-783- Got two things wrong

"I surrender."

When these words came out of the headmaster's mouth, the first expression revealed on everyone's face present was one thing.

Bewilderment.

Utter bewilderment.

"He actually surrendered like that?"

Indeed.

The strongest magus of the 19th century conceded defeat with his own words.

This meant more than just a victory or loss; it heralded a dreadful storm.

At least, those with keen minds had already thought of the consequences, and fear trembled through them.

Contrary to this, Rozen, as if encountering something utterly ordinary, remained indifferent. It was as if he hadn't defeated the strongest mage of the 19th century but a common puppeteer on the roadside. He casually stored the Lemegeton in his hand without returning it to the headmaster.

"Let's go."

With no intention of returning the grimoire to the headmaster, Rozen turned around. Under the admiring gazes of Yaya, Irori, and Komurasaki, he spoke to Io.

At this point, even the guards had no plans to step forward to stop them. They could only watch in bewilderment, with no reaction whatsoever.

In this situation, where even the headmaster acknowledged his inferiority, who would have the courage to intervene?

Even if someone dared to step forward, it would only be an act of self-humiliation. Who could truly stop Rozen now?

However...

"Is this really okay?"

The headmaster, swaying as he stood up, uttered these words while looking at Rozen's back.

Rozen didn't turn around, but he knew what the headmaster was about to say.

"Even if you can leave the academy now, Professor Illiad's crimes won't be erased. Assisting rebels will be considered a crime, and you will be subject to arrest and extradition by the British."

The headmaster stared directly at Rozen's back, slowly speaking each word.

"If you had escaped from the academy with Professor Illiad before defeating me, it might have been different."

After all, if it had come to that, even if they were subject to arrest and extradition by the British, the enemy would be just England.

But it's different now.

"Now, defeating me in full view, defeating the strongest magus of the 19th century, and even claiming Lemegeton as a trophy—do you understand what such an astonishing achievement will lead to?"

The headmaster spoke word by word.

"War will break out because of you."

"War?"

"No way?"

"That's just to scare us, right?"

The students, guards, and professors around were startled by the headmaster's words.

"War!?"

Even Io widened her eyes, shocked.

Rozen remained silent.

Because Rozen knew that this might very well turn into a reality.

"Faced with someone who can defeat the strongest mage of the 19th century at such a young age, the world powers will definitely not sit idly by."

The headmaster explained the reasons behind it all.

"For example, the Far East, where you come from, will definitely not remain indifferent."

For a country, having a puppeteer who can defeat the strongest magus of the 19th century, surpassing even the Wiseman, is crucial. Frankly speaking, if Rozen were to join the military and step onto the battlefield, just the reputation of defeating the strongest magus of the 19th century would make enemy nations wary and retreat. Rozen himself would be a force to be reckoned with, easily dominating the battlefield.

A person with such talents being wanted and arrested by England, how can the island nation in the Far East just sit idly by?

At that time, they will surely go to great lengths to negotiate with England and convince them to withdraw the arrest warrant. However, as a nation opposed to Rozen, knowing that he openly defies national laws, England is unlikely to let him off easily. Especially considering that he has the ability to defeat the strongest magus of the 19th century, as an adversary, they would definitely want to eliminate such a formidable threat.

In this scenario, the two countries would directly confront each other, initiating negotiations while trying to rally support from other nations to oppose the enemy. Meanwhile, other nations would likely have various thoughts about Rozen – some aiming to ally with him, others seeking to eliminate him. The result would be a world plunged into chaos, with nations aligning and conflicting, ultimately on the brink of war.

Perhaps others might find this exaggerated. Who would go against an entire nation for the sake of one person, even leading to the outbreak of war? In times of peace, this might indeed be unlikely. However, it's not a time of peace; it's on the eve of a world war, an era where the atmosphere is thick with the anticipation of global conflict. The world is a powder keg, and with a small spark, it can ignite the entire fuse, plunging nations into a large-scale war.

In the present context, the headmaster's words are all accurate. If Rozen were to leave with Io like this, it would undoubtedly become the spark that ignites a world war.

"Of course, England and Japan are allies. If you don't openly defy English law, England probably won't want to offend you. They might even pardon your current support for Professor Illiad and act as if nothing happened.

The headmaster spoke persuasively.

"How to choose is up to you."

With that, the headmaster stopped speaking.

Realizing the seriousness of the situation, everyone around looked at Rozen with unease and anxiety.

"Rozen-sama..."

Yaya, Irori, and Komurasaki looked at Rozen with uncertainty.

"Rorelai."

Io also looked at Rozen, silent.

Triggering a war was definitely not something Io wanted to see.

"I still..."

At this moment, Io was about to speak in a somewhat sad tone, preparing to surrender again.

However...

"You've got two things wrong, Headmaster."

Rozen suddenly spoke.

"One, I'm not Japanese, so I don't need Japan's help, and Japan won't confront England over this."

"Two, a world war won't break out. Io's charges are baseless. As long as they're baseless, there's no violation or resistance to the law."

Rozen turned his head to look at the headmaster.

"I will defeat the Black Prince, capture the real rebels, and prove Io's innocence."

"So, you don't need to worry about it."