I Became a Genius Mechanic at the Academy

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Day 11.

A short time if brief, a long time if lengthy.

Edgar and his party returned to the Empire after 11 days.

They completed their given mission flawlessly and returned.

However, as soon as Edgar returned to the Empire, he was summoned to the royal palace.

It was to receive the honors bestowed by the Emperor for his contributions.

“Edgar Fix, listen. You…”

A royal official unfurled a golden scroll, reciting the Emperor’s decree.

Edgar knelt before him, ready to accept the Emperor’s command.

In the seat of honor, the Princess, the Emperor’s representative, looked around with a curious expression.

The expressions of the gathered officials and nobles were anything but ordinary.

“Ha. I can hear the cogs turning in their heads.”

Nobles and officials rolled their eyes and silently calculated their next moves.

The reason for their busy minds was that the power dynamics of the Empire were changing.

A little breeze named Edgar Fix was turning into a tremendous storm.

“Due to your accomplishments, you have greatly contributed to improving the relations between the two nations. We wish to bestow upon you a title commensurate with your achievements and abilities.”

And finally, the moment had come.

The title conferral ceremony.

A commoner was about to rise to the rank of nobility through his own abilities for the first time.

“I should have done better back then!”

At this, the Swordmaster regretted.

His past declaration to take Edgar as a male concubine replayed in his mind, causing his breath to catch.

If only he had marked him as a suitable son-in-law back then.

“Ah, but… I was the first to recognize his abilities.”

Still, he was the first to make a move and appeal, so it should be fine, right?

Edgar didn’t seem particularly displeased either.

Rather, it was an honor for the Duke’s family to extend a hand to a commoner first.

Although that applies to a commoner in general.

“Due to such reasons, I intended to personally grant you a new surname, but having heard your entrance speech, I respect your will and will allow you to retain the surname ‘Fix.'”

Meanwhile, the contents of the decree regarding Edgar retaining the surname “Fix” continued.

The nickname Lord Fix had truly become Lord Fix.

“I command you to uphold honor as a warrior, to establish justice as a head of household, and to become a protector of your subjects as a lord. Will you swear to this?”

And then came the final procedure, the reading of the declaration.

Edgar responded that he would swear and, in an instant, kissed the Princess’s ring before him.

He was being granted the authority of the imperial family.

“Lord Fix, rise.”

Thus, the title conferred upon Edgar was that of Count.

An extraordinarily unprecedented appointment.

The nobles, who had only expected him to reach the rank of Baron at best, could do nothing but murmur in astonishment.

“The imperial family is thinking of embracing him.”

However, the quick-witted nobles like Ilreya were able to read the significance of this title conferral.

The imperial family intended to embrace Edgar as their sword.

After all, Edgar was a promising talent, being aligned with the Elena-Princess line and excelling in many ways.

Seeing such a large reward given as soon as proper justification arose felt certain.

“Due to the truth you have revealed, vacant lands are waiting for a master. Carefully choose the land where your family will take root…”

And then, things began to get interesting.

Edgar would govern one of the three lands belonging to the Croto, Egu, and Arjie families that had been executed for his revelations.

“However, I am concerned. Your abilities have already been proven numerous times, but managing a territory requires experiential wisdom gained from life’s struggles. Therefore, I would…”

However, one condition was attached to granting Edgar a territory: he must choose a guardian to lead him.

This was the imperial family’s intention to test Edgar’s discernment and political abilities.

“This is…”

“It’s an opportunity!”

“I must become his guardian!”

And according to the imperial family’s plan, the eyes of the nobles began to change.

Nobles seeking to solidify connections with Edgar for their own gain.

Nobles trying to swindle Edgar, who knew nothing about managing a territory.

Even nobles aiming to approach Edgar for marriage alliances.

Each had their own motives, licking their lips and watching Edgar with greedy gazes.

For their families to flourish, they needed to win Edgar Fix’s favor.

“Edgar the son-in-law! Wait for me!”

