Flap flap, an owl flew in. Just like other owls, this one was different. It wore a collar around its neck, with wings painted in color. This was the emblem of the Hex Bird Report, indicating that it was a ssenger for the Hex Bird Society and officially recognized.
The proud owl saw Christie and appeared as if it was swooping in with flight damage, but Christie grabbed it with one hand and placed it on the table.
The end of a pen tapped on the owl's beak, and the owl imdiately stood up straight, surprisingly revealing a fawning expression. "Deliver the letter to Li Xin, don't delay."
This owl was a seasoned pro; without instructions, it genuinely might procrastinate.
With a flurry of its wings, the owl puffed out its chest, as if proclaiming its professionalism and commitnt. Then, like it had rockets attached to its rear, it accelerated and flew out the window.
Li Xin was at the Canon Law School base sparring with Simmons. Li Xin wasn't familiar with Didia's combat style and characteristics; if they had fought before, he might be more targeted. However, he wasn't foolish enough to ambush Didia; he could only enhance Simmons' resistance and response to Thunder Power and figure out a strategy to help Simmons turn the tide. Simmons had great insight.
While Simmons rested, Li Xin went outside to practice with Lancer, Rock, and others. After intensifying the training, everyone felt entirely different. The first day was particularly exhausting, but by the second day, they had started to adapt. Everyone's foundation was solid, and they knew this was a rare opportunity.
Amidst everyone's vigorous training, the base's window was being knocked on furiously, in an incredibly irritable and impatient manner.
Celestia, ever diligent for her family's welfare, saw Li Xin working hard and getting everyone on track. How could she let them be disturbed at such a ti?
She flicked a spell, and the proud owl was caught off guard by the attack. Trying to dodge, it was already hit and imdiately slumped, as if it had made countless rounds.
Celestia frowned. It was from the Hex Bird Society. She knew Li Xin was still moonlighting as a reporter for the Society and writing novels. But now was a crucial mont for the Canon Law School. The Bird Society was quite tone-deaf. Besides, her family was a major shareholder in the Society, so this was akin to delaying the boss's business.
Should they permanently silence the bird?
The owl shivered, sensing the murderous intent, and kowtowed feverishly. Celestia laughed, "Just scaring you, is it urgent?"
The owl quickly shook its head. Ergency letters were different, this one just needed to be delivered the sa day.
"I'll let it go this ti. If you're this rude again, I'll pluck you and make soup, and tell the Bird Report to get a new ssenger." Celestia said lightly, scaring the owl into nodding repeatedly.
Celestia released the spell; the owl, still a bit weak, didn't dare show off. It grabbed the letter and flew inside. The ssenger must personally deliver the letter to complete the task. Watching the crooked owl fly over, Li Xin chuckled. This ti he had to have a proper chat with it. In the end, the owl dropped the letter and flew away without looking back.
Li Xin picked up the letter, not bothered to argue with a bird, considering when to ask who's responsible if the bird has an accident.
"Submit by Friday."
Li Xin felt a headache coming. There were too many things lately, his heart a bit chaotic, and he hadn't written much. In his mind, young master Simmons took priority.
Royal Court Academy.
Hosted by scholars of the Celestial Principle School, the participants were the cream of Hedan's young generation, mainly royal mbers and noble children from the Knight Academy and Canon Law School, as well as relatively young officials in various departnts.
This ti, the host was Grandmaster Jas. Now, Grandmaster Vladimir scarcely appeared. As the leader of the Celestial Principle School, his status was crucial for consolidating the school's position.
The topic of this eting was Anthony's case. Before it started, the topic had already been announced, giving participants ample ti to prepare since Achilles was responsible for the case, so he was required to attend.
The number of attendees was usually kept to around twenty. Those granted participation had families with considerable status in the Kingdom or held significant departntal positions. Sotis, it had little to do with personal competence.
After all, with the Prince present, if it were only the scholars from the Celestial Principle School, the noble children would respect them but not mind too much. Different factions, differing allegiances, as long as appearances were kept. But with an important royal mber involved, it was an opportunity to make an impression and build goodwill, hugely beneficial for the future. Prince Achilles was very likely to oversee the Kingdom's Hidden Power and intelligence departnts in the future.
Jas let everyone speak first, and the whole morning was filled with denunciations of the Funeral Attendant. Achilles just listened; he didn't want to co. Although Grandmaster Jas had limited influence over these noble children, he had a significant sway over Father King, and if Father King was unhappy, he suffered. Being a prince in this era was quite miserable.
Jas listened quietly to the children's solemn speeches. His brow twitched constantly, his anger burning hot, but now, managing many matters, he had to control his emotions and couldn't erupt carelessly, listening quietly to the critiques.
