https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-831-Lan-Qi-s-Unwavering-Dedication-to-Work/12934398/
Chapter 832: Lan Qi Almost Driven Mad by Rumors
Chapter 832: Lan Qi Almost Driven Mad by Rumors
In a bustling corner of the Main Hall, Landry's gaze was fixed on the two girls.
Usually, Ehrula was always arrogant and domineering, but at this moment, she appeared incredibly fragile, and even the gentle Elsa seemed stronger than her.
As Lan Qi stared at her, his mind flashed back to the first time he met Ehrula.
Ehrula had once tried to cause trouble for him in class, but his solid skills had earned the students' respect, leaving her unable to do so.
She had not been this anxious and nervous back then, like a startled bird.
Not far away, the air around Ninth Divine General Crystal Ryan seemed to grow colder and heavier.
"May I ask, Your Excellency, what is the matter with my sister?" Ryan asked, looking directly at Lan Qi.
The mere aura of a Divine General caused the surrounding noble spectators' legs to go weak, and they unconsciously moved away as if fleeing.
It seemed that Marquis Ryan was not only dissatisfied with this professor but also with the noble spectators who had just been enjoying the show.
"According to the charter of Saint Kreithian Monastery, today, the professors should offer the students the Moon Goddess Festival's academic blessings, allowing them to be protected by the Silver Moon and the Goddess of Healing, and complete their studies safely and healthily in the new year."
Viscount Landry, however, was completely unaffected by the presence of the Ninth Divine General Ryan. After finishing his conversation with his student, he turned to Ryan and bowed.
This was the standard Empire's greeting from a viscount to a marquis.
"Lan..."
Ehrula was still dazed, never expecting Landry to be so brave as to stand before a Divine General, unaffected by the pressure of an Eighth-Ranked powerhouse.
More importantly, Landry was not just considering Elsa; he was genuinely standing in front of her, offering her a blessing that seemed out of reach.
But upon seeing Ryan's chilling expression, Ehrula nervously grabbed Landry's gray coat, signaling him not to get involved in the Roland family's troubles, lest he and Elsa get dragged into it.
"You and Elsa go over there to have some snacks and enjoy the Moon Goddess Festival's school celebration. Don't be nervous. I'll communicate with your parents about your studies and performance at school."
Lan Qi said to her, also instructing Elsa to take Ehrula away.
Elsa understood and nodded, leading Ehrula away.
It had always been Ehrula protecting Elsa, and now it was her turn to take care of Ehrula.
"Alright, Marquis Ryan, if you have any questions about Ehrula's situation at Saint Kreithian Monastery, you can ask me, the professor, instead of putting too much pressure on a minor."
Lan Qi spoke to the Ninth Divine General Crystal Ryan.
Later on, Lan Qi did talk to Elsa and learned about Ehrula's family situation.
The Roland family had been one of the most prominent noble families in the Seros Empire long before the Creedentia Empire was established.
The Seros Empire's old-time motto seemed to target only the imperial citizens, but it secretly harbored racial discrimination.
They boasted about the superiority of Seros Empire's nobility, denigrated the inferior roots of other races, exalted the honor of the upper class, and despised the lowliness of the commoners.
All things were not born equal, and the law of the jungle was an eternal, unchanging principle.
After the establishment of the Creedentia Empire, with the Seros Empire as its main body, this latent cultural belief led to the outbreak of the Slaughter Day twenty years ago, where enraged citizens indiscriminately burned and killed the oppressing nobility.
The Roland family, Ryan's family, had experienced that riot, and their business had suffered a severe blow, almost going bankrupt.
Witnessing the terrifying Slaughter Day had undoubtedly left an indelible psychological scar on the young Ryan, while Ehrula, born later, had not experienced any of it.
The siblings grew up relying on each other, and as the eldest, Ryan bore an overly heavy burden. It was only through Ryan's personal abilities and hard work that the family rose from the ashes, which was why Ryan could become the head of the family now. For Ehrula, Ryan was not only her brother but also a father figure, providing her with a sense of protection and security from a young age.
Despite her inner fear, Ehrula's memories compelled her to face Ryan.
"I have no questions about her being useless," Ryan said, looking around. "Even if she's of no use, this is a family matter of the Roland family, and it's none of an outsider's business."
Marquis Ryan surveyed the surroundings and spoke coldly.
He had just returned from the front lines and had not paid much attention to the recent rise of a renowned professor in the capital. He had only heard of him.
Upon hearing that the professor claimed to be Ehrula's teacher, Ryan guessed the gray-clad professor's identity.
But this had nothing to do with Ryan Roland. No matter who the professor was, interrupting at this moment was something he could not tolerate.
"Does Saint Kreithian Monastery not allow professors to help students?"
Lan Qi asked in surprise.
