New Life, New Task: I'll Be A Mom Then!!!

Eli smiled faintly, hiding the cunningness of her expression.

The jury and the rest of the contestants looked at her as if waiting for her to mess up.

But Randel, the doctor, Dean Athena, and the rest of the organizers were shaking their heads sympathetically towards the gloating ones, for they knew that Eli would win the case.

"Alright since you said so then I will prove it to you right here, right now!" Eli raised her voice so that everyone could hear.

"The reason why I am saying that this matter was a malicious attack towards our institute was because of the fact that Arid Spider Venom has been banned in Seirende for a few months now! That implies that bringing the Arid Spider and any part of it inside the Empire is a crime!

Every citizen in Prasinos knew that, including the allied kingdoms. Though it would be normal if you do not know about it. However, I shall make this clear now, no one in the Seirende Empire and their allied forces would knowingly bring any trace of Arid Spiders inside our borders."

"So what?! That doesn't prove that this was not a self-inflicted attack to delay the competition!" The jury retaliated.

"No mister jury, you are mistaken. Please refrain from talking carelessly before you hear my explanation." Eli glared at the man coldly.

She was suspicious as to why the jury was so adamant to dismiss the matter into nothing. His attitude, moreover, is getting on her nerves, so much that she was about to lose her patience.

The Chairman seemed to have noticed that Eli was on the verge of explosion, so he cast the noisy jury a warning glance before asking Eli to continue.

"Arid Venom was banned in the Empire because it was proven that the curse users used this ingredient as the main carrier of the purple smoke bomb - one of the artifacts that caused the deaths of countless knights and soldiers who fought for the peace of the Empire during the recent Imperial War."

Eli then looked into the opposing crowd and asked in a dangerously low voice, "Now…"

"Can someone give me a logical explanation why would anyone in Seirende Empire dare to bring such a thing that has brought tragedy to their own men?

Even so, use it for such a petty reason as delaying a tournament finals? What benefit would it bring to our empire?"

…

Everyone was silent.

But Eli's words had already completed the story. It was clearly an enemy of the Seirende Empire who brought the venom inside and used it on Desmond.

Besides, Eli's last statement was right. Using the venom delay the competition does not bring any worthy benefit to the Farauld Institute nor the Seirende Empire. For this venom had already caused many deaths on this very land.

Watching in the crowd a number of people became displeased, however, they tried to hide their discomfort immediately.

But it seems like Eli had already won the case and that whatever result they wanted could never be achieved today.

"Now, Chairman, what would be your decision?" Eli looked at the chairman with a cold expression.

Her intimidating aura exuded once more making the rest of the jury unable to help the Chairman get out of the matter smoothly.

The chairman also understood the situation well. While he did not see the problem of delaying the finals, it was troublesome to arrange. Besides, he will be held accountable for the lost resources due to the delay.

However, if he still refuses, the Empire will surely make a move and will take matters seriously.

They have already witnessed how far the Emperor of Seirende goes to protect the Empire from outsiders. They do not wish to go through that inconvenience again.

He cursed the perpetrator, whoever he was, and the jury who fanned the flames for pushing him into such a sticky situation.

How would they know that some venom was greatly prohibited by the Empire over such a long time?!

And so with a heavy sigh, he answered,

"Just as Lady Eli has explained, this matter is no longer something that I nor the jury can dismiss. The matter of bringing such banned material will also bring harm to the rest of the candidates…"

"I will bring this matter up to the council and inform you of our decision. But in the meantime, let the jury handle the crowd and everyone." The Chairman announced.

With that, he gathered all his members and the organizers, while Eli went with Desmond to be treated.

She no longer cared about the exasperated expressions of their competitors as she only focused on looking after her protege.

After sending Desmond to the clinic, she immediately informed Leon of the matter.

Leon rushed into the tournament site in his worry and immediately found Eli standing blankly outside the corridor.

Eli felt someone approaching and glanced at Leon stiffly.

Now that everything was over, she started to regain some clarity in her actions and contemplated how she handled the matter.

Only then did she realize that this may cause a significant delay in the proceedings when what the Empire needed the most was time.

"I'm sorry, I caused the tournament's delay when we even agreed with the Emperor to ensure that we will be doing our best to have the tournament finish on time,"

Eli told Leon guiltily. Her body was shaking from helplessness.

Leon gently pulled Eli into his embrace and answered with a comforting voice.

"You've done the right thing, my love. The existence of the venom inside the Empire is just as threatening as the coming of the Pope.

That also meant that the enemies had already found their way to sneak in the materials they needed to cause chaos.

They started to find a way to sneak in some of their men as Baobao detected earlier during the tournament ceremony.

Now they have found a way to sneak banned materials even when they have already gone through a thorough search upon entering the Empire's borders…

And so you do not have to feel guilty about this… In fact, you have helped us yet again uncover something hidden in the dark."

Eli closed her eyes and rested on Leon's chest. She hummed in acknowledgment and took her time to also regain her composure.

"As for the tournament matters, I have already immediately informed Father Emperor and the Grandmasters. They will talk with the council about it… so just think about resting for now."

"But Desmond…" Eli replied worriedly.

"Mentor… Your Highness Third Prince." Coincidentally, Desmond and Raya had already left the clinic.

They managed to hear the last part of the conversation.

"Pardon us for eavesdropping… but mentor, His Highness is right. You do not have to worry about us. I have Raya and the rest to look after me…" Desmond said with understanding.

All of the students knew that Eli could barely handle the responsibility she had with the Anti Curse Committee and the Institute. So they knew that Eli needed rest the most.

"Also, thank you mentor for standing up for me. I really thought that I would lose the chance to perform in the finals." The young pianist added.

"It's my duty as your mentor. Besides, you deserve to have that fair chance. As long as I can think of a way, I will help you protect that chance!" Eli replied with conviction.

After bidding their farewell, Leon took Eli back home.

"Mommi!!! Daddi!!!" Seeing his parents, Little Han squealed happily and immediately hugged Leon's thighs.

"My baby! Did you have fun today?" Eli's exhaustion seemed to have been washed away at the sight of Little Han's happy face.

Every minute of seeing Little Han smile made her and Leon think that all their hard work was worth it.

"Uncle Bleezzz, Baobao play!!" Little Han animatedly tried to tell the couple what happened during his stay today.

During this time he seemed to have been fascinated by Blaze's presence and often insisted that he come and visit the cottage when he was free.

It looked comical when one little bun with red blood hair and a big valiant man with fiery orange hair sat on the plushie playground and played with toys.

However, no one from the Crimson Blades dared to let out a chuckle upon this sight.

"I'm glad you've had another great day. Soon, if mommy and daddy have time. We will also play with you, my little love!" Eli kissed Little Han's puffy cheeks to which the little one squinted in delight.

In his mom and dad's hug, Little Han nestled in satisfaction, "Aye! Mommi… Daddi!"

Soon the typical family bonding time has come to an end.

Leon and Eli ensured that Little Han was asleep before going back to the study and discussing the matter that happened in the morning.

"Leon, I think it's time for me to open the book… as the elder Leprechaun said…" Eli immediately went down to business as soon as they entered the office.