The discussion went on for a while longer discussing other less important issues. Rina had to wake up Celestina who had fallen asleep on her desk leaving drool on the table which she quickly disappeared as soon as she noticed it.
Chamberlain crossed his legs and commented on the briefings.
“It seems that you are convinced that VHEPO is responsible but without any hard proof and with only the poorly copied memories of an unreliable AI… This doesn’t really prove anything. AI manipulated tampered data is not accepted in UK courts. I was the one to pass that into law when I was in the opposition so if it came out that I used such evidence, well that wouldn’t fly would it? Even I can’t get a former Prime Minister out of the picture in secret, certainly not him. All the other organisations have motives and backers too so a motive is not enough.”
Since when did he care about the law? But he was right, going against any of these Non-Governmental Groups was difficult even for the government, and if we were to attack them we would need some better ammunition to do so.
“I have been careful not to upset the balance of power between the state and non-governmental groups, not in the open at least, and I will keep it that way, unless you can find some definite proof that can withstand public scrutiny.”
Basically, if Chamberlain wanted to take out these groups, then he would need to do so publicly, because they were too big and powerful to be silenced like those players had been. This means that it would have to be a publicity stunt.
“This concludes the 44th Roundtable Meeting of the Castle Academy Student Council.” Announced Rina. Just as she finished uttering those words the lights turned back on and the wide panes of the windows became transparent again.
I breathed a sigh of relief as I guided Helen and Chamberlain out of the room thinking that this was over, but at the last moment Chamberlain turned around.
“Just one more thing Mr Raynar. I cannot overlook the security failings during the first stage so far and so for the second stage, the school trip, the Black Watch will be deployed to protect the integrity of this project. I am sure you can understand with unforeseen entities like the lady of the lake I can’t let my guard down.”
His words sounded reassuring but if I read between the lines, this meant that the Black guard would be watching me too. I gritted my teeth and nodded.
“Good.”
They didn’t bother to take the carriage as they had already seen the city on their way here. Instead, as soon they closed the door behind them, they were gone.
Honestly, I don’t think this was a good show on my side, but am I going to be grateful to Chamberlain or God for not being killed? Of course not.
“I have been meaning to ask from you father.” Lain came to my side, unexpectedly, as I was clearly going to lecture her for an hour at least. “But that Lady in the Lake could see you, right? And she seemed interested in you? Is this a secret woman in father’s past? I couldn’t see any details about her in the data about you though.”
“Who, who is she!?” Celestina, who had been silent until grabbed my arm, now demanded to know. “I don’t care if it’s just someone from the past but… no there’s no way!” Celestina started bawling.
Actually what was my connection between the Saintess and me? Just a contract.
“Rina, go and grab Lain for me.”
“As you wish, master.”
Rina bowed more than usual and even if her expression and motion was neutral as usual, was she mocking me? I can never tell what or if anything goes through her mind. I wondered this as I watched her back turn and all the surveillance painting-like screens with her expressionless face suddenly pop into existence on all the walls of the rooms and corridors in the Academy, in order to catch Lain.
