Chapter 63

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Ian was bewildered.

With a dignified appearance, as if pulled from golden silk, she had long and shiny blond hair and a somewhat aggressive figure.

Winking with one bright blue eye slightly closed, the passing figure was named Asteria. She was the third princess of the Britannian Empire.

Why would the princess be interested in me?

The influence of the emperor was absolute in the central part of the continent where Lichten was located.

Asteria was the direct descendant and child of that emperor.

Noble, dignified

Describing the presence of the emperors bloodline here was so heavy that it was difficult with just a few words.

The atmosphere in the disciplinary committee, frozen in an instant, was proof of that.

Even the distinguished professors were silent in the space.

Of course, if you scrutinize it, there might be a few individuals within the academy whose power and reputation match that of the princess.

However, they must have possessed overwhelming talent, put in relentless effort, and had good luck to reach their positions.

The princess, on the other hand, possesses nobility equal to their lifetime achievements solely through her bloodline.

Such a person suddenly appeared in the disciplinary committee.

It was natural that no one would be unsurprised.

Ians reason for being shocked, however, was different from others.

Its about time for Princess Asteria to enroll.

She was the central character in Act 2 of the main scenario, Frozen River. The scenario began with Asteria entering the Academy and searching for trustworthy students.

The foolish princess, The princess entranced by luxury

Contrary to her public image, Asteria would embark on genuine successor activities starting from the Academy.

Therefore, her presence here was not surprising.

Ian was just curious about why she took an interest in him.

Well, the situation isnt bad for now.

Whether it was because she was a drama enthusiast as she claimed or for some unknown reason, Ian was helped.

It was fortunate that the content of her interest was positive since there were things to extract from the princess in the future.

Ahem. Lets proceed with the disciplinary committee.

After an unintended break, the disciplinary committee resumed.

Professor Violet skillfully took the lead.

Student Ian, what evidence have you prepared?

Professor Violet, right now, rather than that trivial evidence

In response to Professor Todd Cams objection, Professor Violet glared at him.

Are you calling the essential content for determining disciplinary measures trivial evidence? Moreover, I mentioned it because Princess Asteria kindly made a good suggestion. Professor Todd Cam, are you expressing the princesss proposal as trivial?

N-no, thats not what I meant! Absolutely not!

Then just listen. Student Ian, we request the evidence you mentioned earlier.

Todd Cam grumbled.

Professor Violet effectively controlled the atmosphere.

Ians mouth opened.

I was able to obtain a part of the controversial will, allegedly written by me, during the Median House incident.

If its the Median House, it must be the threatening will that Student Lina Rosewell had.

Yes. I requested an analysis of that will. I propose Silvia Laurent and the handwriting expert she hired as witnesses for the results.

Those in favor of accepting witnesses and evidence submission, please raise your hands. Yes, majority rules. Come in.

Swiftly.

From here on, it was a speed battle.

Silvia, who entered and made eye contact with Ian, lightly smiled and stood in the witness stand with a serious expression.

Beside her was a man in his late forties, giving off the impression of a skilled artisan.

After a brief introduction, Silvia took out a document.

It was the s*icide threat will that Lina Rosewell had kept.

She spoke.

I had the handwriting analyzed. It matched Ian Blackangers handwriting by 90%.

People who thought that the content would be favorable to Ian were in the majority.

The hall buzzed.

Todd Cam, who was dumbfounded, shouted.

See? Its confirmed that Ian did it! What kind of evidence is this, full of hearsay!

However, his words were immediately drowned out.

Silvia asked the expert standing next to her.

It was only a 90% match. Isnt this a figure that can easily be achieved with a trained forgery specialist?

Yes, thats correct. Even if youre not an expert, if you have enough data, you can produce a similar result by following along.

There is also the possibility that this will itself is a false accusation manipulated by someone, isnt there?

I would like to investigate this incident on the churchs side as well. Therefore, I, Bishop Freiha, request the postponement of the disciplinary committee until the churchs investigation is concluded, indefinitely.

But!

Professor Todd Cam objected.

However, the bishops eyes glowed fiercely.

Witch trials are presided over by the Pope.

No one here didnt understand the meaning of those words.

Todd Cam also immediately closed his mouth.

The decision on the indefinite postponement of the disciplinary committee should be unanimous. To summarize, it seems that sufficient evidence from both sides has not been collected yet for this case. The results of the churchs investigation could also be crucial evidence. Therefore, I propose the indefinite postponement of the disciplinary committee. If you agree, please express your opinion.

Agreed.

Agreed.

Same opinion.

And finally, Todd Cam.

Yes. I agree.

Unanimous.

And so, the indefinite postponement of the disciplinary committee was decided.

Congratulations.

Thanks for your help.

Why all this fuss? Ill go in first. I want to talk openly with the princess over there.

Silvia rushed off for networking.

Watching her retreating figure, Ian let out a small sigh.

Its done.

With this, the disciplinary committee had safely passed.

Indefinite postponement?

No need to worry about it.

The church would most likely try to cover up this incident.

Indeed, the ink used for the will was confirmed to be a holy relic.

Symbolic relics received once becoming a candidate for sainthood.

Whether Aria wrote it herself with the ink or simply lost it mismanaging the relic.

It was Arias fault.

A saint must be pure in every aspect.

No sins, no records of being investigated for anything.

You wouldnt want even a small blemish.

The church would probably never announce the results of their investigation.

Thats precisely why they involved the church in the resolution of this issue.

And it turned out to be the right solution.

We achieved the goal.

In the history of the Academy, no disciplinary committee had ever ended without some form of punishment.

Therefore, as long as it didnt go to the end of the disciplinary committee, it was fine.

Indefinite postponement. The best outcome was obtained.

But theres still a lingering discomfort.

It felt like his skin was sticky, like the sweaty heat of midsummer.

Real messes also had this kind of chaos.

In the end, it was all because of political struggles.

When you thought about it, evidence or facts werent important in this committee.

They were just used as ammunition for endless political squabbles.

In terms of roles, professors and students.

In terms of affiliations, the Lichten Principality, the Britannia Empire, and the Holy Kingdom of Constantine.

In terms of classes, the royal family, high nobility, clergy, and knights.

At least half of the political squabbles in this worldview were a taste of what he experienced.

Come to think of it, it really was just a taste.

With Princess Asterias appearance, the plot was about to intensify.

Act 2, Frozen River, revolved around the conflict between Princess Asteria, the third princess, and the Pierce family attached to another imperial successor.

Now, lets prepare for the Act 2 scenario

With such thoughts, Ian left the location of the disciplinary committee.

In his eyes, a half-fazed Sharon Pierce appeared.

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