She is not an investigator.

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"You could go to jail or even be executed for this."

“What a joke. Those people can’t catch me. You’ve always known that, Nolan. You’re a good witch. You know I won’t do anything, but I need to know the truth.”

silence.

She hesitated; she really hesitated.

She knew everything, knew what the people living there had gone through.

But why did she say it?

Could she even bring herself to say it?

"You two..."

But just then, Sharti, who had been curled up in the bathtub blowing bubbles, finally couldn't hold back any longer.

"If you have something important to say, go outside and talk to me! Can't you see I'm taking a shower?!"

"…ah."

"Pfft, you don't think I'd enjoy seeing your childish body, do you? You don't even look as mature as Igris."

"Huh?! No, Igris?! You've seen her before?!"

"Nolan, let's go outside and talk."

"Hey! Come back! Answer me!"

…………

In the living room, Isabella sat down on the sofa without any hesitation, holding the tea Nolan had brewed for her, and repeated herself earnestly.

“Nolan, you know, when I ask you a question, I have to get an answer, no matter what.”

“I can answer you, Isabella! But before that, you must tell me why you care about this, and from whom you got this information.”

This matter is far too complex, and as one of the leaders of the witch forces, Nolan certainly has the right to know all of this.

But she has no right to reveal this to anyone. If it is exposed, the witch may be dragged into the storm again, and unimaginable disasters may occur.

She couldn't just stand by and watch it all happen. Although she believed Isabella wouldn't do it, she had to be sure if the others had ulterior motives.

For example, the person who told her all of this.

Is this important?

“This is important, Isabella, for you, for me, for Somerset, and for all witches.”

Isabella looked at her serious expression, pursed her lips somewhat awkwardly, and said in a low voice.

"...Igris told me, do you know her? She's the one who helped your daughter..."

"Igris?!"

"..."

Nolan's reaction was much stronger than she had imagined.

However, it seems they already knew each other.

“…Go on.”

Nolan adjusted his posture and coughed lightly, feigning nonchalance.

Isabella gave her a suspicious look and continued.

“Igris went to Frostville, and they encountered many dangers, but in the end, she returned, though very weak, but for some special reason, she appeared at my door with this news… The young lady of Somerset, and her new companions, are all in danger.”

“Igris…”

"That's how it is. I've told you everything. Now you can answer my questions."

"..."

Nolan never imagined that all of this would be related to Igris.

Now, another problem arises.

Igris's background is too shallow.

She was not the young lady of the Somerset family, she was not a witch, and she was not a border guard.

So she appeared there and returned here, bringing news of Frostville back to Byanca, which would not be allowed.

They will not allow such a restless being to continue living; they will crush this secret completely before she spreads it all.

No one could protect her, no one could shelter her; she was an ordinary citizen, all alone in this situation.

So when all the information was revealed, and when the young lady of the Somerset family really appeared in Frostville, the first thing those people did was not to think about how to rescue her.

Rather, it was about who brought back the news.

Who came back from there?

"...If I tell this news to the military, or even to the police, do you know what will happen?"

Isabella shook her head.

“They will likely find out all of Igris’s movements, current address, and activity range immediately, and then take her into custody or… kill her on the spot as quickly as possible.”

"...?"

“This matter must not be passed on. The road to Frostville is blocked, so no one can get there, and no one can come back from there. Igris just… had a dream, understand?”

"You want her to give up, you want me to give up, and just pretend this never happened?"

"This is the only thing I can do, and it's the only thing you can do. I can't protect your safety. Everyone there should be court-martialed."

“I don’t need your protection, Nolan. This is what she has to do. This is Igris…”

"Enough! You don't need my protection, but what about her? Would you hide like a rat for her sake? Let's pretend this never happened. You know nothing, and I know nothing..."

Isabella sighed, put down her tea, and stood up from the sofa.

"Nolan, as expected, you've gotten old. You're starting to act like your age... old-fashioned, stubborn, and cowardly."

“Isabella, you are not worthy to speak to me… I am the vice-principal of the Witch Academy, and I must be responsible for all witches. Everything I do represents the position of the witch community. I cannot allow all witches to be put in danger for the sake of a few of you!”

"..."

Isabella fell silent. Perhaps this was the difference between her and Nolan. She wasn't a leader, nor did she have as many people to worry about. As a wanted criminal, she was always free enough.

Nolan is clearly not one of them.

Therefore, she had to understand.

"...That's settled then, Vice Dean. That's all for today, but thank you for telling me all this."

Isabella pulled her mask back up and took a deep breath.

"Uh... Also, I was a bit harsh just now, please don't take it too seriously. Actually, you're not old at all, and I can understand everything you've done... You're different from us. As a leader, you've been very successful. So, if you have the chance in the future, I hope you can visit me from time to time and help me sweep my grave."

Isabella?

“You can’t help her, I understand. I did forget that, I forgot that you can’t represent yourself. But I can… So, I will accompany her to do what she wants to do. As for the specifics, I will figure out a way.”

"..."

"That's it, bye."

Isabella disappeared from the living room, leaving behind only the still-warm cup of tea.

"idiot…"

The Gods' Fools - Beyond the World: Chapter Fifty-Three, The Right to Choose Is Always the Right of the Few

Nolan rubbed his face, trying to steady his breathing and reflecting on his situation.

She couldn't help; she was the vice-principal of the witch academy, and she was responsible for all her actions towards the witches. She couldn't…

"Mother."

“…Sharty”.

The little witch slowly approached Nolan and gently sat down beside her.

"Don't pay attention to what that guy says. She's not you, and she can't think from your perspective. So everything she says is just empty talk. You've done a great job. You've made me and everyone else proud."

"..."

Nolan opened his mouth, but in the end he only sighed silently, revealing a smile that was both bitter and gratified.

“Shaltie…you’ve grown up. You can understand me and even comfort me. I’m really happy…maybe she’s right. I’m getting old and can’t handle many things perfectly. But you’re different, Shaltie. You’re still young, and you can do even better.”

“Mom, let’s not think about those problems now, let’s just get some rest, okay? I have class tomorrow, and you have your work tomorrow too. Our lives shouldn’t be so easily disrupted by her words.”

“…Alright, alright, Shartiy, you’re right, you’re right…”

Their conversation ended there, and with a final hug, they returned to their respective rooms.

The lights are off; it's time to rest.

But Nolan couldn't sleep.

She... had been thinking about a question.

Isabella truly didn't understand her, neither about her status nor anything else.

But it must be mentioned that she was right about one thing.

She can never represent herself.

She always... has many excuses, and many things she has to consider.

She has a family, responsibilities, a lovely daughter, and witches she must protect.

So she can't take risks, and she must... be timid and fearful like those old-fashioned, conservative folks.

Can…