Ethan's POV:
The hall was in a complete and utter mess.
Everyone discussed heatedly, contributing to the chaotic noise.It was hard to determine who exactly
was speaking.
The endless noise made my head ache and I pursed my lips unhappily.
"Enough!" I exploded.
"What kind of place do you think this is? How dare you come in here one after another? This
inexcusable behavior will go on your record and I will be issuing demerits!"
Finally, the hall fell quiet.The three students surrounding Sylvia all looked at me, terrified.
In particular, the little guy with the shaggy hair finally shut up.
That kid was just like his father they both had voices loud enough to pierce through one's eardrums.
I pressed my fingers against my temple, feeling helpless.I was getting old.
Exhaustion had overtaken me already, and it had only been a short while.I didn't speak up immediately.
Instead, I stared back at the four pairs of eyes that were looking straight at me.I could tell what they
were thinking from the expressions on their faces.
Seeing this, my heart couldn't help but soften a little.
They were just innocent kids after all.
How could I pin the blame on them? But I couldn't just let them go so easily, or else they wouldn't take
me seriously and would even think they could make a scene in the palace whenever they pleased.
At last, I snorted coldly, breaking the silence.
The four kids standing in a row at the center of the hall all trembled and lowered their heads.
Out of the four, Sylvia was the most calm and collected.She even patted the Omega she-wolf's
shoulder comfortingly.
I eyed them all warily, finding it difficult to solve this tricky problem.It would've been simpler if it was only
the Omega who stood out to speak for Sylvia.
But even the son of an Alpha and the son of a Beta stood firmly by her side.
And among the four, it seemed that Sylvia was the leader.
The first time Rufus brought up Sylvia, I didn't take him seriously.
Even if the Moon Goddess herself designated them as mates, there was no possible way they could
break through the barriers of social rank— Rufus was a prince and Sylvia was a slave.
I firmly believed that the relationship would be cut short.
But now it seemed that Rufus actually had good taste and had chosen a good mate.
No matter what happened, Rufus was my son and I wanted to keep him alive.
However, now that an innocent civilian was dead, a little boy even, the public demanded justice and I
couldn't just intervene.I couldn't let Richard handle this matter either, who obviously wanted Rufus
dead.
So Sylvia just might be the turning point I need to save Rufus.
"Sylvia," I finally said.
Now, all eyes were trained on her.She looked up at me with a respectful yet determined look.
"Are you sure that Rufus was framed?" I asked carefully.
"Yes, Your Majesty.Please give me a chance to prove it.Prince Rufus is not that kind of person.This
whole thing is too odd," Sylvia said straightforwardly, sounding neither humble nor pushy.
She was standing up straight with her chin high, looking extremely dignified.
Even though everyone was against her, she never seemed the shrink back.
Seeing the fierce determination in her eyes, I made up my mind.
Turning towards the crowd, I said loudly, "But Sylvia, you can't convince everyone here, what with your
current identity."
As soon as I said this, everyone began to whisper and nod in agreement.
Sylvia frowned slightly and seemed to want to say something, but I quickly continued.
"You already know that the selection ceremony for the elite team will be held after the parade
tomorrow.The chosen students will become the reserve unit of the royal army.They will serve in the
army in advance for a year's training, and will even have the chance to be directly inducted into the
army and assigned a rank."
After a pause, I looked back at Sylvia and said, "If you can get first place and become the leader of the
elite team, I will give you the responsibility of leading the investigation."
Sylvia was pleasantly surprised.
"I won't let you down!"
"Father, please don't do this!"
Richard objected immediately, puffing out his chest indignantly.
Shawn, who was standing next to him, also seemed to want to object.
But when I cast them a cold glance, they sulkily shut their mouths and retreated.
"Well, that's it then.I'm tired.You're dismissed now."
62fb1bb41dcb31934bd49bda