The Regressed Son of a Duke is an Assassin

Escaping the Royal Hall in a rush, the imperial family left the academy as if fleeing from it.

Although there were still meetings with the chancellor and other schedules left, it seemed as if none of that mattered anymore, and no one even mentioned them.

“We can’t just let this go! How can the imperial family, known for their unwavering dignity, be insulted by a young noble from a duke’s family? When has such a thing ever happened?”

Nerobian, still not fully grasping the situation, complained to Violet.

Unable to stand it any longer, Fabian shouted at him.

“Be quiet, Nerobian! Isn’t this all because of what you’ve done?”

“What, what? Why are you suddenly blaming me…?”

-Crack

Fabian, grabbing Nerobian by the collar, whispered something into his ear.

“How- how did he know about that…?”

Hearing the truth, Nerobian was so shocked he couldn’t even string his words together properly.

He thought he had erased all traces, but how did the information reach the very person involved?

Now that Cyan knew, it was only a matter of time before Arin found out.

And if the Emperor were to hear of it,

the aftermath would be unimaginably dreadful.

“There’s no need to worry too much. Arin will surely understand, considering it an inevitable conflict between brothers.”

“Sister! Even so, that is…”

“Let’s end this discussion here. Our meeting with Arin is over, so shall we return to the palace? I’ve kept my promise, so I will also keep quiet about this matter.”

With Violet ending the situation, she suggested they return to the palace.

For the two princes, the situation was as suffocating now as it was when they left.

Given their constant lookout for an opportunity to claim the throne, it was almost expected for them to be seen as thorns in each other’s sides,

Yet to have such a significant weakness overlooked.

The unease rooted in the brothers’ hearts only grew more substantial with time.

Regardless, Violet, boarding the carriage alone, closed her eyes and was lost in thought.

It’s said that the oldest human emotion is fear, and among all fears, the fear of the unknown is the greatest.

Not the pain of being cut by a sword, but the anticipation of unknown pain before the cut that is truly frightening.

Likewise, they will continue to fear the moment their weakness might be exposed.

Even the boy,

Would want it that way.

‘Undoubtedly.’

Recalling the moment when Cecilia’s head rolled before her eyes still sent shivers down her spine and brought a wave of anxiety.

Those eyes. That laugh. That murderous intent.

Like an indelible mark etched into her being, an unforgettable trace.

A visage that won’t leave her mind until death.

‘Undoubtedly!’

The man who had introduced her to fear and dread for the first time in her life.

The man who had inflicted upon her a sense of helplessness and humiliation.

At this moment, Violet was certain.

Cyan Vert, the youngest of the Vert ducal family and Arin’s fiancé,

‘Is the one!’

He is the assassin they had been searching for.

* * *

Artifact Messenger Sphere.

A type of communication device that allows for the exchange of words between those who are spatially separated through a magic orb infused with magical power.

Recently, with the formal commercialization undertaken by the academy, Chairman Regens had issued one to her as well, but it was only after quite some time had passed that Luna had first made use of it.

“Are you telling me to believe that now?”

“If you didn’t understand, I can explain it again, as many times as necessary. Would you like that?”

Despite Regens’ harsh retort, Luna replied in her usual impassive tone.

She had concisely summarized the events that occurred in Nodeli to Regens, as she had promised to the academics.

Of course, she omitted all facts regarding Cyan, and ingeniously skirted around the issue of the mist, suggesting that mercenaries passing by had helped.

Even leaving out the matters regarding Cyan, the mere fact that there were quite a few dissenters within the Garam Academy and their attempts to kidnap Luna again had significantly agitated Regens.

“I heard you requested information on the magical tome from the academy’s side.”

“Yes, that’s correct. That’s why I went to Nodeli.”

“That’s unlike you? What suddenly prompted such proactive action?”

“Was there ever something that was ‘like me’? It was just personal curiosity. I didn’t really want to inform the academy and get help, I wanted to find out quietly on my own.”

From beyond the messenger sphere, Regens’ uncomfortable groan could be heard.

It was clear he was not fully convinced by her words.

“Ah, and I’ve sent a document with the academics returning to the academy. It should arrive soon, I guess.”

“What kind of document?”

“A list of Auram Academy members hiding within the Garam Academy.”

“……!”

Even though it wasn’t visible, the image of Regens leaping from his chair was vividly imagined.

“Not all of them, but most should be on there. I’d appreciate it if you could sort them all out by the time I return at the end of this semester. I’m giving it to you for that reason.”

“Why are you only telling me this important fact now……!”

“I’ll see you during the break then. Grandfather.”

Having finished her business, Luna coldly ended the communication.

Ramela, who had been watching everything from behind, asked with disbelief,

“Is- is that true?”

“What is?”

“The things Miss Luna just told Chairman Regens. Are they all true?”

