"This is really a misunderstanding, Miss Shizuku."
Akaza cleared his throat, trying his best to ignore the barbed provocation from Eiji beside him. His tone softened considerably when facing Shizuku.
He dared not provoke Eiji, because Eiji had a very strong backing.
Even more so, he couldn't offend Shizuku, since Akaza himself was from a branch family of the Kurogane clan and dared not disrespect the main family's heiress, who might soon become the head of the household.
"This news is entirely based on the truth of the matter, with absolutely no suspicion of fabrication."
Akaza cast a sly glance at Ikki.
But Ikki was someone he didn't mind provoking at all—he would even dare to squat on his head and defecate.
"Besides, the truth about Kurogane Ikki has already spread publicly, so that's why I came here. Miss, please don't misunderstand me—this diligent employee is only doing his duty!"
Even facing Shizuku's reproach, he was completely fearless, as if he had some kind of backing.
"You dare say there is no fabrication whatsoever?"
Stella could not help but get angry. She pointed at the article.
"This news not only slanders Ikki from start to finish but also portrays me as some clueless idiot, right? And you're telling me this is a completely truthful report?!"
"Heh heh, that's a question for him personally."
Akaza raised the corners of his eyes, his smile widening.
"Alright, come with us. We will expose all your misdeeds and let the public and Princess Stella see exactly what kind of person you really are!"
His undisguised contempt was pointed straight at Ikki.
Touka showed a worried look.
It was clear the opponent had prepared in advance. It was utterly despicable to manipulate public opinion first!
To pin the label of having messy relationships on him meant that regardless of whether he did or not, the matter would fall under the Ethics Committee's jurisdiction.
They had the right to publicly take Ikki away.
This move was brilliant yet vicious, and it came so suddenly that there was no way to defend against it.
"I don't think you get to decide this."
Touka looked at Eiji in surprise.
Was he going to step forward?
But how should they handle this situation?
"I say the love between Ikki and Stella is true love, and this is also based on the facts. Therefore, my statement is valid!"
Eiji's face broke into a brilliant smile, and his eyes locked onto Akaza like a hunter targeting prey.
Stella and Shizuku, along with the others, all cast him stunned looks.
Ikki remained silent.
"Nangou, isn't that a bit of a stretch?"
Akaza twitched at the corner of his eye.
He didn't expect Eiji to interfere after Shizuku. If he had known, he would have chosen another time to come.
"This kind of excuse isn't enough to make us give up our legitimate right as the Ethics Committee!"
"You think my words don't carry enough weight?"
Akaza was immediately at a loss for words.
He couldn't admit that so easily.
If the disciple of the God of War held a grudge against him, it wouldn't be worth it.
Eiji pulled out a student handbook and called a reporter girl.
"Yes, it's me. I remember you joined all the student groups, right? Now help me spread the word—tell everyone to gather at the school gate and help prove how close Ikki and Stella really are… What, payment? Uh, how about an autograph? Ah, what's with that scream? You scared me!"
Akaza's expression darkened gradually.
"Nangou, that's cheating, isn't it?"
"Pfft! You say that as if you're so righteous!"
To attack my friends in front of me?
You obviously don't understand the power of a fallen angel's call!
"Wait a moment, Eiji."
Ikki suddenly came over and patted him on the shoulder.
"I appreciate your intentions, but let's handle this according to the rules here."
Stella and Shizuku's faces both changed.
With Eiji's influence, he could definitely gather the entire school's students and staff at the gate. No matter how bold Akaza was, he wouldn't dare to openly defy the world. Once ten minutes passed, Ikki would naturally be safe.
But they never expected Kurogane Ikki to outright refuse Eiji's offer!
Eiji frowned deeply, staring at Ikki.
Ikki's gaze was very determined.
"…Then it's up to you."
Eiji clicked his tongue slightly and then slapped his hand away in annoyance.
Ikki showed a hint of guilt.
Then he glanced at Stella. Under her worried gaze, he silently walked toward the black limousine.
"Hahaha, that's really sensible of you. I was about to praise you. You're such a useless person, but I didn't expect even a useless person to still have some use!"
He thought the operation was about to fail, but unexpectedly, there was such a dramatic turn!
To avoid any accidents, he escorted Ikki into the limousine, not saying a word to anyone, and quickly started the engine. Latest content published on novel·fire·net
Everyone could only watch as he drove away.
"They could have been saved if they just waited a little longer. Why did he have to go with them?"
The wealthy woman from the other side looked puzzled. "They say it's an interrogation, but the other side definitely won't follow the rules. There's likely to be a lot of torture…"
You can tell from how they manipulated public opinion that Akaza and his group are anything but law-abiding.
If Ikki goes with them, he's bound to face physical and mental torture.
No one present could understand his decision.
"I think I can guess."
Suddenly, Touka spoke, drawing a curious look from the wealthy woman.
"Ikki is a very strong person. He can endure what ordinary people cannot. Even if he suffers injustice, he can silently accept it. But Stella is probably his weak spot."
"Then isn't that unnecessary...?"
"No, it's necessary."
Touka shook his head.
"His goal is probably to clear the impure accusations laid on both of them. So he must accept the investigation and walk out of the Ethics Committee head held high!"
Only by cutting open the belly can you check exactly how many bowls of noodles were eaten.
Though Akaza and his gang don't care at all how many bowls Ikki ate.
If Ikki wants to clear his name, this is the only way.
That's why he refused Eiji's kindness and voluntarily left with them.
Everyone suddenly understood.
The wealthy woman looked at Touka with a strange expression.
She could say such things because she probably had the exact same kind of love for Eiji, right?
She felt like she was completely outmatched.
"You really do have a boyfriend who respects you a lot."
Eiji glanced at Stella in the middle of the group and spoke a familiar line.
Stella stood motionless in the evening breeze.
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