I, the Villain, Want to Save Myself, But the Yandere Heroines Disagree-Chapter 80 - The Moment of Settlement

Early the next morning, Tyril, with a gloomy expression, packed his belongings and bid a brief farewell to his roommates before leaving the Imperial Academy.

After being beaten up by Donny the night before, Donny had healed Tyril’s injuries to avoid arousing suspicion before letting him leave the dormitory.

As Tyril departed, Donny sternly warned him to keep his mouth shut, or else his family would face total ruin.

But just as Tyril walked a short distance away, several individuals surrounded him.

“Please come with us, Mr. Tyril,” said a soft-spoken young man with light blue hair and an air of refinement, his professional smile never leaving his face.

“Who are you?” Tyril asked, looking at the young man with a wary expression.

“Nice to meet you. You can call me Virgil,” the blue-haired man said, gesturing toward a carriage behind him.

“Sorry, but I have other matters to attend to...” Tyril muttered, attempting to push through the group and walk away.

“Mr. Tyril, are you really willing to leave here bearing such humiliation?” Virgil’s voice halted him after only a few steps.

“Huh?” Tyril turned back to look at Virgil. “What do you mean?”

“If you walk just one more block, Donny’s men will intercept you and forcibly drag you back to your father,” Virgil said, stepping closer to Tyril and leading him to the street corner.

Sure enough, Tyril spotted several men heading toward the academy gate. Among them were Donny’s subordinates, whom Tyril immediately recognized.

“You... can you help me?” Tyril asked, his voice tinged with hope as he looked at Virgil.

“Of course.” Virgil nodded, gesturing toward the carriage. “As long as you agree to come with us, not only can we clear your name, but we can also free you from the oppression of both your father and Young Master Donny.”

Tyril hesitated for a moment before nodding.

“I understand.” With that, he followed Virgil into the carriage.

“Who are you, really? I’ve never heard of you,” Tyril asked as he sat across from Virgil in the carriage.

“Ah, it’s perfectly normal that you haven’t heard of me. I’m just an ordinary second-year student—so ordinary that I couldn’t be more so.” Virgil chuckled.

He wasn’t lying. His student number was in the 700s, placing him in the lower-middle ranks of the second year. Even among his peers, few would recognize him unless they were in the same class or had met him before, let alone a first-year student like Tyril.

“You know that’s not what I meant,” Tyril said, frowning.

“Of course I do. But until my superior decides to reveal himself, I won’t say anything. And honestly, you don’t need to know. Knowing his identity isn’t important to you,” Virgil said, pointing to his chest.

“What’s most important to you is your own life and safety, isn’t it?”

“...” Tyril fell silent, then nodded.

Although being forcibly taken back by Donny’s men wouldn’t endanger his life—after all, he was still the son of an earl—returning home would undoubtedly disappoint his father. What his father might do afterward was beyond Tyril’s imagination.

Shortly after the carriage departed, Donny’s men arrived at the spot where Tyril and Virgil had spoken. They waited there for a long time but saw no sign of Tyril. Frustrated, they scattered across the city to search for him.

—

Tyril followed Virgil to a luxurious residence. Virgil stepped down from the carriage and politely gestured for Tyril to enter. Tyril hesitated before following him into the mansion.

“This place...” Tyril didn’t know who owned this grand residence in the capital, but it was clear that anyone capable of affording such a property was far from ordinary.

Even as the son of an earl, his family would have to think long and hard before purchasing a house of this caliber.

“For now, please wait here. My master will arrive shortly,” Virgil said.

“Alright.” Tyril nodded and entered the house.

After instructing his subordinates to keep an eye on Tyril, Virgil climbed back into the carriage and headed to another location.

—

Meanwhile, Orson returned to his dormitory at noon and found Litte sitting on the sofa, looking dejected. Curious, he approached him.

“What’s wrong, Litte? Did something upset you?”

“No.” Litte shook her head.

After the truth of her innocence was revealed, her classmates had apologized to her one by one. No one in her class bullied or ostracized her anymore. Instead, they treated her with a sense of guilt and kindness.

Even though Litte knew she deserved this, she couldn’t shake the feeling of helplessness. She had done nothing to resolve the situation herself.

