Had she foolishly gone to Rohes during the winter break, Lord Nain would have immediately summoned her to his adjacent territory and would have subjected her to an interrogation—disguised as criticism—and would have punished both mother and daughter right then and there.

Would the Lord of Rohes, Earl Wilmot, really pick a fight with the neighboring lord over his deceased vassal’s wife?

However, having encountered him at school, Lord Nain could not impose any punishment on Neris beyond what the school rules permitted.

At least after undergoing a fair, procedural interrogation at school, it would be difficult for him to take secondary, personal revenge against Neris’s mother in Rohes.

Within the school regulations, unless someone committed a severe crime like murder, the worst punishment was to prevent them from attending classes and make them write a reflection paper.
It was fortunate that Lord Nain had at least some hypocritical sense of fairness. Otherwise, Neris would have had to find a way to send her mother into hiding starting from the winter break. With that thought, Neris lowered her head.

“I’ve never done such a thing.”

As expected, Lord Nain gave her a cold look. He did not believe what Neris said.

“Anyway, due to your actions, Angarad is greatly hurt. I hear the same goes for you, Alecto? You’ve shown no signs of remorse from the start.”

Alecto’s face was flushed with anger. The Count of Islani held a higher position than Lord Nain, both by title and by birth, so the fact that she was being criticized by the father of ‘that thief’ Angarad was a great blow to her pride.

Mrs. Hoffman let out a sigh, as if greatly regretting the situation.

“We’ll have to investigate further, but if it’s clear that both individuals engaged in wrongful actions, they will be duly disciplined by the school.”
“You should.”

Lord Nain nodded. Neris felt the sharp gaze of Mrs. Hoffman.

Regardless of any investigation, the outcome was unlikely to be more favorable for Neris than for Alecto. Although the children were unaware of the schemes Neris had set up behind the scenes, Alecto had a noble family background, and Neris did not.

“Firstly, it is clear that there has been bullying. Alecto Islani will come to the reflection room after classes are over, and Neris for one week will…”

Knock, knock.

Before a clearly biased—and exactly as Neris had suspected—verdict could be rendered, someone knocked on the counseling room door.

Mrs. Hoffman was not accustomed to being interrupted. She wore an annoyed expression but decided it was better to finish her previously halted sentence before addressing the visitor.

At her short command of “Come in,” the door opened.

“Mrs. Hoffman.”
Seeing the soft smile of the person who entered, Mrs. Hoffman’s expression slightly relaxed. She asked softly,

“Nelrission Elandria, what brings you here?”

Nelrission respectfully bowed his head once.

According to the school rules, all students, except for direct royalty, were required to use formal language and act politely towards teachers. However, students of high noble lineage often found a way to display arrogant attitudes.

Nelrission was different. He was always calm and respectful, enjoying a good reputation among the teachers.

Mrs. Hoffman, who favored wealthy and high-status students, clearly brightened at his demeanor. After quickly reading her expression, Nelrission gave Neris a nod.

As soon as Neris saw his gaze, she could clearly see all the calculations rolling in his mind, but she swallowed her revulsion and returned the nod.
“Madam, I heard that a child of our family is here in the counseling office for an unpleasant matter. I came to apologize personally, fearing that a serious mistake may have been committed.”

Baron Nain’s face slightly twisted. The faces of Alekto and Angarad grimaced even more wretchedly.

They thought it was unfair that little Neris Trued, merely a distant relative, received special treatment from the son of Duke Elandria. ‘A child of our family?’ They didn’t even share the same last name.

Mrs. Hoffman momentarily lost herself in thought upon hearing Nelrission’s purpose in words about apologizing. Neris could clearly see all the calculations spinning in her head.

Between placating Baron Nain or Duke Elandria, the choice was obvious.

“Indeed, it would be better for you to apologize along with Neris.”
“Oh? It seems that our Neris has truly committed a grave error?”

Nelrission sat subtly next to Neris, feigning ignorance with an unfazed expression. Baron Nain cleared his throat, and Mrs. Hoffman spoke tenderly.

“No, it hasn’t been confirmed yet.”

At the sudden change in attitude, Alekto muttered the worst expletive among first-year students under his breath. Just a moment ago, it was about a week of what?

Angarad’s face turned pale, and Baron Nain protested with a rigid expression.

“Look here, Mrs. Hoffman. Not confirmed? Are you saying my daughter is lying?”

“Baron, how could you say such a thing.”

Mrs. Hoffman opened her eyes wide.
“If there is a problem, it’s natural that the children and I would apologize together. However, we need to know the extent of what actually happened to make a decision. As a teacher, I have the authority to discipline students according to school rules, so I must always be cautious. I believe that Angarad would have told you all the truth she knows, but adults can see things that children, focused on their own perspectives, may not see. It’s something I’ve learned through long years of teaching.”

The mood of every ‘real’ child in the room effectively soured. And so did that of one adult. Only Neris and Nelrission maintained the same expressions as before, quietly averting their eyes.