What is this hoax?

Professor Lassen shouted at the rooms occupants, and Louise almost said, I want to know too!

Hoax?

Ian took his lips off the back of Hesses hand, and the professor gave Hesse her most venomous glare.

I dont know who you are, but you are not Mrs. Sweeney. I know hershe was once my student.

This is not the time for the professor to retrace her ancient memory.

Ian Audmonial!

Ive already told you. Im not here as the student council president.

The professor clenched her fist. The name Lapis was still under the control of the royal family. Any adult member of the royal family could serve as the head of the Lapises, and so Ian presently made himself guardian of the victim, Stella Lapis.

A role that was not the position of student council president.

Your Highness.

She addressed him in a manner more closely related to his secular position.

Very good. I expected you to be more attentive.

Of course, referring to ones outside status inside the Academy was a violation of the rules, but no one took it seriously.

Im the guardian of two of the relevant students, and with you as the professor in charge of the case

Ians eyes landed on Louises face, and he immediately stopped speaking. He stared at her. The silence stretched out uncomfortably long before Louise carefully called out to him.

. President?

As if the call broke him from his reverie, he suddenly began to approach her. Anger grew on his face with every step, and Louise involuntarily backed away.

P-president?

He brushed her face with his long fingers, his gaze running along the scratch from her ear to her cheek.

Contact the church.

His voice was dangerously low, and Louise rushed to answer quickly.

Im fine!

They couldnt just call in a priest just for a scratch. Even Ian probably did not enjoy such a luxury.

However, Ian turned around to Professor Lassen with a warning glare, as if he hadnt heard Louise.

Now.

We can call in the healer.

The professor answered him dismissively.

Its much better than the church. Even the nobles have to wait a few days before they can see a priest.

Its the nobles that wait a few days.

Ian brushed the sides of Louises eyes, and continued on with an air of haughtiness.

What do you think of someone named Ian Audmonial?

Thats outrageous!

Outrageous.

His eyes swept over the wound again, and his expression twisting further. Louise sensed he was holding back a tidal wave of anger.

You dont have the authority to speak to her like that, Countess. Not once when my mother made her decision, and not when

President.

Louise mouthed his name without making a sound. Ian paused, then breathed a long sigh and swallowed the rest of his words. In fact, he was going to say Louise made the decision as well, and that Professor Lassen had to get used to it.

However, Louise didnt want him to speak. While Ian was silent, Professor Lassen studied the other three carefully, especially the one dressed as Mrs. Sweeney. It was not long before she guessed who it was, considering the people that were around Ian. Professor Lassen murmured to herself,

What an unusual warning.

She couldnt believe the Crown Prince left his personal knight to Louise Sweeney, but the intention was clearhe was highly invested in her safety.

Yes. You seemed very interested in Louise.

I didnt expect you to overhear. No shame at all.

Would someone with no shame not notice?

Regardless, this is the Academy.

The professor lifted her chin as she answered.

The Academys work is done at the Academy.

In other words, the professor was not intimidated by his secular threat.

Louise Sweeney.

Professor Lassen inwardly seethed when Louise Sweeney took a few confident steps forward. This was not the way the world should be. When someone of important status called out to Louise, she should humble herself accordingly.

You have been called here under the charge that you attacked another student.

Louise shook her head.

I will not be defeated twice in the same way, Professor.

Louise knew from experience that Professor Lassen quickly falsified context. She could not yield even an inch to her.

Stella is making a new statement for the dean. One that tells the truth.

Professor Lassen gave Louise a twisted smile, a reminder that she could simply ignore morality.

Dont tell me

Stella Lassen has already submitted her new statement.

She held out the paperwork in front of Louise.

Now everything is in perfect order.

At the bottom of the paper was the Academy sealed stamped in red ink.

Thats fake!

Dont making unfounded assumptions. I am a countess in this country and an educator who has served in the Academy for generations.

She straightened her waist and put on solemn airs.

The Lassen name is enshrined in the history of education. I take deep pride in it, and the great king knows that as well.

She looked back at Louise.

A little girl cannot scratch me.

Professor Lassen was not equal to the Crown Prince, but the status quo was different in the Academy. There were a number of professors and faculty members devoted to Professor Lassen, some of them even her former students. The wealth they currently enjoyed was because of her, and turning against Professor Lassen would be equivalent to giving up their work, their position, their honor. Here in the Academy, she ruled like a king. She was even already being considered as the next dean.

There was a knock on the door. Louise wondered if it was the dean. Everyone looked towards the doorway, and a professor burst in, looking harried.

P-professor Lassen! Weve got a problem. This is not the time to be here like this!

He was yelling in a panicked voice.

Professor Wayne Hill is saying something strange at the forum with the palace researchers! Go to the conference hall immediately!