I Give Up on the BL Novel’s Male Leads

However, Illein thought that there was no concrete evidence linking Edwin to the crime.

Rodein’s statements thus far were entirely personal impressions, and finding any solid evidence to support them was difficult.

Aside from Rodein’s claim of having seen the face of the attacker.

“That’s a bit odd,” Illein said, trying to counter the growing suspicion that Edwin was the culprit.

Illein felt that this situation seemed like a trap set by Rodein to deal with Edwin.

“If there are any discrepancies, we need to address them. Speak up.”

Rodein was clearly irritated as Illein continued to object, but he held back for now. He had refrained from using force as the situation had already become complicated.

For now, it was crucial to convince everyone present that he had a legitimate reason for his actions.

“First, I’d like to know the time of the crime.”

“3 a.m.”

That time was indeed when Edwin and Illein were together.

“And were there any other witnesses to the crime?”

“There were many, but their memories are distorted or they have forgotten. Even psychometrists couldn’t read it. You know what that’s like.”

There had certainly been similar cases before this one.

Furthermore, Illein and Damon were involved in that incident. Consequently, Illein couldn’t easily refute Rodein’s claims.

Damon, one of the involved parties, also looked like he had nothing more to add.

Additionally, the others, still recalling the events of the dance party, found Rodein’s claims plausible.

There’s a saying that if coincidences keep happening, it’s not just coincidence.

Though it was unclear how it had happened, Edwin had already been suspected during the dance party, and he now faced similar accusations. The atmosphere turned against him.

“Well, if everyone has heard enough, let’s quickly arrest my brother.”

“No, wait. There’s something more that’s odd.”

As Illein’s questioning continued, the police officers began to look to Rodein.

Rodein was secretly irritated, but kept his composure and even nodded to encourage Illein to continue.

This was a move meant to align with the sentiments of the central nobility.

“I see that your injuries seem quite severe. Given that, it seems likely only a wind attribute mage could inflict such damage. Can a fire mage attack with this level of strength?”

“You don’t seem to understand what kind of person my brother is. He’s a fire mage with immense power and a vast amount of mana. So, aside from elements that are naturally antagonistic like water, he can handle almost any advanced level magic with ease.”

“…Really? How can that be possible?”

“That’s why he’s a monster.”

Rodein looked at Edwin with undisguised hatred.

Edwin found Rodein’s claims absurd.

“Ultimately, you’re the only witness. How does that prove I’m the culprit?”

Naturally, Edwin’s expression was one of disbelief.

“It’s because of my strong mana that only I remember it.”

“Is that so? Perhaps only your memory was tampered.”

Edwin mocked Rodein with a smirk.

“So you’ll think I’m the culprit.”

“You’re just making up excuses. Then who do you think the culprit is?”

Edwin pointed a finger at Rodein.

“It might be your own fabrication.”

Rodein’s frustration reached a breaking point, and he shouted loudly, unable to contain his anger any longer.

With his sensitivity heightened by his injuries, the persistent irritating situation finally made Rodein lose control of his emotions.

“Brother! You might as well die on the spot. We can deal with the investigation afterward.”

Rodein was about to use his magic when Illein, fearing something terrible would happen if she stayed silent, couldn’t help but shout out.

“In fact, at dawn… I was with him!”

Illein, who had been trying to keep her involvement a secret, had to reveal it.

“Last night, we were practicing lightning magic together… He was with me all night! Prince Edwin is definitely not the culprit!”

Class 1 immediately fell into silence.

Everyone looked at each other, unsure of what to say.

Illein, having made her confession, was internally panicking.

‘This is madness! Madness!’

She had stepped in because it seemed like the situation wouldn’t resolve itself otherwise, but as soon as she spoke up, regret began to overwhelm her.

Illein didn’t even know why she had stepped in.

It just didn’t sit right with her to see Edwin suffering.

It felt as if her own experiences of getting oppressed were overlapping with his situation, making her feel even more compelled to act.

Moreover, there was also a part of her that was driven by fear of the terrible future she had faced in the original story. She worried that Edwin, who got cornered and desperate, might lash out at her.

Of course, once this mess was sorted out, she knew that there would probably be negative consequences for her. But for now, she decided not to think about that.

“It’s true…! I can even take a truth serum!”

Having already committed herself, there was no turning back.

So, despite not usually being this assertive, Illein now spoke even more forcefully, repeating her point with determination.