Everything had been handled by others on her behalf.

Ultimately, it came down to her being too weak. At this rate, she would only ever be a burden to Orson.

This thought left Litte feeling deeply disheartened.

Orson, noticing his reaction, quickly understood what was on his mind. He sat down beside him and offered reassurance:

“It’s okay, Litte. Are you feeling down because you couldn’t contribute to resolving this incident? But have you considered that it’s precisely because you didn’t do anything wrong that we were able to help you?”

“If you had made a mistake yourself, no matter what we did, we wouldn’t have been able to help you, would we?”

“...” Litte remained silent, her head lowered.

“Alright, I trust you’ll figure it out.” Orson smiled, then stood up. “Don’t worry. If you want to catch up, just keep working hard.”

With that, he prepared to leave the dormitory.

“Orson, where are you going? Won’t you stay here a bit longer?”

“No, I can’t.” Orson turned back with a smile. “I have some unfinished business to take care of.”

He opened the door and left.

The moment Orson stepped outside, his warm demeanor vanished, replaced by a chilling aura.

—

“Hey, Aphro,” Elsa said, sitting idly at her desk.

“What is it, Your Highness?” Aphro asked without looking up, her attention focused on a book.

As an elf, her thirst for knowledge far surpassed that of other races. Since becoming Elsa’s companion, she rarely put her books down except in necessary situations.

“Could you help me figure out who’s behind this incident?” Elsa said, handing Aphro a sapphire.

Aphro examined the gem and shook her head lightly.

“Well?” Elsa asked eagerly.

“Two stars collided. One continues to shine brightly, while the other is dimming,” Aphro replied.

“Is it Tyril and Litte?”

Aphro shook her head.

“It’s the people behind them.”

“It seems someone’s in trouble this time,” Elsa said with a smile.

—

Meanwhile, Donny’s men, having searched fruitlessly for Tyril, returned to Donny’s room in defeat.

“How did the task I assigned you go?” Donny asked, glancing up from his book with a nonchalant expression.

“Young Master Donny...” One of the men stepped forward, bowing deeply. “We’re very sorry, Young Master. We waited for a long time but didn’t see Tyril. None of our men stationed at other streets saw him either.”

“We suspect he may have been taken away by someone else,” the man added, bowing again.

Donny’s hand froze mid-page. Slowly, he raised his head to look at the man.

“What did you say?”

“Young Master Donny, Tyril... is missing. We didn’t intercept him.”

“…Useless.” After a long pause, Donny finally spat out the word.

“You’re all useless!” Donny shouted, hurling his book at the man’s head, causing him to stumble. “Every last one of you is worthless! Idiots! Good-for-nothings!”

He then threw a cup to the floor, shattering it.

“Apologies, Young Master. This was our failure...”

At that moment, footsteps sounded from outside.

Manuel appeared in the doorway.

Donny looked at him, his disheveled hair framing a forced smile.

“Manuel, my dear friend. I don’t recall inviting you to my dormitory.”

“Indeed, you didn’t,” Manuel replied. “But someone has reported you for bribing Student Council members and orchestrating the harm of fellow students.”

“There’s no evidence for that,” Donny said, spreading his hands. “Without evidence, the Student Council can’t arrest anyone, right?”

“Of course not. But we do need you to come with us for questioning regarding these allegations. Please cooperate with the Student Council’s investigation,” Manuel said, his expression unchanging.

“...” Donny’s smile faded, replaced by a hint of anger. “Manuel, I gave you face before. Are you really going to take me in?”

“Don’t forget—our families are not the only ones involved in this.”

Hearing Donny’s thinly veiled threat, Manuel smiled for the first time.

“Oh, Donny, don’t you find this all very tedious?”

Donny, caught off guard, didn’t know how to respond.

“What do you mean?”

“When we’re out in society, it’s one thing to involve family interests. But this is the academy. I’m acting according to academy regulations, and you’re bringing up family matters?”

“You...” Donny pointed at Manuel, wanting to say something, but ultimately lowered his hand. Suppressing his anger, he asked, “So, you’re determined to turn against me?”

“Think of it however you like.” Manuel motioned for his subordinates to act. They apprehended Donny and everyone else present.

