Hearing the familiar voice, Dean Bruce couldn't help but smile.
When his disciple retorted, it felt just like his own response. Moreover, seeing Medro Cep wearing that expression of wanting to explode but having to be mindful of his status was all the more satisfying.
As expected, Nicholas William stepped in, approaching Dean Bruce while mockingly saying, "Lina is the future saintess of the Temple of Wisdom. Do you think her family would know high-level spells? Acting so holier-than-thou while wanting everything for free, tsk tsk!"
"I wonder if the higher-ups of the Nine Provinces Alliance know what kind of person you are. Would they throw you away?"
In Nicholas William's mind, Dean Bruce was like a divine being, and he would never allow anyone to ignore his presence.
If it weren't for Nicholas William's low level and the significant gap between him and Medro Cep, he would have acted without hesitation!
"You..."
Medro Cep's pupils contracted sharply. He was about to respond when he noticed the strange looks from those nearby.
In that moment, his anger could no longer be contained. Ignoring his role as the host responsible for welcoming guests, he coldly stated, "Kid, do you even know what you're saying?"
"I said what I meant, and I will follow through. How could I be like you and slander me? Kneel down and apologize, or else... you won't be leaving my Cep family today!"
As the words fell, Medro Cep gripped the hilt of his sword tightly, his expression icy as he approached Nicholas William.
Nicholas William showed no fear. What a joke! His enigmatic teacher was right beside him, his ancestor was hidden within him, and he had a powerful sister behind him. Although his sister often bullied him, she would definitely be a huge help if he were in danger!
With so many life-saving options, he felt bold enough to shout even at the headquarters of the Nine Provinces Alliance, let alone in the Cep household.
Nicholas William sneered ruthlessly, "So this is how your Cep family treats guests? I'd love to see what you can do if I don't kneel or apologize today!"
"Seeking death!"
With a fierce glint in his eyes, Medro Cep could no longer endure the provocation. He leaped forward, drawing his sword amidst the gasps of the onlookers, charging at Nicholas William.
Dean Bruce would never stand by and watch his disciple get hurt, especially not for standing up for him.
However, before he could act, two deep blue sword auras sliced through the air, striking Medro Cep squarely in the chest at incredible speed.
"Wow!"
Medro Cep felt a tremendous force hit him in the chest, causing him to fly backward, blood spraying from his mouth.
Seeing this, Dean Bruce raised an eyebrow and decided against intervening further.
Nicholas William scoffed inwardly, thinking that even if she weren't there, he still had his master and ancestor to back him up. However, he didn't dare voice those thoughts and simply chuckled awkwardly in agreement.
It must be said that Jennier William still held some affection for the Nine Provinces Alliance. Even though Medro Cep had taken a swing at her brother, and despite the fact that it hadn't caused any real harm, she decided not to pursue the matter further after he backed down.
Medro Cep led Jennier William into the main courtyard amid many curious stares. Nicholas William dashed over to Dean Bruce and boasted, "Teacher, how do you think I did?"
"Ugh! That guy actually dared to ignore you and suck up to your master's family. It's outrageous! Once I'm stronger, if I run into him, I'll teach him a lesson he won't forget!"
Hearing "master" made Lina Jones blush slightly.
Dean Bruce chuckled, "You did very well. During the banquet, you need to observe the atmosphere and play along with me. At that point, I'll show that guy what despair truly means!"
Nicholas William's eyes lit up, and he whispered, "Are you going to make a move, Teacher? Hehe, seeing you in action would be such an honor!"
As Medro Cep escorted Jennier William away, other servants came out to greet the guests, guiding Dean Bruce and his party into a grand hall.
The hall was lavishly decorated, constructed entirely of sparkling minerals. Even at night, it radiated a brilliant light, illuminating the entire room as if it were daylight.
There were ten tables in total, and the first table was already filled with people. Aside from Medro Cep and Jennier William, there were eight unfamiliar faces to Dean Bruce.
Dean Bruce and Lina Jones were seated at the fourth table, alongside Nicholas William and their family.
In fact, he should have sat at a different table, but he was determined to stay with Dean Bruce, leaving the servants with no choice.
Once seated, Lina Jones leaned close to Dean Bruce and whispered, "At the first table, besides Medro Cep and Elder Jennier William, the others are also of elder rank!"
"The first one is Koreya Cep, the current head of the Cep family and the lord of Stanlow City. He is said to be a third-tier Magus-level expert!"
"That muscular man in the red outfit is Spry Baird, the vice president of the Mercenary Guild in the entire Mors Province. He possesses remarkable strength and an artifact, likely a newly minted archmage. Even an average mid-tier archmage might not stand a chance against him."
"And that cute little girl is Claire Raymond, the president of the Magic Guild in Stanlow City. She stepped into the archmage rank years ago and hasn't made a move in the last decade. However, on my way back, the lord warned me to be cautious of her."
"This indicates her strength is no small matter; we must be very careful!"
Being the saintess of the Temple of Wisdom, Lina Jones had been well-trained and could recognize those qualified to sit at the first table, introducing each one to Dean Bruce.
Unbeknownst to her, her act of introducing people seemed like public affection to Medro Cep, making him so furious that his teeth began to chatter. He wished he could take immediate action to teach Dean Bruce a harsh lesson!
The individuals at the first table were either from prestigious families or heads of various guilds, and they were whispering among themselves, seemingly embroiled in some dispute.
In contrast, the atmosphere at the other tables felt much more harmonious, as many factions used this gathering to forge alliances, engaging in lively discussions.
Even Obona Jones was no exception, raising his glass and heading over to mingle with others at the tables!