Taking advantage of the time when Colin and the others were exchanging pleasantries, he quietly stepped to Nancy's side and asked in a low voice,
"Your Excellency Nancy, what exactly is going on?"
Nancy glanced at him, her expression a mix of pity and mockery, and said faintly,
"You'll find out soon."
The smile on Rice's face gradually disappeared, as he realized that something unknown to him was happening.
Subconsciously, he stepped over to Mo'er and asked in a deep voice,
"Are you and Field keeping something from me?"
Mo'er was clearly stunned, instinctively wondering if Field had kept anything hidden.
"Lord Rice, I was just on patrol that night and was not aware of Field's plans," he quickly communicated telepathically to clear his relationship,
"I have already told you everything I know."
Watching Mo'er's seemingly genuine expression, Rice's brows gradually furrowed.
Once that signature smile of his disappeared, even his eyes seemed to grow larger, unable to hide the sharpness in them anymore.
After pondering for a moment, Rice continued to ask,
"Colin Leonard, did you thoroughly investigate this before, are you sure it is just an ordinary half-blood wizard, the only special thing being a Silver Feather?"
"Absolutely," Mo'er affirmed with a nod, "This wizard named Colin just arrived in Neustadt City last year, at that time he was an apprentice, joining through the School's token.
In the test for joining the School, his performance was not particularly outstanding; eventually, he was assigned to Atbolde due to issues with his aptitude."
"Aptitude issue?" Rice was astonished—how could a wizard rated with a Silver Feather be considered to have an aptitude issue back then?
Mo'er understood Rice's astonishment and after a pause, he continued, "The wizard responsible for the examination was expelled from his Faction after Colin received the Silver Feather Token."
Rice nodded slightly, realizing that letting go of a genius wizard, of course, warranted some punishment.
However... He turned his gaze to Colin, who had almost finished exchanging pleasantries, and was completely baffled.
How did this ordinary wizard, albeit somewhat talented, manage to get a Third Rank Wizard from the Black Castle, and one not related to him, to take up his cause?
And this was a direct order from the School—was there no reaction from the Family side?
Nevertheless, right now Nancy was only there to announce the release of Atbolde; he wasn't too worried about himself.
After all, he was a member of the Hidosh Family, and ordinary troubles could not affect him; at most, he would face some minor punishment.
"Your Excellency Nancy, then we will take our leave now," Colin concluded his pleasantries with his tutors and turned to speak to Nancy.
"Mm," Nancy smiled and nodded, then said seriously, "In regards to this incident, we will give you a final resolution in as short as today or within three days at the latest."
Actually, her words were quite conservative.
After all, the order to release Atbolde came from the very top of the Black Castle!
"Thank you, Your Excellency Nancy."
Colin nodded respectfully, not saying much else, and left with Lillian, not even glancing back at Mo'er, the Inspector who had escorted them back.
He believed the School would give him a proper resolution in the end, so there was no need to be overly conspicuous at the moment.
After they were escorted away by the guards outside.
In the room, Nancy put away her smile, walked up to the iron table, and picked up the sheepskin parchment to read.
With every word, her face darkened bit by bit.
The person at the top of the Black Castle had not only issued the order to release Atbolde but also briefly explained the true situation of the incident.
These were words spoken by the esteemed person at the top; naturally, Nancy wouldn't doubt their veracity.
So, after seeing the so-called truths unearthed by the Inspectors, her inner fury was like an erupting volcano, impossible to contain.
She took a breath, gazing at the group of Inspectors before her with an expressionless face, and asked slowly,
"Tell me, how did you come to obtain this so-called evidence?"
"Furthermore, who is Mo'er? Describe the events of that night once again!"
Nancy's voice was as piercing as the bitter cold wind.
Seeing her summon such a forceful presence made Rice and Mo'er realize something, and their faces suddenly turned ashen.
They had thought that letting Atbolde and the other two leave would put an end to the matter, but it seemed that wasn't the case.
It looked like the fire was about to reach them!
...
Black Castle's grand hall.
Lillian stood on the smooth marble floor, looking at the pale sunlight streaming through the stained glass windows, still feeling somewhat unreal inside.
Had the problem that tortured her and her grandfather for so long been completely resolved?
"Teacher, where do you plan to go next? Are you heading back immediately?" At that moment, Colin suddenly asked.
"If nothing unexpected occurs, yes," said Atbolde, speaking lightly while pressing on his chest and taking a slight breath. "I've not entirely recovered yet."
During the interrogation, Colin had told them about his successful meeting with the Neustadt City Lord, so he now felt very relaxed.
After all, they hadn't done anything wrong; it was merely self-defense. Now with the help of the Neustadt City Lord, what was there to worry about?
Colin smiled. Atbolde and Lillian were already privy to the meeting with the Neustadt City Lord, so naturally, there was no need to hide anything from them; they just needed to be cautioned to keep it confidential.
Of course, he still kept some information about the Crimson Operation to himself.
The winter sun warmed him, and Colin subconsciously let out a light breath.
At last, a series of events had come to a close.
It was like a heavy stone had been lifted from his heart; he suddenly felt much lighter, and even basking in the sun now, he felt so languid that he didn't wish to move.
But soon, Colin shook his head internally.
'The war is still ongoing. Given the current situation, I can't relax too much.
Next, I need to focus more on improving my strength.'
"Teacher Atbolde, then you go back first. I plan to take this opportunity to register my advancement at Black Castle," Colin said, turning his head.
Since he was there, he might as well take care of it and save some precious time.
Moreover, to gain knowledge about advancing to a Second Rank Wizard from the School, it was necessary for the School to be aware that he had reached First Rank Advanced.
"Alright, remember to come back early after you register. Hmm... although the villa has turned into ruins, tonight's gathering won't be affected by such a trivial matter."
Atbolde spoke with a smile, but then he seemed to recall something, fell silent for a moment, and added, "Of course, tonight is also the time to say farewell to Marjorie...
Time flies so quickly; I still remember him as a skinny child."
Atbolde's voice lowered gradually.
A weight pressed on Colin's heart, and he paused before saying slowly and clearly, "The Hidosh Family will pay for this."
"They're already paying," Atbolde lifted his head and smiled, "If you don't mind listening to this old man reminisce about the past, prepare to come back home late tonight."
He pointed at Lillian and added, "My granddaughter here makes a fine wine, a secret recipe unique to High Level Elves."
"Of course I don't mind," Colin smiled back, "Then I'll go ahead now."
"Go ahead."
But just as he was about to turn away, Colin suddenly thought of something and turned back, "By the way, Teacher, how can I acquire the knowledge necessary to advance to a Second Rank Wizard?"
"Knowledge for advancing to a Second Rank Wizard—" Atbolde paused, then said, "I'll apply to the School on your behalf. Typically, it requires a certain number of contribution points to exchange.
If you don't have enough contribution points, you might have to undertake some tasks for the School."
"I understand," Colin nodded.
"Still need contribution points... I wonder if I can get the relevant knowledge from the Neustadt City Lord."
"Clearly, tasks are undoubtfully synonymous with trouble."