Chapter 107 Justice Served

"Headmaster," Professor Silva spoke up, her voice harsh and unforgiving. "I must concur with your son," the professor's voice was cold and unyielding, her eyes piercing as she glared at Suzuka with a look of disgust.

 "Everything he has said about this woman, Helen, is true. Your son's words were not only true, but they also do not begin to describe the horrors of this woman's behavior. I have personally witnessed her bullying an innocent student, and her reckless and dangerous actions putting the lives of others in danger. Not only has she shown herself to be violent and unpredictable, but she also lacks any sense of honor or principles. I believe she is not fit to be a part of our university and should be expelled immediately."

 She had never been a fan of Suzuka, always finding her to be too brash and impulsive for her taste. And now, with these accusations leveled against her, she saw the perfect opportunity to rid the university of someone she deemed unworthy.

"She has been a bad influence on our students," Professor Silva continued, her voice rising with indignation. "She sets a terrible example for them, encouraging violence and a lack of respect for authority. We cannot allow someone like her to continue to corrupt our institution."

Suzuka felt a surge of anger rise within her as she listened to the professor's words. How dare they accuse her of such things! She knew that Sterling was lying, twisting the truth to suit his purposes. But with the headmaster and Professor Silva seemingly on his side, she knew it was all over for her and that there was nothing she could say to make them believe her. 

After Professor Silva finished speaking, the headmaster turned to her and addressed her with a stern expression. "Is that all you have to say, Professor Silva?" he asked, his tone implying that he was not entirely satisfied with her response.

Showing great deference and respect, Professor Silva replied in a soft voice, "Yes, headmaster, that is all I have to share on this matter." Her words conveyed a sense of finality as if there was nothing more to be said on the subject. Nevertheless, the headmaster's expression remained unchanged, and there was a palpable tension in the air as they waited for his next move.

The headmaster rose slowly from his chair, his eyes fixed on the rain-streaked window overlooking the campus. "If what you said is true, Professor Silva," he said in a low voice, "then I am deeply disappointed."

Sterling felt a thrill of triumph course through him at his father's words, relishing in the thought of Suzuka's downfall. But his elation was short-lived as the headmaster continued, "I am very disappointed in you, Professor Silva."

Silva was taken aback, her mind racing to understand what was happening. "I don't understand," she stammered. "What are you talking about, sir?"

The headmaster turned to face Silva, his expression stern and his voice slightly above a whisper when he asked Professor Silva, "How is your eyesight lately? Can you see well?"

 The question caught the professor off guard, and she stuttered slightly as she replied, "It's good, sir. Same as always, I believe. Why do you ask?"

The headmaster let out a deep sigh before speaking again. "I started to believe you went blind, Professor Silva. That's why I asked," he said, his tone laced with a hint of frustration.

 Silva's confusion and surprise were evident on her face as she asked, "What? What do you mean? I don't understand. Blind? What is this all about?"

The headmaster responded in a collected voice, "I see you not only become blind but dumb as well." His words were sharp, and they stung Silva like a bee. She felt a rush of anger and frustration building inside her, but she tried to keep her composure.

After a short pause, the headmaster continued, "You claimed that you saw, personally, this woman, Helen, bullying the young woman, Silvia. Correct?" The headmaster's voice was calm, but his eyes betrayed his annoyance.

Silva nodded, trying to keep her voice steady. "Yes, Headmaster. I mean I saw Silvia collapsed on the ground and your son was helping her up. When asked, she pointed out that Helen was the one tormenting her."

The headmaster's expression softened slightly. "I understand your concern, Professor Silva. But I'm afraid you're mistaken. Helen has been nothing but an exemplary student since she joined our university. I have checked with every professor other than you, and there is no evidence of any bullying incident involving her. Professor Stone even told me that Silvia and Helen seemed like friends in his class. She even helped her with the rune crafting."

Silva felt her face flush with embarrassment. "This, this can't be right," her voice hardly a whisper.

Sterling took a step back, stunned to see that his father was doubting his words. Suzuka felt a wave of relief and joy welling up from inside as she heard these words coming out of the headmaster's mouth. 

The headmaster continued, "You see, dear boy! I know what you did, and I cannot allow you to continue this disgraceful behavior any longer. Your accusations against Helen are nothing but lies and slander, and your behavior toward her and her friends has been despicable. I will not stand for it any longer."

Sterling's face turned bright red with anger and disbelief. "Father, how could you say that? You're taking her side over your son? You know I would never lie about something like this! She's the one who's lying, I swear it!"

