Getting spoiled in a woman dominating world-Chapter 19: The Tribunal [3]

Then, the Grand Arbiter herself finally exhaled, slowly leaning back in her seat.

"Charlotte Fleurdys..."

"Your declaration is... quite bold."

Another moment of silence passed before the Grand Arbiter finally nodded, a small, knowing smile tugging at the edges of her lips.

"Very well."

The other representatives stiffened.

The Asphodel Order's representative was the first to protest "You can't be serious! We cannot allow an individual to dictate—"

The Grand Arbiter interjected "And yet, we cannot ignore reality."

Her gaze settled on Charlotte in the holographic screen "The truth is simple. There are few forces in this world capable of challenging the Empyreans. Fewer still who would be foolish enough to try."

The Grand Arbiter's smile grew slightly, though there was something knowing in her expression.

"And so, the Sovereign Circle acknowledges this reality. Brandon Kael will not be eliminated. Nor will he be subjected to forced containment."

A ripple of murmurs spread through the chamber.

The Asphodel Order's representative clenched her jaw but said nothing.

The Lionhearts' representative let out a slow breath, nodding in quiet understanding.

Then the Grand Arbiter's gaze fell on the holographic Screen of Brandon Kael "We are all speaking.. but the victim himself has spoken nothing yet..."

"Brandon Kael. You have heard the arguments presented. Speak. Tell us... what do you intend to do with this power you have been given?"

With a sigh, Brandon spoke "I didn't ask for this power. I never sought it out, nor did I ever intend to disrupt whatever 'order' you believe in. But I will not apologize for existing."

A murmur rippled through the chamber. Some scoffed. Others leaned forward, interested.

His gaze flickered to the holographic name of Elize "I just want to live peacefully... without the constraints of some organizations."

Hearing this, Elize smiled faintly looking at Brandon's face through the holographic screen.

At this time, a new voice appeared "Miss Grand Arbiter."

All eyes turned to the new holographic name which popped up in the front.

Esméry Verneuil.

"I think.. it could be better to train him."

"I am not blind to the implications. But unlike some of you, I do not believe in punishing potential before it has been given the chance to prove itself. We stand here debating his existence, yet we forget that our true enemies remain outside these walls."

"The Aberrants still roam free. Towers still remain uncleared. Dungeons continue to manifest. Ruptures grow more frequent."

"And yet, we spend our time here, tearing down an individual who could, if properly trained, become an asset rather than a liability."

With a soft sigh Esmery continued "Men or Women, he can use ether... so he is an awakener who could potentially help us in the future in clearing towers, dungeons and ruptures."

"I don't think it is fair to eliminate him.. just because he is a man."

"Let him join the Solvryn Academy.. there we can train him and see the results."

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Hearing this, the Grand Arbiter's gaze narrowed and glimpsed at Charlotte "Charlotte Fleurdys..."

With a faint nod, Charlotte spoke "As long as nothing harms kael.. and if he likes it, I won't interfere."

All heads turned to look at Brandon "What do you say Brandon Kael...."

Brandon also know that it is better to accept this and he also gets an opportunity to train ether "I agree with this."

The Grand Arbiter nodded "Then its settled... The meeting is adjourned."

One by one, the holographic screens began to flicker and vanish as the representatives disconnected.

The last screen to remain was Charlotte's.

She leaned forward slightly, looking at Brandon and then she winked her eye.

"You did well. Little Kael."

And with that, her screen flickered off.

Brandon let out a slow breath, the tension in his shoulders finally easing.

"I am still alive... Haaa..."

Brandon's fingers curled slightly as his mind drifted back to the woman who had spoken in his favor... Esméry Verneuil.

As he sat there pondering about it, the room door opened and Ravene quickly entered.

Raising his head, he smiled "Aunt Ravene..."

She hurriedly rushed to him and hugged him "Kael..."

Brandon hugged her back as she caressed her face on his shoulder.

