Chapter 68

The Academy, which had been lively due to the summer party, returned to its usual quietness.  

The weather had fully transitioned into autumn, and the students, back to their routines, were busy preparing for exams.  

Judith was no exception. She was working harder than ever to prepare for her accounting exam.  

In truth, it wasn’t because she was busy with her own studies but because she was engrossed in creating a secret notebook to help her friends in the accounting supplementary class improve their grades.  

As a result, Judith spent her days reading and organizing textbooks, reference materials, and supplementary resources, barely having a moment to breathe.  

However, she needed a place to work late into the night, and finding one wasn’t easy.  

She couldn’t keep the lights on late in her dorm room because Hannah needed to sleep, and the library was inconvenient as students frequently interrupted her with questions.  

As she mulled over her options, she suddenly remembered the space Professor Karel had prepared for her to use as an assistant professor.  

Since the professor usually went straight home after classes, it should be fine.  

Eventually, Judith found herself heading to Professor Karel’s office late at night. Upon checking inside, she was relieved to find it quiet and empty.  

After cautiously turning on the light and sitting at the desk, she felt incredibly comfortable.  

The surroundings were quiet, the space was large enough to spread out various study materials, and there was even a bookshelf she hadn’t noticed before.  

It was perfect for her current situation.  

Judith placed the materials she had brought on the bookshelf and began pulling out what she needed one by one to work on her notes.  

It was then, as she was deeply absorbed in her work, that the door suddenly creaked open with a loud noise.  

“…Judith? What are you doing here?”  

Startled, Judith froze, holding her breath.  

Why is Professor Karel here at this hour?  

“Well… I…”  

“What’s that in your hand?”  

Judith, pale and hesitant, eventually confessed the truth.  

“I was organizing potential exam questions for the accounting supplementary class… to help my friends.”  

At her words, Professor Karel furrowed his brows and approached her with long strides.  

Then, with a swift motion, he lightly snatched the notebook from Judith’s hands.  

With hawk-like eyes, Professor Karel began thoroughly examining the notebook. Occasionally, he sighed or rubbed his forehead with the back of his hand.  

“Judith, you really…”  

Professor Karel clicked his tongue as if he couldn’t believe it.  

“If someone studied properly with this notebook, getting a perfect score wouldn’t be difficult at all. Amazing, truly amazing. This is good enough to sell for money right now.”  

After a brief moment of admiration, Professor Karel’s gaze turned to Judith. He looked down at her silently for a while before speaking in a meaningful tone.  

“You’re just like me twenty years ago. Exactly like how I was when I attended the Academy.”  

“…!”  

…Is this supposed to be a compliment?  

While Judith blinked in silence, her eyes wide, Professor Karel’s gaze shifted to the desk cluttered with study materials.  

He then noticed the bookshelf she had used and smiled in satisfaction.  

“That’s something I bought not too long ago, and you’re already using it well. How is it?”  

“Oh, yes. It’s convenient.”  

The moment she answered, she had a bad feeling about how the situation was unfolding.  

This was because the smile on Professor Karel’s lips deepened even further.  

“Of course. Working in such a perfect environment must boost your productivity, doesn’t it?”  

“Well, that’s true, but…”  

“Did you know? If you work as an assistant professor and prove your abilities, you could later become a full professor and have your own private office. You’d even receive separate funding for research.”  

“…Ah.”  

At those words, Judith’s eyes wavered slightly.  

Sensing an opportunity, Professor Karel began listing the benefits, privileges, and salaries of assistant professors at the Academy without missing a beat.  

Given the Academy’s reputation as a prestigious institution attended by high-ranking nobles, she had expected the position to come with good treatment.  

However, hearing the details, it was honestly more than Judith had anticipated.  

While it wasn’t as extravagant as the overly generous offer Axel had once made, it seemed like an environment where a woman could live independently without lacking anything.  

Moreover, she had recently started to think that she might actually have a talent for teaching others, so she was slightly tempted.  