"Moreover, your gaze is filled with disdain. Is this how you treat family?"
His words were unusually sharp.
"..."
Ryan's face changed slightly, and the guests in the hall shivered).
"Ehrula!"
He called out in the direction where Ehrula had fled.
Ehrula's body trembled, her steps halting as she slowly turned back.
"What? Do you want to marry this man? Or have you been brainwashed by him, considering him as your new elder brother? It seems that your last bit of loyalty to the family and your non-existent sense of shame have been completely exhausted."
Marquis Ryan asked Ehrula coldly.
"..."
Ehrula's face turned deathly pale, her trembling lips unable to utter another word.
She wished to escape this place of trouble immediately.
It seemed that her brother had truly changed.
Ehrula thought in despair.
Tears flowed uncontrollably, sliding down her cheeks and staining her skirt with watery marks.
"Ehrula..."
Elsa looked at Ehrula with concern, wishing to take her away quickly.
As Ehrula sank into a quagmire, Landri's voice once again broke the silence.
"What wrong has my student committed to deserve such treatment?"
Lan Qi asked Marquis Ryan.
"Viscount Landry Vassington, if you continue to cause trouble here, I will either file a complaint with the Empire's military court for attempting to control the family of a high-ranking military official, or I will initiate a Seros traditional duel with you for insulting a noble."
Marquis Ryan didn't make any move, but his eyes seemed to have already seen an enemy on the battlefield, ready to execute him at any moment.
Although the surrounding nobles could tell that Marquis Ryan probably wouldn't stoop to initiating a duel with Professor Landry, if Professor Landry didn't back down and beg for mercy at this moment, he might very well be gambling with his life.
It was like a game where Marquis Ryan held infinite chips, while Professor Landry had limited ones. Marquis Ryan could pressure Professor Landry into a difficult situation by continuously applying pressure.
"Have you heard of the Southern Continent Victory House? This is the first time I've heard of someone wanting to sue me."
Upon hearing Marquis Ryan's words, Lan Qi, instead, became more spirited.
As for the Seros-style duel, although it might determine life and death, it was essentially a matter of stopping at the right moment. According to the Empire's noble tradition, if a winner wasn't determined within three minutes, the duel would end in reconciliation.
Professor Landry's unyielding attitude surprised the other nobles.
They knew that Professor Landry's status might not be low, but compared to the Divine Generals of the Empire, he was still far inferior in terms of life essence.
Many people actually wanted to see Professor Landry, the mysterious professor from Saint Kreithian Monastery, take action. However, if this ultimate battle were to take place today, it would be a bit too sudden and unprepared.
"..."
Secretary Nera, who had followed Lan Qi, also looked on in surprise.
Professor Landry had always been a person who avoided trouble, and she had realized this from their first meeting.
However, he did value his students greatly, and even when facing the Divine Generals, he remained unyielding.
Generally speaking, even if it was to protect his students, it would be too reckless and likely to cause unnecessary trouble to confront Marquis Ryan, a powerful noble, head-on.
In the end, Nera discovered that although Professor Landry seemed indifferent to the world, he also had many secrets that were hard to guess. Only his passionate and sincere heart seemed genuine, which was why Nera had favored him during this time.
The atmosphere in the banquet hall instantly became tense.
The nobles couldn't help but whisper, expressing their confusion at Professor Landry's actions.
Ehrula's reckless behavior had always been a disgrace to the Roland family, and even they, as outsiders, had never interfered. Viscount Landry Vassington, a mere declining noble, despite his current achievements, openly challenging the authority of the supreme Twelfth Divine General, Marquis Ryan Roland, in public was an unwise move.
"Could it be that Professor Landry also has feelings for Miss Ehrula?"
"After all, Professor Landry doesn't seem to care about anything, and a noble lady with such a poor reputation might just be his type."
"He already has so many unmarried wives, so one more wouldn't be surprising. Setting aside Ehrula's terrible personality, she is a good choice in terms of both appearance and talent."
Malicious rumors spread, and most of those present didn't think much of Ehrula.
More and more eyes were drawn to them.
The tense confrontation between Marquis Ryan and Viscount Landry caused many to swallow nervously.
If these two were to truly tear each other apart here, it might even attract the attention of Duke Dex and Saint Baldur the Great.
"Ryan, don't do this!"
Just as the stalemate seemed impossible to resolve, a youth with indigo hair pushed through the crowd, stumbling as he ran over and spoke to the Ninth Divine General Crystal Ryan.
"Professor Landry, don't mind this guy. He also cares a lot about his sister, which is why he always says contradictory things. Just leave him to me."
The youth with indigo-blue hair waved apologetically at Professor Landry.
"..."
Lan Qi turned to the uninvited guest.
The man was tall, wearing a long cloak that resembled wings. The cloak fluttered lightly, emitting a faint light woven with pale blue and white, as if it were a fragment torn from the clouds at the edge of the sky.
