True God In Another World (Tensura x Tbate)

Chapter 85 - Tensions

Rimuru POV

"You can't do that! Don't you know how much money I've invested in this academy?!" Charles's father shouted at the director's assistant, Tricia, his face growing redder with each word. The veins in his neck bulged prominently as he leaned over the desk, trying to intimidate her with his presence.

I watched the scene unfold from my position on the couch in the director's office, pretending to focus on my book about runes rather than the spectacle before me. The text was actually quite fascinating - discussing theoretical applications that Ciel would probably enjoy debating. I hadn't planned on being present for this meeting, but Tricia had insisted, likely wanting a buffer between herself and Ravenpor's notorious temper.

"Mr. Ravenpor, your son was seen by several of the students who were there. According to them, they saw your son, Charles, and his friends start the fire." Tricia maintained her professional composure despite her obvious discomfort. I could see her hands clasped tightly behind her back to hide their trembling, but her voice remained steady.

"Nonsense! They must want to slander my son! I-"

"He was also seen by a professor and a professor's assistant," Tricia cut in, her voice firm despite her nervousness.

I turned another page in my book, still not looking up. The sound of rustling paper seemed to irritate Ravenpor further, his face darkening to an even deeper shade of red.

"My son would never do such a thing! Those witnesses must be lying!" Charles's father continued his tirade, now pacing the office like a caged animal. "I demand to speak with Director Goodsky immediately!"

I finally spoke, still not looking up from my book. "Director Goodsky is away on important business. In her absence, all disciplinary matters fall under my jurisdiction."

"You?" Ravenpor spat the word out as if it tasted foul in his mouth. "A mere student? This is preposterous! I won't stand for this mockery!"

"Whether you accept it or not, this remains the truth," I said calmly, turning another page. "It has been decided to expel your son. All that remains is the director's own stamp to make it official."

"Expelled over a trivial matter...!!"

"Trivial?" Now I closed my book and looked up at Ravenpor, meeting his gaze directly. "The council built that building for all races to learn together. It was a symbol of the unity of the continent." I set my book aside and stood up slowly. "Your son not only destroyed a symbol of unity but endangered the lives of countless students. I would hardly call that trivial."

"Now if you'll excuse us, we have a lot of work to do thanks to someone burning down the most important building in the academy." I moved to the door and opened it, gesturing for him to leave. The dismissal was clear, and it seemed to infuriate him even more.

"The Council will hear about this! I won't let this matter rest!" Ravenpor stormed toward the door, his expensive robes swishing dramatically. "You'll regret treating my family this way!"

"By all means, inform the Council." I smiled pleasantly, keeping the door held open. "While you're at it, perhaps you could explain the series of suspicious transactions between your accounts and certain... problematic organizations. I'm sure they'd be quite interested."

The effect was immediate. Ravenpor's mouth opened and closed several times, but no words came out. The blood drained from his face so quickly I thought he might faint. Finally, he turned and hurried from the room, his previous confidence completely shattered.

After closing the door, Tricia let out a long breath she'd been holding. The tension seemed to drain from her body all at once.

"That was... intense," she said, slumping slightly in her chair. "How did you know about those transactions?"