The Professor I Don't Know
Won't you have a little chat with me?
I must decline. I am quite busy today.
Now, now, don't be that way.
I said I am busy.
Don't be so guarded. It isn't like I'm going to kidnap you.
You are kidnapping me as we speak.
Hmph!
Don't panic. I'll deliver you safely to the palace.
I've wanted to chat with you for a long time now.
I've heard all about you from my cousin.
Your cousin?
Maximilian, the palace guard.
There's a slight resemblance, isn't there?
Their ambiance couldn't be more different, but they do look slightly alike.
In our sunny dispositions.
Hello, Professor!
That?
He says he envies how you and the princes are very close.
Indeed, the princes have changed quite a lot since you arrived.
In a good way.
I must admit that I also wished to have a longer talk with you.
Every time the princes have a problem...
you are always moving behind it.
I certainly wasn't expecting that.
No need to feign ignorance.
You attempted to aggravate the matter with Prince Licht
by telling His Majesty about the prince's job in town.
With Prince Bruno...
The probability that you could become king is, well, zero, isn't it?
You tried to dissuade him from the path to the throne using Dr. Dmitri.
With Prince Kai, as well...
I don't know what you're referring to.
Have you ever met a boy named Ralf von Fuchs?
Ralf?
The instigator behind the violent incident Prince Kai was pulled into.
Supposedly, he heard accusatory gossip about the princes from a family acquaintance.
And you believe that I breathed it into his ears?
I believe it is a possibility.
I do have a friend by the name of Adam von Fuchs.
I suppose they could be relatives.
But I have never met this Ralf.
Now, if you suspect I am causing trouble
for the younger princes to keep them from the crown,
you are barking up the wrong tree.
Prince Eins is the eldest. He is distinguished. He excels in cultural and military pursuits.
Everyone says that he will be the next king.
You are implying that there is no need to get in the way?
Yes. But enough about that, Professor.
Would you be so kind as to tell me your thoughts on this article?
I thought you might have an idea about the identity of this criminal.
Oh, dear. We're already at the palace.
Time flies when you're having fun.
We'll have to continue this conversation another day.
Heine!
Prince Leonhard. What is it?
Erm, um...
Ah, yes. Professor!
I forgot to mention something. I found out...
who you really are.
I hear you tutored children at a church before coming to the palace.
A little church called Maria Vetsera.
An interesting fact came out when I looked into the reason you were teaching there.
What I mean to say is... You are not from our side, are you?
Our side?
I would love to hear more about it when next we meet.
Now, I'd best be off.
Prince Leonhard. Shall we?
Our side? A church? What's this about?
Huh?
Heine?
Is something the matter, Your Highness?
Where did you spring out from?!
How rude. I only circled behind you.
An opening!
Why are you running?
Wait, Prince Leonhard!
Stare
Stare...
Stare
Stare...
Irritation
Ahem. Is there something you would very much like to say to me?
What?! Why, you...
What made you think that when you looked at me?
Everything. Now spit it out, please.
W-Well, ahem, that is...
You taught at a church? What's the meaning of this? I never heard of this!
Well, no, because I never told you.
Why not?!
You never asked.
Don't you split hairs!
A long time ago, I was a volunteer tutor.
Then you taught without being paid?
Your Highness, you know what "volunteer" means? Excellent.
D-Don't make fun of me!
I was not paid for it, but the church did thank me with a meal for each day's work.
I see... So you had students other than us...
Ahem. Were you looking for me to give me that?
Yes. So what?
Was there a problem you needed help with?
Or did you completely give up, unable to read even the question sheet?
N-No! It's the opposite!
My word.
You were studying ahead?
That's right! Sometimes I want to study.
I worked ahead as I pleased. You're welcome.
Well, this is incredible. I can tell you worked hard.
Go ahead, then! Feel all pleased that your student has grown.
Why is he acting haughty?
I will take this and grade it in time for your lesson.
Hmph. That's right, work for me!
Really, why does he insist on acting haughty?
Prince Leonhard, you have truly grown...
Hey! Hey! Teacher! Teacher!
Hmm?
If there's anything you don't understand, raise your hands.
Now, children...
Try to solve the next problem.
Okay!
It's Professor Heine!
Master!
Master?
Professor Heine?
Children, stop chatting and concentrate on the problem.
Okay.
Prince Bruno, a corrected article about the incident was published this morning.
Have you seen it?
Yes. I'm in a radiant mood because of it.
Glad to hear it.
You're teaching children? That's excellent.
Thank you.
I was wondering if there was anything else I needed to learn as a candidate for king,
when Adele asked me to teach her.
That was my eureka moment.
I want to cultivate a relationship with the children,
and become a king who is needed by multiple generations!