—

Later that day, Olivia’s propaganda department went to work.

After Donny and his accomplices were taken to the Student Council building for questioning, the department posted meticulously prepared flyers on the academy’s bulletin boards.

Students passing by noticed the announcements and began whispering among themselves. The news spread like wildfire, and by evening, the entire academy was abuzz.

“Did you hear? Donny from Year Two has been accused of bribing Student Council members to take down President Orson.”

“What? Really?”

“I also heard that Tyril was one of his lackeys. All those times he targeted Litte, it was because Donny was pulling the strings.”

“Wow, Donny’s really shady, huh?”

“Yeah, totally!”

“I heard there’s going to be a trial tonight. Two trials in two days—this semester is off to a crazy start.”

“But isn’t Donny the eldest son of the Florence family? Do you really think someone like him will face any punishment?”

“I don’t know. And didn’t Tyril get expelled? He can’t come back to testify, right?”

“True. The academy’s rules are pretty rigid. I’d love to see someone like Donny finally get what’s coming to him.”

Despite attempts by Donny’s cronies to salvage his reputation, they failed to stem the tide of worsening opinions about him.

—

By evening, Donny sat in the interrogation room, silently enduring the Disciplinary Committee’s questioning.

The Student Council could only detain a suspect without evidence for half a day. Since Donny had been taken in that afternoon, he knew he would be released by nightfall.

Enjoying this rare moment of peace, Donny leaned back in his chair. But then, the door opened.

Standing in the doorway was Orson, who greeted Donny with a smirk.

“Well, well, Donny. It’s been a few days. How have you been?” Orson stepped inside and closed the door behind him.

He sat down across from Donny.

“Thanks to you, I haven’t been sleeping well lately. I’ve been swamped with work—it’s exhausting.”

Donny chuckled. “Me? Orson, you flatter me. I’m just a lowly prisoner. How could I possibly trouble someone of your stature? If anything, I’ve been preoccupied with the matter of Celineina.”

“Oh?” Orson’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “So you’ve been so concerned that you ended up spending your time at the club, huh?”

Donny’s expression froze.

“T-that’s my private life. You shouldn’t be prying into that, Orson.”

“Ah, you’re right. My apologies.” Orson nodded. “I nearly forgot why I came here.”

“If you’re here to ask about bribery or coercion, my answer remains the same: no comment.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t bother with such petty matters.” Orson sneered. “Those are just appetizers.”

“Oh? Then what grand revelation have you prepared for me?”

“Let’s play a game, Donny,” Orson said, pulling out a pen and paper. “Guess when I first started paying attention to you.”

“Me? The great Orson, paying attention to someone like me? What an honor.” Donny shook his head. “But if you want me to guess, I wouldn’t know.”

“Alright, I’ll tell you.” Orson wrote the number “1” on the paper. “It was the first evening of the semester, during the Student Council elections. When Tyril confronted me in front of everyone, I began keeping an eye on you.”

Donny raised an eyebrow.

“So you think I ordered Tyril to do that?”

“Hold on, let me finish.” Orson’s gaze locked onto Donny’s.

“There’s a saying: ‘No risk, no reward.’ Do you know why I acted so out of character that day, losing my composure? Or why, despite suspecting you, I didn’t pursue you further?”

“Stefan, Erwin, Mine, Enrique...” Orson began listing names, writing each one on the paper.

Donny’s eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at the names.

“These names, Donny, should be quite familiar to you, no?”

“What are you trying to say...” Donny’s tone grew hostile.

“Servants aren’t exclusive to you, Donny.” Orson’s voice remained calm, but his eyes gleamed with mockery. “Did you really think your actions were hidden?”

“Or that, as the son of a duke, I wouldn’t have my own means to counter you?”

Donny felt a growing sense of dread.

“I’m sorry, but that day, I deliberately put on a performance for your spies. I wanted them to see me lose my cool.”

“Did it make you think you’d found the perfect opportunity to take me down?”

As Orson’s words sank in, Donny’s composure faltered.

“Orson, you... was all of this part of your plan?”

Orson shrugged nonchalantly.

“You’ve been relentlessly targeting me. My lack of retaliation was seen as weakness, so I had to defend myself.”

