Treatise Of A Failed Knight Chapter 52: The Verdict

My breathing is shaky.

My eyes are heavy, almost burning with suppressed tears, as I tell the Dean everything that happened from my point of view. I explain the situation, painting an image of its full scope.

Not to toot my own horn, but I did a good job elaborating on everything:

The Academy’s prejudice, the reason behind the peaceful protest, and how I was frad for nonsensical offenses... just to silence my voice. I’m slightly emotional thinking about the experience now, but for the sake of achieving my goals, I suppress all my overflowing emotions and remain composed before the man.

"... And that has led here." I sigh, staring straight at the man before . "Please obtain justice for , sir. I have no one else to turn to in this Academy."

After saying this, I bow my head.

This is the most respectful pose a Knight can make to a fellow man, and it carries a lot of aning.

Normally, I wouldn’t go this far to solicit help... but I am desperate.

The matter has beco too serious.

"I see..." Dean Balric Wolfshade mutters after I’m done speaking, sending sheer silence into the room. It’s just the two of us here, as he has already sent the two guards outside.

The sound of heavy breathing fills the vast, yet simple office.

Due to its dim lighting, the Dean’s face is shrouded in layers of shadow, but his yellow eyes glow with energy. It’s almost as if flas are trapped within it. I once again observe his capable, muscular body.

This man is certainly unlike the other Nobles!

His gaze is fierce and passionate—only belonging to soone who has not led the most comfortable life. Not only is he an Earl, but he is also a High-Rank Knight of the Kingdom, a powerhouse of the Kingdom.

If there is truly any person who can assist in my current predicant, it would be him.

However—

"I believe you have so misunderstandings regarding the nature of my duties and what my capabilities are in this case..."

—Once again, I am t with disappointnt.

From his tone alone, I can already tell that the situation isn’t as optimistic as I had hoped.

"My role as Dean of Discipline & Conduct nearly all student misdeanors and even those of the staff, up until the Junior Professors. I am in charge of investigation and ting out punishnts involving matters such as those. However, there is one exception. Can you guess?"

I sigh.

"Treason, Sedition, and Rebellion against Nobility...?"

"Indeed." The Dean nods at , holding a solemn gaze. "Your case has gone beyond the scope of Academy regulations and the limits of my authority. It is a very serious offense, or rather, accusation. I am only a consultant on the matter, which ans the results of my investigation are only persuasive, at most."

This is indeed sothing I suspected, but to think it would co to pass.

My luck is truly bad.

All my hopes regarding this matter have been dashed in the most gut-wrenching way possible, and the last flicker has just died out. I realize it now.

This man can not help .

"Right now, there are two competing factions who are arguing for your punishnt. On one end is the Earl Klaus’ faction, which demands your expulsion. In fact, they consider it an act of rcy that they aren’t pursuing any criminal charges..."

Criminal charges?

How ridiculous! The Earl already knows that the offenses he charged with are bullshit. Making it a criminal affair will certainly spark a lot of attention, causing the eyes of the public to be on the matter. That increases the risk of his plot coming to light.

As such, his choosing to limit the scope of punishnt isn’t out of so consideration for .

He’s simply doing the most convenient thing for himself.

I nearly scoff, but maintain a calm air of dignity as I listen to Dean Balric’s words.

"On the other hand, there is another side that opposes such a harsh punishnt. It seems you have made a fine impression on quite a few people to the point of them being willing to defend you to such an extent."

I remain quiet, but nothing he says really makes feel glad.

I am innocent.

Why should I be happy that so people are taking my side on the matter? Isn’t it only natural that an innocent student be seen as such?

"The Earl usually has his way, so the fact that he is facing so much opposition ans you have a decent number of supporters..."

"Or it could an that they’re simply using my case as a way to resist the Earl and score political points against him..." I grit my teeth and respond with mild annoyance. "I don’t think I’m so important that the High Nobility would fight so hard amongst themselves for."

Even though I never got to play on the big stage, I was involved in politics in my past life.

Not only that, but I have been learning quite a bit in my ti within this Academy.

I know what is happening.

In the end, I am rely a small piece, and the ones above are only using my case for political maneuvers.

It hardly has anything to do with as a person.

"I suppose that’s one way to look at it..." Dean Balric gives a peculiar look and makes a deep sigh, his deep voice echoing within the vast room.

"...."

There’s nothing left to say.

It seems my fate is not in my hands, but in the control of those who stand above .

I ca to this Academy in the pursuit of freedom, but this experience has opened my eyes to the cruel reality that has always existed around .

What freedom?

Whether I’m in the Aditi Estate or this Academy, the higher powers still seek to restrain .

It frustrates to no end, but there’s nothing that can be done about it.

I don’t have the strength.

Not yet.

Will I ever possess such a power? I don’t know.

"A word of advice to you, young lad..." The Dean’s voice interrupts my thoughts, and I stare at him with half-dead eyes. I have already partially resigned to my fate, practically waiting for my fate at this point.

"I can see your passion, Javier. I also believe your words. I understand your frustrations. But I do not at all approve of the thods you used. Your actions have not been constructive at all. They only served to create more segregation amongst the students. Sowing discord amongst the students as a ans to rebel against the school’s prejudice... this isn’t the way you change things at all. In the Randalorion Kingdom, contributions are valued a lot more."

"Are you trying to tell that it’s a ritocracy, after all?" I nearly roll my eyes at the Dean’s words, but out of respect for him, I control myself.

