Chapter 1 The Corner

In a corner of the bustling and luxurious banquet hall of the Chief Secretary's Palace, Landry watched the two young girls intently.

Ursula, who was usually arrogant and domineering, seemed incredibly fragile at this moment. Even the gentle Elsa appeared stronger than her.

Gazing at her, Landry recalled the first time he met Ursula.

Ursula had even tried to make trouble for him in class, but his skills were too solid, which only made the students trust him even more.

She wasn't so uneasy and jittery like a frightened bird back then.

Not far away, the air around Ryan, the Ninth Military God of Amethyst, had also become much heavier and colder.

"Excuse me, is there something you need from my sister?"

Marquis Ryan asked, staring directly at Landry.

The mere aura of a Military God made the watching dignitaries weak in the knees, subconsciously trying to escape.

It seemed Marquis Ryan was not only dissatisfied with this professor but had also been holding back his annoyance at the nobles who had been watching.

"According to the charter of the Saint Kreither Monastery, the professors of the monastery should offer the Moon God Festival's academic year blessings to the students today, so that they may be protected by the Silver Moon and the Goddess of Healing, and complete their studies safely and healthily in the new year."

Landry, however, was not affected by the Ninth Military God Ryan at all. He finished speaking to his students before turning to Ryan again and bowing to him.

It was the standard Imperial salute of a Viscount to a Marquis.

"Lan..."

Ursula hadn't recovered. She hadn't expected Landry to be so brave, daring to stand in front of the Military God and not be affected by the pressure of an Eighth Order powerhouse.

Most importantly, Landry wasn't just concerned about Elsa, but was truly standing in front of her and offering her a blessing that seemed unattainable.

But seeing her brother Ryan's chilling expression, Ursula nervously tugged at Landry's gray coat, signaling him not to interfere in the Roland family's troubles, lest he and Elsa get involved.

"You and Elsa go over there and have some refreshments, enjoy the Moon God Festival's school celebration. Don't be nervous. I will communicate with your parents about your studies and performance at school."

Landry said to her, while also instructing Elsa to take Ursula away.

Elsa understood and nodded, leading Ursula away to the side.

Ursula had always protected her; now it was her turn to take care of Ursula.

"Alright, Marquis Ryan, if you have any questions about Ursula's situation at the Saint Kreither Monastery, you can ask me, the professor, instead of putting too much pressure on a minor."

Landry said to Ryan, the Ninth Military God of Amethyst.

Actually, Landry had later talked to Elsa and learned about Ursula's family situation.

The Roland family had been the most prominent name in the Seros Empire long before the birth of the Kreither Empire.

The creed of the old Seros Empire seemed to be aimed only at Imperial citizens, but it actually contained the poison of racial discrimination.

They touted the superiority of the Seros Empire's nobility, disparaged the inferiority of other races, upheld the glory of the upper classes, and despised the inferiority of the lower commoners.

All things are not created equal; the law of the jungle is the eternal rule.

After the Kreither Empire, with the Seros Empire as its main body, was established, it was precisely under the guidance of such potential cultural beliefs that the Bloody Day massacre broke out twenty years ago, when enraged citizens indiscriminately burned and killed the nobles who had oppressed them.

The Roland family, Ryan's family, experienced that riot, and their foundation was severely damaged, teetering on the brink of bankruptcy.

Witnessing that horrific Bloody Day undoubtedly left an indelible psychological trauma on the young Ryan. Ursula, who was born later, had not experienced any of this.

The siblings grew up relying on each other. As the eldest son, Ryan shouldered an overly heavy mission. It was only through Ryan's personal ability and desperate efforts that the family was brought back from the dead. This is why Marquis Ryan is now the head of the family. For Ursula, Ryan is both a brother and a father, giving her too much protection and security since she was a child.

Even though she was terrified, inner memories still drove Ursula to face Ryan.

"I have no questions about her being a good-for-nothing. Besides, even if she is useless, this is our Roland family's business, and it's not up to outsiders to point fingers."

Marquis Ryan looked around and spoke grimly.

He had just returned from the front line and hadn't paid much attention to the recently rising professor in the Imperial capital. He had only heard of him.

After hearing the other party claim to be Ursula's teacher, Ryan guessed the gray-robed professor's identity.

But that had nothing to do with him, Ryan Roland. No matter who the other party was, he couldn't tolerate anyone interfering at this time.

"The Saint Kreither Monastery doesn't allow professors to help students?"

Landry asked doubtfully.

"Besides, your eyes are clearly full of contempt. Can this be considered family?"

His words were rarely sharp.

"..."

Ryan's face changed slightly, and all the guests present trembled.

