The Regressed Son of a Duke is an Assassin

The tumultuous banquet came to an end, and I returned to the academy, only to be summoned to the principal’s office.

Did he perhaps desire some intimate time alone with me?

As soon as the door to the principal’s office closed, a barrier went up to ensure no one could enter.

Anyone witnessing this might mistake it for an interrogation rather than a conversation.

“I’ll ask you straightforwardly,”

Looking at the principal’s firm eyes, I thought that this might really be the case.

“Did you know in advance that this incident would occur?”

“If I had known, such a thing wouldn’t have happened in the first place.”

The story of the infamous blood banquet had spread not only throughout the empire but across the continent, so it wasn’t unreasonable for the principal to be in such turmoil.

Considering the attendees at this banquet, including Silica and several academy affiliates, the aftermath was surprisingly simple despite the magnitude of the event.

However, there would inevitably be questions, especially considering that a member of the prominent Empress’s family had died, yet there was no significant aftermath.

Among the wild rumors that circulated, some even suggested involvement from the Quazel family, trying to undermine the Nepelis family to elevate themselves.

I could only laugh at such nonsense.

While the dead may tell no tales, there were plenty of tales to be told about the deceased.

Moreover, although this incident may not be entirely unrelated to Quazel, our principal must feel quite unjustly treated while not knowing anything.

Well, now that I think about it, I feel unjust too.

It’s not like I could speak, but I was definitely the target of an assassination.

Not only did I handle all the marionettes and summons in the palace, but I also ran around tirelessly to save the other two, and yet, they suspect me like this?

As if understanding my intentions, the chief chuckled and said.

“I heard you saved the granddaughter of the Regens, Magic Society’s head.”

“I did save her and got injured in the process.”

Though it had been healed for a while now.

“Aren’t you the kind who wouldn’t care if others died? I found it remarkable that you risked your life to save her. I was curious, that’s all. It’s better if you didn’t know.”

“How much of a despicable scum do you see me as?”

I couldn’t find words to argue with him; it was beyond absurd.

While I almost let slip a remark about the principal needing to manage his household properly, I managed to swallow it down.

Instead, I retrieved a piece of paper from my pocket.

“I’ll give you this while you’re here. Just one favor, please.”

“A favor?”

The principal’s eyebrows furrowed slightly downward.

He seemed quite surprised that I, of all people, would ask for a favor.

What I handed him was a document containing someone’s personal information.

“Isn’t this… a Guardian Knight registration?”

“Yes. It could have been sent to the administration, but I thought it would be better if you, the principal, handled it directly.”

As I’ve explained before, according to academy regulations, only Guardian Knights are allowed entry as escorts.

Most students disguise their escorts as Guardian Knights to enter the academy.

If additional personnel are required, related registration documents need to be submitted to the administration.

However, if the principal handles it, it will likely be expedited without any hassle.

The principal looked at the ID I handed him with a puzzled expression.

“You hired a female knight?”

It seemed he thought so because of the name written on the document.

I shook my head and replied.

“It’s just a formality to list her as a knight. In reality, she’s just a personal attendant.”

“A personal attendant? Don’t you know it’s against academy rules for students to have personal attendants?”

“Bringing up the law at this point seems a bit hypocritical, doesn’t it? Anyway, you’re well aware of the loopholes, aren’t you?”

“Your audacity knows no bounds. I understand your intentions. I’ll take care of it, so you can leave now.”

With his approval, he flicked his fingers lightly, and the barrier that had surrounded the room just moments ago disappeared instantly.

“Just out of curiosity, is there anyone else besides the maid you’re bringing in?”

Although I felt a bit sheepish inwardly, I maintained my composure and said.

“There isn’t, but… why do you ask?”

“I’m asking because your food expenses have been abnormally high. After all, you only have one guardian knight, right? I don’t know if it’s because of your tastes, but it’s strange that a room for two people receives enough food for four every day. The supply department has mentioned this more than once.”

I couldn’t help but squirm uncomfortably and avert my gaze.

Having a roommate with a healthy appetite was something I couldn’t complain about.

“Well, my knight happens to have a good appetite. Isn’t it normal for knights to have good appetites?”

Brian was the easy scapegoat.

After clumsily explaining, I promptly made my escape from the principal’s office.

* * *

– Thud!

The forceful slam on the desk emanated with intense anger.

Despite the restrained expression, such demeanor only heightened the tension in the room.

“What were you all doing while this debacle unfolded like a dam bursting?!”

Regens Rainriver, the head of the Garam Kingdom’s Magic Society.

As someone involved with the society, hearing the account of this incident would likely incite anyone’s wrath.

The crucial evidence, the Daze Stone, was unequivocally the property of the Garam Magic Society.

