Chapter 388: Someone Needs to Be Taught a Lesson (4)

Chapter 388: Chapter 388: Someone Needs to Be Taught a Lesson (4)

"I’d like to hear what excuses you can possibly have now that things have come to this!" Jasmine Faulkner had absolutely no idea where she had gone wrong.

"First of all, my acceptance letter isn’t forged. I was genuinely accepted into Aethelgard University! As for why I was seen off-campus during freshman military training, besides your wild flights of fancy, Aunt Jasmine, there’s another reason: I finished my training early! Right now, I’m simply on leave. I didn’t come home because the past two weeks of training were utterly exhausting, so I’ve been resting at one of my father’s properties. I wonder, is that explanation satisfactory to you, Aunt Jasmine?"

Seraphina Sterling arched a brow, her bright eyes twinkling with amusement as she gazed at Jasmine Faulkner, who was just waiting for her to make a fool of herself.

"Hmph! I may not have gone to Aethelgard University, but that doesn’t mean I don’t know its regulations! Aethelgard University is world-renowned for two rules: one is its notoriously strict—almost cruel—scheduling, and the other is its incredibly long freshman military training. Most importantly, during this training, no student is allowed to be absent for any reason other than a medical one! Anyone who doesn’t participate is immediately expelled! And under such strict rules, you have the nerve to tell me you finished training *early*? That’s laughably absurd!"

Jasmine Faulkner didn’t believe a single word Seraphina said. "You say you finished training early? By what right? Why is it that everyone else has to train under the scorching sun while you get to hide at home, blasting the AC and sleeping in? Do you take us all for three-year-olds with no ability to think for ourselves? To be fooled by just a few words from you? What a colossal joke!"

Jasmine Faulkner scoffed. "As it happens, we have an Aethelgard University graduate here with us today. So don’t you dare say that I, your aunt, am targeting you. Go on, ask Mr. Hale. In the entire history of Aethelgard University, has a student ever been allowed to finish military training early? If you’re going to lie, at least try to make it a little more believable!"

All eyes focused on Justin Hale. Having been put on the spot by Jasmine Faulkner, Justin had no choice but to stand. He maintained his characteristically gentle smile. "This is a private matter for the Sterling Family, and as an outsider, I shouldn’t intervene. However, since Madam Faulkner has asked me directly, it would be quite rude of me to say nothing at all."

With that, Justin Hale turned to Seraphina Sterling, his gentle smile widening. "Madam Faulkner is correct. In all the years Aethelgard University has existed, no student has ever, in fact, finished military training early."

"Did everyone hear that? I wasn’t lying, was I! Seraphina Sterling is the liar! Even Mr. Hale, an Aethelgard University alumnus, said it! Something like this has never happened before!" Jasmine Faulkner shot Seraphina a disdainful look, her eyes full of scorn. "Next time you decide to spin a lie, make sure to get your facts straight first! It’ll save you the humiliation of being exposed in front of everyone and losing face!"

"Aunt Jasmine, aren’t you jumping to conclusions a little too quickly? Mr. Hale is correct; finishing training early has never before happened in the history of Aethelgard University’s freshman training. However, ’never before’ doesn’t mean ’never ever.’ It didn’t happen in the past because those students never encountered a situation like mine! Times change, society progresses, and every day, things that were once impossible come to pass. It is you, Aunt Jasmine, who is being shortsighted."

Seraphina Sterling took out her phone and handed it to Walter Sterling. "Your granddaughter was capable enough to finish her training early. If you don’t believe me, you can call our drill instructor, our academic advisor, or even the dean of our school."

"Hahaha! Good! Excellent! You truly are my, Walter Sterling’s, granddaughter! So impressive! Able to do what others can’t! There’s no need to call anyone. Whatever you say, Grandpa believes you!" Walter Sterling was overjoyed. This granddaughter of his truly brought him one surprise after another! The Sterling Family finally had a worthy heir!