Following Edward's words, everyone in the Raven hall immediately erupted into murmurs and chatter, with everyone discussing the unfolding event.
Everyone in the hall knew what Edward was after; it was obvious given the circumstances that he was trying to ruin Atticus's reputation.
With all of Atticus's achievements during the attack, he was sure to have a stable and easy ascent to the heir position.
What Edward aimed to do was tarnish that reputation, masking all his achievements with this incident, making it the focal point of family discussion instead.
Hearing Edward's words, Anastasia immediately wanted to speak up for Atticus, but given her background, she was well versed in politics.
She knew that this matter had to be approached delicately. Atticus was the son of the family head, and leaving behind three trainees while he escaped wouldn't be well received by everyone.
Especially when there were those among the people in attendance who were already looking for ways to ensure Atticus didn't become the heir, they wouldn't let this chance slip by. They were practically thanking Edward for bringing up this matter.
None of them actually cared that the boy in question was still a child. The fact that that 'child' had supposedly defeated three expert rank individuals meant that he had the power to protect everyone but still chose to leave behind three trainees.
The murmurs in the hall were broken by a sound, Magnus's voice. As soon as he spoke, everyone immediately fell silent. "Atticus," he said, looking straight at Atticus.
Atticus, meeting Magnus's gaze, immediately felt as if a huge weight was resting on his shoulders.
It was a pressure unlike the one people in the hall had been focusing on earlier, and what was even more bafling was the fact that Magnus wasn't even trying to exert any pressure!
Despite feeling the overwhelming pressure, Atticus clenched his hands, fighting the weight, and immediately bowed in respect.
He responded, "Yes, grandfather."
"Why?" Magnus asked. Although his voice was low, everyone in the hall heard it. It was a simple question that carried significant weight, and everyone in the hall knew what he was talking about. Why had Atticus left the three trainees behind?
"Because they deserved it," Atticus's response was immediate.
He didn't even attempt to explain further. From his tone and demeanor, everyone in the hall could tell that he wasn't even worried about the situation; he didn't care.
Many in the hall immediately assumed that he didn't understand the gravity of the situation because he was still a child.
Edward, who had been kneeling, swiftly stood up and voiced his dissatisfaction, "Young Master Atticus, you are the first and only son of our family's head, the most likely person to become the heir and lead the next generation. Abandoning family members while escaping is simply unacceptable," Edward reasoned and replied, his face showing a hint of anger.
It was obvious that Edward was trying to play the role of an angry father, and the only reason he was able to do this was because this matter was related to his son.
If anyone else had brought this matter up, it wouldn't have been as significant as when someone directly involved in the incident raised it.
Atticus sighed inwardly, 'What a waste of time,' he thought, feeling like this whole situation was a waste of time. He truly felt he should be training currently.
Atticus was far from being a fool. As soon as Edward had interrupted the event right after his name was called, he had sensed that something was wrong.
His suspicions were further confirmed when he saw Edward's appearance and demeanor. He had immediately drawn parallels and connected his appearance with that of William. After noticing that, figuring out what Edward wanted to do was easy.
Atticus had never been one with words, especially when he believed a matter wasn't worth his attention.
Despite not giving a fuck what others thought about him, Atticus recognized the importance of reputation, especially considering his high position.
Normally, he would have simply ignored an issue like this because he believed it wasn't worth his time. However, his logical mind guided him to take a different approach.
Atticus may not be one to speak much, but his intelligence was just too high. Thinking of multiple things he could say and do to get out of this was child's play.
Atticus turned his gaze toward Edward and spoke, "You're right," his voice resonating throughout the hall.
Everyone, including Anastasia and Avalon, was shocked that Atticus had actually admitted to this. Most had not even expected Atticus to speak. How could a 10-year-old have the guts to speak freely in a hall filled with powerful individuals?
They had all assumed that Anastasia or Avalon would intervene in the matter, which was what they were hoping for.
Just as Edward's lips were about to curl up in satisfaction, Atticus suddenly continued, "You're right. I am the most likely person to become the heir and lead the next generation. I will be the one everyone looks to for protection and leadership. But does that mean I have to tolerate stupidity?"
"Does that mean I have to tolerate the fools who were trying to endanger the lives of me and the other trainees while we were trying to escape?"
The hall fell into complete silence, with Atticus's voice reaching the ears of everyone in attendance, leaving them completely shocked at the balls of this 10 year old.
Edward face immediately darkened, "Bu-" just as he began to retort, Atticus continued, interrupting his words,
"You're right," Atticus said as he started walking toward Edward.
He went on, "I am the son of the family head, the most likely person to become the heir, someone whose standing cannot be compared to others."
Only Atticus's footsteps could be heard in the entire hall, as everyone was too astonished to utter a word.
Atticus continued, his voice turning cold, "So let me ask you, who are you then to question my actions?"
"Who are you to speak to me without showing the appropriate respect?"
Atticus reached Edward, standing a few meters away from him. He locked eyes with Edward, gazing at him as if he were an insignificant ant, as his tone turned icy,
"Why aren't you on your knees?"