I was Reincarnated as the Youngest Child of a Villainous Noble Family Who Controls the Kingdom from Behind the Scenes

"RegardingLilysha, thank you."

After school, I was summoned to the faculty office and stood before Linlin.

I thought I was going to be lectured about something, but it turned out to be quite unexpected.

"I haven't done anything worthy of thanks."

"No, it's something I should have spent more time guiding her . Her talent is so exceptional that it also comes with a certain fragility."

"She cried a lot after losing to me."

"Yes, she needed to experience failure early on. The later it happens, the more her pride would have grown, making it harder for her to recover when faced with real challenges."@@novelbin@@

To be honest, I wasn't really thinking about Lilysha's  future. I just wanted to intervene because that whole situation was frustrating.

If it ended up being beneficial forLilysha , then I guess Linlin is fine with it.

"Well, considering her background, it's understandable. It seems she was raised strictly at home, almost like she was brainwashed."

"Oh, you know quite a bit."

"Just rumors, rumors. The Persifam family is said to be second-rate, which seems to bother them."

"To overwhelm the daughter of the Persifam family... truly worthy of the Balfont name."

Linlin smirked teasingly.

I wanted to say that the Balfont family is more hands-off, but I held back.

"What exactly are you trying to learn at this academy, someone like you?"

"Me? I'm still far from being  perfect ."

"Your abilities are already far beyond that of a student. First, your localized mana enhancement—not many mages can pull that off. And then there's your ability to evade spells, especially dodging that Flare explosion. Even I was left speechless."

"I do aim to reach higher levels, after all."

I dodged the question casually, but Linlin seemed genuinely interested.

Truthfully, I don't care much about the Balfont family's mission or education. All I care about is becoming stronger and conquering this world.

That's why, even at this  point , I need to be able to overwhelm the first-year students. When my older brother and sister  were here, even the third-years couldn't touch them as first-years. Even that guy Gilium dominated as the top first-year and eventually ruled the academy.

To stand out in the Balfont family, being merely excellent isn't enough. I should be able to defeat someone like Lilisha with just mana enhancement.

"During the self-introduction battles, you were sizing up the students. Was there anyone who caught your eye?"

"Leticia. Even after being ambushed by Lilysha, whom she thought was a friend, she held her ground. Most would have lost right at the start."

"Anyone else?"

"...We'll see as things progress."

For a moment, Esty crossed my mind, but I decided not to mention her. At this point, it might just be my imagination, and there's no reason to hype her up. And I certainly didn't have the courage to bring up Rucelle. Favoritism is a bit much.

"I see."

"From your perspective, Linlin-sensei, which students do you think show promise?"

"Leticia, Lilysha ... andLushiel  . Especially Lushiel —she's probably the second strongest in the class after you."

"She's got a sharp tongue, though."

I added in my mind, though I'm not one to talk.

I paid her entire tuition fee. She's unpredictable when she's away from me, and I simply want her to learn a lot.

Yes, even though Lushiel is strong now, she's still far from  strong .

She's nowhere near the strength she had when she reigned as the hidden boss.

And unless I surpass that hidden boss, I can't say I've truly conquered this world.

In other words,Lushiel   is just another  wall for me to overcome.

But given how things are going, it doesn't seem like she'll fight me.

I never expected her to get so attached.

"It was good talking to you. You're probably the easiest to talk to in the class, so I hope you'll continue to be someone I can consult."

"Me? Your consultant?"

"I'm still a new teacher. If there's something to learn, I'll learn from anyone, even a student."

"You're quite ambitious. I like that."

"You have your own goals, don't you?"

She really cuts to the chase.

Even though she's a new teacher, she exposed and forced the resignation of several corrupt colleagues during her time as a court mage.

Maybe it's that kind of passion that makes her curious about someone like me.

"Goals?"

"What do you intend to achieve as a member of the Balfont family?"

"That's not a question you should ask so casually, sensei. You know that, right?"

"...Are you threatening me?"

I maintained a firm stance as I spoke to Linlin.

The Balfont family is, after all, a shadow ruler. Rumors are one thing, but certain lines shouldn't be crossed.

"Pursuing me personally and pursuing the Balfont family are entirely different matters. You should understand that without me having to spell it out."

"Do you think I'll back down?"

"Do as you please. But I won't answer as a member of the Balfont family."

"Hmm, this isn't the kind of conversation to get heated over with a student."

She backed off smoothly.

I don't dislike her, and I hope her sense of justice doesn't push her too close.

No matter how strong she is, if the Balfont family decides to act, she could be erased without a trace.

All those court mages Linlin exposed are likely missing by now.

Not a single one escaped and lived happily ever after.

When it comes to the Balfont family, there's no one in this country we can't handle.

"I've taken up enough of your time."

"Not at all, it was a pleasant conversation."

"I'm glad to hear that. See you tomorrow."

After parting with Linlin, I glanced around the faculty office and noticed the teachers quickly looking away.

I guess they're curious about the Balfont family's heir.

If they overheard our conversation, they probably know better than to dig too deep. With that thought, I left the faculty office.