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“I really didn’t do it! I swear! Everything just went dark, and I couldn’t see anything! You have to believe me, Councillor!”

“Volken Argentus claims that there was only the two of you at the staircase during that time, and he saw you pushed him. If not you, how would you explain what happened, Prince Drychspiel?”

“I….. Volken is my friend, I would never do anything to hurt him!”

Councillor Verita was one of the only two women members of the Academy’s Council.

She had gained her position by being a top student in the Spire of Scholars 50 years ago, on the more diplomatic side than scientific.

In fact, she was supposed to be part of the King’s advisors, but was declined due to the King’s….. uh….. ‘preference’.

The Academy respected her, however, and so she became a member of the Council managing Student Affairs and serving as the disciplinary officer.

She was also teaching Aristocratic Politics, a more advanced version of her son’s Aristocracy class.

Yes, she was Professor Nifalios’ mother, but kept the surname Verita. They both have Amethyst Heartstone and Illuso Mage Focus._.

In fact, it was due to her Illuso Mage Focus that she became the disciplinary officer handling cases like this.

Her Mage Focus was to make someone always speak the truth using her compelling tone.

Since she had this Mage Focus activated, she could tell that the Prince of Scirocco was telling the truth.

But then again, after her interview with the injured team captain, she can also tell for certain that he was also telling the truth.

And she trusted her powers very much, leading to her conclusion that both sides were not lying, and that something is missing here.

She clasped her aged hands together, continuing to interrogate the prince. Her hair was arranged in a high top bun, and her purple skin was not as shiny or smooth ad her son’s.

But she maintained a composure and determined eyes of a fierce young woman even after all these years and all that she had experienced.

“Volken claims that the reason you may have pushed him was that you believed he has poisoned you during your Gridiron game. Is this true? Did you want to get revenge?”

Cermin shook his head. “No! I never doubted Volken, and he had explained to me that it was an accidental mistake to make me drink too much Mercury Snail potion, so I have no reason to push him as revenge!”

“But Volken said you had reason to believe you were sabotaged. What was that?”

Cermin then remembered something, and took out something from his satchel. “Someone gave me this. They put it on my bedside at the infirmary when I woke up.”

She looked at the note, then frowned. “And who is this from?”

“I….. I have no idea. But the person must be mistaken.” Cermin gulped. “There’s no way Volken would sabotage me. He gave me the Main Six position for the game and believed in me until the very end.”

“He’s like my big brother. The reason why I got poisoned in the first place was that he thought I could handle it. Just like all the other players.”

Councillor Verita sighed. “No, Prince Drychspiel. The person who gave you this note was not wrong. Volken Argentus admitted to making you drink too much of the potion on purpose.”

Cermin’s eyes shook. “That… That can’t be…..”

“Like how you were compelled to answer everything I ask truthfully, he was also compelled to confess. He was intimidated by your skills as a new player that’s why he sabotaged you. He believed you would soon be after his spot as team captain. “

“But… But I’m not. I’m happy just to be on Volken’s team. I have no plans on becoming captain, and it doesn’t matter to me.” Cermin looked down, close to tears.

“I just wanted to have fun with friends. Why would he think this way?”

Councillor Verita pitied this boy. He knows too little of how the world and politics work

Everything is politics, because every man is trying to be more powerful than the other and pushing each other to the bottom in order to rise on the top.

She stood up, and sighed. “It was fortunate that Volken Argentus’ physique was strong enough to survive that kind of fall. But all the bones of his limbs were broken and wrapped up in cloth, as well as some in his lower back that would be difficult to heal.”

“He would have to take a year or two in order to gain back his former healthy condition. And even a year or two after that, he would not be allowed to play something as dangerous as Gridiron.”

Cermin’s eyes widened in shock. “But his final games for the championship would come soon, and he only have one year left before he graduate. What would happen to the team now?”

“It’s over, Prince Drychspiel. His reign as team captain is over. He would not be able to graduate or join society either before his body was healed and recovered.”

She then narrowed her eyes. “This was what the perpetrator must have wanted. They also wanted to push the blame on you.”

“Or maybe they just wanted to protect me, but took things too far.” Cermin said, since he also doesn’t want to doubt someone who took the time to reveal the truth and gave him an antidote.

Councillor Verita nodded. “That is also possible. But do not put your trust in this person too much. I will try to find any witnesses that may help clear your name, or look into that sudden darkness you told me.”

“You can see why this is a major case, Your Highness. A threat to the peace of this Academy. In fact, it would have become something that the Palace would be involved in if Volken died in that fall.”

“He also came from a wealthy family, just like you, and would like to get answers and proper response to their son’s situation. Despite my belief in your innocence, I would have to put you in 2 weeks suspension while we investigate and try to appease the Argentus family.”

Cermin nodded and did not complain, as he really needed this suspension to take in everything that just happened and clear his thoughts.

A friend betrayed him, and someone either avenged him or tried to frame him by almost killing said friend.

What kind of person would do something like that?

—————————-

“Checkmate. I win.”

“This is already the 21st time you won, Ronin. I’m tired.” Kai slumped on the table. “Were you some kind of chess master in real life?”

“I don’t know. I don’t really remember.” Ronin rearranged the chess board once again.

“I just found it very easy, all these strategic board games. You have rules to follow, and if you found your way to use those rules to your advantage, you win.”

Kai nodded, thinking of something for a while.

Then it said. “You have gained 500 V-points, by the way.

Ronin just nodded. “It would have been higher if the Councillor wasn’t involved.”

“Indeed. But you have succesfully ruined Cermin and Volken’s friendship, not to mention tarnished his reputation to the entire Gridiron team and the Argentus family.”

“The knight has fallen.” Ronin grinned, talking the white knight chess piece. “And with it comes much of the pawns. All that remains is the Rook, Bishop, and Queen, and the King would be defenseless.”

He made a wide smirk, holding the black King chesspiece in hand. “Which one should I take next, I wonder?”