Chapter 233

Our thrilling brawl quickly came to an end. It was wrapped up more neatly than I expected.

The reason was simple. The Restraid Clan surrendered first.

Professor Masus, standing at the front, drew his sword with a furious voice and shouted. Seizing the opportunity, our Violet and friends quickly stepped back.

“What on earth is going on? You said you came for an important matter, yet you’re attacking our students!”

For some reason, there were several armored knights gathered around, and a luxurious-looking limousine was nearby.

‘Could it be that an important person has come to visit?’

The professors armed with their individual weapons and the guards glared at the Restraid Clan knights with looks of anger and caution.

The students and visitors around were chattering and scanning them. Perhaps it felt burdensome to have so many eyes on them.

Before long, other armored knights and high-ranking individuals in suits got out of an armored vehicle and began conversing with the faculty.

“Well, it seems there was a misunderstanding on our end. I apologize for that.”

“This isn’t something that can just end with an apology! No matter how big your clan is, you still have to respect the non-interference clause regarding the academy.”

“It was just a minor deviation. Embarrassingly, we’ll compensate the academy.”

“What about our students?”

After a brief commotion, the situation was soon sorted out.

About thirty minutes later, we wrote statements detailing the incident and testified in front of the professors and the headmaster.

It seemed the atmosphere was fairly calm since it was the Restraid Clan that initiated the conflict.

“I see. The knights started it first, huh?”

However, through my friends’ testimonies, I learned an unexpected truth.

“So, according to Miss Daphne, Sebastian was just trying to back off, but the knights guarding him suddenly got angry and flipped the table. Is that correct? Please be honest.”

My friend calmly recounted the facts.

“Yes, that’s right. It was a bit unpleasant, but he was just trying to leave.”

“What about the others? Is what you just said true?”

The other two friends gave almost the same testimony.

“Yeah, that pervert… I mean, Sebastian did approach suddenly, but he didn’t actually force anything.”

“It’s true.”

I realized that it must have been some kind of misunderstanding on my part.

‘Huh? Wasn’t it S who started the conflict first?’

After all the testimonies were concluded, Professor Masus explained how they would deal with the situation. He said he had confirmed everyone else’s statements.

“So what happens now?”

“First of all, we plan to refer Sebastian to the Disciplinary Committee for punishment. Regardless of the circumstances, the fact remains that he participated in the fight, and the conflict arose due to the bodyguards. We can’t just let it slide.”

I almost felt like cheering internally. However, disappointment washed over me with the professor’s next words.

“However, Miss Violet, it seems you will also likely be referred to the Disciplinary Committee.”

“Why me? I was just trying to protect my friend…”

“I already mentioned, didn’t I? Sebastian was sitting still. Circumstantially, it was actually Violet who made the first move.”

“But he’s a playboy!”

“I understand your feelings. But there’s no helping it; it’s the principle. The testimonies from the involved parties, friends, witnesses, the school CCTV, and other students all match up.”

I lowered my head, feeling wronged.

‘We were just trying to achieve justice…’

As I was about to leave the staff room, the professor’s voice called from behind.

“Don’t worry too much. I will do my best to advocate for you, Miss Violet. Considering the circumstances, it’s likely the punishment will be light, like cleaning duty.”

At those words, I breathed a sigh of relief and smiled.

‘Hehe, what a relief!’

In the academy’s reception room, Sebastian sat across from Cordo, and he looked visibly tense.

Nearby, my father’s Secretary General was making a call while glancing over a tablet.

I could feel my father’s piercing gaze burning into me. It felt as if I would be drilled through at any moment.

“Don’t even think about making excuses for what happened today.”

Cordo spoke in a chilly voice.

“I saw everything. They told me you were a first-year. How could someone on the brink of graduation lose to a first-year? Huh?”

Sebastian clenched his fists. He protested with a furious face.

“Father, I didn’t lose! I was just unfamiliar with that guy’s unique ability. If I had just a little more time, I would have won. As a knight, I must…”

“Time? Ha! Don’t make excuses.”

Cordo sneered.

“That only applies when you’re fighting an opponent of equal caliber or stronger. Does it make sense to dawdle against some rookie who’s barely been transferred for a month? It should have been over in an instant! Admit it. That was a loss.”

Sebastian gritted his teeth. He was at a loss for words in the face of his father’s harsh reprimands.

Seeing this, Cordo continued to growl disdainfully.

“Get a grip, Sebastian! You’re the heir of our clan. You carry the bloodline of the Arnor royal family and the legacy of the clan’s general! You must be perfect. No matter who the opponent is, you must crush them.”

