Chapter 597

597.

Later that night, following the arrival of Leo’s relatives at the Gerdinger Grand Estate, a festive gathering took place within the manor. This event diverged from the usual aristocratic galas where numerous high-born guests were invited for entertainment. Instead, attendance was strictly limited to clans allied with the house of Gerdinger. Looking over the gathered crowd, Leo muttered softly under his breath, “This is quite impressive.”

Celia, hearing him, questioned, “What do you mean? With the kingdom thrown into chaos by the uprising, we couldn’t host a massive event. By comparison, this is actually quite understated.”

“Indeed. You occasionally overlook the fact that you are the daughter of a prominent house.”

“You are likewise the young master of that same noble line, are you not? So what exactly are you implying?”

“Simply that your idea of what constitutes ‘understated’ differs greatly from that of ordinary people.”

Celia narrowed her eyes at him. “Are you implying that I am completely detached from reality?”

In response, Leo merely offered a light wave of his hand while looking in her direction.

“Young Master, Young Lady,” a voice called out.

A group of five young adolescents walked up to Leo, with Martina at the front, closely followed by Austin, Valerie, Julian, and Karin. These were first-year students from the Lumern knight academy who served as Leo’s personal knights. Observing the five individuals who had come forward to greet him, Leo spoke, “So, all of you managed to successfully pass the exams and move up to the second year, correct?”

“Yes, we did, and it is entirely thanks to your guidance, Young Master,” Martina responded with a gentle smile.

Leo let out a soft chuckle as he looked back at her. “What did I even do? If anyone truly looked after you as knights of Gerdinger, it was Celia, far more than myself.”

This statement was entirely accurate. Prior to their time as junior academy students, Celia had been the one providing the most attentive guidance to the five, acting both as their senior at the academy and as a direct leader within the Gerdinger forces.

“Lady Celia’s assistance was incredibly profound as well! We are deeply grateful!”

Karin stepped forward, offering a bright, cheerful smile to show her appreciation, prompting Celia to gracefully brush back her hair. “There is no need to express such gratitude. It is merely my natural obligation as a direct bloodline descendant of Gerdinger,” Celia replied, offering a warm expression. “Before you are designated as Leo’s retainers, you are first and foremost knights of Gerdinger. Always keep that in mind. You have spilled blood, sweat, and tears to uphold the honor of Gerdinger, so take immense pride in what you have achieved. While Leo might be the primary guest tonight, this celebration is held in honor of your accomplishments as well.”

Upon hearing those words, Martina rubbed her cheek in a slight fit of embarrassment, flashing a tight smile.

In truth, I only pushed myself that hard because I wanted to survive.

It was undeniably true that Celia had supported them immensely. However, before any of that, it was Leo who had driven all five of them to their absolute breaking points.

Near the conclusion of the second term, just as the arrangements for the Festival of Heroes were reaching their peak, Leo called the five together and questioned them with a grin, “You’ve all been studying intensely at the academy. How have things been going for you recently?”

Hearing his inquiry, Valerie, Julian, and Karin responded with great enthusiasm, “We’ve been doing excellently, all thanks to you, Young Master!”

“Lady Celia and Senior Niel have also taken wonderful care of us!”

“We aren’t certain if this term might be our final one, but we intend to put forth every ounce of our effort!”

While Martina stood out as an exceptional honor student with top-tier marks, and Austin maintained grades above the average line, the remaining three were in a different position. Unlike their peers, Valerie, Julian, and Karin, though not failing, found themselves at a highly unstable threshold for passing into the second year. The advancement examinations at Lumern were notorious for occasionally tripping up even the most talented scholars. Consequently, the three focused entirely on executing their duties flawlessly so they wouldn’t suffer from any lingering regrets.

Leo offered a wide, lingering smile at their comments. “Your final one?”

That particular expression caused a collective shiver to run down the spines of the three students.

“How peculiar. The testing hasn’t even commenced, so what reason could you possibly have to bring up a ‘final’ term?”

“W-well… that is simply because there is a chance we might fail the promotion trials.”

“It isn’t a sign of a fragile mindset or anything of the sort! We just want to give it our all so we have zero regrets afterward! Isn’t that right? Haha!”

