Chapter 12

Gérard gave me a reproachful look. I understand that it’s insensitive to pry into the details of the incident so soon after it happened, but still, now that we’re so close to Quintus, I can’t afford not to ask.

The information we obtained from the mental hospital was extensive, but it also brought up new mysteries. First, that patient. If that girl really is Quintus’s sister, then the theory of Quintus being a demon is negated.

Then, if he is human, what kind of person is he? I thought he was an outcast, but it turns out he has enough wealth to donate many books to the hospital.

Books are a luxury for the working-class citizens. Even buying one is a struggle. So, being able to buy books frequently means he must be at least middle-class, and possibly even a noble.

But can a noble operate so secretly? The higher one’s social status, the harder it is to take risky actions. Moreover, that unique eye color. A person of a certain status shouldn’t be able to avoid rumors.

Ruby, what are you thinking, or are you not thinking at all? You met my gaze but didn’t answer for a long time. I know that pushing such a person would only make them less likely to talk, so I silently ate my cake.

The dessert in the annex school’s cafeteria was better. Rich elementary schools are truly wonderful. If I become the student council president again, I’ll first improve the quality of the desserts.

"---I’ll ask my mother."

After a long silence, Ruby finally answered. It wasn’t the answer I wanted, but I had also wanted to talk to Ruby’s mother, Lily, so maybe it’s for the best.

Then, from behind me—towards the entrance of the cafeteria—came a commotion. I ignored it and stabbed a corner of my second plate of cake with my fork.

The rustling and multiple footsteps approached and stopped beside my table. Glancing sideways, I saw a middle-aged female teacher and two students hiding behind her facing Gérard.

They were the two who had only watched while the others mocked Ruby in the classroom earlier. They must have reported the injured Liam and his friends to the teacher.

The two were grinning at Gérard. ...No, on closer inspection, their smiles were tense and mixed with fear. Even with the teacher’s authority, they couldn’t hide their cowardice. That’s why they were Liam’s lackeys, I realized.

"Gérard Vindemia! Come with me!"

The female teacher shouted sternly at Gérard. Gérard’s plate was already empty. He seemed to have finished what might be his last school lunch. I was still eating my dessert.

Gérard, who seemed to have already made up his mind, stood up quietly. Ruby picked up the pencil case she had left on the table and stood up after Gérard.

"Miss Ruby, that’s not necessary."

The female teacher said firmly. However, Ruby didn’t sit down.

She is a Spellvia faction teacher, so she might favor the four Spellvia students over the commoner Gérard. Gérard might be made to take all the responsibility. If that happens, one of the few samples capable of physical enhancement will be lost...

"---Since Miss Ruby is also involved, shouldn’t she come along?"

I put down my fork and suggested to the female teacher. She looked at me with wide eyes, as if just noticing my presence.

"Mr. Aviram. Miss Ruby is going through a very difficult time right now..."

From her reluctance to involve Ruby, it seems the school wants to avoid making a big deal out of this. If it’s just a fight between one commoner and four Spellvia students, it’s easier to handle by making Gérard the scapegoat. But if Ruby, who is from the Aviram faction, is involved, the situation becomes complicated. If it turns into an Aviram vs. Spellvia conflict, it could lead to a rift among the students. If the problem spreads to the parents, it would be a big headache for the school. Well, that’s not my concern.

"It seems she doesn’t mind."

I nodded towards Ruby. The female teacher looked at her.

"...The one who started the violence is Gérard Vindemia. I will talk to Miss Ruby later as a third party."

Gérard started the violence, but the cause was the bullying of Ruby. It’s a stretch to call her a third party. If Ruby is excluded from the initial discussion, it’s clear that the commoner Gérard will be at a disadvantage.

"Teacher, have you heard from those two?"

"Wh-What do you mean?"

"The severe bullying of Ruby Ruby was the cause of the fight."

I turned my gaze to the two male students hiding behind the teacher. The mocking look on their faces had disappeared. The teacher turned to question them. From her reaction, it seems she hadn’t heard about the bullying. This young Spellvia teacher might have been used by them to their advantage.

"Then, Miss Ruby should come along as well."

After a moment of hesitation, the teacher allowed Ruby to accompany them.

"I expect a fair judgment."

"Of course."

"By the way, I was also there, so if you need my testimony, just let me know."

The teacher’s shoulders twitched. The two male students, who didn’t know I was there, exchanged tense glances.

"...Thank you. ---Now, you four, follow me."

The young female teacher said with a bitter expression and walked away, turning her back to me. The two lackeys of Liam followed her as if fleeing. Gérard thanked me and followed them with Ruby.

Left alone, I pulled the plate of cake that Ruby had left untouched towards me.