“Tell me, Donny.” Orson stood, towering over him. “There are many ways to take me down. Why did you choose the most dangerous one?”

“Litte is off-limits,” Orson said, his tone both a warning and a promise. “I don’t know what your fate will be this time, but if there’s a next time, it won’t end well for you.”

“Oh, by the way...” Orson paused at the door. “There’s a trial tonight, and you’re the main character. Care to guess where Tyril is right now?”

“!!! Orson!” Donny shouted, but Orson had already closed the door.

Donny wanted to storm out, but the guards stationed outside stopped him. Forcing his way out would only bring more trouble to his family and incur his father’s wrath.

He decided to wait. After all, Tyril’s family had been under the Florence family’s rule for generations. If Tyril wanted to return home, he wouldn’t dare betray him.

—

Earlier.

In a small office within the Student Council building, Orson, Olivia, and Manuel sat together. No one else was present.

“Have you identified everyone?” Orson asked Manuel.

“Yes, we’ve got them all.” Manuel nodded. “I didn’t expect the recruitment process to be such a mess.”

“It’s unavoidable,” Orson said with a chuckle. “The Student Council changes every year. We can’t be too picky about personnel.”

“I have to say, Orson, I didn’t expect you to willingly tarnish your own reputation just to lure the snake out of its hole,” Olivia said with a smile.

“As the saying goes, ‘short-term pain for long-term gain.’” Orson raised an eyebrow. “Or perhaps, ‘no risk, no reward.’”

“Regardless, if we didn’t take this approach, he’d only cause us more trouble in the future.”

The atmosphere in the office was harmonious, a stark contrast to the heated arguments the three had just days ago.

“So, when do we act?” Manuel asked. “I’ve got all the materials ready. Those involved won’t get away.”

“No rush. I’m still waiting for the most important person.”

As Orson finished speaking, a knock came at the door.

“He’s here.” Orson smiled. “Come in.”

The door opened, and Virgil entered.

The ever-smiling Virgil greeted Orson with a bow.

“Long time no see, Virgil,” Orson said.

“Young Master Orson, I’ve delivered the person you requested to the designated location,” Virgil replied, bowing again.

“Good.” Orson nodded in satisfaction. “I’ll head over shortly. Let me wrap up a few things first.”

“Understood. I’ll wait outside for you,” Virgil said, bowing once more before leaving the office.

“He’s your man?” Olivia asked Orson.

“Yes.” Orson nodded.

“I never would’ve guessed. The infamous ‘Smiling Demon’ of the second year, the glove that every noble wants to recruit, is already yours.” Olivia’s tone carried a hint of disapproval, as if chiding Orson for keeping her in the dark.

“I thought you didn’t rely on such methods.”

“I’m no better than anyone else,” Orson said with a shrug. “If you can use these resources, so can I.”

In the original story, Virgil was one of Orson’s most trusted subordinates. Exceptionally capable, he was often deployed against Litte. However, due to Litte’s protagonist aura, Virgil ultimately met his end at Litte’s hands.

Even in his final moments, Virgil never revealed Orson’s identity.

When Orson arrived at the Imperial Academy, he remembered Virgil’s character.

As the original Orson’s carefully cultivated “glove,” Virgil was tasked with handling matters inconvenient for Orson to address directly—monitoring, investigating, blackmailing, and even detaining others.

Since Orson’s life had been smooth sailing thus far, Virgil hadn’t yet had the opportunity to prove his loyalty through action. To ensure Virgil’s identity remained hidden, Orson had deliberately arranged for him to participate in the academy’s entrance exam, where Virgil intentionally performed poorly, earning a modest ranking in the 700s. This made him appear to be an unremarkable student.

Orson also fabricated a background for Virgil as the son of a wealthy merchant, ensuring that no one would associate him with Orson. Throughout the previous year, Orson had refrained from assigning Virgil any tasks, allowing him to maintain his low profile. However, Virgil unexpectedly gained fame on his own.

During his second year, Virgil earned the nickname “Smiling Demon.” Known for his ever-present, charming smile and polished demeanor, he garnered attention after an incident where a student challenged him to a duel. Despite smiling throughout the match, Virgil brutally shattered his opponent’s teeth on the dueling stage.

