At this level, it was no longer plausible to merely call it a "rumor"; Charlotte didn’t believe it lacked instigation from others.
Sebastian glanced at the group of students indifferently.
His gaze was calm, yet the moment he looked at those students, a chilling terror rose in their hearts—the pressure that stemmed from the soul made them subconsciously stop their chatter.
"Cough, Lord Sebastian, this is the Royal Family’s library."
The library director cleared his throat as a reminder.
"Sorry, Lord Director, I particularly hate it when others spread rumors about my master," replied Sebastian with a smile.
However, that smile was somewhat cold.
The director said helplessly,
"I’m really sorry, but, please, don’t stoop to their level. They are just ordinary students who probably heard some messy rumors somewhere."
"As you know, many students of the Magic Academy are of common birth. They naturally mistrust nobles. Any matter concerning nobles is assumed to be negative, and with someone secretly spreading rumors, it is easy to gain their agreement."
Having listened to the library director, Sebastian nodded slightly:
"You make a sensible point, it seems I should look into who is behind these rumors, maligning my master. I’ve heard that you are also a teacher at the Magic Academy, so please control your students well. After all... the honor of nobles is not to be trifled with."
After speaking, he averted his gaze, and the students nearby breathed a sigh of relief.
They exchanged glances, their looks towards Charlotte and her party became more hostile and disdainful; they carefully began to whisper among themselves.
"Let’s go, let’s not forget why we came here," said Charlotte, shaking her head.
Although she was annoyed by the nonsensical rumors, she knew that these students being used as tools were not the real rumormongers. Getting angry with them wouldn’t make these common-born students who were convinced of her malice reflect, but would only make them more hostile and play into the hands of certain people.
As for dealing with rumors, that could be left to Sebastian, who was professional in such matters.
However, such one-sided malicious comments did complicate her feelings.
Charlotte considered herself not to be a good person, but after heading to the Northern Land, she felt she cared most about the commoners of her territory and had implemented many policies benefiting them.
She didn’t expect the rumormongers to twist it .
Charlotte proceeded from the front hall of the library into its deeper inner hall.
Just as she was about to step into the inner hall, she heard an angry voice coming from behind:
"Enough! Which bastard started this rumor? Slander! It’s all slander!"
"I am a student from the Northern Land! I have witnessed how the Earl dealt with those wicked nobles! The Earl is a good Lord, who has been punishing evil and promoting good, stabilizing the territory for over a year, digging into his own pockets to build schools in the Northern Land, aid the poor, and expand roads. Which other nobles do this?!"
"The Lord decided to dedicate his life to the territory; that’s why he swore never to marry. The Lord is a good Lord, do not defile him!"
Hearing these words, Charlotte paused.
She turned around to see several students in Magic Academy uniforms confronting the others who had been talking behind her back.
They were students who had come from the Northern Land to study in the Royal Capital.
Seeing the angry faces of these students warmed Charlotte’s heart.
At that moment, her annoyance instantly dissipated.