Observing Sebastian in silence, Cordo continued.

“But what I saw today was disappointing. You couldn’t even control one of your people. Wasting time against a rookie? What have you been doing all this time? Just goofing off?”

“That’s not true! I’ve been training hard. I did my best on the field as well. You know that, Father.”

“Training? Pfft. Surely running around dressed in armor as a knight must have made the world seem like a joke to you. While attending the academy, you lorded over basic commoners like a king. Do you think you’ve become a real knight? Let me tell you something. Being a knight is just a childish game; you’re living in a fantasy. You’ve lost touch with reality.”

Sebastian protested.

“That’s not true, Father. I have always done my best for the family. I have never conducted myself lightly!”

Cordo looked sharply at Sebastian.

“Oh, so when I told you to learn practical work during your sabbatical, you chose to don armor and play knight in a fairy tale?”

“I only fought because someone needed protection. Isn’t that the duty of a knight as a noble?”

To the commander, his son’s excuses sounded foolish.

“You fool! Chivalry has been dead for over two hundred years. What we promote as honor and knightly conduct is just a franchise slogan. Do you still believe in that nonsense?”

“But we are knights, aren’t we? Stopping monsters is our job. Father, I have never taken this lightly…”

“Your ‘best’? Yet you couldn’t even subdue someone weaker than you. In front of all the academy’s students.”

Sebastian’s gaze fell as his father’s words rang true.

In the face of undeniable facts, his anger melted into shame and self-loathing.

“The whole academy will probably know by tomorrow. The heir of Restraid, bested by a mere first-year student? To be humiliated by a common girl… You should feel ashamed. At this rate…”

Cordo muttered with an impassive face.

“Yes, maybe I should reconsider your position as heir. Just like your other siblings.”

Images of his half-siblings flashed through Sebastian’s mind.

A bloody competition of biting and kicking, racing toward the throne.

He, too, had once been in the heart of that fight.

He knew well how the losers were subjected to humiliation and insult.

“…I’m sorry. I will make sure this doesn’t happen again.”

Sebastian gritted his teeth under the pressure.

As he looked into his son’s face, Cordo’s lips curled into a satisfied smirk.

“You remember the vow from that day, don’t you? You are to fulfill the family’s wish.”

He nodded slowly, resolutely.

“Yes, Father. I remember clearly.”

“The family’s honor comes first. Make sure something like today never happens again. Otherwise…”

Cordo’s eyes glinted ominously. Sebastian flinched and swallowed, but he soon responded with determination.

“That will never happen. I swear on my life…”

Only after hearing his son’s multiple affirmations did Cordo show a satisfied expression.

“Good. Remember, you must never show weakness. That is the path for the sake of the family and the destiny of one born into the Restraid bloodline.”

Silence fell in the room. Sebastian stood up, hiding the turmoil in his heart.

“Understood, Father. I will not disappoint you.”

The moment he stepped out the door, Sebastian could finally let out a deep sigh.

‘Damn it, this is so messed up!’

Humiliation and anger clawed at his heart.

‘No, chivalry is not a joke…!’

He swallowed his indignation and walked down the corridor.

Meanwhile, beyond the door from which his son had just exited, the Secretary General spoke to Cordo.

“What should we do about the original plans? There was quite a stir… Should we postpone?”

“Since everyone’s attention is here today, there’s not much we can do about it. Let’s return in three days. By the way, I’m curious about the girl our son has taken a fancy to. Can you show me some info?”

Following his words, the Secretary General held up a tablet.

A small document procured with a small gift from an administrative staff member contained information and a photo of a silver-haired girl.

“Daphne Grace, a transfer student in her first year. The information seems somewhat lacking. However, based on the compiled academy records and counseling materials, her grades and conduct don’t seem to be bad. She has no parents, so there shouldn’t be any issues regarding her family. Particularly…”

As the secretary continued, Cordo’s eyes widened.

“Oh, a healing and barrier ability? Unique abilities like this are quite rare; she must have impressive genes. Sebastian would certainly take a liking to her. What about the blonde girl?”

“Are you referring to Violet? According to the records, she possesses the clone creation ability…”

“Clone, huh… I don’t know how practical that is, but it does have collection value. The Helios kid and that pink-haired common girl seem decent as well. A rare finds package, indeed. I like it.”

Cordo felt a sense of satisfaction.

Originally, he had come here for one purpose.

To investigate and conduct inspections related to the cult group recently active in the southern district and those dimensional beings behind them.

