章 665: Chapter 146.3 - The Matriarch

Astron's voice broke through the tension, calm yet firm. "For what reason are you suspecting this, Madam Emberheart?" he asked, his gaze steady as he held her eyes. "Could you clarify?" 

The Matriarch's smile widened, her amusement barely veiled as she met his question with a touch of condescension. "Of course, Young Natusalune," she replied smoothly. "You see, at the beginning of the semester, your ranking was… well, how should I put it? 2450 out of 2450 students." 

She leaned forward slightly, her voice carrying a subtle edge. "It was, frankly, a surprise that you were even accepted into the academy with such a standing. Typically, such placements require considerable talent or, at the very least, influential connections." She paused, her eyes narrowing with a feigned look of pity. "Unfortunately, it appears you possess neither."