“Y-yes, exactly! Young Master! We’ve dedicated ourselves completely, but if things don’t pan out, what can we really do?”

Leo observed the trio as they frantically tried to correct their statements, remarking, “The mere consideration of failure indicates that your mental fortitude is lacking. Besides, isn’t there a common phrase? If something seems impossible, force it to happen.”

Hearing Leo’s words, the faces of the three turned utterly pale.

“Should you fail to move up to the next year, a training regime that makes your preparation for last year’s entrance examinations look like absolute child’s play will be waiting for you.”

“Eeeek?!”

As the three let out terrified shrieks, Martina and Austin offered them glances filled with deep pity.

“This applies to all five of you.”

“Hold on a moment, Young Master! Why are we being included?”

“If those three happen to fail their promotion, does that mean we are forced to undergo that training as well?”

As Martina and Austin pushed for answers in a panic, Leo responded calmly, “Is there not a concept regarding collective responsibility? Since you all belong to the exact same knightly order, it is only proper that you share both your triumphs and your hardships, is it not?”

Hearing this, Martina and Austin immediately clamped their hands down firmly onto the shoulders of the other three.

“Starting from today, don’t even dream of slacking off.”

“We are entering a state of emergency training.”

Seeing the absolute resolve on their faces, Leo smiled. “It is truly wonderful to witness such strong solidarity among comrades.”

You honestly consider this solidarity?!

The five shouted frantically within their minds, though none of them dared to voice it out loud. Reflecting on that memory with a strained expression, Martina cast a subtle glance toward Celia. Meeting Celia’s gaze, which was filled with genuine pride for them, a wave of guilt slowly began to wash over her.

“Lady Celia, Young Master Leo! And our adorable junior comrades!”

At that moment, Niel walked over with a pleasant grin. Observing the Lumern academy group gathered in a single spot, the surrounding apprentice knights and squires who had been invited to the celebration watched them with eyes gleaming with intense jealousy.

Wow, I am so envious.

If only I had the chance to exchange a few words with Young Master Leo just once.

With all of them gathered together like that, it feels far too intimidating to try and walk over.

Among the younger generation of warriors, Leo had already achieved the status of a living legend. Furthermore, the five individuals who had been chosen as Leo’s knights during the previous year were now highly envied figures.

“It truly brings warmth to my heart to see the youth of our order, who represent the ultimate future of our household, engaging in conversation,” an elderly warrior remarked as he walked toward their group.

“Good evening, Sir Eggerson,” Celia greeted the older man respectfully.

Leo looked toward Eggerson and quietly inquired of Martina, “Who exactly is that?”

“That is Eggerson Gerdinger. He serves as an Elder Knight within the Elder Council.”

An Elder Knight—a title bestowed upon warriors granted the esteemed rank of Elder. He possessed crimson eyes, but the strands of brown hair visible amidst his white mane indicated he belonged to a branch line of the family.

Ah, he’s the one who was snapping at me earlier.

This was the very same Elder who had harshly criticized Leo during his prior discussion with Regas.

“Is this indeed our very first time exchanging proper introductions, Leo Flobe?”

“I am Leo Flobe,” Leo responded, taking Eggerson’s proffered hand to return the greeting.

“I really should have been the first to offer my respects to the celebrated nameless hero.”

Celia creased her brow as she watched Eggerson chuckle mockingly. The ‘nameless hero’ was merely one of the countless titles that people used when discussing Leo. Leo was unique in that he was the sole heroic figure whose moniker was absent from the Hero Record. Because of this, the general public referred to him by various different titles, such as the All-Master or The Successor of the Beginning, among others. Leo strongly disliked the vast majority of these titles, finding them incredibly cringe-inducing. Yet, among those terms, “nameless hero” was specifically utilized by those wishing to trivialize Leo’s achievements.

Upon hearing Eggerson’s remark, Martina, Niel, and the rest of the youths displayed visibly irritated expressions. Regardless of their status as retainers to the house of Gerdinger, as students of Lumern, they held a profound, unshakeable admiration for Leo. The leadership Leo displayed as the student council president during the organization of the Festival of Heroes was more than enough to earn their deepest respect as a true savior. Within Lumern, an institution brimming with exceptional geniuses of every variety, Leo was universally acknowledged as the supreme leader of the student body, transcending all class lines. He was, in the most literal sense, the ultimate pride of everyone attending Lumern. Even if the speaker was a senior elder of the house, it was incredibly difficult for them to stomach such an intentional, derogatory insult meant to belittle Leo’s standing.

