Another Reason

When I realized the magnitude of my mistake, it was already too late.

I was locked in an annex room next to the professors' lounge. Through a window overlooking the corridor, I could see them outside. There were many more now than the two who had brought me. They were gesturing intensely, and by the fury stamped in the eyes of some, I feared the worst.

I knew why I was there and couldn't blame them. I had acted on instinct when they mentioned my sister. And even though our relationship was complicated, she was my family and was in this world because of me, so I had to protect her. After all, it was the promise I made.

But hearing Kael speak of her with that cruel intimacy made my blood boil. He had no idea what I was going through, including my dedication to the tournament and the hours of study with Professor Arven. All in the hope of finding her again.

And in the end, I had ruined everything myself. All for a moment of blind rage.

Perhaps they would expel me. In fact, that was likely the reason for the feverish meeting outside. They would just be finalizing the bureaucratic details, as the decision was probably already made.

I had injured other students. I had seen the blood run, staining the floor. I was the one holding the blade, and they were the ones who cried for help when the professors arrived. In everyone's eyes, I was the aggressor, no matter how many times Kael and his friends had provoked me.

The narrative was so clear that I didn't even see a sign of them. They were probably in the infirmary, being treated by a healer. Nina wasn't present either, but since she had only defended herself, her consequences would be minor. In a way, I felt relieved. At least her story at school wouldn't end because of me. The price would only be paid by me.

When the professors arrived at the scene of the conflict, they brought me to this room. I didn't even try to explain myself. What would be the point? Kael, Mira, and Brann were from noble and influential families. In that scene, they were the perfect victims. On second thought, maybe expulsion would be a mild punishment.

The professors were still arguing, unable to reach a consensus, when Professor Arven appeared, bringing Nina with him.

The other professors turned to listen to him. For the first time, they weren't interrupting each other. They just watched him silently as he gestured with a very composed expression.

I wondered if he was disappointed too. If I had the chance, I would apologize. Because he was the one who gave me a purpose here, suggesting I stay, study, and enter the tournament. Everything he did brought me closer to my goals, and I threw it all away. Now, the most uncertain option remained, wandering the world aimlessly, hoping to find my sister.

Once Professor Arven finished, it was Nina's turn to speak. I could sense her nervousness from inside the room. She would take small pauses as if searching for the best word in her head, and then speak it with a blush on her face.

To my surprise, the professors listened to her with the same attention, almost as if they respected her. When the conversation ended, the group dispersed, leaving only Arven and Nina outside. They spoke quietly, looking at me inside the room. I tried, but couldn't hear anything.

Then, they came in. I wondered if they were the messengers of my sentence. It made the most sense. If I heard the news from them, it would be less terrible. I wouldn't revolt, and everything would end quicker.

Professor Arven approached, adjusted his glasses, and sighed slightly before speaking.

"I don't know what was going through your head, Haru. But the trouble you caused was not small."

"I know I messed up, I just..." I hesitated, pondering whether to tell him about the impulse when I heard them mention my sister. But no, that would only make me look more idiotic. The best thing would be to accept the consequence. "I know I made a mistake. So just finish this already."

This time, it was Nina who came closer. Unlike her hesitant gaze before, now she had the expression of the usual Nina, provocative and decisive. Seeing that familiarity brought me an unexpected sense of calm.

"Hold on. What do you think is going to happen?"

"I'm going to be expelled, aren't I?"

Nina and Arven exchanged glances.

"Well, under normal circumstances, that would be the most obvious decision, but..." Arven began.

"But?" I interrupted, my heart speeding up.

Wait. Were they suggesting I wouldn't be expelled? What did that mean? I knew I didn't fully understand how this kind of thing worked in this world, but... I had attacked students inside the school. Wasn't expulsion the only logical consequence?

"Firstly, you are a participant in the tournament," the professor explained. "As I discussed with the other professors, expelling a competitor while the event is still underway would be a disaster for the school's reputation."

It was true. The tournament was one of the region's biggest attractions, an event that drew nobles, merchants, and people from all corners. A scandal like this would certainly tarnish the school's name.

"Fortunately for you, credibility is our most valuable asset." He adjusted his glasses again. "Our sponsors invest a fortune trusting in our name. Rumors that we can't maintain discipline among our own students... well, could cost future investments."

"So... I'll remain a student?"

Arven sat down next to me, as if the matter wasn't completely resolved yet.

"Even with that argument, what you did was extremely serious. As much as I wanted to, that alone wasn't enough to guarantee your stay."

I stood up, confused. If it wasn't the tournament issue, what else could have convinced them?

Professor Arven looked at Nina. And I realized she had the answer. But how?

"Are you okay with revealing it?" Arven asked her.

"It's fine. It seems there's no other way."

Nina looked at me with those red eyes. They seemed to shine intensely. Whatever it was, it was serious. They wouldn't be making such a drama for nothing.

"I've kept this secret since I arrived at school. Very few people know, and I hope you don't go telling anyone."

What was Nina going to tell me? What was this secret? The Nina I knew was a provocative girl, but with a warm heart. What could she be hiding that was vital to my remaining here?

"What is it, Nina?"

"For starters, my real last name isn't Aderyn. That was a name chosen so I could blend in with the others."

"You hid your name? Why?"

"Because it was necessary. My real name is Nina Kaluana." She paused dramatically, her gaze fixed on mine. "I am the Crown Princess of the Kaluana Clan, one of the five ruling clans of Elandor."