-773- What if I insist on intervening?

In that moment just before Io was about to be arrested...

"...What are you doing, Arneet-kun?"

The headmaster's expression darkened, and his voice became stern as he questioned the young man before him. Not only the headmaster but all the students, professors, and guards present were puzzled, wearing expressions of confusion.

All eyes in the room focused on the person who had silently walked out, standing in front of Io.

Yes, Rozen stepped forward.

In a situation where Io, Yaya, Irori, and Komurasaki were all stunned, Rozen, as if prepared for this confrontation, stepped forward without hesitation.

"An accomplice to the rebel?"

Rozen met the headmaster's gaze and smiled, a very indifferent smile.

"Isn't this accusation a bit hasty?"

Rozen's words made the headmaster furrow his brows.

Hasty?

"How could it be hasty?"

The headmaster stared directly at Rozen, his voice resonating with authority.

"In Professor Iliad's research room, we found her research records. It clearly documented her secretive research on controlling magic like 'Multi-Controller' and successfully installing a device with 'Infinite Chain Reaction.' Making such a significant invention behind the academy's back and secretly providing it to the Crown Prince in her notes, combined with the evidence of her private contact with the Crown Prince, given the current situation, the evidence is irrefutable and leaves no room for doubt."

This was an undeniable fact.

Indeed, Io did not disclose the matter of 'Multi-Controller' and even provided her research findings to Edmund; these are indisputable facts, and there's no room for rebuttal.

However...

"To conclude that she is a rebel is simply baseless," Rozen, unafraid of the headmaster's imposing presence, spoke directly.

"Professor Iliad never intended to assist the Crown Prince in rebellion from the beginning. The current situation has evolved because she was manipulated."

This, too, was a fact confirmed by Rozen.

Io's original intention was not to assist Edmund in rebellion but to make 'Multi-Controller' and 'Infinite Chain Reaction' a restraining force against a world war. She fell into Edmund's trap, providing him with her research findings, only to be betrayed, and she still hasn't come to terms with this harsh reality.

"So, Professor Iliad is also a victim. The charge of rebellion doesn't apply to her at all."

Rozen stated this openly, causing a stir among the surrounding people.

In response, the headmaster raised a hand, quelling the commotion.

Then, he fixed his gaze on Rozen and spoke slowly.

"This is just your personal statement, and as testimony, it lacks strength."

The headmaster maintained an official demeanor.

"Furthermore, even if Professor Iliad was merely manipulated, her research has brought crisis to the Empire and even the world. Regardless of her intentions, this remains a crime. Therefore, she cannot escape the charges."

This is indeed an undeniable point. Just like modern firearms, clandestine manufacturing and trafficking are not allowed by law. Io's situation is not just about privately creating firearms; she has secretly manufactured a nuclear bomb, which has fallen into the hands of terrorists, threatening the nation. Even if Io herself did not intend this outcome, how could the law possibly find her innocent?

In light of this, even if she is not a rebel, Io cannot escape the charges.

Not to mention...

"The authority to teach granted to her is by the academy, the research privileges given to her are from the academy, even the research facilities and funding are provided by the academy. Yet, her actions have led the nation to disaster. If the academy cannot take responsibility for this and impose the necessary sanctions, the academy itself will face imperial consequences and be in jeopardy."

The headmaster calmly spoke.

"Your defense of Professor Iliad will only put the academy in an akward position. Is this what you want?"

At least, this is definitely not what the headmaster wants to see.

So, rather than Edmund's affair, the headmaster chose to address Io's issue first.

Rozen saw through this, hence decided to abandon the continued attack on Edmund and, along with Io, returned to the academy.

In other words...

"Is the academy sacrificing Professor Iliad to safeguard itself?"

Rozen sarcastically chuckled.

"It really seems like something a qualified politician would do. No wonder you, the great headmaster, managed to secure autonomy for the academy."

These words caused anger among the people around even before the headmaster could react.

"Shut up!"

"So disrespectful!"

"You're insulting the academy!"

"Know your place!"

"You're just a mere student!"

Professors, security guards, and even Avril, with her hand on the weapon at her waist, all shouted loudly, ready to charge forward at any moment.

Clearly, with just one sentence, Rozen not only offended the headmaster but also the entire board, committee, executive department, and security force of the academy.

The headmaster also wore a stern expression, directing his gaze towards Rozen.

"You are a talent with limitless potential, a treasure that the academy is proud of. But you are, after all, just a student. Understand your position. This is the governance of an autonomous academy, not something you should intervene in."

The headmaster's tone started to become more assertive.

Unfortunately...

"What if I insist on intervening?"

Rozen laughed fearlessly, his voice devoid of any amusement.

Perhaps, even the headmaster did not expect Rozen to be this assertive. His brows furrowed deeply.

"I always thought you were a smart person," the headmaster said with a frowning brow. "I hope you don't ruin your life due to a moment of confusion."

This is not an empty threat. If Rozen insists on opposing the academy here, not only will the academy become his enemy, but the empire will also see Rozen as an accomplice to rebellion.

At that moment, Rozen would be arrogantly challenging a powerful nation.

"You still have a bright future. There's a great chance for you to become a Wiseman. If you oppose the academy here, you'll be stripped of your student status, and your eligibility for the Night Party will be revoked. Everything will be taken away from you."

The headmaster said this with great solemnity.

"Is this what you want to see?"

Question after question was thrown at Rozen by the headmaster.

Faced with all this...

"Enough, Rorelai Arneet."

Before Rozen could make any further expression, Io, who had been standing pale-faced behind him, finally sighed and spoke.

"Just let the academy arrest me."

Io made this choice.