The early morning mist still clung to the castle gardens as the three conspirators awoke. Jai (Arthur) rose first, his mind already sharp despite the drama of the previous day. He gently roused Little Arthur, tending to his brother with a care that belied his own youth, washing his face and body before dressing him. Once ready, the two descended to the dining hall.
The atmosphere downstairs was already heavy with unspoken concerns. Zayn, James, and Morisa were already seated, along with the Queen. Jai took his place beside James and Zayn, while Little Arthur settled near Morisa, immediately beginning to eat.
James, unable to contain his anxiety, leaned close to Jai, his voice barely a whisper, a stark contrast to his usual confidence. "Today is one of the most important things we have to do. How could you sleep at all?"
Jai paused, his demeanor one of profound calm, like still water reflecting the sky. "What's with the tension, brother James? Right now, we don't even know if she is a disguise or the real person. We only know she is the one who returned after going missing. We mustn't let this matter burden our minds unnecessarily."
James absorbed this sage counsel, his worry easing slightly. Zayn, ever the keen observer, noticed their low-voiced exchange but remained silent, correctly deducing they were discussing the mysterious teacher, Marlin, and perhaps finalizing their plan.
The Queen, sensing the undercurrents of the table, inquired gently, "Arthur, my dear, what are you two discussing?"
Jai offered a warm, polite smile. "Nothing of consequence, Your Highness. We were merely reflecting on the unfortunate situation that befell the palace recently, and the subsequent commotion."
The Queen sighed, a hint of weariness in her eyes. "Do not dwell on such matters. You are all young; you must enjoy this time to the fullest before your ministerial ceremony. Once you take the Minister's seat, you will have little respite."
"I shall heed your wisdom, Your Highness," Jai replied, his tone earnest. "I intend to enjoy my youth and ensure the King will be proud of my service as Minister."
Then, a sudden, piercing doubt darkened the Queen's gaze. "Arthur," she asked, her voice softening with maternal concern, "where are your parents? Why did you two come to this place alone?"
The question struck James like a thunderbolt, and his face paled with shock and worry. He braced himself to intervene, but Jai's posture remained perfectly composed—calm and steady, like a great mountain.
"Your Highness," Jai began, his voice soft, resonating with controlled sadness, "My parents were noble hunters. When I was eleven, they were taken from us during a beast attack deep in the wilderness. Since that day, I have cared for my brother, Clement, myself. We have no parents now."
"And no relatives?" the Queen pressed.
"No, Your Highness," Jai replied, a single, genuine tear tracing a path down his cheek. "If we had any kin, why would my brother and I have endured the journey to this place entirely alone?"
This tale, delivered with such heartfelt grief, instantly drew sympathy from all at the table. Little Arthur, seeing his 'brother' cry, climbed onto Jai's lap while Morisa nestled into James's, tears welling in her own eyes.
"Big Brother," Little Arthur said, his small voice filled with sincerity, "I also lost my mother and father. Bandits hunted them, but they made sure I escaped. Please don't be sad. I am with you."
Morisa wept silently on James's shoulder. James, witnessing the expertly performed scene and the raw emotion in the room, thought internally: "I have the strongest mother and father, and they did not even seem fully aware of me since my birth. Yet, Arthur's story is so perfectly crafted, so aligned with fate, that even Lord Beatrice and the entire Royal Family believe he is the reincarnation of the Emperor Dominatrix."
The breakfast ended on a somber note, the nourishing food tasting of sorrow. Afterward, Jai, James, and the others departed for the academy, with Zayn following closely.
The sun dipped low, painting the academy halls in hues of deep orange and shadow. As the final class bell rang, Jai, James, and Zayn moved with silent, practiced precision. They ensured that Teacher Marlin could not leave the room.
Tier 8 Elemental Masters—guards formidable enough to command the elements themselves—surrounded the classroom. Marlin, seeing the three young masters and the armed escort, froze in shock. Her expression shifted to confusion.
"What is the meaning of this, Mr. Arthur?" she asked, her voice betraying a hint of unease. "Why are you blocking my way?"
Jai stepped forward, his expression formal. "Teacher Marlin, we have been dispatched by the Principal to ask you a few questions regarding your educational philosophy."
Marlin's confusion deepened. "Why? What reason requires this show of force?"
Jai then recounted a fabricated story: "A parent lodged a complaint with the Principal about your recent instruction. Before the Principal could act, I explained the matter to him, noting that the complaining party was some student, who felt your teaching lacked depth for an advanced environment. Since this is a personal matter of instruction, I convinced the Principal it should be handled personally and discreetly." He made sure to mention that while presenting this lie, he had observed Marlin's face. "She showed no tension, no complication. No hint of a lie was reflected in her composure."
Marlin took a slow, deep breath. "Very well," she agreed, her voice firm. "But why the guards? Have I committed a crime that I am to be questioned like a common criminal?"
Ignoring her protest, Jai gestured for her to be seated. Marlin took a chair at the center table. Jai and Zayn sat opposite her, flanking her like inquisitors. The Tier 8 guards stood directly behind Jai and Zayn, their silent, immense elemental power pressing down on the room. Outside, the Principal and the rest of the security detail maintained a solemn perimeter. The academy was deserted and silent, amplifying the tension within the classroom.
Zayn, taking the lead on the formal examination, began the test.
Zayn: "What are the five classical elements (Wuxing)?"
Marlin: "Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water."
Jai, dissatisfied with the simplicity of the answer, turned to Zayn. "She is no mere student, Zayn. We must ask harder questions—questions that reveal the true Master."
Jai resumed the interrogation.
Jai: "What is Qi (Chi)?"
Marlin: "It is often translated as 'vital energy,' 'life force,' or 'spiritual energy.' It is the fundamental substance of the universe, and its balanced flow is essential for health and life."
Jai: "What is the fundamental difference between the Wuxing (Five Phases) and the Western four elements (Air, Earth, Fire, Water)?"
Marlin: "The Western elements are focused on substance and form. The Wuxing are primarily focused on process, change, and phases of transformation, such as Wood growing into Fire."
Jai and Zayn pressed on, unleashing a barrage of questions covering the Generative and Controlling Cycles, the elemental associations in TCM, and deeper philosophical applications. To every single question, Teacher Marlin provided the correct, expert answer without hesitation or error.
Finally, Jai's expression shifted from guarded suspicion to genuine astonishment. The questioning ceased.
Marlin, sensing the silence of defeat from her interrogators, spoke first, a faint, knowing smile playing on her lips. "Your doubts are now over, are they not, Mr. Arthur? Now, perhaps you could tell me which student lodged this complaint against my teaching."
Jai, slightly humbled, stood up. "We cannot divulge that information, Teacher Marlin. Please let the matter rest. We are genuinely amazed by your knowledge and the depth of your elemental mastery. Thank you for giving us your time."
He then commanded a guard to escort Teacher Marlin safely back to her residence.
As the elemental masters marched out, leaving the three young men alone in the silent classroom, the intended relief of the successful interrogation was replaced by a profound, bewildering confusion.
"What is this, Jai?" James exclaimed, running a hand through his hair. "We were so certain she was the disguised one! We thought we would find a flaw, a single slip! Why did this happen to us?"
Jai, the architect of the plan, stared at the empty chair where Marlin had sat. His calm facade had shattered. "I don't know, James. I truly don't know."
"Their calculated test only served to confirm Marlin's profound mastery, leaving the three young conspirators stranded in a maze of deepening suspicion."