Chapter 22: Judgment
Cordelia sat stiffly in the wooden chair, hands folded in her lap, eyes forward.
The faculty chamber was larger than she expected—walls lined with shelves of old books and scrolls, and tall arched windows that filtered in pale afternoon light. At the long stone table ahead of her sat five professors: three noble-born men she didn’t recognize, and two she did—Professor Trinity, known for her sharp instincts and calm eyes, and Professor Al, whose immaculate white mustache made him instantly recognizable.
Professor Halvern stood beside her.
"As I was saying," he began, before she could even open her mouth, "the student Cordelia Ross accepted a duel voluntarily. However, during said duel, I detected magical irregularities indicating that she used an illegal amplifier."
Trinity raised an eyebrow.
"And that’s justification to drag the girl here by the arm, like a criminal?"
Halvern didn’t flinch. "No. But the use of an amplifier certainly is."
Cordelia said nothing.
Professor Trinity and Professor Al exchanged a glance—brief but weighted.
Al adjusted his glasses, leaning forward slightly.
"You’re absolutely certain of this accusation, Professor Halvern?"