"I am glad Kael..."

She gently pulled back from the hug and pecked his lips.

Feeling her lips, he smiled and asked "By the way, Aunt Ravene... the woman Esmery..."

With a nod, she replied "Hm.. she is the Headmistress of this Academy. It is a good thing she vouched for you, she is a powerful figure."

Hearing this, his gaze lowered "I see..."

Ravene looked at him and caressed his cheek "Wait here for a minute... I will arrange your accommodation for tonight."

Brandon nodded, watching as she turned and exited the room.

The door slid shut behind her, leaving him alone in the dimly lit chamber.

Silence stretched out, broken only by the faint hum of the room's energy systems.

Brandon let out a quiet breath, leaning back slightly as he processed everything that had transpired.

...

A few minutes passed and Ravene reentered the room "I have already talked with the Headmistress... for tonight, you will be with me."

Brandon raised an eyebrow in surprise "With you?"

With a nod, she replied "It will be easier this way. You need rest, and you don't need to be thrown into the academy dorms without preparation."

"There will be enough chaos when they learn of your presence. For now, you should have a quiet place to gather your thoughts."

Brandon exhaled slowly, understanding her reasoning.

The last thing he needed was to be surrounded by unfamiliar faces, whispered rumors, and judgmental stares before he even had a chance to process everything.

"And tomorrow, you can meet the Head Mistress."

Brandon stood up from his seat and nodded.

She casually wrapped her arm around her shoulder "I will bring you back to my place and from there you can contact Elize."

---

The steady hum of energy running through the hallway created a faint background noise.

Most students and faculty had long since retired for the night, leaving the corridors empty except for the occasional security drone floating overhead as its mechanical eye scanned for any unauthorized activity.

Brandon was walking beside Ravene with his hands in his pockets in his jacket as he looked around in amusement.

"Your place is on the academy grounds?" he asked, breaking the silence between them.

With a nod, she replied "Of course. As the lead researcher in etherology, they have to keep me close."

"Well... not very close to the Academy, just outside."

Tilting his head, he asked "Seems like you're some kind of high-priority asset here."

She smirked "Yeah. There aren't many people who understand etherology at my level. If they lost me, the entire research division would take a massive step backward."

He let out a small chuckle "So basically, they can't afford to let you go."

She glanced ahead as they approached a wide corridor that diverged from the main academy pathways.

"Though I prefer my independence, I still need access to the academy's resources. So, my quarters are a little more... secluded. Not inside the main complex, but just beyond the outer perimeter."

As they continued walking, the architecture subtly shifted.

The pathways were now lined with dark stone, and the lighting became dimmer.

Brandon glanced at the towering trees that dotted the edges of the path.

Raising his head, he looked at the moon as the cold crisp air gently gusted past his face.

Brandon huffed softly as they rounded a gentle curve in the pathway.

Ahead, the structure of Ravène's quarters came into view.

Her home was an elegant but unassuming structure nestled within the trees.

A narrow wooden bridge stretched over a small reflective pond just before the entrance, its surface rippling gently in the night breeze.

Soft lanterns lined the walkway leading to the front door, casting a warm golden glow.

Brandon slowed his steps slightly looking at the beautiful sight.

"This is... nice, not what I expected, but nice."

Ravène chuckled as she stepped onto the bridge, the wood creaking faintly beneath her weight "What did you expect? A dark, ominous tower with lightning crackling in the background?"

Brandon shook his head helplessly "Maybe not that dramatic. But something more... I don't know. High-tech. Cold. More lab, less home."

She glanced at him over her shoulder, "I spend enough time buried in research labs. The last thing I want is to live in one."

Reaching the front door, she pressed her palm against a small glowing panel embedded into the stone wall.

A soft pulse of energy spread outward, recognizing her signature, and the door unlocked with a quiet click.

Pushing it open, she gestured for him to enter first.

"Go on. Welcome to my home."