I Became the Academy’s Time-Limited Genius – Chapter 50

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Translated By Arcane Translations

Translator: Silverriver

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It was common knowledge that Deron Philasia was an invalid. His single appearance in social circles, followed by a complete withdrawal, and the consistent advice from those who had seen him, all pointed towards a frail constitution.

So the nobles rejoiced when they heard Deron would be the princess’s partner. It seemed like the princess was trying to assert dominance over the Philasia Dukedom, a family renowned for its power and influence.

Deron, known for his frailty, would surely crumble under the princess’s presence. A noble’s battles weren’t fought with swords and spears. They fought with words and schemes, with whispers and rumors.

Those with blue blood, especially, abhorred physical confrontations. Even though the ball’s main attractions were late, the nobles waited patiently, smiles plastered on their faces.

They likely assumed Deron was suffering another bout of illness, overwhelmed by the princess’s presence. It was a plausible scenario, given his infamous frailty.

Until the princess arrived, they would simply enjoy themselves, indulging in the company of the readily available… companions.

And when the attendant finally announced the princess and Deron’s arrival, everyone looked… surprised.

The attendant had indeed announced their entrance, but Deron’s appearance was far from what they had imagined.

He wasn’t cowering under the princess’s aura. On the contrary, he was the one dominating the ballroom.

A tall, handsome man, just like his father. A face more than capable of captivating hearts.

And that wasn’t all.

His physique was well-defined, surpassing that of ordinary knights, and his all-black attire, a style few could pull off, fit him perfectly. As Deron Philasia surveyed the ballroom, the noble ladies’ eyes lit up.

His cold, impassive expression, his indifferent gaze, and his undeniably handsome face. His arrogant demeanor seemed to have left quite the impression.

“Announcing the arrival of Her Imperial Highness, the second daughter of the Leonhart Imperial Family, Augustus Leonhart Regina!”

The attendant shouted the announcement again. The nobles, captivated by Deron, had forgotten to pay their respects to the princess.

They snapped out of their reverie and had to acknowledge the truth. This arrogant, handsome man… was indeed the rumored invalid.

“Show Her Imperial Highness the respect she deserves!”

At the attendant’s words, the nobles bowed their heads. The proper etiquette for addressing a member of the Imperial Family.

But something felt… strange. They were bowing to the princess, yet… it felt like they were acknowledging Deron Philasia.

-Click, clack.

Deron Philasia walked through the parted crowd, the princess on his arm.

“The atmosphere has dampened since I arrived late.”

“I did tell you we were late.”

“Did I complain?”

“I was simply… preemptively informing you.”

Deron and the princess exchanged words. The musicians, sensing the shift in atmosphere, resumed playing. A sweet melody filled the air as the nobles raised their heads.

They resumed their socializing, greeting the princess, asking ladies for dances. But they couldn’t help but steal glances at Deron.

He was undeniably the center of attention. Even Marquis Ferdin, the host of the ball, couldn’t help but be drawn to him.

Deron did nothing in particular. He simply sat beside the princess, occasionally exchanging whispers, observing the ball.

Nobles approached him, attempting to make conversation, but… they all faltered under the weight of his presence. Only the higher-ranking nobles, those of Count rank and above, could maintain their composure in his presence.

“I heard rumors of your illness, but you seem to be in good health, Young Master.”

“I am ill.”

A high-ranking lord from the south frowned at Deron’s confirmation. He was standing right here, looking perfectly healthy. What was he talking about?

They suspected he was lying, but they didn’t dare to leave. He was the eldest son of the Philasia Dukedom, who had been absent from social circles for so long.

Given his family’s influence, he was a significant factor in the upcoming power struggles. Even though the current Crown Prince had been… less than impressive, he still held the Emperor’s favor. The fact that he hadn’t been removed from his position despite his… indiscretions spoke volumes.

But if the Second Princess managed to secure Deron Philasia’s support then the balance of power would shift dramatically. Most of those who understood this were high-ranking lords of Count rank and above.

It was only natural. To maintain their power, they had to understand the flow of influence. And those of Count rank and above had the power to manipulate that flow.

It seemed this ball held many opportunities. The nobles exchanged glances, their minds racing.

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“This is insane.”

I scratched my head and looked up at the beautiful night sky visible from the balcony.

