"Oh my! Have you heard about what happened at the academy’s retreat?"

"A little unfortunate, isn’t it?"

"I heard that it’s the young lord from the Duke’s household who saved his hignesss Cassian."

"I heard lord Lionel has displayed a good skill in battle."

"But have you heard about the issue with it?"

"Huh? What issue?"

"They found a pouch that contains dark bones! A pouch from the royal family!"

"Oh, dear..."

"Does that mean..."

The rumors spread like wildfire throughout the whole empire. It was the talk of the town, especially when the people involved in it were of high status.

From noble estates to the busy markets on the street, everyone had something to say about it.

At first, everyone thought that it was just a simple monster attack. They praised the academy since they were able to make everyone safe.

However, soon, the focus changed when all the nobles were unexpectedly requested to go home immediately, even when they had already informed everyone that the will stay in the forest for 1 more day for the celebration.

It was an unexpected and unheard of, especially since it was what everyone had been looking forward to at the end of every year’s retreat—to know who won.

That was also the time when the truth about what happened was spread to everyone. It started from the knights who found it, to the attendants, and now, everyone.

The rumors evolved after all of that, but a few things were for sure. The reason for the attack was probably because of the royal sachet that had dark bones inside, and it was Lionel and Rufus who saved everyone.

It was already known that carrying monster bones was forbidden across the whole continent. No noble family would dare do it. But out of all, the royal family?

Because of the discovery, the academy had no choice but to halt the closing ceremony and celebration. What was meant to be a hopeful and good ending to the retreat after the attack turned into a more intense investigation.

The academy also had to release a formal notice to the public. They said that further outside activities in the academy would remain suspended until the royal family provided an official statement on it.

They also made it clear that the matter would be handled seriously. Even royalty would not be exempt from it. That single sentence alone stirred the entire empire.

Since only one royal had attended the retreat, all eyes turned to him.

Cassian.

Even if no one dared to point the accusations directly at him, the speculations were still everywhere. Everyone knew it was him; they can’t just say it. And that was more damaging than the first one, since speculations can go further than the truth.

"I mean he was the only royal present."

"What else are we supposed to think?"

"Is he there to cause harm to everyone?"

"Maybe he’s jealous of his cousin, Lionel!"

"Ha! His father is not even the emperor, and he’s acting that way already?"

"What an embarrassment from the royal family."

The people questioned Cassian’s character. They also brought up the past arrogance of Cassian and whispered about his privilege.

Meanwhile, inside the empire’s grand royal castle, the atmosphere was also tense. The rumors from the academy had already reached the palace walls, and it was not doing well.

Deep within the castle stood a grand office. Its doors were made of thick wood that was engraved with intricate patterns. Inside, the room was huge with tall windows letting in natural light from the sky.

Surrounding the wall were several shelves filled with books, documents, and records. A large map of the empire hung behind an enormous desk carved from dark wood.

And, at the head of that desk sat a middle-aged man.

The man was sitting straight. He was holding a quill in one hand and a paper in the other. Even if he was doing something simple, his presence was still everywhere.

The man was the current Crown Prince of the empire—the father of Cassian.

And in front of him was a young man kneeling on the floor.

It was Cassian.

Cassian’s head was lowered. His fists were clenched tightly against his thighs as he knelt there silently.

"Are you going to keep silent?" The Crown Prince placed the document down. He slowly raised his brow as he saw his Cassian’s face.

"I told you to explain to me what happened," he said calmly, but that tone of his voice sounded scarier than a shout.

Cassian swallowed hard at that.

"Father, I told you, I did not bring that sachet," he said through gritted teeth. "I have never touched such a thing." Cassian denied the accusation immediately.

The Crown Prince’s gaze remained sharp at that. He did not believe any words that Cassian was saying.

"You were the only royal present at the retreat," he replied coldly. "The academy has halted its activities, and the people are whispering everywhere. Even Father is complicated about what happened! And you expect me to believe this is a mere coincidence?"

Cassian’s jaw tightened at that. 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

"It is a setup!" he insisted. "Someone is trying to frame me."

The Crown Prince leaned back slightly, studying his son.

"A frame requires motive," he said. "Give me one."

"A motive?" Cassian’s fingers dug into his robes as his breathing grew heavier. "Then maybe it’s Rufus. The son of the Margrave! He was there. He could have done it."

The Crown Prince’s expression did not change at all.

"Or maybe it’s Lionel! He gained the most from this! Everyone is praising him now!" Cassian continued, his voice rising despite himself.

Silence filled the office after Cassian’s outburst. Then, unexpectedly, the Crown Prince let out a short, amused laugh.

"Are you accusing the son of a loyal Margrave who has supported our family for generations?" he asked lightly.

Cassian stiffened at that.

"And your cousin," the Crown Prince added, his gaze turning colder now, "who has been by your side since his birth?"

Cassian opened his mouth, but no words came out of it.

The Crown Prince leaned forward and rested his elbow on the desk.

"Do not make a fool out of me, Cassian," he said, his voice dropping low.

"You were the only royal present in that retreat. The sachet bears our mark, and instead of reflecting on your own conduct, you point at others." The Crown Prince’s eyes turned cold.

"You expect me to believe that someone would risk offending the royal family just to frame you?" he said. "You are overestimating your importance. Who even are you?"

Cassian lowered his head further.

"I am sorry, Father..."

The Crown Prince watched him for a long moment.

"You should be grateful," he said flatly. "That your cousin saved you."

Cassian’s fingers trembled slightly on his sides.

"Instead of accusing him, you should be thanking him," the Crown Prince continued. "Go and make amends with Lionel." He clicked his tongue softly.

"How can I have such a foolish son?"