"Ursula!"

He shouted in the direction of Ursula, who was fleeing.

Ursula's body trembled, her footsteps stopped, and she slowly turned her head.

"What? Do you want to marry this man? Or have you been brainwashed by him and regard him as your new brother? It seems that the last bit of loyalty you have for the family and the shamelessness you never had have been exhausted."

Marquis Ryan asked Ursula coldly.

"..."

Ursula's face turned pale instantly, and her trembling lips couldn't utter a word.

She couldn't wait to escape this place of right and wrong.

It seemed that her brother had really changed.

Ursula thought desperately.

Tears welled up uncontrollably and trickled down her cheeks, dripping onto her skirt, forming circles of water stains.

"Ursula..."

Elsa looked at Ursula with concern, wanting to take her away as soon as possible.

When Ursula was sinking into the mire, Landry's voice broke the silence again.

"What mistake has my student made to be treated like this?"

Landry asked Marquis Ryan.

"Viscount Landry Washington, if you continue to pester me here, I will either accuse you in the Imperial Military Court of trying to control the family members of high-ranking military officials, or I will simply initiate a Seros traditional duel against you on the grounds that you insulted a nobleman."

Marquis Ryan didn't make any movements, but his eyes seemed to see an enemy on the battlefield, ready to execute them at any time.

Although the surrounding nobles could see that Ryan probably wouldn't really lower his status to challenge Professor Landry to a duel, if Landry didn't yield and beg for mercy at this time, he might risk his life.

This was like a gamble. Ryan had unlimited chips, while Landry only had limited chips, so Ryan could force Landry into a difficult situation by constantly applying pressure.

"Have you heard of South Continent Pizza Hut? This is the first time I've heard of someone wanting to sue me."

Landry was surprisingly invigorated after hearing Ryan's words.

As for the Seros-style duel, although it might be a matter of life and death, it was essentially a matter of stopping when enough is enough. According to the tradition of the Imperial nobility, if no victory is determined in three minutes, it would end in reconciliation.

Professor Landry's uncompromising attitude surprised the other dignitaries.

They knew that Professor Landry's rank might not be low, but compared to the Empire's Military God, there was a world of difference in the level of life.

Many people actually wanted to see Professor Landry, the mysterious professor of the Saint Kreither Monastery, make a move, but if this ultimate battle were to happen today, it would be too unexpected.

"..."

Secretary Nera, who had come with Landry, also looked sideways.

Landry has always been a person who doesn't like to cause trouble. She saw it the first time they met.

But he really valued his students, and he would not give in even if he had to confront the Military God.

Generally speaking, even to protect students, it would be too reckless to confront dignitaries like Marquis Ryan head-on, which could easily lead to unnecessary trouble.

In the end, Nera discovered that this professor seemed indifferent to the world and had many secrets that were difficult to guess, but the only thing that wasn't fake was his passionate and sincere heart, which was why Nera favored him during this period.

The atmosphere in the banquet hall suddenly became tense.

The nobles couldn't help but whisper, expressing their incomprehension of Landry's behavior.

Ursula's reckless behavior has always made the Roland family lose face. Even they, as outsiders, have never interfered. Landry Washington, a mere fallen nobleman, even if he has achieved something at present, it would be unwise to publicly challenge the authority of the supreme Twelfth Military God Ryan Roland.

"Could it be that Landry also has feelings for Miss Ursula?"

"After all, Landry doesn't care about anything. Maybe this kind of lady with a bad reputation is exactly what he wants."

"He already has so many fiancées. It wouldn't be surprising to have more. Leaving aside Ursula's terrible personality, she is a good choice in terms of appearance and talent."

Malicious rumors spread, and most people present didn't take Ursula seriously.

More and more attention was drawn to them.

The confrontation between Marquis Ryan and Viscount Landry made people gulp.

If these two really broke face here, it might even alarm Duke Dex and Emperor Saint Baldo if the matter got bigger.

"Ryan, don't do this!"

Just as the stalemate was difficult to resolve, an indigo-haired youth squeezed through the crowd, staggered over, and said to Ryan, the Ninth Military God of Amethyst.

"Professor Landry, don't mind this guy. He has always cared about his sister, so he always says things that are insincere. Just leave him to me."

The indigo-haired youth waved to Landry apologetically.

"..."

Landry looked at this uninvited guest.

The man was tall and wore a long cloak that looked like wings. The cloak fluttered gently, shimmering with a light blue and white intertwined, as if it were a fragment peeled off from the clouds in the sky.

The end of his cloak was shaped like an angel's wings. Every breeze made people mistakenly think that he was about to fly. His light steps were almost unaffected by gravity, as free as a feather floating in the wind.

