NOVPUBDuke Dex seemed to have discerned Lanci’s thoughts, looking squarely at his proud protégé Nikola.
He spoke frankly, his sincerity laced with a hint of jest.
He only cared about the outcome.
Even if it was fake, as long as it could deceive Nikola’s sharp eyes and continue to do so, it was equivalent to being real, and what Duke Dex wanted was to get things done.
"Since you, Landry, have come here, it indicates that you are willing to accept our invitation to become an honorary advisor for the Empire’s Special Operations Department."
When Duke Dex looked towards Lanci again, he asked.
"Of course, I must thank you for your invitation and favor."
Lanci agreed.
"Hahaha."
Duke Dex laughed upon hearing this,
"To be honest, Professor Landry, if it weren’t for recognizing your capabilities, I would feel that talking to you is more like talking to a politician than a Magic Engineer, but that’s not a pejorative. I quite enjoy interacting with you."
In just a few exchanges, he understood that this professor spoke rather amiably, having long shed the naïveté expected of his age, unlike most temperamental or arrogantly self-assured Magic Engineers. He seemed more knowledgeable about the fact that "even with accomplishments, one must be mindful of others’ emotions" than simply academic success.
"You flatter me, Duke Dex. One cannot achieve anything alone. Since I desire to serve the Empire to the fullest, I have already understood that I must always care for others, for any enterprise needs a leader, a visionary with foresight."
Lanci boldly unveiled his ambition to Duke Dex.
By his side, Red Falcon Nikola couldn’t help but glance at him.
He knew that Landry’s honesty was more likely to inspire trust than hiding his thoughts at this moment, but Landry’s last few words left Nikola uncertain. The "leader" Landry referred to—was it the leader of a research team, or something higher?
But no matter what, this man’s allegiance to the Empire didn’t seem feigned.
"That’s so, perhaps there really is such an opportunity, after all, all opportunities in the world are gifts for the capable and talented."
Duke Dex, intrigued by his own words, smirked as if he had thought of something clever.
"What do you mean by that?"
Lanci inquired, not hiding his eagerness.
Even if it sounded unlikely,
he wouldn’t forgo any chance to rise within the Empire.
It was all for love and peace.
"Firstly, you, Landry, as an honorary advisor at our Special Action Department, currently have no fixed office duties. I will not let official duties hinder your research. You only need to coordinate well with Nikola. Keep us in sync with your research at the Saint Kray Temple and help us maintain secrecy."
Duke Dex shifted the discussion to today’s primary topic.
"Yes, no problem."
Lanci nodded, pretending to understand, and reached out his hand to Red Falcon Nikola,
"Captain Nikola, I look forward to working with you."
"We truly are destined to meet."
Red Falcon Nikola, half-smiling, shook hands with Lanci.
Both were aware that the pleasantries were just formalities.
Lanci trusted that Duke Dex would surely clarify the duties of an honorary advisor.
Coming here, Lanci had roughly guessed as much.
His daily lectures and research at the Saint Kray Temple could become a focal point for the Empire’s Military Magic Engineers, and much investigative work related to the Empire’s Special Operations Department. With their function of bridging connections, if every time Nikola had to gather unsuspected cutting-edge theoretical doctrines proposed by Landry and couldn’t interface directly, it would create much trouble.
Turning Landry into one of their own at the Empire’s Special Operations Department would make following work much more efficient. Moreover, if the forefront academic theories were to leak from the Saint Kray Temple, it would be easier to trace and investigate faculty and students suspected of spying with Professor Landry’s cooperation.
The only thing Lanci was unsure about was what Duke Dex, veering off-topic as he had, meant by this fundamental duty and its relation to the "possible promotion opportunity."
"I’ve heard from the station chief in Nixasende that Professor Landry was recognized as a talent when he was at the university on the Northern Border, even with an engaged fiancée. I wonder whether coming to the Capital Brilda and taking on several positions will affect your personal matters."
Duke Dex suddenly asked again, leaning in closer as if inquiring about Landry’s private life.
"..."
Lanci fell silent.
His expression was fixed, but his mind was filled with question marks.
Why on earth did Landry have a fiancée?
Talia had even more question marks than he did.
She realized what Duke Dex had said was true.
Though Landry was an orphan with only his sister as family, how could this fellow have a fiancée?
"It doesn’t affect it at all, not in the slightest."
After a moment, Lanci shook his head.
"A rare sight, Professor Landry in a fluster?"
Hearing this, the previously silent Red Falcon Nikola suddenly interjected, his interest apparently piqued.
"..."
Lanci, as if with a lump in his throat, fell silent, lowering his gaze.
"Lanci, are you alright?"
Talia sensed Lanci’s performance might be too strained, potentially raising doubts for Duke Dex and Nikola.
She was now trying her best to read Duke Dex’s mind for Lanci.
"It’s more natural this way; Landry himself clearly has something to hide regarding the fiancée matter. So in the Saint Kray Temple, I never heard Nara’s Secretary or Headmaster Violet mention it. If I maintain a composed demeanor now, it might come across as odd."
