So I'm a Snake, Who Cares?

A demon's contract cannot write lies.

But Article 6, fulfilling duties to protect each other's social status, life, and safety.

Wasn't this too progressive and merciful for a demon to propose?

「Article 2.

...

'Party B' has the duty to perform 'Party A's instructions.

If 'Party B' fails to diligently perform 'Party A's instructions, penalties shall be imposed according to the following liability clauses.

--For speaking rudely, one punch

--For speaking rudely twice, one finger

--For disobeying orders, one stab

...」

Of course there were harsh contents, but this much was natural.

At this point, doubt inevitably rose in a corner of Obern's mind.

'Maybe hell is actually a better place to live than earth.'

Obern pondered very briefly.

However, the clause written at the end resolved his hesitation.

「Special Provision)

If 'Party B' fails in the 'Emerald School professor appointment' process. The above employment contract shall be void.」

Actually, right now Obern was desperate enough to sell his soul to get that position.

Being employed by a crystal snake?

Rather, wouldn't it be beneficial if he could receive help from a powerful demon?

Scratch scratch.

Obern wrote his name and finished signing beside it.

"Should I stamp it with blood too?"

'Uh...'

Before the snake could answer, Obern pricked his thumb to draw blood.

And stamped his thumbprint in blood above the signature.

The snake just signed with the pen.

The parchment started glowing.

Flutter flutter!

It was amazing.

The parchment was enveloped in flames. Purple flames.

However, the paper showed no signs of burning, and when the fire went out, the written text had turned bright red.

'Hahaha!'

The snake moved the pen energetically to write.

'By contract, you are now my subordinate.'

"...?"

Why emphasize something so obvious when they wrote an employment contract?

Obern didn't understand but kept quiet.

The snake extended its tail.

The gesture looked just like offering a handshake.

Obern slowly reached out and grasped that small tail.

And, something mysterious happened.

The snake's crown flashed brightly.

Kiiing-

A sensation like static electricity sparked in his hand.

Magic power flowed through the tail and fingertips. As if connected with the snake.

And he heard the snake's 'voice' in his ear.

"Ah, ah, can you hear me?"

It was definitely the snake speaking.

Though its mouth didn't move, it was certain.

"Obern, I'm a snake."

"Ah... yes."

"Don't speak out loud like an idiot, try speaking in your mind. Concentrate like you're monologuing."

'Like... this?'

"Yes yes, that's it. Quite talented."

Is that so, does he have talent for this?

Obern carefully asked.

'Are you a demon?'

"No, I'm the Little Prince Serpent. Don't compare me with mere demons. Anyway, let's do well together from now on. I have high expectations for you."

The snake climbed up Obern's arm to his shoulder.

Being only forearm-sized, such a small snake could probably be hidden in a hat when coiled.

"I have lots of things for you to do, but first tomorrow is that interview day right?"

'Yes, that's correct.'

"Pel... I mean I'll help you, so go crush that interview and then let's go to the bank together for a bit."

'The bank?'

"Yeah, there's a rental vault there."

What could be there for him to mention it so casually like sending on an errand?

It felt like being enchanted.

And though he couldn't show it.

Every time the snake spoke, an impression arose.

'...More foolish-sounding voice than expected.'

But he was already in the position of riding a running snake.

==

Emerald School, they said.

Who knew there would be an academy of this scale in the middle of the capital.

Enter through the wide open gates and a beautifully decorated garden appears.

Several buildings are scattered about, with just the 5-story main building in the center being mansion-sized.

Just like a university campus. And a prestigious university in America or Europe at that.

I thought such things while getting off the carriage.

I didn't slither down smoothly, but was hanging on Obern's wrist.

"This way, Professor Obern."

Though he wasn't appointed yet, Obern was called professor.

This bastard Obern, his posturing is no joke.

Even his walking style perfectly embodies a cold young genius professor. No trace of yesterday's kneeling and sobbing visible.

He wasn't intimidated at all until entering the interview room.

'Aren't you nervous?'

'Extremely.'

Though he seems to be trembling inside.

His ability to not show it is almost actor-level.

'Crown of Connection lv1'.

Thanks to this newly acquired skill, I could freely converse with contacted targets.

A much more convenient and secretive method than writing messages.

Of course, the Crown of Connection's effects weren't just that.

"Oh, Professor Grimoire!"

"First time seeing you in person."

When entering the room, the Emerald School professors waiting for him stood up.

Obern placed his hand lightly on his chest and bowed.

The interviewing professors threw words like well-wishes.

"We have very high expectations."

"We heard you showed great achievements in the Empire."

But my very keen senses could tell.

Unfriendly gazes were also pouring down.

An attitude of wanting to directly see and verify how amazing this rumored young genius is.

"Please show us your created magic."

In front of where the interviewers sat was an open training ground.

Three self-repairing dummies stood far away, and showing created magic was the first task.

"Huhu. I look forward to it."

"Could it be that magic you devised at the Wave Theory and Fire Festival?"

The professors asked.

"No."

Originally it was.

Obern says he initially planned to showcase fire magic.

Using magic reagents to make it look more flashy, playing tricks...

"It's magic I haven't revealed yet."

"Oh? Surely you didn't hastily create it? Hahaha!"

Obern very elegantly brushed back his hair.

"Well, I did create it just yesterday."

"...Hoho."

The face of the professor who had slightly mocked him twisted.

"What is the name of the magic?"

"I didn't bother naming it."

"...Your confidence is remarkable."

Obern turned toward the dummies.

His attitude was that he would show them first.

But he didn't chant any spells. No hand signs, no staff raised.

He just lightly lifted his long white fingers to point at the dummy.

"Pierce."

His low voice resonated and.

'Now!'

I injected magic power.

「Using Crown of Connection lv1.」

「Sharing skill 'Beam lv3'.」

Then a beam fired from Obern's fingertips.

Pzing!

The dummy's forehead was pierced.

That wasn't magic.

At least, the interviewing professors couldn't recall even similar magic.

"What is this!"

"No, we couldn't even see the magic power construction process!"

Of course not since it wasn't magic!

Obern didn't look satisfied, nor nervous.

He just calmly dropped one line.

"Did you think you could grasp my created magic at a glance?"

No one could get angry even at that arrogant statement.

Hmm, seems I hired quite a good actor.