CHAPTER 52: THE VERDICT

My breathing is shaky.

My eyes are heavy, almost burning with suppressed tears, as I tell the Dean everything that happened from my point of view. I explain the situation, painting an image of its full scope.

Not to toot my own horn, but I did a good job elaborating on everything:

The Academy’s prejudice, the reason behind the peaceful protest, and how I was framed for nonsensical offenses... just to silence my voice. I’m slightly emotional thinking about the experience now, but for the sake of achieving my goals, I suppress all my overflowing emotions and remain composed before the man.

"... And that has led me here." I sigh, staring straight at the man before me. "Please obtain justice for me, sir. I have no one else to turn to in this Academy."

After saying this, I bow my head.

This is the most respectful pose a Knight can make to a fellow man, and it carries a lot of meaning.

Normally, I wouldn’t go this far to solicit help... but I am desperate.

The matter has become too serious.

"I see..." Dean Balric Wolfshade mutters after I’m done speaking, sending sheer silence into the room. It’s just the two of us here, as he has already sent the two guards outside.

The sound of heavy breathing fills the vast, yet simple office.

Due to its dim lighting, the Dean’s face is shrouded in layers of shadow, but his yellow eyes glow with energy. It’s almost as if flames are trapped within it. I once again observe his capable, muscular body.

This man is certainly unlike the other Nobles!

His gaze is fierce and passionate—only belonging to someone who has not led the most comfortable life. Not only is he an Earl, but he is also a High-Rank Knight of the Kingdom, a powerhouse of the Kingdom.

If there is truly any person who can assist me in my current predicament, it would be him.

However—

"I believe you have some misunderstandings regarding the nature of my duties and what my capabilities are in this case..."

—Once again, I am met with disappointment.

From his tone alone, I can already tell that the situation isn’t as optimistic as I had hoped.

"My role as Dean of Discipline & Conduct nearly all student misdemeanors and even those of the staff, up until the Junior Professors. I am in charge of investigation and meting out punishments involving matters such as those. However, there is one exception. Can you guess?"

I sigh.

"Treason, Sedition, and Rebellion against Nobility...?"

"Indeed." The Dean nods at me, holding a solemn gaze. "Your case has gone beyond the scope of Academy regulations and the limits of my authority. It is a very serious offense, or rather, accusation. I am only a consultant on the matter, which means the results of my investigation are only persuasive, at most."

This is indeed something I suspected, but to think it would come to pass.

My luck is truly bad.

All my hopes regarding this matter have been dashed in the most gut-wrenching way possible, and the last flicker has just died out. I realize it now.

This man can not help me.

"Right now, there are two competing factions who are arguing for your punishment. On one end is the Earl Klaus’ faction, which demands your expulsion. In fact, they consider it an act of mercy that they aren’t pursuing any criminal charges..."

Criminal charges?

How ridiculous! The Earl already knows that the offenses he charged me with are bullshit. Making it a criminal affair will certainly spark a lot of attention, causing the eyes of the public to be on the matter. That increases the risk of his plot coming to light.

As such, his choosing to limit the scope of punishment isn’t out of some consideration for me.

He’s simply doing the most convenient thing for himself.

I nearly scoff, but maintain a calm air of dignity as I listen to Dean Balric’s words.

"On the other hand, there is another side that opposes such a harsh punishment. It seems you have made a fine impression on quite a few people to the point of them being willing to defend you to such an extent."

I remain quiet, but nothing he says really makes me feel glad.

I am innocent.

Why should I be happy that some people are taking my side on the matter? Isn’t it only natural that an innocent student be seen as such?

"The Earl usually has his way, so the fact that he is facing so much opposition means you have a decent number of supporters..."

"Or it could mean that they’re simply using my case as a way to resist the Earl and score political points against him..." I grit my teeth and respond with mild annoyance. "I don’t think I’m so important that the High Nobility would fight so hard amongst themselves for."

Even though I never got to play on the big stage, I was involved in politics in my past life.

Not only that, but I have been learning quite a bit in my time within this Academy.

I know what is happening.

In the end, I am merely a small piece, and the ones above are only using my case for political maneuvers.

It hardly has anything to do with me as a person.

"I suppose that’s one way to look at it..." Dean Balric gives me a peculiar look and makes a deep sigh, his deep voice echoing within the vast room.

"...."

There’s nothing left to say.

It seems my fate is not in my hands, but in the control of those who stand above me.

I came to this Academy in the pursuit of freedom, but this experience has opened my eyes to the cruel reality that has always existed around me.

What freedom?

Whether I’m in the Aditi Estate or this Academy, the higher powers still seek to restrain me.

It frustrates me to no end, but there’s nothing that can be done about it.

I don’t have the strength.

Not yet.

Will I ever possess such a power? I don’t know.

"A word of advice to you, young lad..." The Dean’s voice interrupts my thoughts, and I stare at him with half-dead eyes. I have already partially resigned to my fate, practically waiting for my fate at this point.

"I can see your passion, Javier. I also believe your words. I understand your frustrations. But I do not at all approve of the methods you used. Your actions have not been constructive at all. They only served to create more segregation amongst the students. Sowing discord amongst the students as a means to rebel against the school’s prejudice... this isn’t the way you change things at all. In the Randalorion Kingdom, contributions are valued a lot more."

"Are you trying to tell me that it’s a meritocracy, after all?" I nearly roll my eyes at the Dean’s words, but out of respect for him, I control myself.

