Chapter 78

After the last conversation with Judith, Professor Karel had been mulling things over continuously.  

He had already figured out what she wanted.  

He understood that she wasn’t entirely against the probationary teaching position, and at the same time, that her engagement to Chase was an unavoidable matter.  

He recalled Judith’s words.  

‘Chase isn’t the kind of person you think he is, Professor. If anything, he’s too good for me. Even so, the reason I can’t accept your offer is… Since my engagement with Chase was arranged, I can’t make decisions on my own without the approval of the Cardandy family.’ 

So, the only issue now was getting the approval of that Cardandy family.  

As Judith had said, it was hard to predict how Chase’s family would react, and he understood why she found it difficult to persuade them.  

That was precisely why he had been agonizing over this matter himself. Though he wasn’t thrilled about it, no matter how much he thought about it…  

“…I need that guy’s help.”  

Professor Karel frowned as he recalled the face of the most ill-mannered student he had ever encountered.  

It was hard to imagine anyone else as unruly as him—Chase Cardandy, who had completely disregarded proper etiquette.  

Clearly, that guy seemed opposed to Judith taking on the probationary teaching position.  

But thinking back to their previous conversation, when he had asked what Chase would do if Judith sincerely wanted to take the position…  

Chase had replied like this:  

‘If that’s the case, I’ll step aside without a word.  

To be honest, he didn’t fully trust Chase’s answer. It might have been a reckless statement made out of bravado, so he hadn’t taken it too seriously.  

However, Judith seemed to trust and follow him quite a bit—enough to describe him as someone too good for her.  

In that case, perhaps this time he should trust Judith’s judgment rather than his own.  

If Chase truly was a good person, he would make the right choice for Judith.  

Thus, Professor Karel had waited for the exam period to end and immediately sought out Chase.  

“Chase Cardandy, now that the exams are over, you must have some time. Come with me.”  

Chase, who initially looked bewildered, eventually followed him without protest.  

***

Inside Professor Karel’s office.  

Professor Karel sat across from Chase with a small table between them.  

Chase appeared uncomfortable with the situation of being alone with Professor Karel.  

His hands, resting on his lap, fidgeted restlessly, as if he couldn’t keep them still.  

After observing Chase’s awkwardness for a while, Professor Karel finally spoke.  

“This matter I want to discuss is related to Judith.”  

“…Judith?”  

Chase looked confused as soon as he heard the topic. His expression seemed to question why a conversation about Judith was being held with him instead of Judith herself.  

“It’s not about my graduation?”  

At Chase’s question, Professor Karel frowned slightly.  

“…Though I’m reluctant to admit it, based on your class attendance, participation, and the exam I just reviewed, it seems you’ll narrowly avoid failing.”  

“Really?”  

For the first time, Chase’s wary expression softened into one of relief.  

Since it would be better for Chase to cooperate, Professor Karel grudgingly added a few words.  

“Yes, you’ve worked hard. Though your grades remain poor… you’ll likely graduate without issue.”  

Chase, who had been ecstatic just moments ago, suddenly looked uneasy again.  

After scratching the back of his head hesitantly, he finally spoke.  

“Professor… thank you so much. I mean it. You’ve done a lot to help me graduate, like letting me make up attendance points in supplementary classes…”  

His expression and tone conveyed genuine gratitude, not just empty words.  

Seeing Chase’s sincerity, Professor Karel’s rigid attitude softened slightly.  

‘Well, at least he knows how to be grateful. It seems Judith wasn’t entirely wrong about him.’  

Considering that he was about to make a difficult request, Professor Karel took this as a good sign.  

After nodding a few times at Chase’s words, he cautiously began.  

“I’m glad you feel that way. In fact, I called you here because I have a favor to ask. I’d appreciate it if you could listen until the end before responding.”  

“…A favor?”  

Chase looked puzzled but straightened up, signaling his willingness to listen.  

Taking the opportunity, Professor Karel delivered his prepared speech.  

“As you’ve probably noticed, Judith is an exceptional talent. Not only does she have outstanding accounting skills, but she also excels at teaching others.”  

“…”  

“Now that she has completed her final exams, it’s time for her to decide on her future. However, as you know, she’s set to marry you after graduation.”  

Professor Karel swallowed nervously before continuing.  

“In such a situation, what would you do if Judith wanted to take on the probationary teaching position?”  

“Pardon?”  

“…I had a deep conversation with Judith recently. She seems interested in the probationary teaching position but feels she has no choice but to give it up because of her engagement to you.”  

“…”  

“Isn’t it cruel to make her give up her dreams like that? With such remarkable abilities, should she have to abandon everything just because of her marriage to you?”  

Chase remained silent for a long time, his expression serious as if he were deep in thought.  

Soon, his face darkened noticeably.  

It seemed he had realized that he was the one standing in the way of Judith’s future.  

Certain that Chase was being persuaded, Professor Karel inwardly rejoiced and pressed on.  

“This is my request: if you truly care for Judith, could you persuade your family to allow her to take the position? Judith seems to think she’ll be supporting you as a knight after graduation, but isn’t it a shame to let such a great opportunity go to waste for that?”  

Even after Professor Karel finished speaking, Chase didn’t respond. After carefully choosing his words, he finally opened his mouth.  

“If Judith truly wants to take the probationary teaching position, I want to support her. As you said, getting my father’s approval won’t be easy, but…”  

He seemed to recall something, then smiled and continued.  

“When Judith taught students in the supplementary accounting class, she looked so happy and passionate. I want her to continue being that happy.”  

“Hmm.”  

“I understand, Professor. If Judith genuinely wants to take the position, I’ll try to persuade my family to allow it. If that doesn’t work, I’ll leave the family and live independently with Judith.”  

Professor Karel looked at Chase with a touched expression.  

He had expected Chase to oppose Judith’s decision outright, but instead, Chase seemed to respect her wishes more than anticipated.  

Moreover, his willingness to leave his family for Judith added to his credibility.  

“In any case, I think I’ll need to have a serious conversation with Judith about this. I’ll talk to her when I get the chance.”  

“If you do that, I couldn’t ask for more.”  

Relieved that the conversation had gone well, Professor Karel smiled contentedly and saw Chase out of his office with great care.  

***

Madame Fedelian anxiously glanced at the clock.  

“He should be here any moment now…”  

After receiving Axel’s letter about his intention to break off his engagement with Riana, she had sent a reply asking him to visit the estate over the weekend.  

She had told him they needed to discuss the matter in person.  

Now, Madame Fedelian was sitting in the garden, waiting for Axel to arrive.  

Right as the clock struck the hour, Axel arrived at the estate. As always, Axel was punctual to the minute.  

Axel approached Madame Fedelian and bowed in greeting.  

“Mother, it’s been a while.”  

“Yes, Axel. Sit down.”  

After handing his coat to a maid, Axel took a seat, and Madame Fedelian began by asking about his well-being.  

“You’re not feeling unwell, are you?”  

“No, Mother. Thank you for your concern. Are you in good health?”  

“I’m as healthy as ever. Hmm, the exams must have just ended. How did your recent exams go?” 

“They went smoothly.”  

Axel’s “smoothly” was a modest way of saying he had likely secured the top spot once again.  

As expected of my son.  

Madame Fedelian smiled proudly at Axel. But then, recalling the purpose of their meeting, her expression hardened.  

This wasn’t the time for pleasantries.  

This meeting wasn’t a cheerful one. Seeing Madame Fedelian’s face grow stern, Axel was the first to speak.  

“I should have explained the matter of the engagement to you in more detail. I apologize.”