Thus, among the nobles, an under-the-table competition for Edgar Fix, the prime son-in-law, was brewing.

***

He received quite a spicy reward.

Not only had he become a Count, but he also received a territory.

This was a variable I never imagined would happen from the imperial family.

“Hmm…”

However, even with such an incredible event occurring, I felt no particular excitement.

Was it because my previous dozens of lives all revolved around nobility?

It felt like regaining something I had always taken for granted.

“Well, nothing much is going to change.”

But indeed, not much had changed.

I was still an Academy student and would mostly spend my life at the Academy.

Even if I received a territory, I would hardly spend any time there.

“Well, except during vacations.”

The Academy had long breaks.

Valuing the strength gained from one’s own struggles over rigid teachings, the Academy provided two months of personal training every quarter.

This was to sharpen oneself and prepare for the next semester.

“But…”

But I had to take care of the territory as well as train myself.

With increased qualifications and authority came corresponding responsibilities.

“Well, it’s not a loss.”

However, if you were to ask if this was a loss for me, the answer was certainly no.

It simply meant I had more annoying matters to deal with, but the influence and impact that came with rank were enormous.

The difference between speaking as a commoner and as a noble was heaven and earth.

In a world where the class system was firmly entrenched, it was only natural that the higher the rank, the better.

“The deadline is… about three months left.”

The Emperor had instructed me to choose my guardian (the macro who would manage the territory) and the land I would oversee before summer vacation.

He wanted to test my judgment and political skills.

He probably wanted to discern whether the hunting dog he had chosen was as capable as expected or if it was just a decrepit mutt.

“I see right through you.”

But I was a veteran of this game.

I had already thought about whom to choose as my guardian and what my starting point would be.

But that didn’t mean I should rush the selection.

I needed to confirm how the nobles would position themselves regarding me during this opportunity.

“Father Enya, things must change this time.”

If it’s the same stance as last time, it wouldn’t work.

***

“What!? Enya slept in the male student dormitory!?”

“Yes. According to the informant’s news, it’s confirmed.”

Meanwhile, in the office of the head of the Kruehl family, a furious voice erupted.

The Swordmaster, who had just arrived in his office to rest, was met with the news that Enya had slept at a strange man’s place.

How could the Grand Duke’s daughter, especially his precious and beautiful daughter, commit such an outrageous act—

“And, it seems the place she stayed was Edgar Fix’s dormitory.”

—That could happen.

“Bravo, our daughter!”

“Cough, cough. I-I see. W-What is this!”

Though he pretended to appear angry, the corners of Kruehl Duke’s mouth couldn’t help but twitch.

He had already completely marked Edgar as his son-in-law.

When an unprecedented genius emerged, failing to bring such a man into his family would be foolish folly.

“I must give Enya a stern warning! Immediately summon her to my office!”

“Yes. As you command.”

Gramm, his right-hand man who obeyed the Swordmaster’s orders.

He slowly smiled, trying to hide his evident joy as he observed his master.

Given the current atmosphere, it seemed the Duke was more interested in exploring Edgar’s relationship with the young lady than scolding her.

“Does this mean you’re appraising Edgar Fix highly?”

However, had Enya spent the night at a male student’s dormitory who wasn’t Edgar Fix, the story would have been different.

It was utterly unacceptable for a noblewoman to share a male dormitory overnight.

If that male student had laid a hand on Enya, the aftermath would have been so devastating it could be felt just by imagining it.

If that student were from a mere family, that household would be shattered and live the rest of their lives in silence.

No one could know that a noblewoman’s body had been sullied.

“But if it’s Edgar Fix…”

He could touch her.

He had already fully marked him as his son-in-law.

In fact, he would have likely used this as an opportunity to hold him responsible and secure a marriage.

“But Edgar Fix isn’t that foolish.”

However, Edgar Fix wasn’t someone who would act that foolishly with a princess.

He had a broad perspective, could see through the essence of things, and possessed the skills of a master politician.

Despite being only eighteen years old, he carried the experiences of many battles.

