So I'm a Snake, Who Cares?

'I'll help you earn money.'

'...What money does a snake have?'

'After staying at hotels with my money, how dare you. Trust me because it's true.'

I promised Obern.

'I promise you this. I'll help you earn big money.'

'Really?'

'Yes, so quickly manage your expression and listen to what that old man has to say.'

Fortunately, Obern quickly pulled himself together.

"I'm grateful for the Court Count's favor. If you have something you want from me, I'll help as is proper for one who received help."

"Those who speak of friendship to me never had good endings. Hoho."

The Court Count seemed quite taken with Obern.

"It's nothing much. You know the Solarian is being held at this Grand Festival?"

"Of course."

The Grand Festival refers to Emerald School's festival period.

And Solarian can be called a competition open to participation regardless of year.

The academies of this world are actually institutions that train both scholarship and martial prowess.

Solarian was a big event to select especially outstanding talents among students.

"Make the Third Prince win that competition."

"..."

My and Obern's impressions aligned for once.

'Is that possible?'

'Is that possible, has this old man gone senile?'

Obern was the harsher one.

"You're thinking it's impossible, right?"

We were startled for a moment.

"It's not impossible. This Solarian's finals will be conducted in teams of three."

It was inside information even Obern hadn't heard yet.

Not sure how the Court Count, an outsider, knew but.

"And the first preliminary event will be 'treasure hunting.'"

"Ah."

"Good to remember. They'll hide several gold coins in the forest and only pass those who find them."

Remembered it.

How does he know such information?

"Make the prince place at least third."

"We'll make him win."

I had Obern declare that.

"Hahaha! Your confidence is impressive."

"However, there are things needed for that."

"What things?"

A merchant snake must be bold when the time comes.

Moreover, there was a golden goblin, no, a sponsor right in front of us.

"Spirit medicines, elixirs, and various small artifacts."

The prince surprisingly has abundant magic power from eating precious things since childhood.

Rania too has eaten many good things since entering House Martein.

But our Amain, and Obern, are quite malnourished.

Though not gorging on magic stones like me, they need something similar.

I ordered various materials that could increase magic power, and useful artifacts.

Of course, I didn't order these on my own, but got help from Pelerian.

"Order it like that."

'Is it okay to order so much?'

Obern worried.

Did I order something amazing?

The Court Count's reaction to my demands...

"You... refused a blank check but do this?"

He made a dumbfounded expression, then eventually smiled.

"Right, saying your price is high. Fine, I'll prepare them."

Just how much did I demand?

"But! I should take something too in case of failure."

The Court Count seemed to want to avoid losses too.

"If you don't win, I'll take your life."

"..."

Oh! Not a bad deal.

Quick, nod Obern.

I could feel Obern's pulse pounding.

But he was someone who knew how important 'presence' was.

"Of course."

His tone showed not a hint of wavering.

The Court Count smiled once more as if pleased.

After he left.

Obern collapsed onto the sofa with trembling legs.

"I'm dead."

"Saak!"

Don't worry, just make him win!

==

I discussed the Grand Festival and Solarian with the kids.

All three naturally said they would participate.

However, Phili was flustered when told to get first place.

"First place might be..."

"Prince, do you worry about defeat before even starting? Once you've decided to participate, aim for first place. All three of you."

"Do you think I can get first place?"

Phili's attitude had become much more docile these past few months.

Obern answered without any hesitation.

"You must. I will make it so."

"Ah..."

Obern showed passionate fervor for the first time.

Not sure what thoughts it inspired, but Phili looked moved.

"So Amain, Rania."

"Yes!"

"While doing your best, you must help Phili win. If needed, even if you have to grab and pull down competitors. Even if you fall, you must do this."

Rania went "Eek" in surprise.

But Amain nodded without any hesitation.

"Understood."

Rania had no choice but to nod along too.

"And this is absolutely confidential, but the first test event is treasure hunting. The test task will be collecting gold coins hidden throughout the Tepery Forest."

"...Is it okay to tell us that?"

"Didn't I say it's absolutely confidential? Of course it's secret."

Obern exposed the test question to the three with a straight face.

Though it was grounds for having his professor qualifications revoked.

"His Highness the Second Prince probably already knows too."

It's right to assume they would have heard this level of information in advance too.

Second Prince, we must beat that side.

"Don't worry too much."

But I wasn't worried.

First, Rania's physical abilities are amazing enough to rank among the academy students.

Whether it's the House Martein's secret training method being incredible, or that tiny child having tremendous potential, I'm not sure.

And Amain is surprisingly experienced.

I'm not worried at all since he's skilled at traversing forests and using magic.

The problem was Phili, but I decided to help.

"Lord Snake will accompany and help you."

Since Obern is supposed to be my partner, he called me Lord Snake.

I rather liked it.

I came down from the staff and approached Phili, then wrapped tightly around his wrist.

If he lowered his sleeve like this, it wouldn't show at all.

'Don't worry! I'll help you.'

'Ah, yes...'

That Phili kid used honorifics properly with me.

Like this, 80% of preparations complete.

"Also, various skills are needed for exploring forests. I've invited a daily instructor to teach that."

Rania's expression became strange.

This wasn't Emerald School.

Taking advantage of the weekend, we came to a forest near the school with the three.

And she had called 'someone' here.

"Knight Sir Zain and Hunter Oliver."

The two waiting inside appeared.

"My lady, I came at your call."

"This is the professor, hueeerk!"

And they seemed to recognize me immediately as I jumped down.

Their mouths gaped wide open as if so pleased.

"Saak!"

Zain, Oliver! Long time no see!