So I thought. Only...
Brother, are you done yet?
What do princes do every day?
Do you like dogs or cats?
What's your least favorite food?
Prince Bruno, do you have a girlfriend?
Eek!
A-A girlfriend? Wh-What are you...
No questions that aren't related to the lesson!
Aww.
As you can see, the lesson is hardly coming together. We have wasted a lot of time.
If Your Highness cannot lead this many children...
How can you hope to lead millions of subjects as a king?
Wh...
To become a leader,
you must have an appealing temperament, or no one will follow you.
It's true. I decided to follow you upon learning what an incredible person you are.
Master! Thank you!
I will take your advice to heart and try again!
Boys and girls! I want to begin class today by having you learn more about me.
To answer your questions...
Unfortunately, I have no girlfriend.
I prefer dogs to cats. We have a pet dog, after all.
I spend my days reading and studying.
If I had to choose a least favorite food, I'd say it's liver.
Prince Bruno, it is excellent that you are so accepting of advice.
Liver is disgusting.
I like it!
It's very soft.
Oh, really?
Soft...
Prince Kai, too, has completely settled in.
Professor.
Do you have a moment?
What can I do for you?
I see. You wish to return to military school?
Yeah. After what happened,
I thought I should never go to school again and gave up.
But now that the truth is known, I want to try going back.
Do you now? Have you told your father?
No. I know he'll be against it.
But... I'm happy that I can speak to the people at the palace now.
The people at school might not all be nice.
But I think what I need now is to be able to interact with not-nice people.
That is an excellent attitude, Prince Kai.
However, instead of having me help,
perhaps you should try to persuade your father on your own?
You will need that kind of strength to become king.
Yeah. You might be right.
I know you can do it.
Do your best.
Sorry you always have to come with me, Professor.
Not at all. There are many things for you to learn here.
I am honored to be able to assist you with that.
Richard!
Let's chat again.
My, my. You're quite popular with these lovely ladies.
Yup! When I talk to them, I learn a lot.
Like that there are places that need more doctors,
that land is jumping in price, and educational problems and whatnot.
Like, the societal problems of the season feel real to me now, I guess?
Oh? You have matured, haven't you?
I'm the super hot prince of charisma.
Of course I have!
Hey, don't keep us waiting!
I'm coming!
Your Highness, please continue to push forward on a path you believe in.
Sheesh, you make it sound like we're saying goodbye.
Well, see you later!
Yes.
I found out who you really are.
You are not from our side, are you?
If my past ever comes to light...
I remember. That was your condition for becoming the royal tutor.
Oh, yeah. Apparently Heine used to teach children in a church as a volunteer.
A church? That's news to me!
Yeah... here, too...
Who told you this?
You know, that one guy.
Robe... Ro... Rorberobe...
Ro...
Count Rosenberg!
Bruno, how did you know?!
That guy?
He said he'd figured out who Heine really is or something, too.
Then he spouted some confusing stuff about Heine not being from our side.
Who he really is? Our side? What does it all mean?
Come of think of it, we know barely anything about the professor.
You said it. I've asked him before, but no dice.
You can ask him face-to-face but there's no way he'd answer.
Actually, I also looked into Master's past.
I couldn't find out anything.
Oh, how about we try his room, then?
We might find some clues.
Then now's our chance. He said he'd be going to the bookstore in the morning.
It's impolite to enter his room while he's absent.
Then you don't have to come.
What?
I wonder that Heine's room is like? I can't wait to see!
Ah...
And that's that. Kai, you come, too.
Okay.
W-Wait...
I bet there'll be lots of books we've never seen before!
I cannot let you rummage through Master's room.
I bet we'll dig up the most amazing things.
Like what? Like what?
I'm going, too!
Professor, are you there?
Is he out?
Seems like he's gone.
Shall we let ourselves in?
Did you need me?
Heine!
I-I need homework help.
S-So do I.
Do you now? Please, come in.
O-Oh, my God...
Heine.
Yes?
Your room is...
A mess!
Don't, Leo! You can't describe it exactly as it looks!
Licht! It's obviously rude to be that honest about it!
Sulk...
A-Ahem. What a lovely room.
Especially this table set in the shape of books. It's so whimsical.
That is a bona fide stack of books.
F-Forgive me, Master.
I've been busy working lately.
I've had no time to tidy my room.
Wait, is that...
...my fault?
Professor's room cleaning squad! Mobilize!
Cleaning squad?
Our studies can wait. To show you our gratitude for all your work for us,
we will clean your room from top to bottom!
Worrisome.
Master! The plan is perfect!
I've devised the most efficient course of action.
Question!
Yes, Leonhard?
I don't really understand what you're saying. It's too difficult.