Moreover, the person who delivered it disguised as jewelry to Princess Arin and Luna was affiliated with the Garam Magic Society.

But even what has been uncovered marks just the beginning.

The individual who delivered the stone bit their tongue and committed suicide, leaving behind questions about whether they were a spy, a defector, or what motivated their actions.

“We hurriedly investigated the individual involved, but there was no apparent connection. Their background, relationships, they had no ties to the Ushif Empire, and their lifestyle and movements showed no signs of irregularity! We’re left with nothing but the explanation that they suddenly defected…”

As the bearer of the report, they felt as if they were losing their mind.

It’s a frustrating situation where you can’t come up with an answer even if you try to infer the process.

This was truly something that calculating wizards would be reluctant to do.

“It’s incomprehensible. Not only that, but the Emperor ended the matter without any repercussions from the Empire?!”

“Yes, the Imperial Family doesn’t want to disturb the peace with uncertain matters…”

“Something fishy must be going on over there too. There’s a possibility that the Imperial side was involved in this incident.”

Flicking his finger against the report, Regens’ gaze suddenly drifted elsewhere.

“Where is Luna?”

“She just finished her regular inspection and returned to her room.”

As soon as her whereabouts were confirmed, Regens rose from his seat and left the room.

Passing through the lengthy corridors, he headed towards the room of a young girl filled with countless books.

Calling it a girl’s room felt slightly off.

The room’s inhabitant was deeply engrossed in reading.

“You’re here, Grandfather?”

There was no response to her listless greeting.

Approaching her, Regens skipped the pleasantries and cut to the chase.

“During your interrogation in the Empire, did you notice anything suspicious from them?”

Her gaze remained fixed on her book.

“At first, they probed aggressively, but soon they changed their attitude. After that, they let me go quickly.”

“I didn’t ask for a recount of known facts. I’m asking if there were any movements that even the Empire is reluctant to disclose, something they were trying to keep hidden!”

Regens’ tone grew slightly harsher.

The girl, with unwavering eyes, closed her book and replied.

“There was nothing.”

Her voice was both honest and firm.

For a brief moment, Regens stared at her with suspicion.

“Understood. Then let me ask something else. What about that boy? Have you found out anything about him?”

“…..”

The slight tremble in her hand holding the book went unnoticed as she maintained her composure and spoke with an unwavering gaze.

“Contrary to what I expected, he seemed to possess a great deal of kindness.”

“Kindness?”

“Yes. It’s not easy for a noble to sit at a table with a knight and a maid for a meal, right? To him, it seemed like a natural, everyday occurrence. There was no awkwardness…”

“Was there anything else?”

Interrupting her response, he asked again, perhaps not satisfied with her initial answer.

“He seemed more considerate than I thought. Despite risking himself to save me, he didn’t ask for anything in return and even escorted me back despite being somewhat impulsive when he first arrived. It seems he isn’t entirely indifferent…”

“That’s not what I’m asking!”

A thunderous voice filled the room with a gust of wind.

“What kind of mana did you sense from him? Perhaps hidden abilities? Who are the people around him? I’m asking about those important details!”

“…”

Books tumbled, and despite the dizzying whirlwind, the girl’s gaze remained unwavering.

After a brief silence, she spoke first.

“Why are you so fixated on him?”

With his excitement subdued, Regens replied in a calm tone.

“I’ve told you, haven’t I? Everything I ask of you is for the advancement of our magic society. As my granddaughter, you must fulfill this duty. Luna…”

Without reason, simply obey the given instructions.

It was a life imposed upon her as a Rainriver.

With a small sigh, Luna finally provided the answer he sought.

“His attribute score is 93%, slightly higher than what you mentioned. While he may not have achieved the highest magical grade, he surpasses the 3rd-grade rank in the academy’s official records by far. I’m not sure if he’s intentionally hiding any power, but I sensed something concealed. I’m not sure what it is…”

“Are you certain?”

“I am. I felt it when I embraced him myself.”

“Understood.”

Seemingly done with the matter, Regens turned and left the room without a word of thanks or acknowledgment.

Left alone, the girl tried to resume reading but soon closed the book again.

“It’s not interesting.”

With a sudden outburst, she tossed the book aside and flopped onto her bed.

Could each day be so dull?

It was already dull to begin with, but since returning from the Empire, her unrelenting boredom seemed to worsen with each passing day.

She absentmindedly turned her head to look out the window.

The view outside lacked any freshness, a gloomy scene mirroring her mundane life.

It felt as if she was gazing at her own monotonous existence.

For quite some time, she stared out the window.

Ironically, the direction she looked was none other than where the Royal Academy stood.