"You've completely misunderstood me, Shizuku-ojou-sama."
Mamoru Akaza cleared his throat, trying his best to ignore Ryoji's barbed provocation. His tone softened immeasurably when addressing Kurogane Shizuku.
He couldn't afford to offend Ryoji, whose backing was formidable.
He dared not offend Kurogane Shizuku either, as Mamoru Akaza was a member of a branch family of the Kurogane clan and wouldn't dare disrespect the ojousama who was likely to inherit the clan leadership.
"These news reports are based entirely on factual truth, with no fabrication whatsoever."
Mamoru Akaza cast a sinister glance at Kurogane Ikki.
But Kurogane Ikki was someone he had no qualms about provoking, even daring to squat on his head and defecate.
"Besides, the truth about Kurogane Ikki has already spread among the public. That's why I'm here, ojousama. Please don't misunderstand my dedication as a loyal employee!"
Even when faced with Kurogane Shizuku's accusations, he remained completely unfazed, as if relying on some hidden advantage.
"Do you dare claim there's no fabrication in this?"
Stella couldn't help but seethe, pointing at the article.
"This news piece not only slanders Ikki from beginning to end but also portrays me as a clueless idiot! You're telling me this is based entirely on truth?!"
"Fufufu, you'll have to ask him yourself."
Mamoru Akaza narrowed his eyes, a smirk spreading across his face.
"Alright, come with us. We'll expose your actions and reveal to the public and Princess Stella the true nature of the man you are!"
His undisguised contempt was directed squarely at Kurogane Ikki.
"This is bad..."
Toudou Touka's face clouded with worry.
It was clear their opponents had come prepared, and their underhanded tactic of manipulating public opinion first was truly despicable!
By pinning the label of sexual misconduct on his body, they had already placed the matter firmly within the jurisdiction of the Ethics Committee, regardless of whether he had actually done anything wrong.
They had the right to publicly arrest Kurogane Ikki.
Perfectly justified!
This move was both brilliant and despicable, and it came so suddenly that there was no way to defend against it.
"I don't think you get to decide this," Ryoji said.
"Junior Brother?" Toudou Touka looked at Ryoji in surprise.
Was he going to intervene? But how could he possibly handle this situation?
"I'm saying Kurogane Ikki and Stella are truly in love. That's a factual statement, so my words hold weight!"
Ryoji's face lit up with a radiant smile, his eyes fixed on Mamoru Akaza like a hunter eyeing its prey.
"Ryoji, you...?"
Stella, Kurogane Shizuku, and the others all turned to him with stunned expressions.
Kurogane Ikki remained silent.
"Nangou-san, that's a rather far-fetched argument, wouldn't you say?" Mamoru Akaza's eye twitched.
It would have been understandable if Shizuku-ojou-sama had intervened, but Ryoji's involvement was unexpected. He should have come at a different time.
"Such flimsy excuses won't deter us from exercising the Ethics Committee's legitimate authority!"
"Do you think my words lack weight?"
"Well..."
Mamoru Akaza choked on his words.
He couldn't easily admit that.
If he incurred the wrath of the God of War's closed-door disciple, the cost would far outweigh the benefits.
"Hey, Kagami? Is this Kagami?"
Ryoji pulled out his student handbook and called the female reporter.
"Yes, it's me. I remember you joined all the school's student groups, right? Spread the word for me: tell everyone to gather at the school entrance to help me prove how deeply Kurogane Ikki and Stella love each other... What? Compensation? Uh, how about an autograph? Hey, why are you screaming? You startled me!"
Mamoru Akaza's expression darkened.
"Nangou-san, isn't this against the rules?"
"Pfft! As if you've been playing fair!" Ryoji scoffed.
To attack my friend right in front of me...
You clearly don't understand the influence of the Broken-Winged Angel!
"Wait a moment, Ryoji."
Kurogane Ikki suddenly stepped forward and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"I appreciate your offer, but let's handle this according to the rules."
"Ikki?"
"Elder Brother?"
Stella and Kurogane Shizuku's expressions immediately changed.
With Ryoji's influence, he could easily gather the entire school faculty and student body at the entrance. Even Mamoru Akaza wouldn't dare defy public opinion so brazenly. Once the ten minutes passed, Ikki would naturally be safe.
But they never expected Kurogane Ikki to reject Ryoji's offer outright!
"Are you sure?"
Ryoji frowned deeply, staring at Kurogane Ikki.
"I'm sure," Ikki said, his gaze unwavering.
"Fine, then," Ryoji muttered, clicking his tongue and swatting his hand away with annoyance.
"Thanks," Ikki said, his expression tinged with guilt.
He glanced at Stella, who watched him with worried eyes, then turned and walked silently toward the black sedan.
"Hahaha, how perceptive! I almost want to praise you. I never thought there'd be any use for a piece of trash like you, but even trash can be recycled!" Mamoru Akaza crowed with delight.
He had thought the operation was about to fail, but this unexpected turn of events had saved the day!
To prevent any mishaps, he forced Ikki into the sedan without a word to the others and quickly started the engine.
The group could only watch as the car sped away.
"We were so close to being rescued. Why did he have to go with them?"
Rich Lady Kanata's expression was filled with bewilderment. "They call it an interrogation, but there's no guarantee they'll follow the rules. Torture is almost certain..."
Judging by their manipulation of public opinion, that old bastard Mamoru Akaza is clearly not one to play by the rules.
If Kurogane Ikki goes with them, he's bound to suffer both physical and mental/energetic torture.
No one present could understand his actions.
"I think I can guess," Toudou Touka suddenly said, drawing curious glances from Rich Lady Kanata.
"What is it?"
"Love," Toudou Touka sighed.
"?"
"Ikki-kouhai is an extraordinary person. He can endure what others cannot, accepting even the most unjust treatment without complaint. But Stella-kouhai is probably his weakness."
"Even so, is it really necessary...?"
"No, it's necessary."
Toudou Touka shook her head.
"Ikki-kouhai's goal is to clear the stain of impurity that's been unjustly placed on him. He must submit to the investigation and emerge from the Ethics Committee with his head held high!"
Only by cutting open his stomach could they verify how many bowls of noodles he had eaten.
Though Mamoru Akaza and his group didn't care how many bowls he had actually consumed.
But if he wanted to clear his name, this was the only way.
That's why he had refused Ryoji's offer and willingly left with them.
Everyone finally understood.
Rich Lady Kanata gave Toudou Touka an odd look.
Could she speak like this because she felt the same way about Ryoji?
It felt like she had lost to her by more than just a notch.
"You certainly have a boyfriend who respects you," Ryoji said, echoing a familiar line as he looked at Stella standing in the center of the group.
Stella stood motionless in the evening breeze.
(End Of This Chapter)
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