“Don’t worry. The academy won’t hold Ramela responsible for anything.”

“That’s not what I’m asking! Why suddenly involve yourself in academy affairs……?”

“More than a wind, it’s like a mist, I suppose.”

Luna’s eyes flashed determinedly for a moment.

“What?”

“Never mind. More importantly……”

Bang, bang, bang!

“Hey! Are you in there?”

The heavy thumping that sounded like a bear knocking echoed through the room.

Recognizing who it was immediately, Luna’s expression stiffened subtly.

“Why is that fool of a senior……”

“Should, should I go see?”

“No. I’ll go.”

It was practically the first visitor to her room since she had enrolled in the academy.

She had secretly hoped that the first person would be someone else, but thinking it wouldn’t be too bad if it were this person, Luna calmly opened the door.

“Ah, finally! There’s big trouble! Big trouble!”

“What? Senior Cyan refuses to spar with you?”

“That’s a big problem… no, that’s not it!”

Set looked utterly lost, frantically scratching his head with his thick hands.

“Cyan that guy, he submitted a withdrawal form!”

“……!”

Luna’s usually indifferent eyes suddenly widened in shock.

* * *

The chancellor stared piercingly at the envelope on the desk before finally looking at me with a charged gaze.

“What does this mean?”

“It is exactly as you see. I’ve already submitted one to the administration office as well.”

Despite having written on the envelope in large letters to avoid any need for it to be opened,

Should I have gifted him a pair of glasses before leaving?

Withdrawal form.

Without further explanation, it contains my intention to leave the academy.

“For the past two years, despite your unreasonable actions, I did not impose any sanctions on you. Do you know why?”

“What is it?”

“There are many reasons, but the most significant was my intention to observe and unravel your suspicious and secretive behavior over time. But instead of unraveling anything, it just kept increasing, including recent events…”

I deliberately avoided his gaze.

“But, leaving all that suspicion behind, you decide to leave now? Leaving the academy that guarantees your current status, where do you plan to go?”

“I don’t believe I have any obligation to inform you, Chancellor.”

At my firm and indifferent response, the chancellor sighed as if disgusted.

“Fine! Then tell me this. If I let you go, can you assure me that you will not make a name for yourself on this continent, for better or worse?”

I couldn’t immediately respond.

“Seeing that you can’t answer, I guess not. Then I can’t let you go even more. Letting you go, like a lightning bolt hidden within clouds, unpredictable when or where it might strike, is out of the question.”

“Do you not realize that this withdrawal form is merely a formality? Regardless of your wishes, Chancellor, I will be leaving the academy within a very short period.”

“…”

Seeing my resolute intention, the chancellor remained silent.

“When do you plan to leave?”

“At most, a week from now.”

“Is it because of that child?”

As Nana was mentioned, I inadvertently flinched.

“Not entirely.”

Although it would be fair to say she plays a significant part.

“What will you do if I spread the word about you to the world?”

“I don’t particularly mind, but it does seem a bit petty. Instead of hindering, you should be more than supportive of a student’s bright future.”

“You dare speak of being a student?”

Despite everything, it seems I did learn something from you after all.

With those words, I turned around.

“If you walk out that door now, you should never see me again.”

His final warning, ambiguous in its intent, reached my ears.

“I hope so too.”

Saying so, I naturally turned my head.

“Please, stay here for a very long time.”

Whether it sounded like a curse or not, the chancellor’s brow furrowed deeply.

Descending the stairs of the main building, which I would not climb again, I reached the first floor to be greeted by two familiar faces.

Their looks were far from welcoming, though.

Luna approached me with large strides and asked, looking intently at me, “I heard you submitted a resignation. Is it true?”

Rumors spread fast.

There was no reason to hide it, so I nodded.

“Can I ask why?”

“Nothing much. Just can’t stay here any longer.”

The only reason I was at the academy was singular.

To hide my true nature behind the guise of being a student.

But if that guise could no longer serve its purpose, there was no reason for me to stay.

That’s all there was to it.

Luna stared at me silently, her face plastered with the torment of having much to say but unable to speak.

“You really do as you please until the end, senior.”

“That doesn’t seem like something you should say.”

“Just know that I’m restraining myself from being even more capricious.”

The thought alone is dreadful.

Well, this feeling would be over too.

I won’t have to clash with this audacious junior anymore.

“Hey! Cyan Vert! How dare you leave without me!”

Now, Set approached with a face ablaze with anger and shouted.

“You haven’t forgotten our promise, right? The one where you said you’d fight me if I just guided you to Nodeli! It would be troublesome if you forgot…”

“I’ll do it.”

My quick response left Set speechless.

“What did you say?”

“I said I’ll do it. It’s troublesome inside the academy. Meet me outside Luwen tonight.”

His stunned face turned into one of joy in an instant.

(To be continued)