His face was young and full of vigor, and his refreshing indigo short hair sparkled in the light, with strands dancing in the wind.

Secretary Nera next to Landry was very surprised.

It was like she didn't expect to see this person here -

Hyacinthus, the First Military God, the Diamond Seat.

If it weren't for the people who knew him, many Imperial citizens passing by him wouldn't realize that he was now the Kreither Empire's strongest national hero and the head of the Twelve Military Gods.

"Hyacinthus... why are you here?"

Ryan frowned slightly as he looked at Hyacinthus, who had come to stop him.

"Violet asked me to come. You know, I can't not come to the Saint Kreither Monastery for the Moon God Festival to give Violet my blessings. We have been old friends for almost twenty years."

Hyacinthus looked at Ryan and said seriously.

In those clear eyes, it seemed as if the entire sky was reflected, deep and clear, revealing an indescribable firmness and confidence.

He was both dissuading Ryan and telling Ryan that if Ryan still wanted to make things difficult for the professor of the Saint Kreither Monastery and cause internal conflicts in the Empire, then he would definitely stop Ryan.

"..."

Ryan, the Ninth Military God of Amethyst, knew that Hyacinthus's appearance here basically meant the end of this dispute.

"Hyacinthus, why did you become a Military God?"

Ryan pondered for a while, then suddenly asked such a question.

It was as if Ryan was always confused about Hyacinthus's behavior.

"You saw me being scolded by His Majesty Saint Baldo again, right? He also asked me such a question."

Hyacinthus obviously couldn't understand why Ryan would ask him this.

"It's not the first or second time you've been reprimanded for your decisions. You're not decisive at all."

Ryan questioned bluntly.

In his opinion, even letting Julius, the Tenth Military God of Ruby, that reckless man full of ambition, be the commander would be more like a Military God than this guy, Hyacinthus.

"... What? Is this a test from His Majesty Saint Baldo? Oh, or is he looking for an excuse to drive me away!?"

Hyacinthus looked at Ryan in horror, as if he had realized something.

"No."

Ryan's expression therefore changed slightly, and he shook his head.

He felt a bit of a headache chatting with Hyacinthus.

Sometimes he just wanted to satirize Hyacinthus a few words, but Hyacinthus didn't seem to feel attacked at all.

"I'm too lazy to waste my energy on you. To be honest, besides your personality, your strength is still beyond doubt."

Ryan slightly raised his hand, no longer intending to argue with Professor Landry. He would just let it go today, as if they hadn't met.

"Haha, thank you for your praise."

Hyacinthus clapped his hands and smiled, also thanking Ryan for giving him face.

"..."

Looking at Hyacinthus's happy expression of thanks without understanding the deeper meaning, Ryan was silent for a while.

"Forget it, there's no reasoning with you. If I could beat you, I would definitely challenge you like Julius. Unfortunately, I don't have a clear understanding of my own strength like Julius does."

Ryan didn't intend to chat with Hyacinthus any longer. He looked towards the exit of the banquet hall, preparing to leave.

"It's okay. It's my problem. I'm acting too unreliable, haha..."

Seeing the other party's speechless expression, Hyacinthus smiled cheerfully.

Hyacinthus chatted with Ryan for a few more words, then bid him farewell and turned around to signal that Professor Landry and the others were fine.

The blue and white jacket was draped over Hyacinthus's slender figure, and the silver pattern was like flowing water. His pants also had black and white stitching, which was completely different from the other guests present.

"Thank you, Lord Hyacinthus."

Ursula and Elsa quickly bowed and thanked him.

Landry also bowed slightly in thanks.

"Small matter."

The First Military God Hyacinthus looked towards the distant second-floor corridor, where the figure of High Priest Violet was hidden.

"Even if I didn't take action, Violet wouldn't sit idly by. Sigh, just thinking about them arguing makes me afraid."

He explained to everyone.

"Was Principal Violet up there just now?"

Nera asked Hyacinthus.

"Of course, she came with me. If I didn't come forward, she would have come down. She wouldn't let Ryan off easily."

Hyacinthus said with a headache.

"I see."

Nera's gaze followed towards the second floor.

As Principal Violet's secretary, Nera knew very well the friendship between the First Military God Hyacinthus and the Sixth Military God Violet. They had been friends from the same orphanage for many years. No one had expected that they would later become the Empire's heroes and High Priest.

"Enjoy the festival! Forget about the troubles that just happened!"

Hyacinthus waved to them, blessing them as if he didn't want to stay and disturb them any longer.

"Goodbye."

"Thank you for your help today, Mr. Hyacinthus."

