The Demon General's True Identity Revealed in Childhood, Factional Strife Leads to Imprisonment

Unlike Leo, whose face was filled with shock, John was not particularly surprised.

After all, considering Bruno and the other man's attitude toward him, the seemingly useless information Ailafia had casually revealed at the banquet, fragments of his memories from the orphanage, and the treatment and staffing Dormammu had given him during the Battle of Walden—treatment completely unfitting for a warrant officer—

Putting together all these clues, he had long vaguely guessed Headmistress Celestina's true identity.

Therefore, after hearing the Children of Ash members reveal the truth, he merely lowered his eyes for a moment and remained silent.

The reason for his reaction was a complicated form of respect for the headmistress's long-standing concealment of her true identity.

After delivering their message, the two guards let their gazes linger briefly on John before saluting the helpless-looking Headmistress Celestina.

Then, just as silently as they had appeared, they withdrew.

"Tap, tap!"

As the footsteps faded away, the brightly lit study fell into utter silence.

Leo looked at the headmistress, then at John beside her. He opened his mouth as though he wanted to say something, but ultimately fell silent as well.

It was as though the worldview he had formed throughout his life had suffered an unprecedented blow beneath a lie called "deception."

Celestina did not look at Leo. Instead, she looked at the silent John before her, her voice carrying a trace of barely noticeable weariness and helplessness.

"Before this, I never imagined the Empire's factional strife would develop to such an extent that even Diana would use such direct actions, pressuring you in her capacity as the Caster Family's eldest daughter."

By the end, Celestina could not help letting out a long sigh, her eyes full of worry.

John did not answer immediately. He narrowed his eyes slightly and