Published: September 6, 2025
The shocking report from Matthias, which we heard as soon as we arrived at the noble academy, was carefully listened to, and by that same day, I had written a letter and sent it to my Foster Father.
The next day, Charlotte, who arrived at the academy a day later than us, widened her eyes and asked, "Did something like that really happen?" It seemed that my Foster Father and the others had seen us off without changing their usual expressions.
"However, I was entrusted with this letter to be read together with Brother and Older Sister," she said.
After the meal, only the lord candidates and their close aides gathered in the conference room, where Charlotte read the letter from my Foster Father. Since it was a report from the children of the old Veronica faction, it seemed that they urgently decided to revise the purge plan.
"We will handle this matter. Your task as lord candidates is to monitor and persuade the children of the old Veronica faction inside the dormitory of the noble academy, not the Ehrenfest purge itself," they said.
"In that case, it would be better to call Matthias and Laurenz to discuss together," I suggested.
"Brother, but that's...," Charlotte began to protest, worried about the danger. However, Wilfried shook his head and interrupted her.
"No, Charlotte. Those two have been waiting for our arrival and said they want to do what’s best for Ehrenfest, even if it means cutting ties with their family. I think their cooperation is essential to bring the children of the old Veronica faction over and save as many lives as possible."
I agreed with Wilfried’s opinion. I promised Charlotte that we would gather enough guard knights and stay away from those two, then asked her to summon Matthias and Laurenz. We discussed what should be done to make the noble academy dormitory more comfortable for the children of the old Veronica faction.
"First, we will take the lead in discussing who committed what degree of crimes, what extent of implication can be considered, whether those implicated will undergo name offering to evade punishment, or will accept punishment alongside their families," Matthias explained.
Depending on the severity of the crimes and punishments, some might not need to perform name offering, but Matthias said he wanted to decide the direction beforehand to avoid confusion when the purge ends and reports arrive.
"Those who decide to accept punishment with their families after discussion will be captured and sent to Ehrenfest. Staying in the academy would threaten everyone’s safety," he added.
It seemed they had already talked about this to some extent, as Laurenz glanced at Matthias and added, "If anyone becomes desperate and attacks the lord candidates, none of the others will be able to avoid implication punishments. We must absolutely avoid that."
Therefore, the two said they would take on the role of persuasion, as they were key figures in the old Veronica faction.
"We lord candidates are also entrusted by Aub Ehrenfest to persuade everyone..." Charlotte said, her expression slightly clouding.
"Princess Charlotte, leave it to Matthias and Laurenz," Richarda said.
"Even without intending to, emotions can run high and things might get out of control. Keeping some distance until they calm down will protect not only you but also them," Richarda gently advised Charlotte, who had been quietly standing behind me.
Parents and relatives were to be purged. Some might become deeply troubled or lash out in anger. Normally, those implicated would be punished, but some would be saved exceptionally through name offering. If anyone felt dissatisfied, calls for punishing everyone by implication might grow louder.
"Many nobles have shown displeasure at breaking past customs. It is crucial that no one gives any openings," Richarda said.
Matthias and Laurenz nodded firmly, and our guard knights straightened their posture as if to steel themselves.
"Until the fate of those children is decided, separate meal times should be arranged. Persuasion is not the only way to save them," Richarda added.