"Heh heh~"

Hyacinthus hummed a little tune and left in another direction, disappearing into the crowd.

The surrounding dignitaries gradually dispersed, and people began to move again, no longer confined to one place, or rather, it was no longer polite to stay here since there was nothing to see.

The only thing they didn't expect was that Hyacinthus would be the one to solve the problem in the end. It was a good thing that the First Military God Hyacinthus was here today.

"Lord Hyacinthus is just that kind of person."

Secretary Nera said to Elsa and Ursula, who were still a little dazed. They were probably the first time they had come into contact with the legendary First Military God Hyacinthus.

"But overall, he is an approachable person, but his strength is extremely powerful, so everyone trusts him very much."

She said to the three of them.

"Indeed very strong."

Landry nodded, agreeing.

"Eh, Professor Landry, you can actually sense it?"

Ursula asked Landry curiously.

At this moment, her expression was like sunshine after the rain, and she had returned to her usual carefree self.

Passing through a disaster had unexpectedly made her feel refreshed, or rather, after seeing it with her own eyes, she had figured it out.

Recognize the reality that her brother is being mentally controlled, and no longer dwell on wishful thinking and past memories.

Anyway, Professor Landry will help her.

From this professor, she has once again experienced the long-lost feeling that she could only feel in the past from Marquis Ryan.

"Yes."

Landry replied to Ursula.

He understood what Ursula meant. For him, it was the same. Because the gap between him and Hyacinthus, the First Military God, the Diamond Seat, was too great, he couldn't sense the strength of this person at all.

But the aura he faintly felt from him was probably only comparable to Pope Saint Plante in the Shadow World.

Of course, not referring to the fully strengthened state of Pope Saint Plante.

But apart from Pope Saint Plante, Landry couldn't think of any other beings with a similar feeling.

"You kid, you're not very strong too, are you? Always pretending to be weak."

Ursula narrowed her eyes and sized him up.

From the last time she went to the Brilda Mafia's territory, she saw Professor Landry fighting the Sixth Order Vampire Viscount to a draw like he was throwing a fake match, she guessed that Professor Landry's strength was unknown. This guy was obviously a habitual offender who played with his opponents in underground boxing matches. Maybe only when he was truly in a desperate situation would she see how strong he really was.

Although she had just heard the nobles spreading rumors about her and Professor Landry, she had never cared about her reputation and knew Landry's character and integrity very well, so she didn't care what others said.

"As expected of Brother Landry."

Elsa exclaimed in admiration.

As Ursula said at the moment, her brother was a little too omnipotent.

She often had the illusion that the brother in front of her was an angel who had replaced her brother and come to her side to protect her. There was always a sense of strangeness, but he was also incredibly trustworthy and difficult to doubt his good intentions.

"Don't praise me so much."

Landry quickly denied after hearing the two of them.

"Sorry, I offended your family, Ursula."

But seeing Ursula's attitude, which was as unconcerned as ever, Landry smiled.

It seemed that she had recovered.

"..."

Ursula shook her head, looking at Landry with a complex expression.

"Thank you, Professor Landry."

She said in a light and sincere voice.

"I will make your brother return to his former self."

Landry assured her.

Ursula pursed her lips and lowered her head, naturally understanding what Landry meant.

To others, it might be that he was going to help her repair the relationship between siblings, but in reality, only she and Elsa could understand that Landry might do something very dangerous.

But Ursula had already said thank you once, and she was embarrassed to say it a second time in a row.

"I will also help you protect your sister."

Ursula could only respond like this, holding Elsa's hand back.

"Thank you, Ursula, you are both the most worry-free sisters."

Landry nodded in thanks.

With Ursula, this little bully of the same age, not only was Elsa's safety taken care of, but even Elsa's mood didn't need to be worried about. No one would come to provoke her.

"I'm not your sister..."

Ursula grumbled, as if correcting Landry's statement.

But as she spoke, she was trying hard to suppress her smile.

"But Professor, you really have too many scandals. How many sisters-in-law will there be?"

Ursula changed the subject before Landry noticed her expression and quietly inquired.

Elsa also nodded solemnly, very concerned about this question.

"What the heck?"

Landry asked in astonishment.

Had the scandals that should have collapsed on their own started again?

"It's like this... They said that you don't even let go of your mother-in-law and sister-in-law, and you also want to turn her spouse into a long-haired black beauty and include them in your harem. You don't care about anyone, from grumpy old ladies to young girls just beginning to fall in love, including women who are almost old enough to be your mother, and even married women..."

Elsa also lowered her voice a little, secretly telling her brother.

"Ah?"

Landry was petrified after listening.