When they left the small library, the atmosphere between the two was strange.
Violet wanted to ask Ash about Lady Roseanne's story.
But it would be strange to suddenly ask him if he read a novel that is not even very well known.
Still, there was something in the air that told him he shouldn't ask Ash lightly.
—You're not going to request classes, are you?
Ash asked.
—Of course not.
As would-be dropouts, they had no intention of attending any classes this semester.
—Let's go back immediately.
-Yeah.
Violet nodded.
—Violet Everdeen?
At this moment, an unknown student approached Violet.
—Yes, it's me.
—The dean was looking for you urgently.
You should go.
Violet and Ash exchanged glances.
—My name was probably mentioned in the commotion today, so they are calling me to give a testimony.
She was willing to cooperate in a matter like that.
"I hope it's good news," Ash said.
──── ∗ ⋅◈⋅ ∗ ────
Violet knocked on the door of the dean's office.
When she entered, she saw Dean Herbert and a female teacher she knew.
Violet knew her.
She was the teacher in charge of Marigold.
Her name was Sierra.
—Violet Everdeen, why did you do something like that?
Sierra exclaimed sharply as soon as she saw Violet.
-I don't understand.
What do you mean?
Violet responded expressionlessly.
"You ruined Miss Marigold's work by pretending to have done it yourself."
—It's not a lie.
I've been doing that work for her for several years.
—You're crazy!
How can you tell such a blatant lie!
Sierra shouted, making Violet's ears hurt.
Violet sat up and stared at Herbert, who was ignoring the situation as he busied himself with his hands, pretending to file his nails.
—What do you think, dean?
Do you believe in Professor Sierra's words?
Today, many people had seen the mana circuit with the name Violet.
They had also seen Marigold, who seemed to be in trouble and couldn't handle the mana circuit at all.
If they had eyes, they should have understood the situation.
Even Marin had entered the classroom, inciting people into commotion, saying it would be fun.
Herbert cleared his throat.
—Professor Sierra's words are correct.
Sisters can be jealous of each other.
But what you did was cross the line.
Slandering Miss Marigold…
Violet felt short of breath.
—I did this on purpose so that the problem would be big, but still… they are going to come up with something like that?
Violet stared at Herbert and Sierra, one after the other.
—Do you need proof?
So please call Marigold.
Ask him to make the same mana circuit.
I will do the same under the same conditions.
This way they will know who the true creator of the mana circuit is.
—Miss Marigold is in a deshockmental state.
“It's too much for her,” Sierra said.
"Isn't Marigold one of the few spiritualists in the Empire?" Violet asked, perplexed.
—Well, yes, but…
—Spiritualists also fight on the front with the knights, right?
If she can't make a mana circuit due to a little mental shock, isn't she disqualified?
The Special Magic Academy exists for the training of the body and mind.
Sierra's face turned red at Violet's words.
Then, he glared at her.
—See, dean.
From the way she contradicts me, it's obvious that Violet Everdeen is bullying her younger sister, Miss Marigold.
—I'm the one who's been bullied for the last few years.
And I'm not being contradictory, I'm proposing an appropriate solution.
There are many ways to verify the truth.
Violet continued to speak calmly.
As she was certain of his innocence, the words came to her mind naturally.
—We can also call an expert to examine the properties of the mana contained in the mana circuit.
I've heard that top-class magic artifact makers can do that.
At that moment, Sierra screamed.
—Why does Miss Marigold, who is the victim, have to prove something?!
Have you ever thought about how hurt Miss Marigold must be?!
Violet was completely dumbfounded.
—What does it mean?
What does a person's guilt have to do with emotional pain?
—Miss Marigold is like an angel, but look at the way your sister talks.
Sierra clicked her tongue.
Violet understood less and less.
—With that logic, should prisoners be forgiven if they suffer from emotional pain?
If a prisoner is good, is he innocent no matter what he has done?
—You, you!
Sierra screamed.
But his face showed that he was speechless.
—Calm down.
As you can see, we are a group with a social position.
We are people who could be found in social circles or in politics.
Herbert cleared his throat and continued.
—Consider the difference in reputation between Miss Violet and Miss Marigold.
Also consider the attitude of Miss Marigold, who has built confidence with a diligent life.
—So, reputation is a kind of right that is above right and wrong?
Could he say that in front of all the students at the academy?
Violet said it with a serious face.
—Even so, are they going to openly protect a simple student like Marigold?
It seemed like the academy was doing everything it could to cover up Marigold's cheating.
—Call an expert to verify this...
we can't spend the academy's valuable budget on a little jealousy fight between girls.
Herbert said it solemnly.
—It seems that they are trying to cover up this matter as if there was some intention.
Is this really just a problem between Marigold and the academy?
—Have we received orders from someone?
What kind of place is this, the academy?
“Dean, Miss Violet is clearly delusional,” Sierra said.
Violet closed and opened her eyes.
It's no use getting angry with people who don't listen to reason.
That's what Lady Roseanne said in the book.
“Then please return the mana circuit board I made.” With that, I myself will prove the truth separately.
—Prove the truth?
“This matter ends here,” Sierra said, but Violet ignored her.
—The academy is one of the main institutions of the Empire, so there will surely be people who are interested.
I think you know this better than anyone.
Violet had touched on a key point.
Herbert and Sierra's gaze tensed.
—Actually, the mana circuit broke down.
You saw him at the scene a while ago, right?
“It looked like it was going to catch on fire, so we threw it away,” Sierra responded.
—Did they get rid of the evidence?
—Your delusions are very serious!
Get out immediately and wait for punishment.
This semester, instead of studying, take some time to reflect on yourself,” Herbert said out loud.
—He should receive at least a suspension.
We must separate the victim from the aggressor!
Sierra said, and Herbert nodded.
—The system itself of giving grades for summer assignments has a big problem.
Aren't the conditions too easy to present work done by someone else?
At that moment, Violet realized what they feared.
-Be quiet!
Are you thinking of giving lessons to educated people like us?
Sierra said, excited.
Anyway, it's a place I was going to leave…
This was something he couldn't just let go.
Good thing I didn't leave right away.
In a situation as unfair as this, why would he leave of his own free will?
He remembered Ash's words about leaving together.
This time, Ash was right.
—Leave now.
Violet looked at them once more.
Then he silently turned around and left.
The mind, which had been boiling with anger, slowly calmed down.
Because she knew Ash was waiting for her outside.
…To be continued