Rumors (2)
Every step I took drew whispers and suspicious stares aimed right at me. How long had it been since I'd felt something like this? So much attention focused on me.
Was it like this back when I first possessed this body?
Searching my memories, it reminded me exactly of right after the trial. The difference was the emotions behind those gazes—they were the complete opposite now. Instead of hostility, people wore puzzled expressions. If I had to put it into words, something like, "Did he really do that?" It was a strange scene, given the level of interest. But I had no idea why.
Whenever I tried to ask someone, they all scurried away like they couldn't afford to get involved with me.
"Let's go. This place is making me uncomfortable."
Senior Ruina spoke up, clearly unnerved by the crowding stares. Her complexion wasn't great either.
I'll figure out the situation later.
It wouldn't be too late once I'd sorted things out with those around me.
"You're heading to the workshop, right? Shall I escort you?"
"Yeah."
With her nod, we made our way to the workshop. Naturally, countless people stole glances at me along the way.
After dropping Senior Ruina off,
"Hyungnim, I'm gonna go check things out too. I need to gather some info. Everyone's clamming up, so how else are we supposed to know what's going on?"
Evan's face was deadly serious, his tone grave. I stopped him.
"Don't worry and just rest. I'll handle my own stuff."
"No, hyungnim. This isn't something to brush off casually. Can't you see the atmosphere?"
"I see it, and I get it fully, that's why I'm saying this."
The mood lingering around the academy clearly signaled this was no ordinary situation. And if this mess was tied to my past karma, then it was my burden alone to bear—not the protagonist Evan's.
"So go rest. Don't worry about me."
"Hyungnim!"
Evan shouted at my calm tone, but my mind was made up. I just stared at him silently.
"Argh, fine, whatever!"
Evan grumbled and stormed off. Then Rana spoke up from beside me.
"Kyle. You sure you're okay? Evan-junior looks pretty pissed."
"What can I do? I don't even know what's going on yet."
In this situation with zero info, I couldn't risk any harm coming to those close to me just because of association. Better to keep distance for now.
"Besides, you think he'd really stay mad?"
He was probably just annoyed at how nonchalant I was being while he worried.
"But aren't you going too?"
"I'm staying right by Kyle's side!"
Rana hooked her arm through mine, eyes gleaming with determination not to budge. Her trembling gaze, full of worry, made it impossible to push her away. Plus, with Rana—who every living thing adored—it probably wouldn't be an issue.
"Then let's go see Professor Ratral. Got some things to report anyway."
"Got it!"
I headed toward the magic department with Rana.
The path to Professor Ratral's office wasn't smooth either. The faculty building was quiet on weekdays, but weekends saw professors sticking around to prep for next week's lectures. That meant running into quite a few.
"Ahem... Ahem..."
Five professors already clearing their throats awkwardly. Seeing even them react like that made Rana's hands shake.
"Why are you the nervous one? I'm fine, and I'm the one in the hot seat."
"But if even the professors are acting like this, it must be serious..."
"It's fine."
I took her hand to reassure her, then opened the office door.
"You've arrived."
"Long time no see."
"Sit down first."
His expression was grim as he gestured to the sofa. I sat, and Rana settled beside me.
"So, did everything go well?"
"Thanks to your help, it wrapped up without any major issues."
"That's a relief. I heard the free city was in an uproar."
The free city talk wrapped up quickly. Then Professor Ratral let out a long sigh before speaking slowly.
"Do you know the current situation at the academy?"
"The vibe isn't great. Especially centered on me."
"Grandpa! What the hell is going on?! Why is everyone looking at Kyle like that...?"
"Rana, calm down and hear him out first."
With Rana quieted, Professor Ratral sighed again and continued.
"This uproar started two weeks ago. The day after you all left the academy. It began with a single rumor spreading."
"What rumor?"
"That Kyle Arden hasn't repented his past sins and is secretly committing crimes."
I couldn't help but chuckle at that. It sounded like the everyday trash talk I heard all the time. Sure, my reputation had improved, but plenty still hated and badmouthed me—and it reached my ears occasionally.
"That alone wouldn't blow up this big."
