Chapter 53

Tilrand's release decision made countless students in the square hastily flee in fear.

The comfortable life was like a thin sheet of paper, just like their hearts.

The cruelty that had been mere gossip now fell upon them, and the calmness and composure they once had were long gone. The nightmare was like an endless tide, surging and crushing.

On the escape route, they could not avoid the remnants of the recent bloody massacre.

Streams of blood, scattered bodies.

Once their mental fortitude broke down, their actions and thoughts began to fall into chaos.

Some cried in terror on this road.

Some stood dazed like puppets.

Some vomited and fainted.

But there were always those who were strong, helping and comforting others, guiding them to safety.

"Raki, what exactly happened?"

Maji tightly held Raki's hand, as if letting go would make her lose the courage to stand.

"I don't know, but from their appearance, they seem to be the guards of the nobles."

Raki glanced at the body not far from his feet. There was a hole in its neck, the blood long drained, the torn flesh making his chest feel heavy and uncomfortable. In its eyes, there was a lingering trace of disbelief and unwillingness.

She covered her mouth, feeling something about to surge up her throat, but her heart wouldn't allow her to act that way.

For herself, for Maji.

"Raki, are you okay?" Seeing Raki's pale face, Maji asked anxiously.

"I'm fine, just a bit uncomfortable."

After taking a deep breath, Raki shook his head and forced a calm demeanor. "But, Maji, you're really strong."

Maji, praised, did not feel happy or proud. Instead, she bit her lip and whispered, "Raki, have you forgotten? I've already seen even more cruel scenes in the past."

"Look at me, my memory has been blurred by the shock," Raki sighed.

"Raki, do you think Brother Xialan will be okay? If something really happens to him, I, I—"

When the nobles were detained and taken away from the viewing platform, Maji saw Xialan among them. After the Blood Flag Society announced the release decision, the students who no longer wished to stay fled in a rush.

She and Raki were forced to move in the crowded sea of people until the crowd finally slowed, allowing them to escape.

All along, she had been constantly worried about Xialan's safety, her concerns growing deeper and deeper. The bloody and cruel scenes seemed to have awakened her past memories, making it impossible for her to hide her fear.

Her eyes were moist and blurry, tears welling up.

If Xialan died because of this, how could she accept the result of inviting him here?

She didn't want to be the one who caused his death.

"Maji, don't worry."

Raki stroked her head, understanding her thoughts. If someone she loved died because of her, the guilt and pain would be unbearable.

"Didn't you say your brother is very capable? I think no matter what happens, he will find a way to escape. So don't worry and feel guilty, after all, things haven't reached the worst outcome yet."

"But, but—"

Tears slowly wet her cheeks. Maji lifted her small face and looked at Raki with sadness. "Seeing the current scene, how can I not worry?"

"Don't be afraid, don't be afraid. I'm here, I'll stay with you until your brother Xialan appears safely." Raki's tone was full of gentleness, patiently soothing her wounded heart.

Holding the small head crying in her arms, Raki looked up at the sky, her expression complex.

For Maji's feelings, she had always treated her like a younger sister.

The first time she met Maji, her shy and timid appearance had touched Raki's heart.

When Maji was harassed by boys, Raki was the first to stand up and protect her.

They became friends.

Raki liked her simple and innocent personality.

Born into a noble family, she had few friends. Truly, she only had Avius as a friend.

She had no siblings, as her mother had lost her ability to bear children after giving birth to her.

Living in the social circle of the nobles, she had matured early and witnessed many dirty and corrupt things. She hated this life, as even normal friendships seemed to be tainted by interests.

Some found happiness in simplicity.

Some found loneliness in wealth and power.

Perfect things did not happen to everyone.

There were gains and losses.

Because of Maji's simplicity, everyone in her eyes was equal. She wouldn't treat people differently based on whether they were commoners or noble children. This was what Raki liked about her.

A friendship free from any ulterior motives was what she needed.

Even though she knew Avius had a hidden admiration for Maji.

She didn't want to lose her lover, and she didn't want to lose her friend.

So, she chose silence.

Thinking of Avius, her eyes suddenly began to twitch involuntarily, as the current scene reminded her of something ominous.

"Maji."

Raki gently shook Maji in her arms.

"What's wrong?"

Maji, with red-rimmed eyes, looked at Raki and saw the tense and uneasy expression on her face.

"Let's find a safe place to settle down, and I need to verify something."

"What is it?" Maji couldn't help but ask.

