"No! You're wrong!"
The moment those words were spoken, everyone present froze and turned their gazes toward the Academy Headmaster.
"I never intended to make you—or rather, the person sent by the Granville Family to kill me—a scapegoat!" the Academy Headmaster explained in an exceptionally sincere tone.
"Originally, I planned to reveal that you had been used only after the Academy had severed its ties with Britain and finalized a cooperation agreement with Germany. I would clear you of the charge of assassinating the Academy Headmaster and allow you to continue living at the Academy!"
Upon hearing that, Natsuki, Ikaros, Aurora, Natsuoto, and even the most innocent Astrea instinctively found it hard to believe.
However, Wu Yan could sense that the Academy Headmaster had not been lying in the slightest.
"The students studying at this Academy are all outstanding Automaton Masters from around the world—true geniuses. And you are a genius even among those geniuses, a precious talent comparable to Magnus!" The Academy Headmaster smiled faintly.
"How could I possibly allow such a talented student to simply leave the Academy?..." "Heh..." Wu Yan laughed upon hearing the Academy Headmaster's words, his laugh dripping with mockery.
"Everyone says that Walpurgis Royal Academy of Machinart is an institution where strength reigns supreme. Now I understand exactly who caused that principle to develop..."
"I've been very much looking forward to your performance in the Night Party..." The Academy Headmaster paid no heed to Wu Yan's mockery and calmly said this.
"So step down for now. Once the time is right, I will personally come forward to clear your name. Naturally, I will also have the Granville Family release Henriette. Let us treat this as though it never happened. How does that sound?..."
As his words fell, the entire surrounding space was swallowed by