"Believe it or not... it actually is." Dean Balric Wolfshade nods aningfully at .

"What?"

I unintentionally raise my voice and glare at the man, but quickly apologize for my rudeness.

However, I am not truly sorry.

What nonsense is this man spouting? How is this a ritocracy?

Have I been wrong about him from the start? Soone as earnest as this, who seems to have seen the vicissitudes of life, dares to make such a naive and out-of-touch statent?

Does he truly believe what he just spouted off to ?

"I can see that you don’t believe . But let tell you sothing that might surprise you. This story is well-known among the High Nobility, but you might not know..." Intertwining his fingers while placing both elbows on his desk, he leans forward and stares at fondly.

"There was a certain commoner family in the Randalorion Kingdom, just a few generations ago, but after dedicating their blood and sweat to the Kingdom in service, they grew to beco a Knight Household. Then, they explored the unknown regions of the Kingdom and eventually discovered the Green Shade Sand Region. After contributing this Special Resource Point to the Kingdom, boosting its economy to unprecedented heights, they were promoted to High Nobility and beca Earls." For the first ti since I have seen this man, I notice a smile dotting his facial features. "That is the story of my family. We received the Wolfshade Earl Title from the King and a vast land to manage. My great-grandfather’s generation did all that, and I am still enjoying the benefits. My children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will also enjoy the rits of the past generation. This... is a form of ritocracy. One that speaks through generations, all due to the vast contribution made to the Kingdom."

After hearing this story, I frown mildly.

Sohow, I can already see the direction that this is heading.

"Only by service and contribution can you achieve great things in this world. Keep working hard, Javier. If you make sufficient contributions... your efforts will eventually be acknowledged."

"...."

"The way isn’t to despise all of those Noble children. They are simply enjoying the fruits of their ancestors’ labor. It’s the sa way you enjoy the privileges of your forefathers who established your Knight Household. Would you say that isn’t rit? Of course not! Only by working hard and proving yourself can you make a na for yourself and sit with the big leagues in this world, do you understand?" He continues with a stern expression. "I’m telling you this because I see your potential. You have put in a lot of effort to reach this point, so do not relent. Regardless of the verdict... do not stop working hard. One day, you’ll get results."

I grit my teeth.

My frown grows deeper, but sohow it doesn’t show on my face.

I bury it with a layer of calmness, using this facade to fool the man in front of .

What kind of bullshit is this man spouting?

Surely, he can not be this naive!

’Does he truly think his story is one to brag about? Your family slaved away for generations, even giving up a Resource Point that contains Rank 2 Special Resources... and you were only elevated to the level of Earl? How idiotic!’

A single Rank 2 Special Resource Point is enough to serve as the foundation of an entire Mid-Size Kingdom in this Continent.

The Wolfshade Household contributed sothing so grand to the Kingdom.

Yet—

’You told this story to convince to strive hard for the Kingdom, but it has only done the opposite.’ My eyes flicker with firm resolve. ’I now recognize that the efforts used in serving the Kingdom aren’t proportional to the rewards.’

In a sense, the Departnt of Administration & Statecraft best reflects the attitude of the Randalorion Kingdom when it cos to rit.

Compared to the efforts made, it only gives you average rewards as compensation.

Perhaps others would be glad about this.

This man, Balric, seems like the type to be satisfied with getting a C despite putting in A-level effort. He would dangle his Earl title with pride, rather than realizing that the Kingdom owed his family much more than that.

What a sha, truly...

If this Kingdom were truly a ritocracy, then the Wolfshade Household should have beco the fourth Duke Household, second only to the Royal Family.

However, it is because of n like this that nothing is going to change in this world.

They are satisfied with the scraps they are given for their labor, so they try to discourage others from wanting more.

Pathetic! Absolutely deplorable!

I will never be reduced to such a level, no matter the consequence.

’I heard he was honorable and unbiased. He is also against Earl Kalus Gerondester’s faction in the Academy, so I assud he would be of help... but I was wrong.’ A bitter smile forms on my face, and I let out a loud sigh.

’This man is also a political tool. He simply belongs to the Royal Faction, which is why he is against the main figure of the Noble Faction in this Academy.’

What a sha.

I thought we would be able to share similar values, but it turns out I was wrong.

No surprise.

I have been wrong on many things lately.

"It seems my words have gotten through to you. I truly wish you the best, Javier... regardless of where you go from here. You have truly upset so really powerful people, but you also have powerful ones on your side. Keep working hard and gain the recognition of even more."

Why should I work so hard to gain attention from others?

Am I a dog?

Hearing this man speak truly infuriates .

However, I let out an amiable smile and nod my head, unable to say anything else at the current mont. "I understand, sir."

"I’ll do the best I can do from my end, Javier. Just... Hope for the best."

"Thank you, sir."

"...."

**********

After our discussion, the guards walked back in and escorted out of Dean Balric’s office.

I was returned to my cell, where I spent the next three weeks, waiting for a verdict.

Then, after what seed like an eternity... it was announced.

"Javier Aditi, for your acts of violence as well as indulgence in stirring rebellion and instability within the Academy, you will be stripped of your Scholarship and all your Prestige Points. You will be transferred to the Bronze Wing, and you will have to participate in Public Service in order to regain your lost Prestige Points. Your Armant will also be permanently confiscated by the Academy. Any further attempt to challenge this directive, or resist the authority of this Academy, will lead to an imdiate expulsion."