"Of course everyone dismissed it as nonsense. Your track record isn't exactly ordinary. These days, Kyle Arden's just seen as one of those bad-attitude students, not some wastrel."
I nodded in agreement. Not perfectly, but I'd shed the old thug image.
"So what's the real reason?"
"You..."
Unlike him, Professor Ratral hesitated before continuing.
"There's a rumor going around that you've colluded with black mages. That's why all your actions are under suspicion."
He went on.
"Your skills and grades are a given, but talk is circulating that every incident this year happened because of you. The stuff from two weeks ago goes without saying."
"......"
I could sense the malice in words designed to drag me down without proof.
"On top of that, your role as contract land manager is under scrutiny too. Rumors say you got favors and fudged community service hours. They're holding a hearing soon. I need to head over shortly."
"That shouldn't be an issue."
"Naturally. Do I look like some ordinary professor?"
Everyone who needed to know was aware of my manager status, and all service records were documented. The hearing would be a formality.
"Anyway, thanks for explaining. Just suspicion with no evidence—I'll be cautious, and it'll blow over."
The academy would be noisy for a bit, but without proof, they couldn't touch me.
Then Professor Ratral said cautiously,
"Actually... there's evidence that the rumors are true."
I froze. That was impossible.
"...No way, right?"
"Not evidence for every rumor, of course. Just proof of criminal activity."
"Who's the source?"
"Unfortunately, I don't know. They're keeping it under wraps for protection, in case of retaliation."
"......"
"Word is, there's going to be a trial."
Bam!
Rana slammed the table.
"Why a trial?! Kyle didn't do anything wrong!"
Startled by his granddaughter's rare outburst, Professor Ratral looked at her with pity.
"You know she has a history. The academy has no choice but to handle it this way."
"Judging on something like that?! I know Kyle better than anyone! He's kinder than anyone in Tianis! So why...!"
"Rana."
I called her softly as she fumed. She turned, eyes brimming with tears.
"I'm fine, so calm down."
"But Kyle, a trial... You could get expelled... How can I calm down...?"
"I can handle it. More importantly, don't cry—come here."
I opened my arms, and she buried herself in them, sobbing quietly. I patted her back to soothe her.
Still holding her, I asked Professor Ratral,
"When's the trial?"
"No set date. But you know how it works—investigation comes first."
"...Right."
I actually had no clue about pre-trial procedures.
"So when's the investigation?"
"They know you've arrived, so probably soon..."
Knock knock.
Right then, a knock sounded.
"Who is it?"
"Yes, Professor Ratral. We heard Kyle Arden is here and came to see him."
He looked at me, and I nodded.
"Come in."
"Thank you."
The office door opened slowly. A woman who looked like an investigator stood there, flanked by two guards behind her. They gave Professor Ratral a brief nod before addressing me.
"Kyle Arden. Is that you?"
"Yes."
She nodded. Probably procedure.
"Kyle Arden. You are under arrest for assaulting a student and colluding with black mages. Any objections?"
"None."
No point protesting here—it'd end the same. Better save it for the investigation or trial. I turned to Rana still in my arms.
"Rana, time for me to go."
"No! Don't go!"
She clung with all her strength, refusing to let go. Helpless, I pressed an acupressure point and whispered in her ear.
"If you want to see me, visit later."
"No... I... with Kyle..."
She resisted briefly but soon closed her eyes and fell asleep. I handed her to Professor Ratral and told the investigator,
"Let's go."
She ordered the guards, who grabbed me.
"See you later, Professor."
"I'll visit after."
Then I followed the guards' lead. Being hauled by guards naturally drew even more eyes. With it being daytime and crowded, the whispers swelled in real time.
The investigator spoke to me.
"You're different from six months ago. Got a girlfriend crying for you, and even the professor's worried."
"If you knew that, why come arrest me?"
"Still sarcastic as ever. Not fixing that attitude?"
She sounded exasperated as we kept moving. Seemed like the investigator and Kyle Arden had history.
"Still... seeing you like this, I hope the rumors aren't true. Things are tense enough as it is."
"Just hope the food's decent."
"Ha, fine. Unlike last time, we'll make sure it's what you want."
With that, we arrived at the student council hall where the investigation room was.