Chapter 44


    Ian lowered his gaze to the girl in front of him.


    Round, shining green eyes.


    A gaping mouth and a twisted tongue.


    Fingers fluttering non-stop while holding onto the edge of her clothes.


    If it werent an urgent need to relieve herself, it seemed like she had something to say.


    The shrunken eyebrows were like a puppy begging for forgiveness.


    Perhaps, Ian spected, she wanted to apologize for her own mistakes.


    Unfortunately, at this moment, what was important to Ian was not hearing her feelings but confirming the facts.


    So he said.


    Uh-huh.


    And she lowered her head deeply.


    A pitiful heroine like a rain-soaked puppy.


    If it were before the possession, I would have felt guilty.


    Since the possession, he had already decided not to act like a yer. There was no desire to take care of her like a yer, nor did he hope she would cling to him. In the first ce, since there was the culprit among them, it was not appropriate.


    In short, to Ian, Lina Rosewell was just one of the passing people in life, connected only by a desire to unravel the intertwined events.


    Thats why Ians voice was indifferent.


    Do you remember? The question I asked during thestbat training exercise.


    Huh?


    The day you cast fire magic at me. The question I asked.


    Linas face turned pale.


    Because memories of that day suddenly came to mind.


    Well, thats


    It was undoubtedly when her consciousness was blurred due to the spores that she shot fire at Ians back.


    But Lina had no intention of using that as an excuse.


    Anyway, she had a desire in her heart to do something to Ian. The mushroom spores merely utilized and amplified that desire.


    What have I done


    Delving into it, it was the inferiorityplex that exploded because Ian was kind and weak. Apologetically, Linas hands trembled.


    I attacked you with magic, it was my fault. Im sorry, Im sorry


    However, Ian firmly shook his head.


    Cant even ept an apology?


    Looking up at him, Ian said to Lina.


    Lina. What I want to hear now isnt something like an apology. Its the answer to the question I asked back then.


    Question?


    Ian continued with a stern look in his eyes.


    On the rooftop, when someone pushed me. Was it you?


    Whats that Ah.


    Linas eyes, which were hazy as she tried to recall, widened in an instant.


    The meaning of Ians words.


    Because she somehow knew what the forgotten words meant.


    Well, wait a moment. Ian, then you didnt throw yourself off, but?


    Ian nodded silently.


    His gaze was resolute.


    Seeing that, one memory shed through Linas mind.


    Come to think of it, even in the anonymous chat room


    In the anonymous chat room where they wore masks to participate, there were clearly masks designed to definitively drive Ian away.


    At that time, Lina was someone who disliked Ian, but even for her, it seemed like an overly borate n. They coordinated among themselves and aimed topletely remove Ian through the disciplinarymittee.


    At that time, Lina definitely felt that something was strange.


    If Ian had done something wrong, wouldnt it be enough to let him face the consequences? Why go to the extent of coordinating and trying topletely remove him through the disciplinarymittee?


    So, I opposed it, saying it was unreasonable


    The uneasiness she felt at that time seemed to be exined by Ians words.


    But asking me about it.


    Ian was doubting whether Lina herself was the culprit.


    Lina shook her hands anxiously.


    No, no! Absolutely, absolutely nothing like that happened! I dont have the personality to do that


    As Lina was about to say, she recalled the incident where she thrust fire magic into Ians back. Not only that, but she also remembered how she distanced herself from him after the confession.


    Certainly, it seemed Ian had reason to doubt her.


    No, it really wasnt me!


    Wavering.


    In the midst of the intense wavering.


    Ian said.


    Do you have any evidence?


    Uh, well


    Lina hastily rummaged through her memories.


    Innocence. Evidence to prove innocence.


    The day Ian supposedlymitted a s*icide atempt.


    There must have been something on that day


    Ah, right!


    That day, my younger brother was sick, so I went back to my hometown! I-If needed, I could get the portal clearance records! Id get them issued for you!


    Portal clearance records were impossible to forge.


    Wouldnt that have been enough to convince Ian?


    Lina looked at Ian with an expression full of hope.


    Yeah. Then go ahead and apply. You probably wouldnt be able to go out for a while.


    Uh-huh!


    Seeing Ians calm expression, Lina let out a sigh of relief. It didnt seem like he was overly suspicious.


    Oh, and


    Ian, who seemed to want to ask something, closed his mouth.


    His expression showed some hesitation.


    What does he want to say?


    Rather, it was Lina who was more anxious.


    W-what is it?


    Hah.


    Ian let out a light sigh.


    Sweeping his hair with his hand, he looked a bit bitter and then, with a serious expression, calmly asked.


    Are you a v*rgin?


    Lina, taken aback, tilted her head, wondering if she misheard.


    Yes?


    Are you a v*rgin?


    V*rgin. Linas face, pondering over the word, suddenly blushed. In embarrassment, her lips tingled, and somehow instinctively, she crossed her legs.


    T-Thats


    What should she say?


    Her head was so hot that her words stumbled.


    I-is that really necessary to ask?


    Pulling down her skirt, Lina asked.


    Uh.


    Ian nodded.


    Linas face turned even redder.


    A truly embarrassing question.