If not for Madame Fedelian’s orders and the fact that Professor Karel would be her direct superior, she might have wanted to accept the offer immediately.  

But Judith quickly shook her head.  

Hadn’t I just recently vowed to continue my engagement with Chase? Was I planning to betray him already?  

Judith composed herself and looked up at Professor Karel with an apologetic expression.  

“Well… I’m really sorry, Professor. I truly feel how much you’ve cared for and supported me, but…”  

She hesitated before explaining her situation.  

“I have no intention of breaking off my engagement with Chase. If things continue as they are, we’ll likely get married right after graduation, and in that case, becoming a professor would be…”  

At her words, Professor Karel’s expression hardened. Lowering his voice, he asked her seriously.  

“Is that entirely your decision?”  

He frowned as he continued.  

“Or is that boy forcing you? Telling you to stay at home and take care of the household after graduation?”  

“…No! Chase isn’t…”  

Judith tried to defend Chase, but Professor Karel, already agitated, didn’t seem to be listening.  

“I recently observed the two of you during a class, and you seemed quite distant. Isn’t that simple-minded boy just making things difficult for you?”  

He continued to vent his frustration, seemingly unable to contain himself.  

“If that’s the case, your married life is bound to be unhappy, Judith. I can understand if you’re not interested in becoming a professor, but if that boy isn’t considering your wishes at all…”  

Trailing off, he opened and closed his mouth a few times before speaking in a calmer tone.  

“To be honest, if you’re not interested in accounting, I can accept that. You have plenty of talent in other subjects. But… from what I’ve seen in class recently, you seem quite passionate. Doesn’t that mean you’ve found some enjoyment in teaching others?”  

“…”  

“And yet, you’re willing to give up such a great opportunity just because of marriage? Of course, marriage might seem incredibly important to you right now. But it’s not the only thing in life. Everyone needs at least one thing they do for themselves.”  

It was as if Professor Karel could see right through her, and Judith lowered her head.  

What should I do? How should I refuse him again?  

But honestly… she felt that Professor Karel’s words were right.  

Eventually, she hesitated before speaking.  

“I don’t dislike accounting. I also enjoyed teaching the students.”  

“Then why are you refusing? Is it because of Chase?”  

“No! Chase isn’t the kind of person you think he is. If anything, he’s too good for me. Even so, the reason I can’t accept your offer is—”  

Judith looked Professor Karel straight in the eyes and explained honestly.  

“Since my engagement with Chase was arranged, I can’t make decisions on my own without the approval of the Cardandy family.”  

“…”  

“Although we haven’t discussed it in detail, I’m sure his family expects me to support Chase, who will become a knight…”  

After she finished speaking, Professor Karel didn’t respond.  

He frowned as if deep in thought, looked up at the ceiling, and let out a sigh.  

After a long silence, he turned back to her.  

“So, you have no intention of breaking off your engagement with Chase?”  

“…No, I don’t.”  

“And the only thing holding you back is what you just mentioned?”  

“Yes.”  

“I see.”  

“Pardon?”  

“I said I understand. I understand why you can’t become an assistant professor.”  

His response was so calm that Judith was momentarily taken aback. Considering how persistent he had been in his offer, this resolution felt too neat.  

“Well, you seem busy, so I won’t bother you any further. Don’t stay up too late.”  

“…Yes.”  

After briefly patting her shoulder, Professor Karel opened the office door and left as abruptly as he had entered.  

Judith was left staring blankly in confusion.  

Did he really understand what I said…? If anything, he seemed to be in a better mood…  

* * *  

Fortunately, Judith managed to complete the study materials and notes for the accounting supplementary class before the next session.  

When she handed them out to the students, they all expressed their gratitude with surprised faces.  

It made her feel oddly ticklish, like being brushed by a feather, but Judith suppressed her emotions.  

After all, she wasn’t planning to become an assistant professor, so there was no need for unnecessary sentimentality.