is honestly a bit burdensome. Feeling like he might discover my identity any moment, I tried harder to pretend to be a staff.

「Using Acting lv3.」

The skill borrowed from Obern helps at times like this.

"Obern-kun."

"Yes, Principal."

"You have the Court Count's backing, right?"

"..."

Gasp, to think the principal knew even that.

In situations like this, silence is the answer.

"Do you want to be Chiron?"

What's Chiron?

Pelerian who was listening explained.

"It's mythology. A teacher who recognized and taught a common shepherd's talent, and eventually made that shepherd king..."

In other words, the principal is asking.

Are you and the Court Count perhaps backing the Third Prince's succession rights?

'Is it true Obern?'

'How would I know such things? I don't know!'

But this was news to Obern too.

"It won't be an easy path."

"I know nothing about it."

"Haha playing coy."

"Well, I'm busy preparing for the next class, so..."

We naturally distanced ourselves from the principal.

His strange smile watching us is creepy.

Sorry, but that unpromising prince doesn't seem to have what it takes to be king.

==

And Amain.

After the day's classes ended, Amain's steps returning to the dormitory were light.

The day's dramatic occurrences fundamentally shifted the student body's perception of Amain, creating a stark divide among their ranks.

One faction recoiled from what they saw as his reckless behavior, deeply troubled by how he had seemingly earned the prince's unmistakable ire through his commoner's foolishness. The political implications of antagonizing such powerful nobility weighed heavily on their minds.

The other half, however, found themselves drawn to his unwavering composure in the face of royal authority. His dignified bearing, despite his humble origins, sparked their admiration and challenged their preconceptions about class and courage.

But what made Amain's mood good had nothing to do with that.

'It really seems like Master!'

He didn't know how Master ended up pretending to be the professor's staff.

But that snake that was frozen like a decoration definitely moved.

'Could they have come to meet me?'

Maybe that's possible.

His mood was only good until he opened his room's door.

But, someone was sitting on the opposite bed.

No way.

The roommate who hadn't moved in until now.

"...What are you?"

It was the Third Prince who got beaten up in front of everyone today.