Ashley's words landed like a heavy blow. Sharp and unrelenting. In an instant, Finley's expression darkened. The crowd around them began to stir, their faces tinged with a mix of curiosity and surprise. But Ashley was not finished. Calm and composed, she continued with a faint smile, "We merely went to Mose City for something important. Yet in your mouth, that turns into something else entirely, doesn't it?" Ashley did not stop, "Tell me, Finley. Are you under the impression that people like us were born to stay within certain lines? That the moment we step outside of what you think is acceptable, no matter the reason, it must mean we're chasing pleasure and neglecting our studies?" Her words, calm but biting, stripped away any semblance of respect for Finley. His smug look froze awkwardly on his face. For a brief moment, he was utterly speechless. He was caught off guard and unsure how to respond. Around them, whispers quickly spread like wildfire. "So... Finley wasn't even sure they went off to have fun? He just assumed?" "Exactly. I thought he saw them out playing somewhere. Turns out he only knew they went to Mose City?" "From what I've heard, Mose City is just a small town. There's an ancient forest on the outskirts. It's wild, untamed, and full of beasts. Who in their right mind would go there for fun?" "Right? I think I've heard of that place too. If you really wanted to enjoy yourself, why would you choose Mose City of all places?" "Mose City? I've never even heard of it being a tourist spot." "Maybe Arthur really did have important business there. Finley jumping to conclusions like that... not really good." Finley's face twisted in frustration as he heard the murmurs around him. Fools! Paupers! Don't they know that many wealthy businessmen love to hunt and explore in such primitive forests? Precisely because it's so untouched, every year, thrill-seekers head there for hunting trips. Of course, most of them only dare linger around the outer perimeter; few would ever venture deep inside. Finley did not know exactly how far Arthur had gone into the forest, but surely, he thought, it was the same as everyone else, just some shallow hunting trip. But to maintain his facade as a 'diligent and kind' person, he could not just blurt out that he knew wealthy circles did such things. That would ruin the image he had so carefully cultivated. Left with no choice, Finley swallowed down his anger. It was a long moment before he managed to force out through gritted teeth, "Then... what business could you possibly have there?" Arthur did not even bother giving him much attention. His tone was light and indifferent. "Where I go, what I do, none of it concerns you. You'd do well to mind your own business." He paused before adding lazily, "If you're really so enthusiastic about caring for others, why not put your money where your mouth is? There are plenty of struggling students in this school. Since you're so wealthy... why not support them a little more?" The words were delivered so casually, but the moment they landed, countless pairs of eyes lit up, turning toward Finley. Most of the students gathered here were from ordinary families. Compared to Finley's wealth, they were worlds apart. If he were willing to spare even a fraction of his riches, it would be life-changing for them. Arthur's words weren't just sharp; they were practically saintly! Finley felt his heart jolt violently under the weight of those expectant stares, so bright, so eager, like wolves eyeing fresh prey. He glared fiercely at Arthur, as though wishing he could tear him apart on the spot. These people, these paupers… Did they expect him to spend his hard-earned wealth on them for nothing? Did I not have my own expenses? I would rather burn his money than give it away like that! His previous acts of charity were calculated. It was designed to win favor and control useful pawns. Just like now, the ones leading the crowd against Arthur were all people he had invested in. The school already had enough people on his side. He no longer needed to waste his money on the irrelevant masses. And now Arthur, standing there with that calm face, was publicly eyeing his wallet, and that was worse than death itself. Leaving the crowd to their restless whispers, Arthur took Ashley's hand and quietly left the scene. By the afternoon, Arthur found himself in the Student Council President's office. Ever since he had taken the position, he had rarely stepped foot here. He did not really want to be that 'Student Council President.' Between his academic pursuits and the countless other things occupying his time, he had almost forgotten he even held the role.