Noting the sharp look on their faces, Celia prepared to intervene and speak out.

“On the contrary, I ought to have paid my respects to the Elder Council beforehand. Please accept my apologies for the oversight.”

“Ha ha ha! Quite well-mannered as well! It stretches belief that he could be the offspring of that wild girl! I suffered immense worry when she chose to wed that miserable man. Yet to produce a child of this caliber! Truly, the lineage of Gerdinger possesses an absolutely extraordinary power!”

Look at this old man. He just keeps stepping over the line, doesn’t he? Does he think this place belongs to him?

Still harboring immense resentment over Leo’s earlier demeanor, Eggerson persisted in making provocative statements.

Before, he spoke like an unbridled brute. But with so many witnesses present here tonight, he won’t dare speak with such reckless abandon as he did previously.

As an Elder Knight, he already commanded immense sway and authority inside the clan. By comparison, Leo remained an outsider to their internal hierarchy. Had anyone else chosen to speak ill of someone firmly established within the family like himself, they would be committing a severe transgression, but the same rules did not safeguard Leo, who possessed zero leverage within the household structure yet.

Furthermore, youngsters who achieve sudden renown tend to over-inflate the value of their own reputation.

Eggerson smirked internally, thoroughly venting the irritation he had bottled up from their previous encounter. Unfortunately for him, Leo was absolutely not the type of person to stress over his public image. Leo grinned widely, causing Celia’s expression to fill with immediate dread.

What in the world is about to come out of his mouth with a look like that?

“I am truly pleased we had the opportunity to share words like this. Had we missed this chance, we might never have crossed paths at all.”

“What? What exactly do you mean by…”

“Would it not be an immense tragedy if you were to pass on to the afterlife without ever witnessing the true heir of a legendary champion, particularly after being born into the very same era?”

For a brief moment, Eggerson’s expression went entirely blank as he struggled to comprehend the underlying insult, before his face flushed a furious bright red and then transitioned into a deep shade of purple. Celia’s jaw dropped completely at the spectacle.

No matter the circumstances, addressing a clan Elder as if he’s an old man on the verge of death!

Niel and Martina held their breath collectively, nervously swapping glances.

“Furthermore, the house of Gerdinger isn’t actually all that extraordinary.”

“What—what did you just say?”

“I am the one who is extraordinary.”

Eggerson was left utterly speechless, his mouth hanging open. Leo looked directly at him and stated, “Why are you staring like that? Is this your very first time encountering a truly remarkable individual?”

Internally, Leo sighed as he looked at Eggerson with pity.

Compared to Luna, I am being an absolute gentleman.

Oh? Is there a dispute somewhere? Perhaps I should personally deliver you into the earth’s embrace ahead of your natural schedule?

Had Luna been present, she would have stated it bluntly without a shred of subtlety.

“Insolent! Have you absolutely no respect for your elders, you wretched brat!”

“I am quite skilled at confronting my elders, however.”

“Conceited fool! It appears a few insignificant accomplishments have blinded you to reality! You desperately need to understand just how vast the world truly is!”

As Eggerson bellowed in absolute fury, the focus of the entire room shifted toward Leo. Under the collective weight of their stares, Leo responded with absolute composure.

“If standing against Erebus alongside the hero and halting the resurgence of the great disaster is merely an ‘insignificant accomplishment,’ then I must ask what qualifies as a ‘vast’ one? Have you personally faced Erebus in combat to make such a claim?”

“Ugh!”

Realizing with absolute certainty that remaining in this debate would only bring further humiliation upon himself, Eggerson forcefully swallowed his rage and turned on his heel, storming directly out of the ballroom. As whispers broke out among the guests, Celia placed her hands over her face in despair.

“You… regardless of your reasons, you have now turned the entire Elder Council completely against you. They will utilize every resource at their disposal to make things difficult for you.”

“They would have done precisely the same even if I had acted submissively, would they not?” Leo laughed softly.

