The professors had managed to regain their composure, and it was Alfred, the eldest of the trio, who spoke up first. "Congratulations, Lucas. Lady Calliope's offer is truly an honor."
Lasha and Kim nodded their agreement, and Lasha added, "We were thoroughly impressed by your performance in the tournament. We believe that you have great potential to become a top-tier fighter, and it is for this reason that we would like to extend an invitation on behalf of the academy to you and Ezekiel."
"Well, I see no reason to reject, do you?" I replied. I knew they were going to offer us something, but I wasn't too excited yet. I wanted to know more.
"No, Lucas," Ezekiel said in a bored tone.
The professors' expressions quickly shifted from elation to composure. "Lucas, you may not know this, but we managed to gather some information about you through Lady Calliope," Alfred began. "And I must say, we are very impressed."
Lasha picked up where Alfred left off, "I mean, just look at you. You started a business at the age of four and managed to use magic at the same age. Not only that, you are now one of the richest and most influential people in the south. It's honestly remarkable."
Although the professors' compliments were flattering, it was clear to me that they were trying to butter me up. Their tone of voice and the constant fidgeting of Kim's feet hinted at their ulterior motives.
With a humble smile, I responded, "Thank you for your kind words, professors. However, I can't help but wonder if there's a reason why you brought up this information about me. It's not just to flatter me, is it?"
"It seems you are quite perceptive, Lucas," Kim explained, "The academy is not only a place of learning and teaching but also a place of research. However, the academy's funding for research is very strict and highly selective in what it chooses to fund."
I already knew this, as the academy had a clear bias towards the nobility, despite allowing commoner students and professors. Rarely could a commoner receive funding from the academy for resources or research.
The academy's strict funding policies meant that it was not easy for commoner professors and students to receive funding for their research.
As a result, a sponsorship system was established where nobles would sponsor the research or education of promising commoners, making them increasingly dependent on the nobles.
As Kim finished explaining the academy's funding policies, I couldn't help but feel a sense of opportunity arise within me. These professors wanted me to sponsor their research, and I knew that I could use this to my advantage.
"I see," I said, pretending to mull over the information they had given me. "It seems like a challenging situation for commoner professors and students. But I suppose that's where sponsorships come in, right?"
The professors' faces lit up at my words, and I could tell that they were eager for me to offer my sponsorship.
"Exactly, Lucas," Alfred said, "And we were hoping that you could help us in that regard."
I played along, acting as if I was considering their request. "I can see how my sponsorship could benefit you, but what's in it for me?"
The professors' expressions faltered for a moment, clearly taken aback by my question. However, they quickly composed themselves and began to explain the benefits of having a sponsor.
"Well, Lucas," Lasha said, "Having a sponsor like yourself would give us access to resources and funding that we wouldn't otherwise have. In return, we could offer you the opportunity to collaborate on research projects or even have some input on the direction of the research."
Kim leaned in closer, making sure Ezekiel couldn't hear, and whispered, "Perhaps there are some matters within the academy that we can assist you with. For example, if there's a student you don't like, we could make their life a little more difficult for you."
Their offer was music to my ears. It was exactly what I wanted to hear, and I was ready to sponsor them. However, I needed to know one more crucial piece of information. "Why me? You could seek sponsorship from another noble, so why come to me?" I asked.
The room suddenly became heavy with tension, and the professors looked anxious and scared. "The Chancellor has silently blacklisted us from receiving any academy support, and nobles who don't want to make an enemy of him have retracted or cut funding from us," Alfred replied with a serious tone.
I couldn't help but scoff at their situation. "What could you have possibly done to warrant such action from the Chancellor?" I asked, intrigued.
"We, as commoners, have always strived to make the academy a place of equal opportunity and freedom," began Kim with a serious expression. "However, when we uncovered incidents of exploitation, sexual harassment, bullying, and bribery among noble children, we planned to bring the information to the press. Unfortunately, the Chancellor forbade us from doing so, and we became total outcasts for even bringing up the issue."
Her hand clenched tightly as she spoke, emphasizing her frustration with the situation. "Thankfully, we weren't fired from our positions, thanks to the Head of the Academy," she finished with a sigh.
It's no surprise that the chancellor would oppose such actions, especially considering that some of the scandals may involve nobles who support him. Moreover, he holds a significant influence in the academy, so gaining the support of even a few professors would be crucial to gain any semblance of power within the institution.
I interrupted her before she could finish her thought. "I see," I said, trying to sound sympathetic to their plight. "But isn't it somewhat hypocritical to be offering me the option to make another student's life difficult?"
The professors' expressions immediately turned sour at my question, and I could tell that I had struck a nerve. "We do what we must," Lasha snapped, her voice laced with bitterness. "We may advocate for equal opportunity, but that doesn't mean we can't use every means possible to achieve that goal."
I could sense their desperation, and I knew that I had the upper hand in this situation. "I understand," I said, my tone softening. "I'm willing to offer my sponsorship, but under one condition."
The professors looked at me with eager anticipation, waiting for me to reveal my condition.
"I want you to teach Ezekiel everything you know about combat and magic," I said, making eye contact with each of them. "In exchange for my sponsorship, I want him to learn from the best."
"Wait, what?" he blurted out, clearly caught off guard but before he could object, one of the professors interjected.
"We can agree to those terms, Lucas," Alfred said with a small smile. "We would be happy to teach Ezekiel everything we know."
"Excellent," I said, smiling. "Then we have a deal."