"You don't need to worry about it, Maji. Listen, this is my personal matter, and I don't want you to get involved." Raki looked at her seriously.

"Raki, aren't we friends?" Hearing Raki's decisive words, Maji clenched her small fists. "No matter what happens, I want to be by your side. Raki has already helped me a lot, and I can't leave Raki alone."

Maji's eyes were filled with determination, and Raki closed her eyes, gritting her teeth.

Although she usually appeared simple and timid, once she made up her mind, she was more serious than anyone.

She was very troubled.

"Earlier in the square, we didn't see Avius. I think he must be somewhere, and with his character, he wouldn't miss the Blood Flag Society's action this time."

"You mean—"

Maji covered her small mouth and glanced at the scene around her, shocked.

"Yes, it's the worst-case scenario, so I need to verify it now." Raki nodded solemnly. "So, something unexpected might happen during the verification, and I don't want you to get involved because I don't want to feel guilty for dragging you into it."

Maji tightly held Raki's hand, her eyes fixed on her, determined not to let go.

"Maji!" Raki shook her hand, but failed to shake her off.

"Raki, I won't let go, I want to go with you."

Raki knew the trouble couldn't be avoided.

Sighing helplessly, Raki nodded and said, "If something dangerous happens, you must run immediately. I'll help you, and if something happens to you, I think your brother Xialan will be even more heartbroken."

"Okay."

"Let's go then."

...

Dragging Amanta's body into a dense patch of grass, Xialan immediately activated his disguise.

He didn't want to leave yet because he had something he wanted to do.

Stealthily returning to the main building, he concealed his presence, needing to uncover the truth of his doubts.

He moved like a cautious thief in the night, avoiding all eyes, searching for someone.

"Mr. Tilrand, according to our intelligence, the king's envoy has arrived at the academy gate. There is also some bad news to report."

In a room in the main building, only three people were present.

Tilrand, Angelo, and a man in a black robe.

The one speaking was the mysterious figure hidden in the black robe.

"Bad news?"

Tilrand walked slowly in the room, his face calm, as if deep in thought.

"Let me guess, is the bad news that the king has already mobilized the army?"

"No, but it's close. The king hasn't mobilized the army, but he has mobilized the royal guards."

"What?"

Before Tilrand could speak, Angelo, standing next to the man in the black robe, exclaimed in shock.

The royal guards, more accurately, the palace guards.

Their duty was to protect the king's safety within the palace. There were only about three to four hundred of them.

But these three to four hundred guards had the strength of ten thousand soldiers. Each soldier selected to become a royal guard had at least the strength of a mid-level swordsman.

Not to mention the power of the leaders among the guards.

To deal with a student riot, the king had used the strongest card of the kingdom, a move that was both infuriating and puzzling.

"This is the result of detaining the nobles," the man in the black robe said in a low voice. "Now, countless members of noble families are rushing to the palace, all hoping for a satisfactory response from the king."

"Ha ha—"

Tilrand stopped walking and looked out the window, smiling lightly. "It seems the negotiations are already halfway to failure."

"Perhaps."

"How many royal guards has the king sent?"

"Not many, only a hundred."

"Only a hundred... It seems the king's response to the noble families is sincere enough," Tilrand said with a slight mocking tone.

"Tilrand, what should we do now?" Angelo asked, frowning.

"What should we do?"

Tilrand gripped the hilt of his sword at his waist, his eyes cold. "We'll see if the king and the nobles dare to compromise with us! Angelo, if the negotiations break down, gather the most loyal members of the society and kill all the nobles!"

The words filled with killing intent made Angelo clench his fists, his face serious as he nodded.

"Mad? Let the king and his people see our madness!"

Tilrand muttered to himself, his words as cold as a sword.

"Angelo, make the arrangements, prepare to welcome the king's noble envoy."

"Who is it?"

Suddenly, the man in the black robe spoke, and his figure disappeared from the room.

The figure that flew out did not chase far before the unfamiliar aura that had been detected vanished without a trace.

"What happened?"

The man in the black robe's actions not only startled Tilrand and Angelo but also alarmed the surrounding society members, who gathered around.

"If I'm not mistaken, our conversation was just overheard," the man in the black robe said coldly.

"Could it be the king's people?"

"Unknown. Regardless of who it is, the result is the same."

"The same bad result?"

Tilrand shook his head.

The bumpy and unknown road was already in sight, and the sound of a flute echoed in his ears.

It seemed as if his heart was about to slowly sink into darkness, falling into a deep sleep.