My Disciples Think I’m Strong – Chapter 144

“Y-you… W-what are you saying right now?!”

Leoness’s face, which had been tense just a moment ago, turned blank in confusion.

“Seriously, what am I even saying? I always end up taking a detour because I can’t speak straight.”

It was a truly painful situation.

“Is that not enough?”

Bang!

She slams the table in indignation.

“Shut up! Y-you liked me?! No way… did you ask for the Resistance because you want my body?!”

My head throbbed with the sheer misunderstanding piled upon misunderstanding. Iris, who had been listening quietly, suddenly jerked in surprise, alternating her gaze between me and Leoness.

“T-teacher? Are you being serious?!”

“No.”

“But just a moment ago you said you liked that person…”

I exhaled deeply. Iris pointed at Leoness with brows furrowed like a ‘V.’ Why do you look like you’re about to cry…?

“W-were you perhaps into cats?”

Please…

“Don’t think about it too strangely. I merely said I liked Leoness because she’s useful—”

“Got it!”

Out of the blue, Leoness stood up yelling, cutting off my attempt to clear up the misunderstanding.

“If that means you can protect the Resistance, then there’s nothing I can’t do! But hey, don’t complain if I’m not that good at it… I don’t really have much experience…”

I just stared in disbelief as Leoness flared up, her face flushed bright red.

“W-what’s with that expression?! If my body was the goal, then the Resistance wouldn’t matter!”

Sigh. “There are two errors in your statement.”

I spread my index and middle fingers as I spoke.

“First, I’m not interested in your body. Second, I want the Resistance. That’s all.”

“Whaat…? Then why do I catch your interest?”

The serious mood we had created vanished like mist. Guess I have to regain control of the atmosphere again.

“I was saying it’s because you’re useful, but you cut me off.”

“…Anyway, no matter what you do, I’m not giving up the Resistance. Absolutely not.”

Her resolve was quite something. Given that she was willing to offer up her body, it seemed to be more than just a mere negotiation.

“Really?”

I casually observed her face. There was a tremor in her gaze, but she was regaining her composure. It seemed like she had already made up her mind, so it would be hard to pry her open.

Well, I could always compile a list of important figures from the current Resistance and apply some pressure, but since that might make her cry, let’s refrain from it.

Still, I have to get what I want.

“Then I’ll decide when the Resistance will start its rebellion. You wouldn’t say that’s impossible, right?”

“W-what?! Why do you get to decide that?!”

Having this level of authority is necessary to keep the Resistance in check. This was the furthest I could back down.

“What I desire is for the Resistance not to initiate at all. If we can resolve everything without a rebellion, then we can achieve the ‘best result.'”

“Are you saying that Duke Tori Aus and you will change the Empire? If that were possible—”

“Why? Do you think it’s impossible?”

I cut her off, glaring at her.

[Skill “Killing Intent” activated.]

Leoness’s pupils dilated, and her whole body began to tremble. As she quaked, the table shook, and the sound of coins jingling from the purse atop it echoed.

“So, you underestimated me.”

“Gah…!”

I grabbed Leoness’s chin and forced her to meet my gaze.

“Don’t add on to my words. I could collapse your organization right now. If that’s what you truly desire, then I could do it.”

The longer we held eye contact, the more her trembling escalated. As I watched her near a seizure, a familiar voice chimed in beside me.

[Praus, don’t push her too hard.]

…I was planning to be moderate without even being told.

At Pasma’s words, I released my grip on Leoness’s chin and loosened the tension around my eyes. The hologram that was hanging in the air vanished.

“W-who the hell are you?!”

“Anyway, I’ll consider this as your agreement.”

“I did not agree!”

“Then I’ll have no choice but to eliminate the potential threat of the Resistance completely. Is that still acceptable?”

“No way!”

Given that we need to move forward together, I was trying to be considerate, but she kept getting in the way. Was this actually a test of my patience?

“What you have to answer with is either ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ If you refuse my proposal here, I will kill every single comrade you have right in front of you. But if you accept…”

I held up the coin purse that was lying on the table and extended it towards her. I could feel it brush against Leoness’s chest, but I acted oblivious and continued speaking.

“I will become a sponsor to make up for the Resistance’s insufficient funds, and when you’re in danger, I will rush to rescue you before anyone else. In comparison, all I would gain is the right to determine when your organization will stage a rebellion. You wouldn’t find that a bad deal, would you?”

“You’re saying you’ll decide when a rebellion starts… That’s basically saying you plan to use us however you like and then toss us aside!”

“I know far more than you think. Just look at how quickly I realized you were here and came to find you.”

It seemed like she didn’t quite trust me, so I needed to show her personally.

