-680- Give you a piece of advice

The atmosphere began to grow tense. Rozen and Bronson locked eyes, creating a stark contrast: one was cold and indifferent, the other filled with mockery. While Rozen remained expressionless, Bronson smiled as if he had heard something amusing.

Observing this standoff, the others, including Hinowa, Charl, Subaru, Mutsura, and Sigmund, refrained from making any rash moves. Only Yaya and Sigmund, the automata, diligently fulfilled their duties, remaining alert by their masters' sides.

Loki, accompanied by his automaton, observed coldly throughout, but when Rozen mentioned Frey, the Sword Emperor's eyes showed a hint of interest.

In the hallways of the medical school building, the group engaged in this tense standoff, making the atmosphere increasingly oppressive.

It wasn't until a while later that Rozen, for no apparent reason, spoke up, saying, "The reputation of the Divine Works isn't all that great, is it? It's said that as a newcomer workshop, your Divine Works have quite a few deeds that have become street corner rumors."

These words caused Bronson's eyebrows to slightly raise. In this situation, Rozen continued, "Things like bribing government officials with gold bars, forcing patents through by strong-arming, or conducting illegal experiments behind the scenes. The behavior in parliament isn't very classy either. I've heard that many members of parliament have been caught in the clutches of Divine Works. And as the president, you seem to have set up orphanages all over the place, collecting parentless orphans."

Rozen intentionally or unintentionally mentioned these things, causing Yaya, Charl, Hinowa, Subaru, Mutsura, and Sigmund to instinctively look towards the aloof Loki.

Earlier, Rozen had already mentioned that Bronson was the foster father of both Loki and Frey, not their biological father. Could it be that Loki and Frey are children who came out of Bronson's orphanages?

"If that's the case, do you still want to claim that Frey's issues have nothing to do with you?" Rozen's question was direct and sharp, making the already oppressive atmosphere even more uncomfortable.

However, Bronson remained composed and unshaken. "As I mentioned, those are just street corner rumors. They are not a basis for questioning me, young one."

Bronson showed no signs of concern or threat. To him, Rozen was just a student playing around, regardless of Rozen's rank or reputation within the academy. To the middle-aged gentleman who had once nearly claimed the position of Wiseman and wielded great power and privileges, Rozen was nothing more than an immature youngster.

Bronson then asked with a smile, "It seems like you have a good relationship with Frey. Are you friends?"

Rozen's response was a narrowed gaze as he slowly answered, "No."

Bronson continued with a knowing tone, "You seem very concerned about Frey, though."

To this, Rozen laughed. "You, on the other hand, don't seem to care about Frey's situation at all, yet you have the time to chat with us here."

Rozen's words were laced with sarcasm. But isn't that the case? Bronson's appearance at the academy was likely to visit Frey. While the academy generally prohibited external visitors, there were exceptions during the Night Party, especially for special individuals.

However, since he arrived, Bronson has not shown any interest in Frey's condition or any signs of concern. It's as if the girl lying in the infirmary is a complete stranger, and he's here out of curiosity rather than any real connection with her. Doesn't that deserve some irony?

So, how did Bronson react to this irony?

It was quite simple.

"Well, if you're not friends with Frey, isn't it a bit too much for you to be so concerned?" Bronson smiled confidently, and his tone took on a hint of change. "But I can understand. As participants in the Night Party, seeing Frey display that level of power can be nerve-wracking. You might resort to hostile language towards me, attempting to gather information. It's normal, perfectly normal."

Bronson fabricated everything Rozen had done to sound this way.

"You!" Both Yaya and Hinowa couldn't help but feel angered. Even though this was the excuse they had used earlier, there was still a trace of irritation in Charl's eyes.

However, Subaru and Mutsura remained composed and continued guarding Hinowa.

Like this, Bronson continued talking with Rozen calmly.

"As a senior who has fought in the Night Party just like you, I'll give you a piece of advice, young one."

Bronson's words resonated clearly.

"Victory sometimes requires you to use any means necessary."

"So, I appreciate you."

"I'm looking forward to your performance."

Leaving behind these words, Bronson paid no heed to the reactions of the others. He raised his pace and walked past Rozen, preparing to go to the infirmary.

However, as Bronson passed by Rozen, brushing past him,

"Woosh!"

Rozen suddenly turned around, extended his hand, and grabbed Bronson's collar in one swift motion.

At this moment, Rozen not only used his "Rigid Body" technique but also applied "Telekinesis" to his own body, using his psychic power to forcefully increase his speed. So even Bronson couldn't react in time and was directly grabbed by his collar, pulled in front of Rozen.

"!?"

The people present were all shocked.

Loki, who had been silent until then, had a sudden change in his expression. His eyes narrowed, and he released his own magic.

It was a spectacular display of magic.

Although he was Frey's younger brother, Loki's magic power far surpassed his sister's, almost catching up to Frey with her heart's limit unlocked.

"Cherubim!"

Loki called upon his automaton.

In that instant, the mechanical angel following Loki raised its head, and its eyes lit up with a red glow, like lamps.

"D."

A mechanical electronic voice immediately sounded from the automaton named Cherubim, causing hot air to emanate from its entire body. Thorns on its back transformed into sharp short swords, all shooting towards Rozen.

"Rozen-sama!"

"Rozen!"

Both Hinowa and Charl exclaimed simultaneously. Subaru and Mutsura had already released their magic.

"Yaya!"

Rozen, however, just called out to Yaya without turning his head.

"Understood!"

Yaya immediately leaped to Rozen's side, ready to confront the oncoming short swords.