Then came the final verdict.
"Dorian Valen, keeping in mind all the evidences and testimonies, you are found guilty of assaulting Lady Laurel Barriston, in front of this Court."
I was declared guilty, for something I had never done.
I tried to save her, still she accused me of assault.
I am not trying to be some tragic hero here, but still....
Something broke inside me.
After the regression, I couldn't even remember who I was.
But, the things I experienced thereafter felt familiar.
Maybe because this is not my first regression, and some kind of muscle memory might have remained.
The characters were also kind of familiar to me, despite being strangers.
After getting to know about the system, and this web novel story world, I set my goal at being stronger till no one could defeat me.
Yet, there was a part of me which held this story and it's characters to my heart.
It was an unknown affection, I never asked myself, nor did I dislike it.
At one point, I did think of mixing up the plot just for fun, but I never ever thought of harming the characters.
I guess, I was never fit to be a villain.
However, what about now?
This is how I get treated for my willingness to save them?
It doesn't matter anymore, I guess.
The principal, then, discussed something with the other four.
"As per the request of Duke Valen, and consideration of Duke Barriston, the accused, Dorian Valen would be subjected to a reduced punishment of one month suspension from the academy, and being prohibited from all the Academy facilities. He is to formally apologize to Lady Barriston. Also, he is no longer allowed to live in the Academy dormitories, effective from today itself. That's all."
Oh, so, this is a reduced punishment.
And he mentioned Duke Valen's request.
It means Dorian's father, isn't it?
As I was digesting the list of punishments I received, another man from those five spoke up.
"I have something to add, if you will allow Mr. Christopher.", he said bowing to the principal.
"Go ahead, Duke Valen.", he replied.
So, this man was my father.
Well, not mine, but Dorian's.
His look was stern and kind of similar to Dorian's jawline and brown eyes, with dark hair.
But, the way he looked at me was no different from the way others looked at me like a bug.
It didn't bother me though.
"House Valen honors it's name and principles the most. And one of it is to treat our ladies with respect and care."
Then he paused for a second and looked at me in the eyes.
"Dorian has crossed that line, and assaulted a Lady of the House Barriston, no less. It really grieves me to accept that this is my own blood. Mere suspension from the academy wouldn't be enough of a punishment for the crime he did commit."
Then, he stood up and addressed the whole gathering.
"To adhere to our principles and to set an example out of him, I, Robert Valen, hereby excommunicate Dorian Valen, as a member of the Valen Household. From today onwards, he is stripped off his title Valen, and all his ties with the Valen House is severed."
Well, what did I expect?
I guess, it was bound to happen at some point.
The reactions I received were quite mixed though.
The man left to the Principal was probably Duke Barriston, or his subordinate, as he looked really happy about the announcement.
But then, there was the Principal, who seemed pretty much shocked.
I could hear a few gasps and murmurs from the sides too.
I stood there, motionless, as whispers spread like wildfire around me.
Excommunicated. Stripped. Banished.
And yet… I didn't flinch.
I didn't shout, nor did I plead.
I simply looked at them all—one by one.
Laurel with her calm, composed lies.
The Principal with his conflicted gaze.
The nobles seated like gods, casting judgment.
And lastly, the man who called himself my father.
"I was never the villain you thought I was," I said quietly.
Then I turned around and walked out, not once looking back.
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Author's Note:
Please comment down anything you think of the story, as it gives me motivation to write further.
Also, if you have any suggestions, feel free to drop in the comments, I would try to incorporate.
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