[TIDK] 134 – Alpha Male

June 13

"We have textbooks and resources for you!"

"We've covered all the theoretical aspects, and now it's time for the engineers to bring it to life."

"And that's where you come in, Scarlett. Can you please open the jammed lock?"

As the words were spoken, the group of five individuals turned their attention to Scarlett, who happened to be the smallest among them. She accepted the jammed lock with a puzzled expression, unsure of what was expected of her. However, before she could make sense of the situation, Pallin, observing her confusion, swiftly took the lock from her hands, effortlessly unlocking it and returning it. The others stood there, their faces filled with a mix of surprise and bewilderment.

"We didn't anticipate such a variable."

"How could we have predicted the sudden appearance of that Alpha Male?"

//the wha-

"Although we had planned to find an engineer, the country has essentially eradicated..."

"Here, in the College of Engineering, the likelihood of encountering an engineer is higher than encountering an Alpha Male."

Pallin leaned closer to Scarlett, his voice lowered, "Let's just move on, shall we? This situation is getting stranger by the minute."

In response, Scarlett presented some documents to Pallin and said, "Pallin, you received top-tier education, right? Can you make sense of this?"

Pallin shook his head, confessing, "Not at all. Philosophy was deemed the most important subject for us."

His words were met with chuckles from the students.

"Ha, philosophy."

"It's of no practical use in the real world."

As Pallin spoke up, he confidently claimed, "I'm the one who opened the lock."

Silence filled the room as everyone processed his unexpected statement. Breaking the tension, he urged Scarlett, "Let's go, miss."

With Pallin leading the way, Scarlett followed, stepping into the office of the dean. Her face adorned with a warm smile, she greeted the middle-aged woman, "Nice to meet you."

Eliza, the dean, wore a troubled expression as she approached Scarlett, extending her hand for a handshake. Introducing herself, she said, "I'm Eliza Palmyr."

Scarlett reciprocated the handshake, handing over her recommendation letter. After reading it, Eliza sighed and remarked, "I received your contact information in advance. However, as you can see, I'm not someone who can teach. This is a place for research, and those who were capable of teaching... well, they have all, unfortunately, passed away."

Unfazed by Eliza's sceptical gaze, Scarlett maintained her smile, refusing to let it deter her.

Eliza Palmyr, the vigilant overseer, didn't hold back as she delivered her warning with an air of frankness.

"I'm sure you know that the government isn't particularly keen on the Salantier College of Engineering making ground-breaking discoveries."

Scarlett nodded, absorbing Eliza's words.

"In fact, this institution isn't known for producing anything extraordinary. We mostly go through the motions here. But let's grab coffee together sometime once you've settled in."

"Sounds good," Scarlett replied with a hint of curiosity.

"And by the way, Scarlett Crimson, you didn't need a recommendation letter like this."

Eliza's statement piqued Scarlett's interest, prompting her to give her a questioning look.

Eliza continued, "If you're from the Crimson family, you can simply open the doors and walk in here. As luck would have it, there's an open research lab available for your use. Feel free to explore and experiment to your heart's content."

With Eliza's guidance, Scarlett completed the necessary additions to her admission documents, solidifying her enrolment at the Salantier College of Engineering.

The student body comprised 26 individuals, including Scarlett, while the teaching staff comprised only four professors, creating an intimate and focused learning environment. Scarlett couldn't help but wonder if the task was initially supposed to be this easy or if it was Viktor Dumfelt's intervention that had effortlessly resolved it. With the enrolment procedures completed, she stepped out of the professor's office and began examining the campus map given to her by Eliza. However, before she could proceed, the female student who had struggled with the jammed container earlier came rushing towards her. Just as the student attempted to grab Scarlett's arm, Pallin quickly intervened, preventing her from doing so.

Pallin smiled reassuringly as he addressed the startled student, "Please refrain from touching the young lady. She is quite important."

Scarlett had wanted to express her gratitude to Pallin for his unexpected assistance in helping her navigate the intricacies of the school. But considering the circumstances, she refrained from uttering those words, aware that they might not be well-received. Instead, she introduced herself, "I'm Scarlett."

The student, her eyes blinking rapidly, removed her hand and introduced herself, "I'm Kristin..."

"Scarlett Crimson," Scarlett added.

"Ah, I'm from the Rocher family."

"And I'm from the Crimson family."

"Wait, that means you're the daughter of the Crimson Viscount and Viscountess!"

Scarlett nodded, confirming Kristin's assumption.

"Look at this! The daughter of the Crimson Viscount and Viscountess!" Kristin exclaimed, unable to contain her excitement.

Kristin's outburst attracted the attention of those around them. The male student who had initially greeted them based on genetics couldn't help but ask, "Are you truly from the Crimson family?"

"Look! See, I told you she looked like her, right?"

"Oh, we have a true descendant of a noble lineage among us."

Pallin stood guard, preventing anyone from bothering Scarlett, though his expression revealed a hint of discomfort.

Scarlett whispered, "Pallin, I need to get along with these people, so please try not to act that way."

"Do you really want to get along with these people?" Pallin's expression seemed unfathomable, but he reluctantly nodded and replied, "Fine."

"In any case, I'm not leaving. If even a single scratch appears on you, I'll meet my demise at the hands of the captain."

One of the students asked, "Who is the captain?"

"Our captain. Viktor Dumfelt, the captain of the Rubied. That's all he is."

As the students heard this, murmurs circulated among them.

"A member of the Crimson family and Captain Dumfelt?"

"Well, at least it's a marriage between families of similar standing."

"True. Although the Dumfelt family may not hold the same level of prestige as the Crimson family, being the leader of Alpha Male, he must possess admirable genes."

At least in their eyes, the Crimson family was an unparalleled dynasty of distinction, the revered lineage of illustrious inventors.

Scarlett’s head swam in the presence of these individuals.