NOVEL NEXT Chapter 33
Two days later…
“Jin Divinesword, young man.”
“Yes?”
“I’m going to overlook everything related to the duel. So, I’ve rejected all the damages claims from the Kale House. You should be grateful.”
“Thank you.”
“But… directing magic at the audience, even with my authority, was inexcusable. So, I’m giving you a one-week break. Make sure to enjoy yourself.”
I was summoned to the headmaster’s office, and he told me this as the first thing upon arrival. It seems that the royal princess’s parents, the king and queen, were present at the duel. Normally, directing magic at them would result in the death penalty. However, because the princess was indirectly involved, and the military girl had intervened, I got off with this lenient punishment.
Actually, it’s quite unusual for a teacher, or someone of my position, to be given a suspension as a form of punishment. Is it really appropriate to call it a “break” in this context?
But I have something else I’d like to ask.
“Headmaster, the person who committed rape wasn’t me… Did you acknowledge that?”
“Of course. Well, with all that evidence piled up, there’s no way we could accuse you at this point.”
The headmaster’s words were exactly right.
The conditions of the duel were that the loser would have to tell the truth. So, after losing, Eugene spilled everything.
As expected, the mastermind behind the plan was Eugene, and the execution was carried out by Yuffie and her entourage.
Since Yuffie had become a complete wreck and couldn’t provide testimony, my memories were viewed, but they confirmed Eugene’s statements. Thus, my innocence was established.
By the way, the other two members of Yuffie’s group were completely uninvolved in the rape accusation. They had alibis for the day in question, confirming that they were spending their time together in town and not at the library.
I’ve been tossed around quite a bit, but when I finally looked into it, it was nothing short of shoddy work. Well, I’ll just be thankful that my false charges have been cleared.
As I reluctantly accepted that, the headmaster suddenly cast a spell without an incantation or motion. It wasn’t particularly powerful, so I blocked it with a simple barrier. Then, I used natural magical energy to deploy dozens of spells around the headmaster.
“What are you planning, Headmaster? Depending on your answer, I might unleash all these spells.”
While I manipulated magic with a killing intent, I glared at him, but the headmaster maintained a carefree attitude and lowered his head.
“My apologies, my apologies. You see… I wasn’t there at the time, so I wanted to see just how skilled you are. Please forgive me.”
“…Tch… If you try this again, I won’t hold back.”
“Oh, you’re so scary, so scary. But aren’t you a bit lacking in power, my lad?”
“…Tch…”
In response to his words, I couldn’t come up with a retort.
The headmaster, Aldo Miracle, was in the game as a kind of deus ex machina character who would come to the protagonist’s aid in a pinch, with an undisclosed level of power. However, in the post-game setting guide, it was written like this:
The mentor of the military girl Lucia and the former strongest human.
And having met him now, he was undoubtedly strong.
Maybe I won’t lose to him, but I won’t win either. To be honest, I felt that his strength was far beyond what the military girl had displayed. Even though he’s supposedly weakened from his prime, it’s clear that he’s still living up to the title of the former strongest human.
Confronting him here is not a good idea. Besides, it seems he’s the one who lightened my punishment. I decided to deactivate the spells I had set up and eased up a bit.
“Haah… It seems you’re still a handful for me. But please, don’t interfere with me and Mea.”
“I understand. I’ve asked about this duel, and it seems it could harm Mea-chan.”
“That’s right. So, can I go now?”
“Yes, you may go.”
I heard his words and, feeling mentally exhausted, returned to Mea.
After Jin left the headmaster’s office, another man entered. It was Leonhart, the king of this country.
“Hey, Aldo. Were you talking to that kid earlier?”
“Oh, you’ve arrived, Leonhart. Yes, I was talking to a lad named Jin Divine Sword, the second son of the Divine Sword family.”
The two were childhood friends, and their relationship remained close even after several decades. However, this time, they hadn’t gathered for a friendly chat.
The calm atmosphere quickly dissipated, replaced by a tense one.
“So, how was it? Jin Divinesword?”
As Leonhart’s tone shifted to a more business-like one, Aldo truthfully conveyed what he had felt during their encounter earlier.
“In a line—He’s a talent beyond me. Frankly, in a few years, he’ll likely surpass even my prime. In terms of talent alone, he might be superior to Lucia or Sofia.”
Upon hearing those words, Leonhardt let out a deep sigh.
“I see… Then I absolutely can’t let him leave this country. Alright—Sophia… Well, she’s infatuated with that lad, so let’s send Cynthia. She may not have Sofia’s magical talent, but her beauty and cunning surpass even Sofia.”
“Well, that seems reasonable. However,… I don’t think he can be easily won over.”
Aldo’s confident tone made Leonhardt furrow his brows.
“Why is that…?”
“Well, let’s just say it’s something to look forward to later.”
Aldo chuckled to himself, imagining Jin’s reaction to the situation he had in mind.
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