"Believe it or not... it actually is." Dean Balric Wolfshade nods meaningfully at me.

"What?"

I unintentionally raise my voice and glare at the man, but quickly apologize for my rudeness.

However, I am not truly sorry.

What nonsense is this man spouting? How is this a meritocracy?

Have I been wrong about him from the start? Someone as earnest as this, who seems to have seen the vicissitudes of life, dares to make such a naive and out-of-touch statement?

Does he truly believe what he just spouted off to me?

"I can see that you don’t believe me. But let me tell you something that might surprise you. This story is well-known among the High Nobility, but you might not know..." Intertwining his fingers while placing both elbows on his desk, he leans forward and stares at me fondly.

"There was a certain commoner family in the Randalorion Kingdom, just a few generations ago, but after dedicating their blood and sweat to the Kingdom in service, they grew to become a Knight Household. Then, they explored the unknown regions of the Kingdom and eventually discovered the Green Shade Sand Region. After contributing this Special Resource Point to the Kingdom, boosting its economy to unprecedented heights, they were promoted to High Nobility and became Earls." For the first time since I have seen this man, I notice a smile dotting his facial features. "That is the story of my family. We received the Wolfshade Earl Title from the King and a vast land to manage. My great-grandfather’s generation did all that, and I am still enjoying the benefits. My children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will also enjoy the merits of the past generation. This... is a form of meritocracy. One that speaks through generations, all due to the vast contribution made to the Kingdom."

After hearing this story, I frown mildly.

Somehow, I can already see the direction that this is heading.

"Only by service and contribution can you achieve great things in this world. Keep working hard, Javier. If you make sufficient contributions... your efforts will eventually be acknowledged."

"...."

"The way isn’t to despise all of those Noble children. They are simply enjoying the fruits of their ancestors’ labor. It’s the same way you enjoy the privileges of your forefathers who established your Knight Household. Would you say that isn’t merit? Of course not! Only by working hard and proving yourself can you make a name for yourself and sit with the big leagues in this world, do you understand?" He continues with a stern expression. "I’m telling you this because I see your potential. You have put in a lot of effort to reach this point, so do not relent. Regardless of the verdict... do not stop working hard. One day, you’ll get results."

I grit my teeth.

My frown grows deeper, but somehow it doesn’t show on my face.

I bury it with a layer of calmness, using this facade to fool the man in front of me.

What kind of bullshit is this man spouting?

Surely, he can not be this naive!

’Does he truly think his story is one to brag about? Your family slaved away for generations, even giving up a Resource Point that contains Rank 2 Special Resources... and you were only elevated to the level of Earl? How idiotic!’

A single Rank 2 Special Resource Point is enough to serve as the foundation of an entire Mid-Size Kingdom in this Continent.

The Wolfshade Household contributed something so grand to the Kingdom.

Yet—

’You told me this story to convince me to strive hard for the Kingdom, but it has only done the opposite.’ My eyes flicker with firm resolve. ’I now recognize that the efforts used in serving the Kingdom aren’t proportional to the rewards.’

In a sense, the Department of Administration & Statecraft best reflects the attitude of the Randalorion Kingdom when it comes to merit.

Compared to the efforts made, it only gives you average rewards as compensation.

Perhaps others would be glad about this.

This man, Balric, seems like the type to be satisfied with getting a C despite putting in A-level effort. He would dangle his Earl title with pride, rather than realizing that the Kingdom owed his family much more than that.

What a shame, truly...

If this Kingdom were truly a meritocracy, then the Wolfshade Household should have become the fourth Duke Household, second only to the Royal Family.

However, it is because of men like this that nothing is going to change in this world.

They are satisfied with the scraps they are given for their labor, so they try to discourage others from wanting more.

Pathetic! Absolutely deplorable!

I will never be reduced to such a level, no matter the consequence.

’I heard he was honorable and unbiased. He is also against Earl Kalus Gerondester’s faction in the Academy, so I assumed he would be of help... but I was wrong.’ A bitter smile forms on my face, and I let out a loud sigh.

’This man is also a political tool. He simply belongs to the Royal Faction, which is why he is against the main figure of the Noble Faction in this Academy.’

What a shame.

I thought we would be able to share similar values, but it turns out I was wrong.

No surprise.

I have been wrong on many things lately.

"It seems my words have gotten through to you. I truly wish you the best, Javier... regardless of where you go from here. You have truly upset some really powerful people, but you also have powerful ones on your side. Keep working hard and gain the recognition of even more."

Why should I work so hard to gain attention from others?

Am I a dog?

Hearing this man speak truly infuriates me.

However, I let out an amiable smile and nod my head, unable to say anything else at the current moment. "I understand, sir."

"I’ll do the best I can do from my end, Javier. Just... Hope for the best."

"Thank you, sir."

"...."

**********

After our discussion, the guards walked back in and escorted me out of Dean Balric’s office.

I was returned to my cell, where I spent the next three weeks, waiting for a verdict.

Then, after what seemed like an eternity... it was announced.

"Javier Aditi, for your acts of violence as well as indulgence in stirring rebellion and instability within the Academy, you will be stripped of your Scholarship and all your Prestige Points. You will be transferred to the Bronze Wing, and you will have to participate in Public Service in order to regain your lost Prestige Points. Your Armament will also be permanently confiscated by the Academy. Any further attempt to challenge this directive, or resist the authority of this Academy, will lead to an immediate expulsion."