The stark contrast between his refined appearance and his ruthless combat style established his reputation. “Smiling” referred to his ever-present grin and gentlemanly aura, while “Demon” reflected his merciless fighting techniques.

Despite the attention, Virgil remained low-key. He avoided unnecessary conflicts and allowed his fame to fade over time. For Orson, this unintended fame was a double-edged sword. On one hand, it contradicted his initial plan to keep Virgil entirely under the radar. On the other, Virgil’s reputation for elegance and ruthlessness made it even harder for others to connect him to Orson.

“Alright, let’s focus on the task at hand,” Orson said, turning back to Olivia and Manuel. “Once you return to your respective departments, call a meeting. Make sure no one leaves the Student Council building.”

“Manuel, after your meeting, take trustworthy members of the Disciplinary Committee and carry out the operation. Remember, we must ‘politely’ invite the ‘big snake’ to the Student Council.”

“Then, proceed according to plan.”

“Understood,” both Olivia and Manuel nodded.

“Good. I have a few more things to take care of.” Orson stood up, his usual calm demeanor replaced by a sharp, icy focus.

“After all, that guy dared to make my Litte cry. There’s no way he’s getting away without consequences.” With that, a cold aura emanated from Orson as he walked out of the office.

Standing by the door was Virgil, leaning casually against the wall. Orson gave him a nod.

“Let’s go.”

—

Tyril had been sitting in the unfamiliar residence for hours. Other than someone delivering lunch at noon, no one had come to speak with him.

About ten minutes ago, he was informed that the owner of the house would soon meet him. He was asked to wait in the parlor.

As he sat there, Tyril couldn’t stop wondering who was behind Virgil and what their intentions were. Most importantly, he wondered how this mysterious benefactor planned to help him.

The sound of the door unlocking snapped Tyril out of his thoughts. He looked up to see Virgil entering the room.

Behind Virgil was someone Tyril never expected to see—Orson.

Tyril froze, then let out a bitter laugh.

“Virgil, you must be joking, right? I just tried to harm this guy’s brother. I’ve had nothing but animosity with him. And now you’re telling me he’s here to help me?”

Virgil smiled politely but said nothing.

“Who says I can’t help you?” Orson said, stepping into the room. “Tyril, this is the first time we’re meeting outside of the academy.”

Orson extended his hand toward Tyril.

“This is also the first time we’re meeting as individuals—just you and me.”

Tyril hesitated before shaking Orson’s hand.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the two sat down.

“I can help you clear your name and free you from the control of those who oppress you,” Orson said, getting straight to the point.

In truth, Orson had suspected from the beginning that Tyril was being manipulated. When Tyril first provoked Litte and Orson retaliated by punching him, Orson had a hunch that Tyril wasn’t acting entirely of his own accord.

Tyril’s behavior during the Student Council elections further solidified Orson’s suspicions. After all, for the son of an earl to openly challenge a duke’s son like Orson, there had to be someone powerful backing him.

With Tyril’s background, it wasn’t hard to deduce that the person behind him was Donny, another student from the Napolis Duchy.

Following the elections, Orson had discreetly convened with Olivia and Manuel to discuss the matter. As members of the same Student Council, their interests were aligned—they would rise or fall together. Together, they devised a plan to lure Donny into making a critical mistake.

At the same time, Orson activated Virgil, who had been lying dormant, to investigate Donny’s network and activities.

Orson deliberately refrained from retaliating against Donny immediately after the elections. Instead, he allowed Donny to believe that Orson was too afraid to act, encouraging Donny to grow bolder in his schemes.

When Orson encountered Donny at an off-campus banquet hosted by President Louis, he seized the opportunity to provoke Donny further, ensuring that Donny’s anger toward him would intensify.

By the time Litte’s incident occurred, Orson’s apparent desperation was as much a performance as it was genuine concern. His anger and frustration were partly an act to convince Donny—and others—that he was losing control.

Orson knew there were spies within the Disciplinary Committee, planted by Donny. His outbursts and arguments with Manuel were calculated to give Donny the impression of discord within the Student Council.

Believing Orson was vulnerable, Donny began investing heavily in his schemes. He hired people to manipulate public opinion, attempted to bribe Student Council members, and even tried to exploit the perceived rift between Orson and Manuel.