But you looked good saying it!
Did that really necessitate raising his hand?
Heh. Don't worry. All you need to do is follow my instructions.
He's not displeased with that.
First, we organize the items on the floor.
Leonhard and I will handle the books.
Licht and Kai, you see to the other items.
You got it.
All right. We'll pick up all the things!
Maybe here?
Stop, Leonhard.
Huh?
This is completely unacceptable!
You order them by publisher, series, and then author!
Then, from right to left, the books should go from tallest to shortest.
This will not be over quickly.
Jeez, Bruni, that's not right.
First you've got to put things in the general area where you want them.
You can always move the little things around later.
It's almost like he's used to cleaning.
Ah, Prince Licht. Please do not touch that box.
Huh?
It is a private item.
It will be fine here.
Hmm? What is it?
Ahem. Nothing.
Master, please, return to your work.
Very well.
A private item, huh? If we look inside it, maybe we can find out who he really is.
Perhaps, but we certainly cannot open it in front of him.
Okay! I'll handle this.
Huh?
Whoa! Itchy! Itchy! My back is so itchy!
Heine, scratch me! Quickly now!
Err, as you wish.
Prince Licht?
Huh? What was I about to do?
Oh, yeah! I'm thirsty.
Professor, bring me something to drink.
We can make tea here.
Okay!
Then go fetch me some sachertorte!
You cannot ask Master to do such a trivial task! I will go and get it!
What's the point if you go?!
I'm terribly sorry, but would you mind putting off the tea until later?
There's something I'd like to finish up quickly.
Stop that!
What is this?
A collection of letters my former students gave me when we parted.
Dear Professor Heine, thank you. I love you.
I love studying now. Thank you.
When I grow up, I want to be a teacher like you, Professor Heine.
This one says the same.
One can tell that Master is a man of incredible character.
They loved your lessons.
Ah!
The presents we gave you are in here, too.
But of course.
All of my students are precious to me.
Of course, that includes Your Highnesses.
What's more, you all have great individuality and it is truly rewarding to teach you.
Every day since the first has been eventful.
It has all been very worthwhile.
I am grateful for the life I have lived since meeting you.
Heine...
Master...
Sorry for opening it.
No matter.
Now then, I will have to add even more future lessons and homework to the stack...
Ack, there's that much?!
Argh...
That is enough for our break.
Yeah.
Let us continue cleaning with even more gratitude for Master!
Let's do our best!
We've got this!
Professor, where do you want these?
Ah, I borrowed those books from the royal library. I've been meaning to return them.
Okay, I'll take them back.
By yourself? It's rather far.
Leave it to me! I can take a workout!
All right!
You're such a muscle-head. I could never ever do that.
Don't praise me so much, little brother!
That wasn't praise.
Excuse me. Would you like some tea, Professor?
Huh?
Hey, are you oka...
Are you okay, Licht—
Look out! The chair!
I'll mop it up... need a rag...
Kai, those are Master's sheets!
Leo, open your eyes!
I'm so sorry. I'll clean this up.
No, it is all right. We are fortunate no one was hurt.
Yes, sir. I'm terribly sorry. Excuse me.
Why?
Why?!
It is no use wondering why after the fact.
I will help, as well.
You need a lesson!
Who do you think we were cleaning for?!
Thankfully, the disaster did not extend to your desk.
Now, please continue your own work.
All right! Professor Heine's room cleaning squad!
Our cleaning begins anew!
Yeah!
My word.
What do you think, Master? Maybe it's not enough yet.
Oh, no. It is perfect, in my opinion.
So, um, were we useful?
Is this a proper thank-you?
Yes. Of course.
Thank you for working hard for me, and for the tidy room.
I will put on some tea as thanks. Will you join me for it?
Yeah!
Sounds great.
I would be honored.
Okay.
A sachertorte after hard work is the best.
It's good.
Yeah.
Torte, torte.
Hmm?
Huh? Professor, you still had this?
This rubbish article.
"A criminal has slipped into the palace"?
How outrageous. That paper writes nothing but lies.
Seriously! I hate liars!
The people in the palace are all nice. They're all good people.
Ha, a criminal in the palace? Where could they possibly slip in?
Honestly! There's no way a criminal would be here.
You need a lesson!
It is not good to assume what is true without confirming it for yourself.
What if the criminal was someone in the palace who is nice to Your Highnesses?
Huh?
For example, what if it was me?
Kai, why don't we play chess for a change?
Okay. Let's play.
Gah! There's dust on the chessboard!
Wait a moment, Kai. We'll begin our match once I've polished it until I can see my reflection!
Next Time: The Pair's Promise
Next time, "The Pair's Promise."
You really like things to be clean. You're a good boy.