The end of his cloak resembled angelic wings, and with each gentle breeze, it seemed as if he was about to take flight. His light steps seemed almost unaffected by gravity, as free as feathers drifting with the wind.
And a youthful face full of vitality, with a refreshing indigo short hair shimmering with a faint glow, the strands dancing in the wind.
Secretary Nera, standing next to Lan Qi, was already quite surprised.
As if she hadn't expected to see this person here—
The First Divine General, Diamond Hector, the Twelfth Divine General and leader of the Twelve Divine Generals.
If it weren't for those who knew him, many residents of the Empire might not have realized that he was the strongest guardian hero of the Creedentia Empire.
"Hector... why are you here?"
Ryan looked at Hector with a slight frown, who had stopped in front of him.
"Violet asked me to come. You know, I couldn't miss the Moon Goddess Festival without coming to the Saint Kreithian Monastery to give Violet my blessings. We've been friends for almost twenty years."
Hector looked at Ryan seriously.
In those clear eyes, it was as if the entire sky was reflected, deep and clear, exuding an indescribable determination and confidence.
He was both dissuading Ryan and letting him know that if Ryan intended to cause trouble for the professors at Saint Kreithian Monastery and create internal strife within the Empire, he would definitely stand in Ryan's way.
"..."
Ninth Divine General Crystal Ryan knew that Hector's appearance here meant that this dispute was essentially over.
"Hector, why did you become a Divine General?"
Ryan paused for a moment, then suddenly asked such a question.
Just as Ryan had always been perplexed by Hector's actions.
"You were just scolded by His Majesty Saint Baldur, weren't you? He asked me the same question."
Hector was clearly confused as to why Ryan was questioning him.
"You've been scolded for your decisions more than once, and you're not decisive at all."
Ryan's criticism was straightforward.
In his opinion, even if the Tenth Divine General, Red Beryl Julius, a reckless and ambitious man, were to be the commander, he would be more like a Divine General than someone like Hector.
"What? Is this a test from His Majesty Saint Baldur? Oh, or is he looking for an excuse to get rid of me?"
Hector looked at Ryan with a terrified expression, as if he had realized something.
"No."
Ryan's face twitched slightly, and he shook his head.
He felt a bit of a headache talking to Hector.
Sometimes, even if he wanted to sarcastically criticize Hector, he didn't seem to feel attacked at all.
"I can't be bothered to waste my energy on you. To be honest, aside from your personality, your strength is undeniable."
Ryan slightly raised his hand, no longer intending to argue with Professor Landry, deciding to let it go for today and pretend they hadn't met.
"Haha, thank you for the compliment."
Hector laughed and clapped his hands, also grateful for Ryan's willingness to give him face.
"..."
Seeing that Hector didn't understand the implied meaning and still cheerfully expressed his thanks, Ryan fell silent for a moment.
"Forget it, there's no point talking to you. If I could beat you, I'd definitely challenge you like Julius. Unfortunately, I don't have as clear a grasp of my abilities as Julius does."
Ryan didn't plan to chat with Hector any further and looked towards the exit of the banquet hall, preparing to leave.
"It's fine. It's my problem; I acted too unreliable, haha..."
Seeing the other party's speechless expression, Hector laughed cheerfully.
After chatting with Ryan for a few more moments, Hector bid him farewell and turned back to indicate to Professor Landry and the other two that everything was fine.
A white and blue jacket draped over Hector's tall figure, with silver patterns resembling flowing water, and his pants were also a black and white patchwork design, distinct from the other guests in attendance.
"Thank you, Lord Hector."
Ehrula and Elsa quickly bowed in gratitude.
Lan Qi also gave a slight bow.
"It's a small matter."
The First Divine General, Hector, looked towards the distant second-floor corridor, where the High Priestess Violet's figure was hidden.
"Even if I don't intervene, Violet won't just stand by and watch. Just thinking about how they argue with each other makes me scared."
He explained to everyone.
"Was Principal Violet upstairs just now?"
Nera asked Hector.
"Of course, she came with me. If I didn't show up, she would have come down. She wouldn't let Ryan off easily."
Hector said with a headache.
"So that's how it is."
Nera's gaze followed the direction of the second floor.
As Violet's secretary, Nera was very familiar with the relationship between the First Divine General, Hector, and the Sixth Divine General, Violet. They had been friends since they were in the same orphanage many years ago, and no one could have predicted that they would later become the Empire's hero and the High Priestess.
"Enjoy the festival! Forget about the troubles that just happened!"
Hector waved goodbye to them, not intending to stay and disturb them any longer.
"Goodbye."
"Thank you for your help today, Lord Hector."
"Hmm~"
Hector hummed a little tune and walked away in another direction, disappearing into the crowd.