The headmaster slammed his fist to the table exploding it into a pile of splinters and wood debris as he shouted, "You dare to lie to my face! I know everything! You scum I should call you, not my son!" Sterling was shaking in his boots almost wetting himself as the headmaster continue shouting at him, "Your pathetic excuses for friends told me everything! I talked to the girl myself, she told me everything! I know what you tried to do last night. You're a disgrace to our family name!" 

Suzuka was relishing the moment, enjoying every word thrown at Sterling. Thinking that finally, justice was served and he will get what he deserved. Sterling was trembling, sweat pouring down his face as he stammered incoherently. He knew he had been caught, and there was no way out of it.

After hearing what the headmaster said, Professor Silva spoke, "I cannot believe that your son was lying all this time to me. I believed every word he said like a fool. How could I have been so blinded? Headmaster, I am truly sorry for my incompetence. I failed as a teacher and as a professor at this university."

The headmaster gave a small smile and replied, "There's no need for such harsh words, Professor Silva. It's easy to be deceived by someone as skilled at manipulation as my son. You are a great teacher, and I have full confidence in your abilities."

Professor Silva's eyes widened with surprise and relief, "Thank you, Headmaster, your words mean a lot to me. But what are we going to do about Sterling? He cannot be allowed to continue his destructive behavior and put the lives of innocent students at risk."

The headmaster nodded in agreement, "I understand your concern, Professor Silva. We cannot let Sterling's actions go unpunished. I will convene a meeting with the university council and we will discuss his punishment immediately. It's time for us to take action and ensure the safety of our students."

Sterling fell to his knees, his face twisted in anguish as he pleaded with his father for mercy. "Please, Father! I beg of you! I didn't mean what I said! I was just angry and...and I didn't know what I was saying! Please, don't punish me for this! I promise to make it up to you!"

The Headmaster regarded his son with a stern expression, his eyes narrowed in disapproval. "Sterling, you have disgraced yourself and this university with your behavior. Your lies and accusations have caused undue harm to an innocent student and tarnished the reputation of this institution. Do you not realize the severity of your actions?"

Sterling's eyes widened in terror as his father's words sunk in. He knew he had gone too far, and now he was facing the consequences of his reckless behavior. "Please, Father," he said, his voice shaking with fear. "I...I'll do anything you ask! I'll make it right, I swear!"

As Sterling pleaded for mercy, the Headmaster remained stoic and unmoved. "Your behavior and accusations against Helen have brought disgrace to our university," he said sternly. "I cannot let such behavior go unpunished."

Sterling's face paled as he realized the severity of his situation. "Please, Father," he begged. "I didn't know what I was saying. I was angry and I lashed out. I'll do anything, just don't send me away."

But the Headmaster was resolute. "I have made my decision," he said firmly. "You will be expelled from the university and sent to the military to join the knights. Perhaps serving in their ranks will teach you the discipline and honor you so sorely lack."

Sterling's worst nightmare had come true. The thought of being a lowly knight in the military filled him with dread. He had always been pampered and coddled, never having to face the harsh realities of the world. But now, he would have to fight and face danger, with no one to protect him.

Tears streamed down his face as he realized the full extent of his punishment. "Please! Father," he cried. "I'll do anything. Just don't make me go."

But the Headmaster remained firm in his decision and told Silva to escort Sterling out of the room. Sterling was led away, sobbing and begging for mercy, as his father watched on with a stoic expression. 

Suzuka was about to leave without a word when the headmaster stopped her, "I am deeply sorry, Helen," the headmaster said, his voice filled with remorse. "I had no idea that my son was capable of such despicable behavior. I am ashamed and embarrassed by his actions. Please accept my sincerest apologies for any distress he may have caused you."

He continued, "As the headmaster of this university, I take full responsibility for the conduct of my students, including my son. Rest assured that I will take the necessary measures to ensure that this kind of behavior is not tolerated in our institution. I will make sure that my son is appropriately punished for his actions."

"I appreciate your apology, Headmaster," Suzuka said, her tone blunt and straightforward. With that, Suzuka bid the headmaster goodbye and stepped out of his office.

Suzuka stepped out of the headmaster's office, her face stern. As she walked down the hallway, she couldn't help but notice the stormy weather outside. The sound of rain tapping against the window and lightning flashing in the distance soothed her tense mood.

Reaching the window, Suzuka gazed out at the raging storm. The sky was darkened by the thick rain clouds, and the wind was howling through the empty campus. The rain was coming down in sheets, making it almost impossible to see anything beyond the window.

But despite the chaos of the storm, Suzuka felt a sense of calm wash over her. The sound of the rain was soothing in its own way, and she found herself entranced by the sight of the storm. All of the anger and frustration she had been feeling just moments before seemed to fade away.

 With a deep breath, Suzuka turned away from the window and strode down the hallway. She knew what she had to do next.