Professor Moonwhisper leaned forward. "He has a point, Aldric."
Whitehall looked irritated. "Very well. Mr. Celestius, do you have your financial records available?"
Adrian hesitated. Just for a second. "I... didn't bring them. I wasn't aware I was under investigation."
"Because you're not," Whitehall said quickly.
"Then neither should I be," I countered. "Either investigate both of us fairly, or dismiss these politically motivated charges."
The audience was rivoting between us like watching a tennis match.
"Mr. Ravana" Professor Ironforge spoke up, he's one of the Combat instructor and respected. "You claim these charges are retaliation. For what?"
"For competing successfully. For recruiting allies Adrian considered 'his.' For refusing to acknowledge his supremacy." I looked directly at Adrian.
Gasps.
"That's absurd," Adrian said. "I don't... "