Thus, the Duke likely already knew that, and upon hearing Edgar Fix’s name, couldn’t help but tremble with glee.

He could trust him to avoid reckless actions.

Though, if by chance, he were to make a mistake, that would be even better.

“Edgar Fix… Is he this year’s rising star? Other families must be buzzing with news of his title.”

And Gramm thought.

Not just them, but other noble families would be busy because of Edgar Fix’s news.

“What!? It’s not enough to just befriend that guy!”

And his predictions came true.

Nobles who had seen or heard about Edgar’s title conferment rushed into action.

However, there were individuals in the Academy who consistently opposed him.

Inferior beings, full of complexes, with nothing to show except their born status.

“Why on earth did they choose to make an enemy of him! Of all people, Edgar Fix!”

Those forces, which had always built their self-esteem by undermining Edgar, were currently receiving stern lectures from their parents due to their actions.

Having offended the rising star under the protection of the imperial family, their family’s standing had become extremely precarious.

Now that Edgar was officially recognized as a Count, they had to find a way to mend relations.

“Apologize at once! We must not create any further backlash!”

Some heads of families were troubled by their children’s childish behavior now hindering political maneuvers.

While they fretted, there were also families wearing smiles.

The Veridian family of Charlotte.

The typically ill head of the Veridian family praised Charlotte for becoming friends with Edgar.

And he advised that since Edgar would be a key figure in the upcoming “conquest of the lost territories,” it would be wise to maintain closeness to him.

“Isabella, do you have feelings for him?”

Meanwhile, in the distant northern Grand Duke house, a strangely misaligned conversation was taking place.

The flow seemed too odd for a typical father-daughter dialogue.

“Yes. He doesn’t make me uncomfortable. Instead, when we’re together… I feel at ease.”

“Hmm… I see. Then it seems you have finally found your match.”

“……”

“Take him. Devour him just as I devoured your mother.”

The Grand Duke Graham said, radiating a black mist all over.

The overwhelming aura quickly covered the office.

“Then you will earn the qualifications of being the head of the household. You will become my successor.”

With such words, he wore a bizarre smile.

Isabella gazed coldly at the sight of this Duke.

He was a monster.

A monster driven mad by power, who ascended to the position of head of the house after murdering his wife.

“I despise you.”

It was repulsive.

The fate of this cursed power was deeply painful.

“Isabella.”

Just then, the head of the Graham family, Adrian, called Isabella with a rigid expression.

He spoke while exuding the black mist.

“Perhaps you should practice hiding your expressions a bit more. Looking at me like that…”

Suddenly—

The office’s door burst open.

The black aura extended outside.

Isabella quickly got up and said.

“I-I apologize! I was rude…!”

She was sweating coldly and panting.

As the black aura stopped spreading, Adrian’s gaze shifted toward Isabella in a crooked manner.

“Yes, Isabella. You must remember this. Your sister’s life depends on your attitude.”

“Yes.”

Isabella sat back down with a polite demeanor again.

Adrian, with a satisfied expression, continued speaking to his daughter.

“First, we need to invite that guy to our family. We should check if he’s suitable as your offering.”

“Yes.”

“In that case, act quickly. You never know when such an opportunity will arise. If you miss the timing and fail to become the head of the household… the consequences will be yours to bear.”

“Understood. I will take it to heart.”

At this moment, Isabella decided to embrace her fate.

And due to that fate, the person who would face catastrophe was none other than—

“Sorry, commoner. There’s no other way.”

It was Edgar Fix, whom she had decided to give her heart to.

The curse of the Graham family, which had been ongoing for ages, was now extending toward Edgar.

Having made such a fateful decision, Isabella clenched her fist with a bizarre smile.

That very expression resembled the man she hated so much, Adrian.

“I will become just like him.”

And in that moment, she could foresee that one day she would become like her father, whom she had loathed so much.

A monster who devours loved ones merely to pursue stronger power.

This is the destiny of the Graham family.