I Give Up on the BL Novel’s Male Leads

Of course, the other princes weren’t completely disqualified.

However, compared to Edwin and Rodein, they were lacking in many ways, and in terms of capability, they were far behind the students of the Academy’s Class Q.

As a result, everyone seemed to silently agree with Damon’s words, though they were still curious about why he had brought this up.

“So what are you trying to say?” someone asked Damon.

At the same time, a slight smile appeared on Damon’s face.

The question came at the perfect moment, and he felt satisfied with the timing. It wasn’t planned, but someone had picked up on the unspoken signal and asked the question.

That someone was Young Marquis Bihaten.

Marquisate Bihaten, being the right hand of Duke Candelaria’s family, was a natural ally of Damon, and the two of them got along well. This made it easier for Damon to shape the situation in his favor.

“They’re probably investigating it, but the police aren’t as competent as they seem.”

“So?”

“Look, Class 1 has every elemental type—fire, water, wind, earth. And we’re stronger than most mages working for the royal family.”

The students were now fully engaged, listening intently to Damon and Bihaten’s exchange.

They were curious about what Damon was trying to get at, but at the same time, they felt that Damon would never suggest something that would disappoint their expectations.

“So, what I’m saying is, let’s take matters into our own hands and investigate.”

A sudden silence filled the room. Damon’s suggestion shocked everyone.

“What? Do you seriously think that’s a good idea?”

The suggestion was so surprising that everyone started thinking it over. Damon took this opportunity to gather everyone’s attention again and answered.

“Why wouldn’t it make sense? And… as for psychometry, I’m pretty good at it myself,” he said, winking playfully.

He gave the room a slightly exaggerated look, as if to say, “Trust me on this.”

“But we can’t just waltz into the palace, can we? How do you plan to investigate?”

Illein, who was still reeling from the shock, had hoped for this to work out but felt it was too difficult to achieve. However, she knew she had to speak up about the practical difficulties.

Damon smiled confidently at Illein.

The truth was, his plan was largely motivated by Illein. If she hadn’t been so shocked, Damon probably wouldn’t have bothered to get involved. He would have kept his distance.

That was typical for nobles.

But whatever the reason, Damon was already thinking of a way to solve any obstacles.

“Don’t overthink it. Some of you have passes. Even if you don’t, there would be a way. We can go to the palace under the pretense of visiting Edwin or Prince Rodein. What do you think?”

Damon’s suggestion seemed reasonable. Even if it wasn’t for that reason, it seemed highly possible with the power of Duchy Candelaria.

Perhaps because of this, the students responded positively. As a result, Illein’s expression regained some color.

“Well, that sounds fine.”

“Great, so everyone agrees?”

Damon asked, looking around to confirm the group’s consensus. But then, something happened.

“Wait, how about we make a bet instead?” someone suddenly suggested.

Damon looked over to see who had spoken and frowned slightly. He wanted to retort, but he held back.

It seemed like the person was trying to push themselves forward as a potential future ally, but it was an unnecessary interruption.

Despite his displeasure, Damon forced a smile and asked, “A bet? What kind of bet?”

Young Marquis Bihaten, unaware of Damon’s inner thoughts, responded with a carefree smile, spreading his arms wide.

“How about we split into two teams—yours and mine—and see who can find the culprit first?”

At this, everyone around them perked up. Some even started talking among themselves, considering which side to join.

“What’s the prize for the bet?”

“The winning team gets to ask the losing team for a favor. How about that?”

“Sounds good! Alright, if everyone’s agreed, let’s pick sides and get started!”

Damon concluded and stepped down from the podium.

As he did, he glanced over at Illein with a slight smile.

“You know you’re on my side, right?”

Illein wasn’t particularly interested in such matters. What mattered to her was getting into the palace and seeing Edwin.

That was the only thing on her mind, so she nodded without giving it much thought.

As Illein rode in the carriage, she felt strange. She had always imagined that her first trip to the palace would be for the civil service exam. After all, her family was not prestigious enough to secure a palace pass.

But now, she was actually going to the palace… and, more shockingly, for such an unfortunate reason.

Thinking about Edwin still weighed heavily on her heart. If she was alone in the carriage, she would have broken down in tears by now.

Luckily, Illein wasn’t alone in the carriage.