But Manuel, who had been briefed on the plan, refused Donny’s offers and maintained his loyalty to Orson.

The trial that followed marked the result of Orson’s strategy. Virgil had uncovered enough evidence to expose Donny’s activities, including records of his transactions and correspondence with accomplices like Tyril.

Orson had never been in a losing position. But rather than striking directly, he preferred to let his enemies believe they were winning—only to pull the rug out from under them at the last moment.

As the saying goes, “The best victories are those won without a fight.”

Orson’s ultimate goal was not just to defeat Donny but to ensure that he could never rise again. By allowing Donny to dig his own grave, Orson ensured that his enemy would be thoroughly ruined and unable to harm Litte in the future.

“Tyril, are you asking me to betray my father and the son of my father’s liege lord?” Tyril laughed bitterly. “Do you have any idea what kind of disaster that would bring down on me?”

“I do,” Orson said with a nod. “But do you really think not betraying them will spare you?”

Tyril fell silent.

He knew that no matter what, Donny would never forgive him for failing his mission. Donny’s dissatisfaction would only grow, and when it finally exploded, Tyril would be the one to bear the weight of it.

No one liked dealing with a madman—especially when that madman was your superior.

“From what I’ve heard, your father hasn’t treated you particularly well, has he?” Orson’s next words struck a nerve.

“You’ve been nothing more than a tool to him—a pawn to curry favor with Donny and the Florence family.”

“I imagine the words you’ve heard most from your father aren’t ones of care, but rather, reminders to follow Donny’s orders.”

“...” Tyril clenched his fists.

“If you return home and your father learns that you’ve angered Donny, how do you think he’ll react?”

“Do you think he’ll tie you up and deliver you to Duke Giovanni to apologize?”

“Stop it!” Tyril shouted, his breathing heavy, his emotions raw.

“Do you think saying all this will make me betray them and help you?!”

“No.” Orson shook his head. “I’m merely stating the facts. Perhaps the truth hurts, but it’s the truth nonetheless.”

“Still, don’t you think staying in such a family is meaningless? Why not try living a different kind of life?” Orson snapped his fingers, and a contract appeared in front of Tyril.

“This is for a property in the Free City of Drester,” Orson said, his gaze sincere. “No matter what’s happened between us, don’t you want to prove to those who’ve looked down on you that you can rise above them?”

“If you agree, I’ll have someone escort you to the Free City after this incident is resolved. Once you’re there, the Florence family won’t be able to reach you.”

“You can live freely, without your father’s control or your liege lord’s oppression.”

“Wouldn’t you like to experience that kind of life?”

Orson’s words carried a persuasive weight, drawing Tyril into a vision of a better future.

“Forget the hardships of the past. Right now, you have a chance to change your fate. Isn’t that worth considering?”

—

That evening, the trial regarding Donny’s bribery and coercion began.

This time, Headmaster Luca did not preside. Instead, Vice President Olivia took charge.

When Donny and the implicated Student Council members took the stage, the audience erupted into boos and jeers.

It was hard to believe that just two days ago, many of these same students had been supporting Donny and criticizing Orson and Litte. Now, their anger was directed squarely at Donny.

“The trial will now begin,” Olivia announced as the witnesses took their seats.

This trial was far more elaborate than the previous one. Multiple suspects were involved, with Donny being the primary accused, but several bribed Student Council members also faced scrutiny.

Additionally, both Donny and Manuel—sons of dukes—occupied the defendant and witness seats, respectively.

Manuel testified about the conversation he had with Donny over dinner, where Donny had tried to recruit him into his schemes.

As the trial progressed, the evidence and testimonies began to reveal Donny’s true nature. Many of Donny’s former lackeys chose to remain silent, realizing that staying quiet was the wisest course of action.

However, Donny had anticipated being accused of bribery. He had coached his planted spies in the Student Council to give consistent testimonies. Their coordinated statements stalled the trial’s progress.

Most critically, Tyril, the key witness, was still absent.

Donny glanced at the audience and noticed Orson sitting in the front row, his gaze occasionally flicking toward the back of the hall.

Donny smirked.

Gotcha, Orson. Tyril can’t get into the academy anymore—he’s been expelled.