“What do you intend to do regarding tomorrow’s meeting?”

“My mother advised me to leave everything to her.”

“Your aunt?”

Hearing Leo’s reply, Celia shifted her gaze over to Reina, who was currently flashing a bright smile in their direction.

That makes me feel even more terrified.

The following day, Leo and Reina received a formal summons to the Elder’s Corridor. The explicit purpose of this gathering was to settle the matters regarding the specific territories Leo would receive as his inheritance. Once the proceedings commenced, Reina brought up the exact properties that should have passed to her ownership in the past.

“Do you honestly believe such a demand is rational? How long ago do you think that arrangement was made?” Eggerson argued, his features contorted with disgust. “What exactly has your offspring ever contributed to the house of Gerdinger? Even if his status as a direct bloodline heir is acknowledged, he does not even bear the Gerdinger surname. Furthermore, is he not an incredibly conceited and insolent individual who openly boasts of being superior to the very family itself? How can someone of that nature, direct descendant or not, be granted the exact same privileges as the rest of our direct lineage?”

“Is there a rule stating he cannot be?”

“Most absolutely!”

As Eggerson raised his voice to a shout, the remaining Elders nodded their heads in unanimous agreement. Reina adopted a thoroughly displeased pout as she observed their reaction. Watching her expression shift, Regas offered a strained, nervous smile.

What sort of trouble is she plotting this time?

Even though a long period had passed since they last interacted, he understood his daughter perfectly. Whenever Reina wore that particular look, it meant she was prepared to unleash something completely chaotic and unpredictable. Exuding utter dissatisfaction, Reina glared at the assembled Elders before pushing herself up from her seat.

“Leo, stand up.”

“For what reason?”

“Gather your belongings. We are leaving.”

At Reina’s sudden declaration, Leo rose to his feet with a deeply perplexed expression. The members of the Elder Council were likewise caught completely off guard by her abrupt shift in behavior.

“What is the meaning of this? Where do you think you are going?”

“To Rwalyin.”

Upon hearing that name, the mouths of the Elder Knights within the council dropped open in absolute shock.

“Why on earth would you travel to Rwalyin?!”

“We intend to go there and request that they take him in as a direct heir. A talent of Leo’s caliber would undoubtedly be granted the rank of a direct progenitor within their ranks.”

“W-what absolute nonsense are you speaking!”

The Elder Council instantly devolved into utter chaos at her completely unforeseen, explosive statement.

“Were you not once a proud warrior of Gerdinger? And now you intend to commit treason against your own bloodline just to side with those wretched magic-wielders?!”

“I already severed my ties with Gerdinger a long time ago anyway, did I not?”

“Is Leo Flobe not fundamentally a knight?!”

“What sort of conventional knight is Leo? He is an All-Class champion.”

Reina rested her hands gently upon Leo’s shoulders, flashing an incredibly sweet smile. “The most youthful student council president in history, who has additionally attained the status of a true hero, and an All-Class practitioner inheriting the path of Kyle, the Hero of Beginning—Rwalyin would undoubtedly greet him with open arms, would they not?”

“Do you truly believe they would ever embrace an individual who carries the blood of Gerdinger coursing through their veins?!”

“Oh? Is that how you feel? Leo, what would you think about taking Chelsea as your bride this time around? It appears my original house is incapable of providing anything of value for your future. However, the situation would be entirely different under the backing of Rwalyin.”

Reina’s massive bombshell plunged the entire Elder Council into a state of absolute, unbridled pandemonium. Siding with Rwalyin, of all imaginable factions, was a scenario they could absolutely never permit under any circumstances. Observing the frantic uproar within the Elder Council, Leo leaned in and quietly asked Reina, “Is it truly alright to handle things this way?”

“My dear son, are you familiar with the most fundamental concept of a successful negotiation?”

“Employing threats.”

“Precisely. And whenever you intend to execute a threat, you must do so by targeting the exact scenario your opponent detests above all else.”

“And what happens if they refuse to back down?”

Reina grinned broadly. “From that point onward, it becomes a game of chicken.”

“That feels incredibly reckless.”

“Well, it is not my marriage on the line, is it?”

I completely understand now why people used to refer to her as a witch.

Leo could only let out a silent, weary laugh.