After the storm

The three hadn't been sure about what side to take when they entered the court, but once they faced Shui and recalled the horrifying illusions that he had made them see, the answer became clear. 

"We were attacked by elders claiming to be from the Gus clan, and Shui helped us escape."

"Yes, we don't know what we would have done without him."

"Unfortunately, we weren't able to escape with Gilse, but there's no way Shui killed him. Those two were really close."

The judges showed different reactions to their testimonies, but none of them were pleased. Their veiled threats and pressure also had no effect, as Shui could diffuse their pressure, and his cold gaze scared the three far more than the judges. There weren't any other strong pieces of evidence that could be used, so with the three on Shui's side, the plot supported by the Punishment Department was foiled. The judges tried to prolong the case to search for some gap that had been missed in Shui's armour, but Core Elder Ren intervened with permission from the High elder. Shui handed over the contract he got from the Hundred Face Beggar to Core Elder Ren, so the elders would certainly face some trouble behind the scenes, but for the time being, the situation was resolved. 

"On freeing Fatty and Serina and clearing himself of all charges, let's cheer for Shui. Hurray!"

"Hurray!"

With the trial adjourned, Kate's group had a party at Luke's house in the core section. Shui was naturally among them, along with Fatty and Serina. After the initial opening of the celebration, Shui explained what he went through, followed by Fatty and Serina. They were looking much better than before, but once he heard what Serina and Fatty experienced, Shui clenched his fists on top of his knees and lowered his head. 

"I'm sorry, you two. If only I had thought about it more, this could have been avoided."

"Don't say that, Boss. After all you've done for me, there's no way I would betray you."

"That's right, Shui. If you say something like that again, I'll be upset with you."

"Ah, sor, I mean, thank you."

Shui raised his head and saw the smiles on the two's faces. He still felt some regret for not predicting that they would be caught in a trap, but more than that, he was simply glad that they were okay.

"Thanks to your performance in court and the contract you brought, none of the elders will be able to move against you for a significant amount of time. There might be a few pranks, but I doubt the Mater faction will make a major move during this period. That just leaves the Wailings and Gus clans." Reinhart explained.

"I understand the Gus clan since I heard what happened, but why is the Wailings clan after you too?" Kate asked.

"Well, the story is a little complicated, but did you know that one of their youths went to Cyrus before the hunt?"

"Yes, I believe I heard that he, wait, did you...?"

"That's right. He put his hands on what he wasn't supposed to, so I gave him an early afterlife trip as punishment. I was really upset at the time, so I didn't put much effort into hiding myself, but there shouldn't be any hard evidence that I'm the one who did it."

"But there's still enough evidence for them to tell that you had something to do with it."

"Wow, little Prince. Were you saving another princess in danger?"

"Oh my, you really are quite the heartbreaker."

"Is that true, Boss?"

Answering those questions seemed like it would bring too much trouble, so Shui ignored them along with the inquisitive gaze from Kate.

"I'm guessing someone told them about me, and they decided to take action. After our battle, they should be fairly certain that I'm the culprit, but it doesn't look like they plan to move within the city."

"Yes, even the mayor would have to think twice before messing with the manor. I know you can handle yourself, but it would be best if you stayed inside the manor as much as possible for now."

"Understood."

"By the way, why did your teammates only mention the Gus clan?"

"It's already well known that I had a conflict with the Gus clan brothers, so it wouldn't be strange if the Gus clan attacked me, but I would have to give a motive for the Wailings clan, which would make things more complicated. Besides, by focusing the spotlight on the Gus clan, I can push them to consider betraying the Wailings clan. They likely won't since the difference in power and influence is obvious, but it'll certainly make them less eager to cooperate."

The others nodded while giving Shui looks of admiration for his devious plan. However, he still kept a few things concealed because of Cassandra's presence. He had targeted the Wailings clan elders more during the battle to make the Wailings clan more eager to kill him. From what he understood about them, they would force the Gus clan to take the frontline and only take action at critical moments. He rarely employed schemes like this, but he was still interested in seeing what would come of it.

Meanwhile, the high-level members of the Mater faction met inside a conference room at the collective administration headquarters. While the administration headquarters was used by several factions, they were also restrained by each other, so it was a safe zone. Both disciples and elders took part in the meeting, but only one disciple had the privilege of sitting at the head of the table with the other core elders at the sides. This disciple had long sapphire blue hair that reached his back and sky blue eyes. He was handsome enough that even men had to acknowledge his charm, while also possessing the overbearing aura of a tyrant. His expression revealed none of his inner thoughts, but no one thought that he was pleased about the situation.

"So you mean to tell me that all of our plans have only played into his hands?"

As the one who had constructed this plot, Tark was burdened with the responsibility of reporting the results from the opposite end of the table.

"While I admit that we failed to trap him, I don't believe he deserves that much credit."

"Tark, I allowed you to do as you pleased because you said you would get results. Are these the results you planned on giving me?"

"Of course not, young lord!"

"Then tell me, why have you disgraced my name by allowing this to happen? Are you saying that a single boy was too much for you to handle?"

"I, I offer my most sincere apologies."

"Hmph, step back. I'll administer your punishment later."

"Yes, young lord."

Though they claimed to be comrades of the same faction, the majority were amused by Tark's disgrace. With this failure, he would certainly lose much of his influence within the faction, and there would be space for someone else to take his position by Mater's side.

"Elder Carver, Elder Lucin, would you be free to speak after the meeting?"

As the two elders named were the heads of the war and punishment departments, everyone knew that this was related to the failure of Tark's plan. Although Mater would treat the elders with respect, he didn't allow them to run from the responsibility of their actions. The two elders weren't surprised to hear their names, so they reluctantly accepted Mater's request.

"Good. With this incident, I'm halting the continuation of any schemes. Everyone should focus on their personal improvement until the time for 'that' to open next year. Any objections?"

"..."

"Then the meeting is adjourned."