-704- The swelling sinister intent

On the third floor of the Central Grand Hall, there was an extremely luxurious room, which served as an efficient and grandiose assembly hall.

The floor of the hall was covered with deep red carpeting, and crimson curtains adorned the walls, creating a Victorian-style atmosphere.

A large round table was situated at the center, with only a few seats, and only individuals with significant influence in the academy could occupy them. The decisions made by these few individuals within this room had the power to bring about changes in the academy's circumstances.

This place was the headquarters of the Night Party Executive Committee. They held the authority to determine student rankings, oversee all matters related to the Night Party, manage resources and powers from the academy to ensure the smooth progress of the Night Party, and were considered the most powerful department in the academy.

This committee was composed of three main parts: student representatives, professor representatives, and the academy director. Discussions took place between these three factions, and any decisions made here were carried out within the academy, unchangeable by others. It was evident that the Night Party Executive Committee held immense authority within the academy.

Since even the academy director only represented one of the factions, having great authority was a matter of course.

Furthermore, in order to prevent decisions from being overly influenced by any one group, the head of the Night Party Executive Committee was typically appointed from the student representatives.

Naturally, the person who could become the head of this committee was far from being an ordinary individual.

—Cedric Granville.

He is the heir of the prestigious Granville family in England, a family whose influence rivals that of the Kingsforts. Cedric himself is one of the "Thirteen," holding the 10th position, making him a prominent figure comparable to the former Felix Kingsfort.

A prominent figure like him naturally possesses exceptional qualities.

Although Cedric is a slender young man of short stature, with a physique resembling that of a girl, he possesses aristocratic refinement surpassing Felix Kingsfort.

His looks can only be described as handsome, and when compared to Felix, he doesn't fall short. As a result, he enjoys great popularity in the academy, admired secretly by many female and male students.

Currently, this young man is seated on the couch in the Night Party Executive Committee's assembly hall, elegantly crossing his legs, sipping on a cup of tea, appearing to relish the moment, and it's evident that he is in high spirits.

By his side, a man serves him like a faithful attendant. This man possesses hair nearly silver in color, wears a stylish gentleman's suit with no coat but instead a waistcoat, and sports colored glasses, concealing the expression in his eyes. He is a tall and slim man.

The man respectfully stands by Cedric's side, holding a teapot, serving him like a butler, with impeccable actions and demeanor. Cedric greatly enjoys the man's service, to the extent that he engages him in a cheerful conversation.

"What do you think 'Fimbulvetr's Winter' will do next, Shin?"

The head of the Night Party Executive Committee abruptly mentions Rozen.

The man named Shin doesn't seem surprised but responds respectfully.

"Your humble servant has limited knowledge, but it's said that this individual is exceedingly fond of beauty, to the extent of completely exterminating the 'Divine Works' just for 'Surround Roar.' It's easy to imagine that should this person discover the young master's behavior, which might be seen as vile behavior without knowing what's good and bad, they will be enraged."

Even though Shin's tone is respectful, he speaks such disrespectful words.

"Very well, Shin. While what you've said aligns with my thoughts, I will provide you with a pleasurable punishment later to let you fully enjoy it."

Cedric casually says these words, not denying the so-called "vile behavior without knowing what's good and bad."

"Forgive my frankness," Shin addressed the individual he referred to as the "young master." "Is provoking 'Fimbulvetr's Winter' like this not overly risky?"

Cedric was taken aback by Shin's words but replied with a hint of teasing, "What's wrong, Shin? Are you afraid?"

Shin, however, remained composed. "The Granville family's servants are exceptionally skilled. If I had to nitpick, it's that they may be a bit timid."

Shin didn't seem timid at all; he spoke nonchalantly.

"Rorelai Arneet is a person valued by the principal, capable of rivaling even the 'Marshal,' capable of annihilating the 'Divine Works' singlehandedly. This proves that there's much about their strength that remains unknown. Challenging them so rashly, even if the young master's behavior is as reprehensible as it is, doesn't sit well with me."

Shin remarkably expressed his concerns.

"Alright, Shin, I'll scald your eyeballs with boiling tea later," Cedric said nonchalantly, "But I understand your concerns. It's indeed too risky to provoke someone when we don't yet know all of their capabilities."

However...

"Isn't that what makes it interesting?" Cedric teased with a joyful smile, "Or could it be that you're really scared?"

Upon hearing this, Shin elegantly smiled. "As long as it's the young master's order, I can take the head of 'Fimbulvetr's Winter' at any time."

The butler named Shin spoke in such a matter-of-fact way, as if it were a trivial task.

"Unfortunately, it's not your turn to shine yet," Cedric playfully hinted, "I have a better choice to deal with 'Fimbulvetr's Winter.'"

Shin seemed to have a premonition about this choice.

"I see," Shin sighed helplessly, "You truly are decaying to the point of stench, young master."

"Thank you for your compliment, Shin," Cedric chuckled, "We'll discuss your punishment after I finish watching this performance."

At that moment, Cedric stood up. A whirlwind of rose petals suddenly enveloped him, and shortly after, a beautiful girl replaced him—a silver-haired beauty.

"Then, let the dragon dance in the palm of my hand, Shin."

Alice Bernstein declared with a joyful voice.

"Yes, Young Miss."

Sin promptly obeyed.

A while later, the doors of the assembly hall swung open. A golden-haired girl with a small dragon perched on her hat entered, her face streaked with tears.