However, every so often, surveying the academy could lead to unexpected gains.

“Should we select one of our home or collateral children to connect with these girls? I hear according to the academy regulations, students can continue their studies even if they get married or become pregnant.”

“Forget about it. They’re still first-years. We can start with just some initial contact and proceed gradually. Genetic probability for unique abilities is low… Even so, they are still noteworthy talents. They might be commoners, but their abilities are not bad.”

They scanned through the list of candidates. The names of the four girls were added to the many potential brides/grooms connected with the family.

“Brazen, but they’re just young girls. If we splurge on some fine goods, their minds might be changed a bit. Let’s give them their princely figures on horseback.”

Cordo grinned.

Girls may seem complex, but surprisingly, they were simple and easy to manage.

“Yes. Understood.”

For several days, a self-proclaimed temporary instructor followed closely behind Violet.

“Sister Sophie El! Aren’t you supposed to be teaching something as a temporary instructor?”

“Yep, the academy has kindly allowed me to take care of Violet instead.”

She responded with a bright smile, but I couldn’t shake off the uneasy feeling. It was clear that she was there to keep an eye on me.

“I won’t cause any trouble. Please stop watching me…”

“Watching? It’s not like that. I’m here to help you.”

The meaning of ‘helping’ was unclear, so I looked at her with confusion.

“Actually, the Restraid family has been paying attention to you.”

“Because of Sebastian?”

“That’s part of it, but it’s also because Violet is quite a capable talent.”

Still not understanding, I scratched my head. Could it be that they were trying to recruit me?

“Is that so? Hehe…”

However, the students’ gazes were far from casual. I was curious about what I’d done to attract their attention.

Even while chatting with friends in a café, the stares around me felt piercing.

“Hey guys, why are you all looking at us like that?”

I couldn’t hold back my curiosity, and Kali hesitated before cautiously speaking up.

“Um, you know the anonymous post board for the academy, Violet?”

“Yeah, I know. But why?”

I knew there was an anonymous community for Aegis Academy students. However, I had never visited it until now.

Instead of answering, Kali held out her smartphone screen. On it was a familiar video playing.

“Wow, that’s me?!”

The video captured me fighting Sebastian, clear as day.

“The anonymous post board can be scary. Rumors spread like wildfire.”

“Oh no! What should we do?”

Stories of people falling from grace due to all sorts of rumors and fake news flooded my mind.

As I trembled in fear, Kali spoke up again.

“There’s no need to panic. The response isn’t as bad as you’d think.”

Curiosity got the better of me, and I began scrolling through the comments in the community.

[Three days ago, campus chaos raw footage uploaded]

[Video]

Upvotes: 428 Downvotes: 12

┕ Wow, seriously going at it against Sebastian. No way this is edited, my heart swelled…

┕ Not edited; I caught a glimpse at the scene too.

┕ Look at those movements, they’re insane. I’d recommend watching at 0.3x speed.

┕ Her swordsmanship seems a bit lacking, though? Those twins, is that her unique ability? Anyone know?

┕ Yep, that’s definitely the clone ability, but pay attention to her timing and the level of manipulation; that’s something a full-fledged academy student could pull off.

┕ Whoa, how does she handle her clones so well? Who is she?

┕ Apparently, she’s a first-year transfer student?

┕ She’s a first-year, and she fought with Professor Masus during the first class of the second semester; her swordsmanship is beyond imagination.

…

Reading through the video comments, a smile spread across my face.

“Wow! I’m getting so many compliments?!”

Dopamine surged with every single comment. But unlike my delight, my friends let out heavy sighs.

“Everyone’s just talking about your clone ability.”

“What if your abilities get exposed?”

“It might be best for you to ease up on the clone creation for a while.”

My friends were filled with worry instead of compliments.

Feeling slightly deflated, I took a sip of my juice.

「Nobody’s giving me compliments…」

Just then, someone approached us.

“Excuse me, could it be that…?”

Two well-dressed individuals stood before us, a man and a woman I’d never seen before.

The middle-aged woman with a ponytail spoke up.

Surprisingly, they seemed to know who we were.

Irene cast a wary glance and asked, “What do you want?”

“Oh, hello! We come from the Lightbridge Foundation. Could we have a moment to talk?”

The faces of the people speaking were full of kind smiles.

“What on earth…”

Thirty minutes later, we found ourselves seated in a luxury restaurant.

Delicious-looking food was spread out before us.

“Wow, these people must be really good!”

“Oh my, a kind ponytail lady!”

While my friends hesitated, I picked up a french fry.

“Enjoy your meal!”