The nobles’ endless barrage of questions showed no signs of stopping. They seemed to have been waiting for my return to social circles, bombarding me with inquiries.

‘I can guess what they want…’

Even in modern society, information was incredibly valuable. Even ordinary citizens wouldn’t readily part with it.

How much more so in this era? This wasn’t in the original story. This was my story.

The eldest son of the Philasia Dukedom. This title alone made me the center of attention at the ball. Especially since I had been absent from social circles due to my illness.

‘But I don’t want this.’

The attention wasn’t beneficial. The nobles’ interest wouldn’t bring me anything good. Besides, I had no interest in politics.

I had seen enough of it to know it was nothing but trouble.

“Here you are.”

The balcony door opened with a slight creak. The princess entered.

“Why are you out here, instead of enjoying the ball?”

“They’re all just spouting the same tired platitudes. I don’t enjoy such tedious flattery.”

“You don’t think I would engage in such tedious flattery, do you?”

“I wouldn’t expect someone bold enough to lecture me to resort to such boring tactics.”

The princess turned to face me. The cityscape, now shrouded in darkness, stretched out beyond the balcony railing. It was clear that Marquis Ferdin had spared no expense in decorating the mansion.

“You said you had no interest in the Imperial Family’s domestic affairs.”

“Yes.”

“Are you wearing a mask? I’m curious how you can lie so convincingly without a single change in expression.”

“…?”

I hadn’t lied. I had no idea what she was talking about.

“Someone like you wouldn’t neglect to research the conflicts within the Imperial Family. Especially those related to the Empress.”

“But I really…”

“Don’t bother trying to deceive me.”

The princess glared at me, certain of her accusations. But I hadn’t lied! I was getting frustrated. She was misinterpreting everything.

“The Crown Prince was… trash. Until two years ago, everyone knew it, even if they didn’t say it aloud. You must have known as well.”

I shook my head. I didn’t know. And even if I did, how could I possibly admit it?

“The Empress, my mother, tried everything to… reform him. He was her only son, after all.”

A wistful look filled the princess’s jewel eyes as she spoke of her mother. She must have missed her dearly.

“But he didn’t change. He only grew worse.”

The princess continued, her words dripping with venom as she recounted the Crown Prince’s misdeeds. He had been a complete and utter mess.

“And then… Mother died. In the Crown Prince’s bedroom, right before his eyes.”

What? What kind of twisted plot was this?

“Poison. The culprit was one of the Crown Prince’s attendants.”

Her eyes glinted. The princess’s face contorted in disgust, as if recalling something repulsive.

“Mother’s body… it was consumed by demonic energy. Her skin was blackened, and the stench… it was unbearable.”

The princess gritted her teeth.

“The problem was… traces of demonic energy were also found on the Crown Prince’s hands.”

“Demonic energy… on his hands?”

“Yes. The same foul, putrid energy that had consumed Mother.”

The Crown Prince had assassinated the Empress. I assumed that’s why the princess hated him so much.

But she shook her head at my question.

“No. That’s still under investigation. It’s not certain.”

“Then…?”

“He changed after Mother died. He shed his… disgusting persona and started acting like a benevolent ruler.”

I recalled Idrian. His lazy demeanor, yet capable of managing situations, possessing the dignity befitting a Crown Prince.

Was that all an act?

“He could have always acted like that. And he suddenly started… caring for me, after ignoring me for years.”

“Perhaps he finally came to his senses.”

“No. It’s an act. How long do you think it takes for a person to truly change?”

“At least several months.”

“He became a different person in two days.”

The princess gritted her teeth.

“He could have always been like that. He had the potential to be a good ruler. Yet he tormented Mother, driving her to her death…”

“….”

“I can’t forgive him. Even if he’s discarded that disgusting mask, his true nature must be… wicked.”

She turned away, the starry sky reflecting in her jewel eyes.

“I can’t stand the thought of him, a tyrant, ruling the Empire.”

The Emperor. The undisputed ruler, the sun of the Empire. No one, save the gods, could claim a higher position.

“So… I want to become the Emperor.”

The princess yearned for the throne. To prevent her brother from becoming Emperor.

I listened to her declaration impassively.

‘It has nothing to do with me.’

Or so I thought.

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