The Great Knight, Lord Smith

Although Colin had concealed his identity as a pharmacist, he had ultimately begun to shine.

With the flutter of butterfly wings, some things were bound to change. His standing within the academy had risen noticeably, and his reputation in the neighborhood had gradually spread.

Along with that came a significant rise in the Russell family's status. Linda would occasionally receive invitations to private dances, something that would have been impossible in the past.

It was Friday, nearing evening. The weather was being particularly uncooperative today. Rain poured from the sky in bean-sized drops, accompanied by strong gusts of wind.

Colin and Bill left the academy gates beneath umbrellas. Colin carried a black umbrella, while Bill had an exquisite umbrella more suited to a lady. Because of the gusts, the umbrellas were barely any use, and nearly half their clothes had been soaked.

After saying goodbye to each other, Colin returned to the Russell family home alone. When he reached the entrance, his eyes lit up and a delighted expression appeared on his face.

"Smith is back."

Two sturdy horses were tied outside the door. Colin recognized them as the horses Knight Victor and Smith had ridden that night.

The door was open. Colin quickly took off his leather shoes, changed into slippers, and went inside. Sure enough, he found Knight Victor, Smith, and Linda in the living room.

The three sat separately on the sofas. On the coffee table were black tea, sugar cubes, and the small cookies Linda had made. Colin recognized the scent at once. It was the Duke Black Tea he had bought.

"Lord Victor." Colin bowed slightly to Knight Victor in greeting.

"Colin." Knight Victor looked to be in an excellent mood. He smiled and nodded at Colin. Colin's heart stirred, and he immediately looked toward Linda and Smith.

Linda's face was full of joy. Her large eyes had narrowed into slits, nearly disappearing. Smith looked pleased as well, though he was trying to appear composed.

"Colin. The bloodline test results are in. Smith really has a Bronze Bloodline: Berserk Bear. Ordinary grade." Linda was always enthusiastic. Unable to restrain herself, she rose and gave Colin a huge hug, followed by a fiery kiss on the cheek.

"Thank you, Colin. If it weren't for you, I'd still be looking for work." Smith stood as well. After Linda was done, he gave Colin a hug.

"What nonsense are you talking about? You two raised me." Colin punched Smith lightly in the chest with his little fist and smiled.

"Hehe." Smith chuckled, then gave Colin another hard hug.

After the three siblings had shared their joy, Knight Victor stood up. He bowed slightly to them before speaking sincerely. "Members of the Russell family, please entrust Smith to me. I will certainly devote everything I have to training him into a powerful knight."

Colin's heart stirred. This development was unexpected. Smith was already twenty-one. In the eyes of ordinary people, he had long since lost any chance of becoming a supernatural being.

But a Bronze Bloodline was no trivial matter. It did not matter that Smith was a little older. His future was certain to be bright. Back then, Knight Victor had only accepted Smith because of the Gold Coins.

But things were different now. If others learned that Smith possessed a Bronze Bloodline, there would certainly be people willing to sponsor him. Money, beautiful women, and power would follow.

Victor was a Lifetime Knight of the Empire. Such a status carried considerable weight throughout the Empire. He had stepped into the ranks of the distinguished and powerful, and his standing even surpassed that of some nobles with empty titles who were not supernatural beings.

Victor knew he did not have many advantages with which to win Smith over. Therefore, there was only one way: gain the Russell family's approval and make the first move.

Before Colin or Linda could say anything, Smith stood up. He hurriedly gave Knight Victor an even deeper bow and said earnestly, "Teacher, please don't say that. You are my teacher, and you will always be my teacher."

The corners of Colin and Linda's mouths lifted slightly, and they felt proud. Like family found like family. The three Russell siblings all knew how to repay kindness.

Regardless of the process, Victor had been Smith's official knight teacher. Among the traditional Van Gogh Noble, such a relationship was firm, almost equivalent to that between father and son.

A gratified smile appeared on Knight Victor's face.

Then Knight Victor spoke to the three Russell siblings again, his expression serious and solemn. "I am not acting out of selfishness. Please understand. Even a king can be harmed by evil dragons when he is still a prince. Before Smith has grown strong, if word of his bloodline grade spreads, it will bring many unpredictable misfortunes. I hope you can keep this secret until he has matured."

"Rest assured, we promise to keep our mouths shut." As the eldest sister, Linda answered solemnly.

Knight Victor then left, though he allowed Smith to stay home that night to reunite with his siblings.

"Hahaha, this is wonderful! Our little Colin will be a mage in the future, and our Smith will be a great knight in the future. I'm such a lucky sister." Linda laughed wildly, then pulled Colin and Smith into an embrace with one arm around each of them, wearing a foolish grin.

"I'm going to buy dinner and wine. We're celebrating tonight." Colin quickly broke free of his foolish sister's grasp and slammed the door as he left.

"Buy cheap wine." Linda came to her senses and hurriedly called after Colin.

"My money, my decision," Colin answered quickly.

"That bastard." Linda cursed in anger, then could not help laughing herself.

Colin first went to the market on Marquis Kent Street and bought a large plucked chicken, along with some beef for roasting and vegetables for soup. Carrying several large bags home, he stopped at the hotel on Wright Street and bought a bottle of wine produced in Veil exactly like the last one.

Linda looked at the bottle and punched Colin on the head with her little fist. Then she went to busy herself in the kitchen, while Lord Smith and Lord Colin waited in the living room for dinner.

Not long afterward, dinner was ready. Linda lit a white candle, illuminating the dining room. Colin, Smith, and Linda sat down together. On the table were a large roasted chicken, glistening roasted meat that gave off a faint charred aroma, barbecue sauce, and thick vegetable soup.

Naturally, there was also a bottle of red wine produced in Veil. Linda personally opened the wine and filled her brothers' glasses. Then she raised her goblet and said, "Congratulations to our great knight, Lord Smith."

"Congratulations to the great knight, Lord Smith." Colin grinned as he clinked glasses with Linda.

Smith blushed a little at the title, but he still raised his glass to clink it against his siblings' and said, "Thank you."

That night, the three siblings drank the expensive bottle of wine and devoured the roasted chicken and meat. Linda got drunk and did not even wash the dishes. Colin carried her back to her bedroom, leaving Smith to clumsily wash the plates.