Chapter 1005 – #241_The Academy Inauguration Ceremony (6)
#999
1.
Public opinion refers to the feelings, thoughts, and attitudes shared by an unspecified majority.
As long as humans are social animals, it is difficult for any individual to be free from the currents of public opinion.
For example, after the exposé in the gossip magazine, Siwoo’s reputation, which had plummeted to the depths, gradually spread to those around him who had no particular thoughts, forming a negative public opinion.
Especially in Gehenna, due to his involvement in such a disgraceful scandal, his position quickly narrowed.
However, there is an interesting point.
Even such negative public opinion can be turned in the opposite direction, assuming that an opportunity is provided.
Siwoo and Count Adonai showcased a precarious waltz that was almost like a tightrope walk.
The Count clenched his fist, seemingly reliving the thrill of a moment ago.
“I never knew I could dance so well.”
“……”
“I’ll be going now. Good luck with the rest.”
“It was a pleasure.”
There were many things he wanted to say, but he didn’t bother to put them into words.
Since the start of the ball, no one had asked Siwoo to dance, and to make matters worse, no one even spoke to him.
Count Adonai’s greatest contribution was not just providing an opportunity to show off his dance, but creating a ‘trigger’ to change the flow of public opinion.
“That was really impressive.”
The one who greeted him with a slight flourish of her dress was Baroness Louisa Moyerty, who had received the first high-priced tutoring session last time.
She held a fairly high position in the Emerald Tablet, didn’t she?
“Baroness Moyerty.”
When he greeted her politely, she slightly averted her eyes and awkwardly pulled up the corners of her mouth.
Negative public opinion also serves to constrain the actions of those around them.
Baroness Moyerty also had some liking for Siwoo, but she was hesitant to step forward because she was conscious of the eyes around her, and that point was probably embarrassing to her.
He didn’t particularly intend to blame her for being calculating.
Isn’t that how the world works anyway?
“You look much more dashing than during the last home visit.”
“It’s an honor. It’s only now that I can save face, hearing you say that.”
“Pardon?”
“If there hadn’t been any changes, I would have been embarrassed to ask you to dance, Baroness.”
“Oh my, you’re joking.”
Such words and actions could be a self-inflicted blunder.
The reason Siwoo’s public opinion was at its worst was because he was criticized for his womanizing, and the conversation just now, even if it was a joke, was a kind of flirting.
However, the core of the charisma project is a head-on breakthrough.
Not a gigolo, but a Casanova.
Reversing the nuance of a hair’s breadth with charisma and atmosphere.
So, how was Siwoo’s attempt? You can tell by the reactions around him.
“Ah, I was going to try first…”
“He speaks so beautifully.”
“Didn’t you see him dancing with Count Adonai just now? He was a gentleman through and through.”
An attitude that knows how to maintain formality while showing a proper amount of ease.
A smooth manner that isn’t overly cheesy, and movements that feel trained and restrained.
A subtle feeling of consideration for his partner.
And what stands out most of all is his confidence.
Generally, if such a scandal breaks out and bad rumors spread everywhere, one would become withdrawn.
But so far, his attitude has shown no such withdrawal.
Here, another mysterious characteristic of public opinion emerges.
Siwoo’s recent scandal is not a serious moral flaw or a matter of trust, but rather a matter of gossip.
In such times, what the public wants is not a sincere apology, explanation, or reflection.
Those who are most passionately tearing Siwoo apart and leading public opinion are simply jumping on the bandwagon because they have found a ‘reason’ to attack someone they didn’t like in the first place.
It would be a blessing if they didn’t nitpick or twist things further; there’s no way a sincere explanation would work on them.
In that case, it’s better to come forward coolly.
It’s better to demonstrate a manly side and show the confidence that he doesn’t care about the rumors.
“It’s starting.”
“He seems to be doing even better than before?”
The dance with Baroness Moyerty shocked even more people than the one with Count Adonai.
Unlike Count Adonai, Baroness Moyerty had a decent basic skill set.
While dancing with Siwoo, she realized that what she had considered waltzing until now was not a true waltz.
How could his lead be so skillful?
The leader’s ability to direct the next move with a subtle pressure, like a whisper.
Care that compensates for her weaknesses with strength and supports her sense of balance to make her strengths stand out even more.
Her feet in shoes feel as light as if they are about to take flight.
The heavy weight felt throughout her body is on a different level than when she dances with other dancers or witches.
And those eyes, burning with passion every time they meet…
“It, it was a blissful time.”
“The honor was all mine, it was a pleasure to spend time with you, Baroness Moyerty.”
After one waltz ended, Baroness Moyerty, her face flushed, couldn’t seem to hide her appearance as a girl in love, unable to take her eyes off Siwoo’s face.
But no one in the ballroom could laugh at Moyerty.
It wasn’t just because the two waltzes were beautiful.
The notorious womanizer, the playboy.
The filth that had been obscuring Siwoo’s true nature due to the gossip magazines.
As this filth is swept away by the reversed currents of public opinion, an homme fatale atmosphere is emerging like a legendary underwater city.
“Come to think of it, isn’t he really amazing?”
“That’s right. He’s a great witch, after all. And a man, at that.”
