It was as if Gabriel didn't really care about giving the test of the Crown, not caring about his Talent at all. He wasn't entirely wrong either.
Even if Gabriel went through the test of the Crown, his talent couldn't be affected since it was given to him by the Grimoire. No Numen could ever compare to a Grimoire that came into existence because of a proper god and not because of Demigods.
A Numen couldn't affect the Grimoires like that. Similarly, they couldn't mess with the talent and Soul Strength that was provided by the Grimoire.
Let alone controlling his soul for him to tell the truth, the Numens couldn't even touch his soul that was already protected by the Grimoire.
This was one of the lessons that Lira taught him when she talked about how the Grimoire boosted his talent and strengthened his soul. That was also why Gabriel wasn't really scared of going through the Crown of Elisus. Even if he went through it, he knew he was going to come out unscathed.
Still, if he could, he wanted to avoid it. Unfortunately, it seemed unlikely in this situation, especially since all the Teachers had already agreed to the test... All except one... Eliana was yet to agree.
"Eliana, is there a particular reason for you to be hesitating?" Yoan frowned. "Don't tell me it's because these people are the students from your House."
He was already slightly irritated at how much importance the House of Light was given in the Academy. Even as the Dean left, instead of making him, the most senior mage in the Head Council, as the acting Dean; the Dean selected Eliana to act as a Dean in his absence.
It was finally his time to get back at her and bring the House of Light down a notch.
Eliana took a deep breath, glancing at Gabriel. She had made up her mind. Even though she might come out as biassed, she was going to protect Gabriel. Gabriel was a once in a lifetime Prodigy with his talent. Even though she didn't treat him in any special manner before, she knew how special he was. She couldn't let anyone mess with his talent, especially if it was just an accusation. It was too big a risk to take.
She clenched her fist and was just about to respond when someone intervened.
"Wait." Caen stepped forward.
Everyone's attention turned to Caen.
"Are you willing to accept your crimes?" Xinci asked, believing that Caen was taking the opportunity to confess as she had offered before.
"I can't accept any crimes since I didn't commit any! I want to say something else." Caen clenched his fist, taking a deep breath. "I am willing to take the Test of Crown if that's what will prove my innocence. I am willing to prove that we didn't have anything to do with the killings and that we didn't plan it!"
" We are being falsely implicated because Yann doesn't like me. I can't let anyone else suffer because of my equation with Yann and his lies! If someone is losing their talent over a lie, I will take that place since it's because of me. One person is better than three when it comes to this loss!"
Caen's proud figure stood before Gabriel, surprising even him.
Caen didn't know him that well, and even then, he was willing to do this? Even on the streets, Caen came to help them. It could've been because of his hostility with Yann, but it still didn't change the fact that he was willing to stand up for them.
Even now, he was willing to step forward to ensure they didn't have to go through the test over such a baseless lie. His determination surprised Gabriel a bit. He wondered just what kind of person this man was. Was he a righteous idiot? Or was he just a good person with principles?
For a moment, Gabriel felt slightly bad, but then again, he remembered something which strengthened his resolve once again.
Once upon a time, even Maya used to be compassionate and caring. But as soon as she saw his Mark, she didn't hesitate to even kill him.
The kindness of this person... The kindness of all the righteous people in the world was only reserved for people like them! If Caen knew that he was a Dark Mage, he would've stabbed him without even waiting for an explanation... Just like Maya did.
Gabriel clenched his fist, closing his eyes as he remembered this. Whatever Caen did... He couldn't let it sway him from his mission! He couldn't risk his mission.
"I will take the test to prove our innocence and that Yann is lying about how the incidents took place that day. I will prove that we didn't plan to kill anyone," Caen declared. "Since I'm proving that, I want the other two to be free!"
Ever since he was little, he had learned that a Mage of Light must always be righteous. As a Mage of Light, they were supposed to protect the weak and innocent. He couldn't let two innocent people come to harm because of him. It was his way of taking responsibility! Just as his father would've done.
Even though he was scared of risking his talent, he was still willing to stand up for what he believed in.
Eliana noticed the determination of Caen, slightly impressed. Through his words, she had a feeling that he was innocent, and in essence, Gabriel and Zale as well, but she couldn't let her own beliefs cloud her judgment.
In any case, this gave her an opportunity to help Gabriel without looking biased. If Caen was actually innocent, it was going to prove that there was no scheme because of that conflict and that killer as someone else. But until then, these three were the only accused they had.
"Alright. I will accept your suggestion. Only you will go through the test of the Crown. And if you can prove that your side is innocent, you'll all be free. But until then, all three of you will be kept in isolation in your rooms under high security."
Eliana made a declaration without even consulting the other members.
"Huh?"
All the Head Council Members were surprised that she came to a decision without taking their input. Even though most of them would have agreed to it, it was still odd.
Unfortunately, they couldn't object since she was the acting Dean. At least they couldn't talk about this in the presence of the students since the Dean's position was dignified.
The Head Council Members weren't the only ones who were surprised either! If there was anyone who was most surprised here, it was Gabriel who had planned for everything except this.
He hadn't expected to be locked! For what he wanted to do tonight, he needed to be outside and not locked inside his room under strict security! This was a disaster for him.
'Calm down. It's not that bad. The test would probably be in the next few hours. I should be free before evening. The plan should be back on track!'
Despite his headache, he still tried to be optimistic.
As if even destiny was mocking him, Eliana further stated. "The preparation for the test might take the rest of the day, so the Test of Crown will be held tomorrow morning. Until then, you won't be allowed to leave your rooms."
As Gabriel was cursing his luck in response, something big was happening in the Holy City of the Lumen Empire.
A very special person had arrived in the Holy City of the Lumen Empire. Even the guards at the entrance of the holy city respectfully opened the special path for the new guests.
Three carriages entered the City, all belonging to the Holy Church of Water.
