Inside a vast and neat office with pristine white walls, tall windows, and a chandelier suspended in the ceiling more for aesthetics than actual purpose, five people sat at the meeting table at the center.

"You're the young miss of district seven's Tseradze family, you say?" Baldwin asked with a hint of underlying threat.

The guild master's subordinate, Lushmane, then stepped in at this moment, fully knowing when to support his boss:

"Now, please don't be too scared, miss Elune," the middle-aged man with long, thriving hair "comforted". "It's just that we've been going in circles, almost as if you're protecting this murderer. Did he threaten you, or something? If so, then just tell us directly. There's no need to fear such an upstart. We just need to locate him, and we'll take care of him for you."

Lushmane then turned to Principal Jebroham, his eyes narrowing as he added: "I believe that's fine, Lord Jebroham? After all, you've been claiming since earlier that this young B-ranker, Okuni, isn't registered at your academy's database?"

To the aide's surprise, the bald institution leader responded with a rather decisive tone: "Isn't this what I've been telling you from the day the incident happened? But of course, I trust you'll take the legal path, correct? After all, it's illegal to mete out punishment even in the Myriad Sword Realm if you're not from the world government…"

Naturally, Principal Jebroham knew the bastards in front of him would be going all out to murder Okuni.

He just said this to make them a bit uncomfortable if only just for the sake of petty little revenge.

The audacity of the rude bastards to not trust him and even threaten one of his employees!

But Baldwin was not the least bit fazed, lying without batting an eyelid:

"Hmph! Of course! Do you think we're murderers, Principal Jebroham? We'll naturally prioritize the legality of our actions!"

"Well, there's nothing else for us to discuss, then, is there? First, you believe me. Second, Miss Tseradze already told you everything she saw, though there should've been no need for such an intimidating interrogation, since everything she just told you was written in her forum post anyway, and you only had to know how to read. Lastly, you've confirmed that you'll prioritize legality. I'm glad we were able to resolve this amicably." The principal shot back, not to be outdone in a battle of words, wits, and pretentiousness.

The youngsters dared challenge an old man like him in such matters? They've still got thousands of grains to chew!

In the next moment, Baldwin exploded.

"You speak as if you have no intention to find justice for your student!"

Principal Jebroham frowned at the baseless accusations.

"Please don't accuse me unjustly, Sir Baldwin. I've been doing my best since the day of the incident. Everything is now up to the government. You should also know this if you're truly taking legality seriously."

The old institution leader then turned to look at his shaking student, standing up to leave the meeting room with his secretary.

"Come, Miss Elune. Thank you for your cooperation. It's just sad that instead of appreciating what small help was offered by someone unrelated in the first place, some people would still dare resort to threats."

Even the more sensible and logical Lushmane finally couldn't stand the institution leader's cutting words.

"Please don't misunderstand us, Principal. We're certainly grateful to miss Elune. I just hope you understand how frustrating this matter is for my master, since it involves his S-ranker son losing a life this early."

"Of course, I fully understand, which is why I'm doing my best to help. I swear by the gods and goddesses that I'm telling nothing but the truth, and I hope you guys are, too, especially about taking the legal approach. May liars go even more bald."

After rather sharp parting words, the Principal left, leaving the seething, rude guests to their devices inside one of the guest rooms.

If they dared cause more trouble, he would contact the city police and have them arrested.

Baldwin might be Crownbloom's guild master, but he, Jebroham Jackson, is deeply affiliated with the government.

These bladeborn families keep forgetting that no one is above the law, and it is best to remind them from time to time.

Baldwin wanted to rage and destroy everything in the room.

However, he knew that if he did, he would be falling into even more disadvantage against the infuriating old principal.

He shall contain himself for now, let all his emotions out once he's back at his residence, and seek revenge in the future.

Baldwin didn't care.

He'll wait until the old man shows an opening, then he will strike hard.

Nonetheless, the shift in target proved that the principal's plan to shoulder all of Baldwin's anger and ensure that the innocent Elune Tseradze wouldn't suffer the guild master's wrath was effective.

The Crownbloom duo could only leave.

But then, the moment they stood up, Lushmane's phone rang.

The aide hurriedly retrieved the device from his pocket and answered the call.

"Hmm…I see…I see…so they failed?"

Baldwin's anger was reignited upon overhearing bits and pieces of the conversation.

Soon, the call ended, and Lushmane turned to face his boss, his expression strangely relaxed.

There was even a shadow of a smile on his face.

"Sir Baldwin, great news."

"Great news? Tell me, how is failing great news?!"

Lushmane almost jumped, startled at the outburst. He truly found it difficult to adjust to his master's anger issues.

'Would it kill you to hear me out first?! This is why no hair wants to reside on your always-boiling head!'

Clearing his throat, he forcefully recovered his composure:

"Ahem, allow me to explain then, sir…The two low-rankers we sent, bladeborns named Nutter and Taro, were overpowered by Okuni, however…"

Baldwin's eyes narrowed, his fiery temper doused a bit.

Lushmane certainly knew a few tricks to handle his boss.

"However?"

"This confirms that Okuni was indeed in the Sunblade Savannah and that he is now in the Crystal Hollows. The timing of our low-rankers meeting the guy works in our favor, as Okuni's time in the realm should be almost over at the time of the encounter."

The bald guild master's expression brightened at the explanation.

"Hahaha! Which means he wouldn't be able to get very far! As long as we send more men to the Crystal Hollows, we'll be able to catch the bastard!"

Lushmane smiled, bowing to his master.

"Sir Baldwin is truly smart, immediately catching what I meant before I could even finish my words…"

"Bahahahaha! Of course, how could I be Crownbloom's Guild Master, otherwise?! We got you now, dumb brat…"

Clenching his fists in triumph and vindication, Baldwin continued:

"Quick, send our remaining D-ranker in the novice zones, five E-rankers, and ten F-rankers to the Crystal Hollows! Ensure that there would be nowhere for the bastard to go! Also, station people in the respawn points of Agaron, Botai, and Cameron and have them follow Okuni every time he respawns! I'll snuff out all three lives of this bastard before the government's bladeborns arrive…"

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.