The Villain’s Aide Has Run Away - Chapter 85.1
Leslun was now in the company of Prince Tarensiu, whom Blue disliked. Not only that, but Lady Miroi and even Cal Byweiner were present in the same place.
Everyone gathered had different statuses and circumstances.
A foreign prince, a noble lady of the empire, the empress’s relative, and Leslun, the crown prince’s aide.
Leslun quietly swallowed a deep sigh.
The weight of the situation was enough to make his body shrink back, but he could not turn away from his duty as group leader.
Biting his lip cautiously, Leslun endured the flood of gazes with calm resolve.
“From now on, we will discuss the topic, ‘Can romantic feelings affect the performance of one’s public duties?’”
Leslun’s voice briefly dipped when stating the topic but soon returned to its usual tone.
The “Ethics and Public Duty Theory” class was a compulsory liberal arts course centered on debates.
At first glance, the topic seemed absurd, but in a hierarchy where everything depended on vertical order, the judgment of those with authority was of utmost importance.
One key question was whether emotions could cloud judgment. This had been chosen as the very first debate topic. Moreover, Dean Kelly himself had selected the topic and passed it down.
It was quite the coincidence.
Thinking back to this morning, when he had spoken with Crown Prince Kailos under the dazzling sunlight, Leslun felt a jolt of unease.
The one who had so quickly noticed his sinking mood, and himself for having pouted at that person…
The embarrassing memory resurfaced and brought a flush to his face.
This was no time for that. Leslun quickly shook off the thought.
This was a preparation session for the debate that would take place during class. He could not afford to be distracted by personal feelings. The people gathered here were not ones he could let his guard down around.
The debate topic was singular: “Is it permissible for personal emotions to take precedence over public judgment?” The groups were paired to argue for and against the proposition.
Even if one supported the same stance as another group, it was more advantageous to present distinct reasoning or focus.
Leslun’s group viewed emotions as a matter of individual freedom.
In particular, romantic feelings were personal exchanges between individuals, something that could not be forcibly suppressed. Therefore, they argued that they could not be unconditionally repressed merely because of one’s public duties.
It was a great relief that the group members were united on this point.
Cal casually shrugged his shoulders and stepped forward.
“There’s not much to think about here. Romantic feelings? What a topic… Anyway, this is something I’m confident about, so I don’t even need to look anything up.”
His eyes gleamed with confidence.
When he spoke to Leslun, his tone was blunt, but when addressing the group, his words became more polite.
“I’ll go and win this cleanly for us.”
He acted as though he were the natural representative of the group.
However, Prince Tarensiu stared at Cal with his characteristic expressionless face, then slowly shook his head.
“That won’t be enough.”
His distinctively low and firm voice rang out.
“Do not dismiss the topic. You must research relevant materials and prepare for rebuttals. Only then will you have a solid defense and be convincing.”
Lady Miroi also gave a slight nod. Her fingertips tapped on the top of the bookshelf. It was the same quiet, contemplative gesture she had displayed when she first met Leslun.
Cal furrowed his brows deeply.
“Gathering supporting materials for this only shows that you’re taking the topic too lightly.”
He spoke sharply, thinking that any research would only dredge up idle chatter heard in the streets.
In the end, everyone turned their heads toward Leslun, the group leader. Cal asked irritably,
“What do you think?”
After organizing his thoughts so that he could express himself clearly, Leslun opened his mouth.
“Everyone’s reasoning is correct.”
“Tch, if you’re just going to agree with everyone, maybe you should give up being group leader.”
Even at Cal’s mocking remark, Leslun did not waver.
“But if we must find something first, it should be irrefutable evidence, a core motive that no one can dispute. Whatever the topic may be.”
The atmosphere shifted in an instant.
Prince Tarensiu’s lips curved slightly, and Lady Miroi sank into thought. Cal, however, was dissatisfied that the initiative had passed to Leslun.
‘Arrogant brat.’
The conversation ended without breaking the tense atmosphere.
After the meeting ended, Leslun was the last to rise from his seat. He thought that he should return to the palace now, but his steps felt heavy.
He was not afraid of facing Kailos again. He did not want to avoid him.
It was just…
‘What if he says no?’
Even just that morning, the man had clearly told him he would show him his heart.
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