"You—" Amanpio was about to argue with Iris but one look from Professor Dupont and he shut his mouth again.
Jin Liwei's heart filled with warmth hearing his baby girl's words. She defended him! Ah, what a wonderful feeling! However, he hoped that she wouldn't get into too much trouble. So he spoke up.
"Headmaster, it's not Xiulan's fault. This wouldn't have happened if I weren't here. I'm sorry that my presence has caused this much trouble. I'll leave the academy immediately. Just please don't punish Xiulan too harshly."
"No! Don't leave!" Iris protested. "You just arrived."
"Hmph! Go leave. Who needs you here?" Amanpio grumbled, massaging his now throbbing face. It was already swelling.
"Mr. Kileksky, mind your words. Say anything more and I'll take it as a challenge of my authority as the Headmaster!" Professor Dupont scolded, effectively shutting up the inventor for real this time.
Big thanks to BlackReaper501 for your generous support on Ko-fi! I greatly appreciate it.
ko-fi.com/arriacross
...
This academy arc is almost over. Writing this chapter in particular reminded me of one of my past university professors who proudly described us as "elite intelligentsia" which I honestly thought to be such a snobbish remark. So I just had to write this chapter with my take on the "genius" label.
Thanks for reading!
https://discord.com/invite/cSUhBdz