Your star witness is gone.

With Tyril unavailable, Donny felt confident that he could frame his financial transactions as academic sponsorships. Combined with his status as a duke’s son, he believed the trial would ultimately amount to nothing.

But then, Orson’s eyes met Donny’s, and Donny saw a cold smirk form on Orson’s lips.

At that moment, Donny realized he had underestimated his opponent.

Orson stood and walked to the stage, handing Olivia a recording crystal and several parchment documents.

Olivia feigned surprise as she addressed the audience.

“Apologies, everyone. President Orson has just provided critical evidence—a recording crystal and some pages detailing Donny’s financial transactions...”

Olivia activated the crystal, and the image of Tyril appeared before the audience.

“Hello, everyone,” Tyril’s voice echoed through the hall. “This recording was made earlier today...”

Donny’s expression darkened as he stared at Tyril’s image.

He hadn’t expected Tyril to turn against him.

What did Orson offer him? Has he lost his mind? Doesn’t he care about his family?

“Greetings, fellow students. My name is Tyril, the one who was recently expelled from the Imperial Academy...” Tyril began, his tone filled with regret.

“I need to confess something important. Yesterday, I withheld a critical truth...”

Tyril’s testimony unfolded, exposing every detail of Donny’s schemes. The audience listened in stunned silence as Tyril described how Donny had manipulated him, using his family’s dependence on the Florence family as leverage.

Donny clenched his fists, trembling with rage.

Unable to contain himself, he slammed his fist on the table and stood, pointing at Orson.

“Orson, what did you do to him?!”

“Donny, please remain composed!” Olivia frowned at his outburst.

“Composed?!” Donny sneered, turning to the audience.

“Everyone, have you forgotten who Orson is? He’s the Student Council President!”

“Do you really believe this recording isn’t fabricated?!” Donny spread his arms, feigning innocence.

“This is all a ploy! Orson is trying to drive me out of the academy!”

“Enough! Silence!” A stern voice cut through the chaos.

The doors to the hall opened, and Luca entered, accompanied by a group of soldiers.

The students stared in shock.

The Imperial Academy prohibited outsiders from entering. Where had these soldiers come from?

After the soldiers took their positions, another figure entered the hall—a man with blue hair as clear as water, emerald-green eyes, and an imposing presence.

The students rose to their feet in unison.

It was the Emperor himself, Odysseus Lancaster.

The Imperial Academy rarely welcomed visitors, but the presence of royalty was an exception.

Behind the Emperor were six middle-aged men—the six dukes of the empire.

Among them were the fathers of Orson, Litte, Olivia, Lianca, Manuel, and Donny.

“Your Majesty,” Orson said, stepping forward and bowing deeply.

“Mm.” Odysseus nodded, taking a seat in the front row.

Luca and the dukes took their seats on either side of the Emperor.

Now Donny understood why the VIP seats had been empty at the start.

“Continue the trial. We’re here only to observe,” Odysseus said, motioning for Olivia to proceed.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Olivia replied.

“Why is this trial being held?” Odysseus asked Luca.

“Your Majesty, Donny has been accused of bribing Student Council members and orchestrating schemes to harm his peers.”

“Oh?” Odysseus raised an eyebrow, turning to Giovanni, Donny’s father.

“Duke Giovanni, you’ve certainly raised a fine son.”

“...” Giovanni remained silent for a moment before replying, “Your Majesty, I trust my son would never do such a thing. This must be the work of someone seeking to tarnish the Florence family’s reputation.”

“I hope so,” Odysseus said, his tone neutral as he turned his attention back to the trial.

With the Emperor present, Donny’s demeanor shifted. He became more cautious, carefully choosing his words.

“If I may, I’d like to question the validity of this recording crystal,” Donny said, addressing the audience. “If Tyril was coerced or influenced by magic, would his testimony still hold weight?”

His words sparked murmurs among the students.

“You needn’t worry about that, Donny,” Orson said, standing and pointing toward the hall’s entrance.

Donny followed his gaze, his eyes widening in shock.

Standing at the door was Tyril.

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Tyril scanned the room before taking a deep breath. With a resolute expression, he walked to the final empty witness seat on the stage.