I placed the coin purse on her thigh and pulled out a piece of paper from my bag. I laid the paper on the table and wrote down the names of certain individuals.

After finishing, I handed it to her. Leoness studied the paper, still skeptical.

“What is this? Names…?”

“Go find these people. They’ll be a great help in expanding the Resistance’s influence.”

They were individuals who could grow into officers of the Resistance, posing a threat to the Empire in the future. They might not be S-Class, but they were all fairly capable. They wouldn’t be outmatched even in one-on-one fights against knights.

“Can I really trust this? Humans would betray even their families for their own gain. They’d be even worse if they’re strangers. I wouldn’t think you’d be different either.”

Tch. Is it unavoidable that humans have such a tarnished image?

“If you’re the leader, then make your own judgments.”

Though it was hardly an option to begin with.

Currently, the Resistance was still in its growth phase. Since I promised sweet funding and protection for the organization, she wouldn’t be able to refuse.

Of course, I wouldn’t kill her if she rejected me. Instead, I’d impose suitable restrictions to prevent her from going on a rampage.

“…I’ll talk with the members of the organization. Just give me a little time.”

“Alright. So, I’ll come back to hear your answer after visiting the Aioum Kingdom.”

“The Aioum Kingdom…? Why are you going there?”

“I have business to attend to in Aioum Kingdom this time. If I handle that well, then we can see improvements in the rights of slaves across all territories. It should lead to better living conditions for the other races living in Kalus Territory too.”

“…”

For a while, she was silent. Leoness kept glancing at my face, opening her mouth only to close it again. Perhaps my efforts for the other races were making her want to believe.

“…I understand why you all, I mean, why you distrust and hate humans. Humans have committed unforgivable acts, things that cannot be forgiven. However, revenge will only breed more victims in the end.”

“You’re just saying we shouldn’t kill humans, aren’t you? Spare me your lip service.”

“What are you talking about? I’m saying your followers are going to die.”

In the game, when the Resistance broke out, most of those who followed Leoness ended up dead.

Those like Inkuro and Ella, who had no genuine cause, were reluctant to fight, but that definitely wasn’t the case with Sirius from the Black Light Corps or Soro and Ter from the White Light Corps.

Whether or not she hadn’t thought that far, or if she was just ignoring it, she bit her lower lip in silence and looked down.

While I understood her feelings, to me, the Resistance was just a card to be played in extreme situations. For that reason, I needed to control this organization no matter what.

“I hope you think again about why Tori Aus and I are trying to peacefully abolish the Empire’s slavery system.”

I cast a glance at Iris before moving toward the door.

“Let’s go, Iris.”

“W-wait! I can’t accept that money!”

She hurriedly rose from her seat, pushing the coin purse toward me.

“That’s a down payment to hear a good answer. So use that money to buy some nice food for the other races here, and get some potions to help them recover. Make them trust and follow you.”

Nothing builds trust quite like a bribe.

I opened the door and stepped out. I could see elves and beastmen waiting outside. They were ready to rush in at a moment’s notice. Their loyalty is impressive.

As soon as we stepped out, I noticed them entering a makeshift house. I then pulled out an invisibility scroll from my pocket.

“No matter what, you are still my Teacher.”

“…What are you talking about?”

“With your knack for probing into someone’s psyche while rattling their nerves, you make them sure they can trust you! You truly excel in psychological warfare, Teacher!”

…What kind of delusion is she under?

How could she possibly say that after witnessing me threatening them unilaterally?

I suppressed an urge to smirk as I extended my hand toward Iris.

“Our conversation has concluded, so let’s start making our way back. We should rest a bit in preparation for the trip to Aioum Kingdom.”

Iris took my hand with a bright smile. Then suddenly, her expression filled with curiosity as she looked at me.

“Teacher, was it true that you liked that person?”

Just as I was about to tear the invisibility scroll, I was taken aback by the sudden question. If I hadn’t managed my expression, she would have read my emotions from my face entirely.

“…What do you think?”

“I’m asking because I don’t know. But personally, I hope you didn’t.”

“In that case, let’s say I didn’t.”

“…That vague answer hurts more. Please be certain.”

A low voice abruptly arose. I glanced over to see Iris looking serious.

“So which is it?”

Staring into her eyes, I felt a strange sense of fear, knowing I couldn’t grasp what she was thinking. Oh, please. One yandere is more than enough.

“…It was our first meeting. How could I like someone right away?”

“Just as I thought! Hoo.”

“Can I leave now?”

“Yes, Teacher! I didn’t mean to trouble you over something trivial. I’m sorry.”

As I shot a sidelong glance at the grinning Iris, I tore the invisibility scroll. I sincerely hoped her feelings were just a child’s jealousy.