“He’s annoyingly handsome.”
“I thought his etiquette would be terrible since he was a slave… Was he originally from the upper class?”
“There are some lacking parts.”
“That’s true, but I actually really like that roughness. It feels like he’s not a hothouse flower, but a veteran warrior who has accumulated all sorts of real-world experience, doesn’t it?”
“That’s right, that’s right. He’s said to have defeated two 22nd-ranked enemies.”
“Besides the Witch of Reverse Heaven, is there another one?”
“Didn’t you know? The Witch of Desire also died at the hands of Shin Siwoo.”
“Oh my goodness!”
The southeast wind is blowing.
A reevaluation is beginning to take place, little by little.
That evaluation was not limited to Siwoo.
“Who did the article say were his lovers?”
“There were quite a few.”
“But… this might sound a bit ridiculous, but wouldn’t that mean he’s quite capable…?”
“How can you say such frivolous things!”
“No, no, listen to me. At first, I thought he was just running around with a slick face, like a horny dog? But look at them again. Even Duchess Tiferet, who is unparalleled in her integrity, is among them.”
“……”
“Even if it wasn’t her, aren’t each of them figures who have nothing to envy, just in terms of looks?”
“Is that so? Well, I guess that’s true.”
“Right? Above all, look at how the Jemenae family isn’t saying anything. If he had committed a serious wrong or cheated, the engagement would have been terminated long ago.”
“Come to think of it, that’s strange? That family is famous for their pride.”
“That’s what I’m saying. Isn’t it possible that Baron Shin Siwoo himself is just such a great person that the Baron family is condoning it?”
“I don’t know about that… but I definitely know that he’s extraordinary.”
There were still some who grumbled or were dissatisfied with the current situation, but their complaints were drowned out by the dance requests for Siwoo.
“Head of the Academy? Would it be alright if I danced with you too?”
“Perhaps next time, it could be me…”
Siwoo willingly accepted all requests and perfectly performed the remaining eight waltzes.
The lucky witches who were able to partner with him were completely captivated by his magical dance skills and atmosphere.
They became powerful speakers, extolling without any reward how blissful it was to dance with Siwoo and how gentle he was in close conversation.
“I’ve lost half my life…”
“I guess it’s wrong to judge people based on what others say.”
“He was a handsome, beastly gentleman.”
“I wish I could have a dating rumor with him.”
Thus, the academy’s inauguration ceremony and after-party successfully concluded, marking a grand finale.
2.
These achievements were not something that could have been accomplished solely through Siwoo’s efforts.
It was possible because of the help and assistance of his lovers and acquaintances.
He plans to provide them with appropriate compensation.
Right now, he’s in the position of seeking talent and going around to establish the lacking departments, but someday, many witches will line up to become department heads at the Hesed Academy, and it will become a coveted position.
He intends to make it so.
A modest after-party was prepared for the successful inauguration ceremony.
The after-party, which was lively with lovers, as well as Alice, Periwinkle, Sophia, the mothers-in-law, and even Count Yesod, was gradually coming to an end, and now only the lovers remained.
Sharon, who was quite drunk, was holding a bottle like a microphone, getting excited.
“HEY, everyone, hello, do you know who I am?”
“Professor Sharon!”
“Today, I’m the brightest star in the Witch Academy!”
“Sexy! You are!”
The twins, who are close to Sharon, were excited and cheered in response to her excitement.
Everyone willingly took on the position of professor for Siwoo, but Sharon was the happiest among them.
“Siwoo, thank you so much. Today is truly the best day of my life!”
“No, it’s me who should be thankful.”
“Absolutely, absolutely not! If it weren’t for you, how could I be in a position like this?”
Sharon jumped up and hugged Siwoo, kissing him repeatedly on the cheek.
Sharon, who had not been able to secure a stable job due to her incomplete succession, was now a full-fledged department head in charge of a department.
Due to the short history and tradition of the academy, one of the merits offered to recruit department heads was salary, so Sharon is now a prestigious, high-paid salaried employee.
“Siwoo, you were really amazing today.”
“I know you must be busy with your full schedule, thank you so much for taking on this role.”
“It’s for Siwoo, not just anyone.”
Amelia, her cheeks flushed, also sent her congratulations.
“I believed that you would do well. There are only better things to come.”
Followed by the encouragement of his teacher.
“Everyone, remember that this academy would not have even started without my help.”
“Whatever.”
“We would have lent you the money?”
“What?”
As usual, Lulue, who was being boastful, immediately went into battle mode due to the twins’ taunts.
It was time to wrap up the gathering.
“We’ll be really busy starting tomorrow. I think it would be good to stop here for today.”
From tomorrow, they will have to start building the curriculum in earnest.
Although they had taken the time to lay out the framework, they would have to start the work of systematizing and standardizing it for use in classes.
At that time.
“Siwoo.”
“Deneb.”
The door opened and Deneb entered.
“I received a message from the Emerald Tablet.”
“Is that so?”
Even so, would there be a need for Deneb to come all the way here at this late hour to deliver it?
This question was neatly resolved by her next words.
“It’s an invitation from the head of the academy.”
Much earlier than expected, the Emerald Tablet, one of the two major factions supporting Gehenna, had reached out.