    If she had heard it from someone else, Lina would have ignored it or reacted with anger.


    But instinctively, she felt it.


    In Ians mind, her status was incredibly small and insignificant.


    On the other hand, Lina had many things she wanted to say to Ian, many things she needed to say.


    She needed Ian to keep her from entering that dark world of consciousness.


    So


    It has to be helpful in some way.


    Lina bowed her head deeply.


    Rustle, rustle.


    Fidgeting with the hem of her skirt, Lina nervously bit her lip.


    After a while, she mustered the strength to speak.


    Um do you want to check?


    To cut to the chase, unfortunately, they couldnt confirm that.


    The sound of professors and staff btedly understanding the situation searching the dormitory could be heard.


    Ian handed a ck handkerchief to Lina.


    Since there are marks on your neck, cover it.


    With a somehow moved expression on Lina Rosewells face, the scenario came to an end.


    The portal clearance records confirmed that as she had imed, she had visited her family, located in the Grand Forest.


    Given that her aggression was ultimately due to the spores, the possibility of Lina being the culprit significantly decreased.


    Of course, to confirm thest possibility definitively, well


    It looked like they would have to wait until Lina Roswells probation ended.


    Two days after the scenario concluded.


    In a high-end tea house in the upscale shopping district east of Lichten Academy, Ian sat across from Silvia.


    I heard you quite like this ce, ording to Sebastian.


    Opening the conversation, Silvia chattered about various things.


    The disciplinarymittee for the Median House Incident had taken ce.


    All the Bloodstone Cult members were dead, and the only surviving suspect, Lina Rosewell, had not caused any direct harm to the students.


    Even that girl, Mercy, passionately praised Miss Lina. She said she felt good. Quite ironic, isnt it?


    The only victim refused any punishment.


    Moreover, all the academy students insisted that if Lina were to be punished, they wanted punishment for themselves for not taking care of her.


    In the end, Linas punishment was a five-day confinement in the dormitory and a month of volunteer work  more like a symbolic punishment.


    Linas kindness yed a role, but someone must have moved behind the scenes. The context made it quite clear who that someone was.


    Why did you help her?


    Because someone like Lina Rosewell is worth keeping.


    Silvia gracefully set down her teacup as she spoke.


    It was quite challenging. Dealing with the professors, lobbying. But there wasnt anyone with intertwined interests, so it was manageable. Miss Lina Roswell had no enemies. Lina Rosewell is in short supply.


    Emphasizing the word supply, Silvia looked at Ian with a piercing gaze.


    For some reason, it feels like youre telling me to listen to that?


    Yes, exactly.


    With a serious expression, Silvia continued.


    Ian, you already know youve been referred to the disciplinarymittee?


    How do you know that?


    Dont underestimate the Laurents intelligencework.


    Professors nted it, I guess.


    Dont make a big deal out of it!


    Silvia urgently looked around and leaned forward, whispering.


    Usually, its called research sponsorship. Ahem.


    Of course, they didnt tell me directly. But there was a nuance. They dont want you to get too close Something like that. Im curious about how you found out about it, though.


    Ian shrugged.


    Silvia, who sighed, asked him,


    In the case of the Median House incident, you seem to be quite significant. However, the reason for the disciplinarymittee seems to be something entirely different Can you tell me why the disciplinarymittee is being convened? It seems to be rted to something from some time ago. The disciplinarymittee isnt easy to escape; the average oue is expulsion.


    Silvias question showed clear concern, even if she didnt explicitly express it.


    It was indeed something to worry about.


    The severity of the discipline handed down by the disciplinarymittee was extremely intense.


    Ian pondered for a moment.


    Should he exin his current situation to Silvia and ask for help?


    Silvia was an outstanding individual.


    Still, the reputation of heroines was high.


    While he didnt doubt Silvia, if Ian heard such a story from someone, he might think it was an attempt to undermine the heroines.


    Thus, Ian shook his head.


    Heh, I expected that. Instead, let me give you one piece of advice.


    Even though he had already nned for the disciplinarymittee, dealing with Laurents sessor was another matter.


    It wouldnt hurt to seek advice from Silvia.


    And whats that?


    Nothing too big will fail.


    In response to Ians questioning gaze, Silvia cheerfully smiled.


    Whatever it takes, Ian, make your presence known.


    Presence?


    Yes. It means you should be famous. Of course, in a positive way.


    My image is already the worst, though.


    Ian was well aware that his reputation, courtesy of Pongpong, wasnt favorable.


    Of course, your current image is trash.


    Hey.


    When faced with such blunt words, it hurt.


    Sighing, Silvia twirled her finger in the air.


    Do you know this? Notoriety eventually turns into poprity.


    After tearing a piece of napkin, she drew arge arrow pointing downwards. Then, she swiftly rotated the napkin.


    You know theres a grade-widemon ability assessmenting up, right?


    Oh,e to think of it, there was.


    Moreover, considering the growth in abilities during this scenario, it seemed like a good opportunity for Ian.


    Make a ssh there. From what I see, this ability assessment will be a great chance for you, Ian.


    Silvia beamed with a bright smile, as if encouraging Ian to believe in himself.


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