"It must be that woman who seduced Anthony. The Viscount Anthony I know is a very gentlemanly knight. He contributed to the nation; he must have been frad."
"Indeed, this clearly doesn't align with normal human behavior. Could it be a curse from a hidden power, an outrageous attack on a noble gentleman!"
"I've heard the Funeral Attendant subjected him to severe torture, which is simply an insult to a hero of the Kingdom!"
No one cared about the victim, as if it were just a straw, and no one considered the truth. This is the state of Hedan's aristocracy; if not a hundred percent, it's eighty percent. Another ten percent maintain a policy of self-preservation, and the rest have basically lost power.
The King has realized the severity of the issue, but the core is hard to shake off. Having trusted the Celestial Principle School for so many years, so changes have been made, but the class consciousness is deeply rooted, above all else. It cannot be changed by re reasoning. Though knowing it's like climbing a mountain, the Celestial Principle School must choose those useful to the King, bringing the tall out of the short ones.
Rather sadly, what Jas saw in their expressions was not disguise but nature. They truly believed so.
"All done talking?" Jas said in a deep voice, "Now let's look at the results of the Prince's investigation."
Then a scholar standing by distributed a summary of the dossier to each person, nothing too complex, just the key points would do. More than that, and they probably wouldn't understand it either.
At first, everyone was united in indignation. Soon, as they read, they fell silent. Achilles showed no expression. Investigating Anthony wasn't really difficult, mainly because this bunch of fools were totally blatant, without much cover. Hardly needing hidden thods, and with Achilles's banner, so victims imdiately cooperated, exposing everything. The Funeral Attendant had a much easier ti with the investigation, uncovering more shocking details.
Achilles had spent these years either in the Secret Castle or the Holy Hall. He liked to play, but insisted on consent and flair. Compared to these guys, he was like a minor magician encountering a grand wizard. They even ford a "Hunting Enjoynt Club" and didn't include him, utterly lawless!
The academy hall fell quiet; people were exchanging glances. Jas looked at the silent crowd, "The evidence is conclusive. Now, let's move on to the second round of discussion. What are your views on this case? How would you handle it?"
There was a mont of silence in the academy. Making bold remarks about Anthony, a mber of the Nasser Clan, was risky. Such words would surely reach the Nasser Clan's ears, which would be making enemies.
Aside from the power struggles causing opposition, the nobles in Hedan were mostly unified in key positions.
The case involving Anthony had been discussed within the clan, feeling that His Majesty wanted to deal with Anthony Nasser as a commoner. Does this an the death penalty exemption for nobles is gone?
An Anthony is a minor issue, but tampering with the rules is like disturbing the ancestral graves of the aristocracy. If Anthony's case hadn't blown up, it wouldn't even be a topic of discussion. There might even be doubts about whether the Celestial Principle Society intended to change ancestral traditions and shake the nation's foundation?
"Grandmaster Jas, this evidence is truly hard to believe. How could a noble Knight end up like this," Zheng Shengxun said. "If this is true, could it be possible that his ntal instability was caused by practicing hidden powers, not of his own volition?"
"Wounds from battles for the nation are inevitable. Losing control is common. I've heard of knights returning from the battlefield inflicting self-harm."
"That's why His Majesty is wise. After all, Anthony has contributions. He should atone with fines, and appropriately console those victims."
"Very well, the Nasser Clan is charitable and will surely handle this well."
"Give him a chance to reform, and let the Church Court treat him well. After all, he has rits and should continue to serve the Kingdom in the future."
The previously enraged Jas suddenly started to smile. He had always thought Vladimir lacked firmness and decisiveness. Perhaps it's because he had one foot in the demigod realm, proving he was right.
Jas re-evaluated himself, clearing emotions, looking at the issue from an outsider's perspective. Were these people really foolish?
No, their gaze was extrely agile. Even the smallest actions and exchanges of glances could reach a consensus. They were adept at playing along and expertly switching topics to talk about accomplishnts instead of problems.
In retrospect, wasn't this exactly what the family taught? Forget about justice, law, or the people; the Kingdom and the King should co after them.
Were those victims unjustly treated?
They were more aware of their plight than anyone else; Jas even saw mockery and ridicule in these people's feigned sincere expressions.
Yes, laughter at him, at the law.
Suddenly he had a realization and understood why the establishnt of the Canon Law School and the promotion of Hex-Tech were necessary. rely raising the tallest among the short isn't nearly enough. A new power must rise to represent justice, fairness, and courage. This process won't happen overnight and requires wisdom and strategic planning.
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