His Excellency the Great Knight Smith

Despite Colin concealing his identity as an apothecary, a light eventually shone through.

With the flutter of butterfly wings, some things are bound to change. His standing within the academy significantly improved, and his reputation in the neighborhood gradually spread.

Consequently, the Russell family's status saw a considerable rise. Linda occasionally received invitations to private balls, something that would have been impossible before.

It was Friday, approaching evening.

The weather today was quite uncooperative, with rain falling from the sky in large drops, accompanied by a considerable gust of wind.

Colin and Bill exited the academy gates, holding umbrellas. Colin had a black umbrella, while Bill used a delicate umbrella, more suited for a lady. Due to the strong gusts, the umbrellas offered little protection, and both were already damp.

After bidding each other farewell, Colin headed back to the Russell residence alone. As he approached the entrance, his eyes lit up, and a look of joy spread across his face.

"Smith is back."

Two sturdy horses were tethered at the entrance. Colin recognized them as the horses Knight Victor and Smith had ridden that night.

The gate was open, so Colin quickly took off his leather shoes and put on slippers before walking in. As expected, he found Knight Victor, Smith, and Linda in the living room.

The three were seated on the sofa, with tea, sugar cubes, and cookies made by Linda on the coffee table. Colin recognized the aroma; it was the Duke Black Tea he had bought.

"Lord Victor," Colin said, bowing slightly to Knight Victor.

"Colin," Knight Victor replied, appearing to be in excellent spirits. He nodded at Colin with a smile. Colin's heart stirred, and he then looked at Linda and Smith.

Linda's face was beaming with joy, her large eyes narrowed so much they almost disappeared. Smith wore a happy expression, though he tried to maintain a composed demeanor.

"Colin, the bloodline test results are in! Smith really has the Bronze Bloodline: Berserk Bear. It's of ordinary grade." Linda, ever enthusiastic, couldn't help but stand up and give Colin a big hug, along with a passionate peck on the cheek.

"Thank you, Colin. If it weren't for you, I'd still be looking for a job," Smith also stood up and, after Linda finished, gave Colin a hug.

"What are you talking about? You two raised me," Colin playfully punched Smith's chest with his fist, laughing.

"Heh heh," Smith chuckled, then gave Colin a firm hug.

After the siblings shared their joy, Knight Victor stood up. He bowed slightly to the three siblings before saying sincerely, "Members of the Russell family, please entrust Smith to me. I will do my utmost to cultivate him into a powerful knight."

Colin's heart skipped a beat. This was unexpected. Smith was already twenty-one years old, and in the eyes of ordinary people, he had long lost the possibility of becoming a Transcendent.

However, the Bronze Bloodline was no small matter. Smith's age was not a significant issue. Smith's future was bound to be bright. At the time, Knight Victor had only accepted Smith for the sake of the gold coins.

But the situation was different now. If others knew Smith possessed a Bronze Bloodline, many would be willing to sponsor him, bringing with it money, beautiful women, and power.

Victor was a Lifetime Knight of the empire, a position that carried significant weight throughout the empire. He belonged to the distinguished class, his influence even surpassing that of some nominal noble titles held by non-Transcendent individuals.

Victor knew he didn't have many advantages to secure Smith. Thus, there was only one way: to gain the approval of the Russell family, in other words, to act swiftly.

Without waiting for Colin or Linda to speak, Smith stood up. He quickly bowed even deeper to Knight Victor and said sincerely, "Master, please don't say that. You are my teacher, and you will always be my teacher."

Colin and Linda's lips curved slightly, feeling a sense of pride. Like attracts like; the three Russell siblings were all grateful people.

Regardless of the process, Victor had been Smith's formal knight teacher before. Among the traditional Van Gogh Nobles, this relationship was strong, almost equivalent to that of father and son.

Knight Victor's face showed a look of gratified relief.

Then, Knight Victor spoke seriously and solemnly to the three Russell siblings, "I am not acting out of selfishness; please understand. Even a king, when he was a prince, was vulnerable to the harm of evil dragons. Before he grows, if the level of Smith's bloodline were to spread, it could bring about much unpredictable misfortune. I hope you can keep this a secret until he matures."

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

Following that, Knight Victor departed, though he allowed Smith to spend the night at home with his siblings.

"Hahaha, this is truly wonderful. Our little Colin is a future Magician, and our Smith is a future great knight. I am truly a happy sister," Linda laughed heartily, then hugged Colin and Smith, one in each arm, beaming foolishly.

"I'll go buy dinner and wine. We're celebrating tonight," Colin quickly broke free from his silly sister and walked out, closing the door behind him.

"Buy cheap wine," Linda called out after him, realizing something.

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

"That scoundrel," Linda cursed in annoyance, then couldn't help but laugh herself.

Colin first went to the market on Marquis Kent Street and bought a large, cleaned, and plucked chicken. He also bought some beef for grilling and vegetables for soup. After returning with large bags, he bought a bottle of Veil wine from the hotel on Wright Street, the same kind as last time.

Linda looked at the bottle and playfully hit Colin on the head with her fist. Then, she went to the kitchen to get busy, while the esteemed Smith and the esteemed Colin waited in the living room for dinner.

Soon, dinner was ready. Linda lit a white candle, illuminating the dining room. Colin, Smith, and Linda sat down together. On the table was a large roasted chicken, glistening with oil, emitting a slightly charred aroma, along with barbecue sauce and a hearty vegetable soup.

Of course, a bottle of red wine from Veil was also present. Linda personally opened the wine and poured it for her brothers. Then, Linda raised her wine glass and said, "Congratulations to our great knight, Lord Smith."

"Congratulations to the great knight, Lord Smith," Colin said with a grin, clinking glasses with Linda.

Smith blushed slightly at the title, but he still picked up his wine glass and clinked it with his siblings, saying, "Thank you."

That night, the three siblings drank the expensive wine and devoured the roasted chicken and grilled meat. Linda got drunk and didn't even wash the dishes. Colin carried her to her bedroom, leaving Smith to awkwardly wash the dishes.