The surrounding nobility gradually dispersed, and the crowd began to flow again, no longer fixated on a single spot. Or perhaps, staying any longer would be impolite and there wasn't much excitement left to witness.
The only unexpected turn was that Hector, the First Divine General, was the one who resolved the issue. It was fortunate that the First Divine General Hector was present today.
"That's just the kind of person Lord Hector is."
Secretary Nera spoke to Elsa and Ehrula, who were still a bit dazed. This was likely their first encounter with the legendary First Divine General Hector.
"But overall, he's a very approachable person, yet incredibly powerful. That's why everyone trusts him so much."
She explained to the three of them.
"Indeed, he is very strong."
Lan Qi nodded in agreement.
"Huh? Did you sense his strength, Professor Landry?"
Ehrula asked Lan Qi curiously.
At this moment, her expression brightened, like the sun emerging after a rainstorm, returning to her usual carefree self.
Surviving a crisis seemed to have unexpectedly refreshed her, or perhaps witnessing it firsthand had given her a new perspective.
She had come to terms with the reality of her brother's mental control, no longer clinging to wishful fantasies or past memories.
After all, Professor Landry was there to support her.
In this professor, she felt a long-lost sense of security, something she had only experienced with her former guardian, Marquis Ryan.
"Mhm."
Lan Qi nodded in response to Ehrula.
He understood what Ehrula meant, as he too felt the same. Due to the vast gap between him and the First Divine General Hector, he couldn't discern the strength of this person.
However, the aura he faintly sensed from him was perhaps comparable only to the Holy Pope Lant in the Shadow World.
Of course, this wasn't referring to the Holy Pope Lant at his peak.
Aside from the Holy Pope Lant, Lan Qi couldn't think of any other being with a similar aura.
"You, you're probably not as weak as you pretend to be, huh?"
Ehrula narrowed her eyes as she scrutinized Lan Qi.
Ever since their visit to Brillada's Mafia territory, where she witnessed Professor Landry seemingly holding back against a Sixth-Rank Vampire Viscount, Ehrula had suspected the professor's true strength. This guy seemed like a habitual trickster, playing with his opponents, and his actual capabilities might only be revealed when he was truly cornered.
Despite having overheard the rumors and gossip about Professor Landry and herself, Ehrula didn't care about her reputation. She was well aware of Professor Landry's character and integrity, so she paid no mind to what others said.
"As expected of Professor Landry."
Elsa exclaimed in admiration.
As Ehrula had just mentioned, her brother's capabilities were almost too perfect.
She often had the illusion that the brother before her was a replacement, an angel sent to protect her in her brother's stead. There was a sense of unfamiliarity, yet an overwhelming trust that made it difficult to doubt his intentions.
"Please don't flatter me like that."
Lan Qi quickly refuted their words,
"My apologies for any offense caused to your family, Ehrula."
But seeing Ehrula's carefree attitude, as usual, made Lan Qi chuckle.
It seemed she had recovered.
"..."
Ehrula shook her head, her eyes conveying a mix of emotions as she looked at Lan Qi.
"Thank you, Professor Landry."
She said sincerely, her voice light and genuine.
"I will help your brother return to his former self."
Lan Qi assured her.
Ehrula pursed her lips and lowered her head, understanding what Landry meant.
To others, it might sound like he was offering to mend the relationship between the siblings, but only Elsa and Ehrula could grasp the true meaning. Professor Landry might have to undertake something extremely dangerous.
However, having already expressed her gratitude once, Ehrula felt awkward saying it again.
"I'll help you protect your sister as well."
Ehrula could only respond in this manner, squeezing Elsa's hand.
"Thank you, Ehrula. You two are the most worry-free sisters."
Lan Qi nodded in appreciation.
With the presence of Ehrula, a peerless young overlord, not only was Elsa's safety assured, but her emotional well-being was also taken care of. No one would dare to cause her any trouble.
"I'm not your sister..."
Ehrula muttered, as if correcting Lan Qi's statement.
But as she spoke, she struggled to suppress a smile.
"But Professor, you have way too many scandals. How many sisters-in-law will you have?"
Ehrula quickly changed the subject, whispering her inquiry before Lan Qi could notice her expression.
Elsa also nodded solemnly, deeply concerned about this matter.
"What the...?"
Lan Qi was taken aback by the question.
The rumors, which should have been dispelled by now, seemed to have resurfaced.
"It's like this... They say you don't spare even your mother-in-law and sister-in-law. You want to transform even their spouses into black-haired, straight-haired beauties and add them to your harem. You're not picky, from temperamental old ladies to innocent young girls, including women old enough to be your mother, and even married women..."
Elsa also lowered her voice, secretly sharing the gossip with her brother.
"Huh?"
Lan Qi was stunned, his entire body turning to stone.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
