Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess

Morkel knew something was wrong when he reached the academy this morning, and it did not take more than half a minute for him to discern the whole thing—thanks to his information sources.

It seems the Prince has finally found the use of that thing that resides between his ears. Until now, he has been so simple-minded and idiotic at times that Morkel never thought that Austin would plot so cunningly against Parkinson.

Why wasn't Morkel not believing Austin? Was it because he was close to Parkinson or because he hated Austin? None. It was because he knew Parkinson wouldn't take such a major step with so many traces left behind.

Morkel knows Parkinson's style; he kills on the spot rather than dragging his prey to his house where he could get easily caught. Morkel was closely aware of everything and everyone that surrounds Rhea, so naturally, he discerned that Parkinson didn't abduct the Prince, rather, the blond bastard set this whole thing up.

However, considering the Prince took this major step which could get him expelled easily if caught, Morkel knew that Austin wouldn't have done half-hearted work.

The bespectacled Professor knew that if things didn't work out, quite well, he had to keep a Plan B to ensure Parkinson's safety. After all, there were still things that Parkinson needed to do for Morkel.

That's why Morkel informed the Prime Minister of the Hener Kingdom. The Professor was aware that the Prime Minister was around since he was sent to escort the Minister to the Kingdom just this morning.

And thankfully, just when Morkel wanted the Minister arrived at the academy. And not alone; he brought a very useful pawn along~

"Your Highness, Aiden!" Morkel beamed as he spotted the silver head standing in the common hall along with the Prime Minister.

Philius' eyes momentarily narrowed before he greeted, "Minister Abel. Your Highness Aiden. It's nice to see you in good health."

The long silver-haired man smiled at the older one before saying, "You look the same as ever; must be regular exercise and a strict diet."

The friendliness in his tone wasn't enough for Philius to put his guard down, "You praise me too much, Your Highness."

Turning toward the two alternatively, he asked, "So what could be the reason for your sudden arrival?"

"Don't be sly with me, Headmaster, I am quite aware of what treatment my nephew has been facing recently."

Hearing that tone, Philius dropped the act and told him, "Then you must be aware of the crime which your precious nephew has committed, I suppose?"

The atmosphere around the two significantly dropped as Abel kept his condensing gaze fixated on the grey-haired individual.

Aiden stepped in and dissipated the tension, "Now, now, we all are adults here so let us talk over things rather than partaking in anything impulsively."

Hearing Aiden's words Abel scoffed and told the Headmaster, "You cannot punish my nephew here. His hearin-"

"Student Parkinson has tried to harm student Austin. And since Student Parkinson is a student of the academy which I govern, I will not, under any circumstances, let him get taken away." In a single breath and with his voice loud enough to be heard by every single person inside the common hall, the Headmaster stated.

Abel's complexion shifted to blue and red, showing his anger as he clenched his fist and asked, "Are you prepared to face the consequences of offending the King?!"

"I see no King here, and if the King is willing to use his name to save a criminal then yes, I am prepared for whatever consequences this can bring to me." There was not a spec of hesitation or nervousness in his voice as the Headmaster shared a piece of his mind.

Before Abel could have flown in rage, Aiden stepped in, "However, Headmaster, for the crime Parkinson has committed, I assume you need to bring him before the council of judgment, right?"

Philius frowned, however, he couldn't refute it, "...yes." Above a certain degree, every crime should be presented before the Council of Judgement—a group of judges who form a decision which only the Monarch can dismiss.

Aiden heaved a sigh before asking him, "Then offer me the chance to take the right call and present the student before the council. Whatever decision they take will be final."

Drawing closer he added, "And trust me,

Headmaster, if it's proven that Parkinson has indeed tried to kill my brother, I swear nothing less than a death sentence would be awarded to Parkinson."

Philius remained silent for a moment—he was aware that the relationship between Austin and Aiden was complicated, but right now, Philius could see the burning anger in Aiden's eyes.

And even if he tried to, Philius couldn't form a judgment on someone who has abducted a student. In the end, he nodded,

"Okay, you can take him."

…However, naturally, he would send people with them who would be Philius' ears and eyes.

—------**--------

Rudolph found Rhea to be sitting in the garden, acquiring the cornermost seat, which remained hidden by the passerby.

Her legs were curled as she stared at nothing constant. The stains at the corner of her eyes clearly told that the girl had cried for a long time.

The giant boy sat down beside her and offered the pink head some ice cream which he brought along, "Here…I have heard sugary items help elevate the mood."

Rhea looked at the small bowl before saying, "And you chose the strawberry flavor? Did you want to worsen my mood?"

Rudolph was startled, "You don't like strawberries?"

Rhea didn't say anything and took the ice cream from him.

While she was slowly eating, she asked Rudolph, "You knew about it…that how…he has been stalking me?"

Rudolph shook his head, "No, or I would have stopped him."

From further investigation, it turned out Rhea used things like her handkerchief, tissue papers, stationery, and even some of her clothes were found in his cupboard.

Rhea couldn't help but sigh, "Why always me…"

Rudolph raised his brows, "Hmm? Did you say something?"

Rhea shook her head before smiling at him as she said, "Thanks for the ice cream. It helped."

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A/N:- Thanks for reading. Drop a comment.