It's Time to Show Off My Skills

The next morning, after the three Russell siblings had breakfast, Smith rode the excellent East Anglian warhorse Colin had bought, affixed his Training Greatsword, packed clean clothes, and planned to ride back for training.

Colin stuffed a suspicious wooden box into Smith's hand.

"What's in here?" Smith turned the small wooden box over and over in his hand, looking at Colin suspiciously.

"Supplements," Colin said casually. In reality, it contained the four Basic Strength Potions he had made recently.

Smith was skeptical but didn't look too closely, simply tucking the wooden box into his bag. Finally, after saying goodbye to Colin and Linda, he mounted his horse and headed towards Knight Victor's villa outside the city.

"Go, Colin." Afterward, with Linda cheering him on, Colin slung his schoolbag over his shoulder and headed to school with his Training Greatsword affixed.

Upon arriving at the classroom, Colin saw many classmates who had arrived before him, including Brian and Chal. Thanks to his new backing and the rise in grain prices this year, Brian had regained his former swagger. Surrounded by the sons of wealthy families, he chatted and laughed, radiating confidence.

His relationship with Colin was even more obvious; he had essentially admitted in person that Smith's situation was his doing.

Seeing Colin enter, Brian's face showed a slight sneer. He was certain that Colin would be expelled next year for not being able to pay tuition.

Colin shoved his schoolbag into his desk and put down his Training Greatsword. Bill glanced at Colin and shrugged, saying, "There's less than two months until the wheat harvest in Will City."

"Indeed," Colin replied with a smile, not looking at Brian.

The morning was filled with cultural classes. After class started, Colin was somewhat distracted, propping his elbow on the desk, his palm cupping his chin, and gazing out the window.

Smith's matters were temporarily settled, and it was time to settle things with Brian's family. With less than two months until the wheat harvest outside Will City, Brian's family's day of fortune was not far off.

July 20th.

The sun's scorching heat grew more intense. Colin no longer wore a jacket, only a shirt, but he still broke into a sweat even when just walking. Bill, however, whether going to school or not, always carried a delicate ladies' parasol when he went out.

After school, Colin and Bill parted ways at the academy entrance, and Colin headed home alone. Tied to the front of the Russell family home was an East Anglian warhorse that Colin knew extremely well. It even snorted at him.

A hint of joy appeared on Colin's face; Smith was back. He quickly took off his leather shoes, put on slippers, and walked inside. As expected, he found Smith in the living room, enjoying black tea and cookies.

"Colin," Smith said, putting down his black tea and stepping forward to hug Colin. Colin returned the embrace. After they released each other, Colin looked at Smith in surprise.

"Brother, you've gotten stronger, and you've shaved your beard."

Smith touched the area where he used to have a mustache and said with a smile, "My teacher said that a Knight is not a Financial Officer, and that mustache was too much of a hindrance. So, I shaved it off."

Colin smiled. He examined Smith closely and found that not only had Smith shaved his beard, but he had also grown stronger and his demeanor had changed.

The old Smith, with his mustache, tried to appear mature and like the head of the household. The current Smith, however, was young, vibrant, and full of youthful energy, radiating confidence.

The change in status and strength had brought him self-assurance.

The brothers chatted for a while, and then Smith suddenly said to Colin, "You mentioned supplements last time, and the box contained four Basic Strength Potions. I took them all; three were effective, and one failed. There's a tolerance to these things, and the more you take, the greater the tolerance. I won't say thank you, but be careful not to get into trouble because of these potions."

Smith recalled his reaction when he opened that suspicious wooden box; he was still a bit startled. Four Basic Strength Potions were neatly arranged, equivalent to forty gold coins.

Smith had also come to understand these potions; there was no need for thanks between brothers. However, he mistakenly believed that Colin's basic potions were a gift from that great and generous Magician. He didn't want his younger brother to displease that Magician because of these potions.

Colin, of course, understood the unspoken implication and explained with a smile, "Brother, don't worry, those potions were given to me by my teacher."

"What potions?" At that moment, Linda came out of the kitchen, holding a large platter. The roast chicken on it emitted an unparalleled aroma. The Russell family was having an extra treat today.

"Nothing," Colin immediately shook his head and denied. Smith also chimed in with a nod.

Linda's intuition told her that the brothers had something going on, but she didn't pry.

"Dinner is ready," Linda said to the brothers, placing the large roast chicken on the dining table.

Colin and Smith, the masters of the house, not only did nothing but also took their seats as if it were natural. Linda finally brought out the creamy vegetable soup, untied her apron, and then sat down.

With Smith's return, the dining atmosphere in the Russell household reverted to Linda and Smith chatting, with Colin rarely interjecting.

"I only asked my teacher for one day off; I have to go back tomorrow," Smith said while cutting his steak with a knife.

"Why just one day off??? Isn't the training too rigorous? Will Knight Academy has two days off a week," Linda said with some concern and a hint of complaint.

"I can't help it. I'm already in my twenties. Although my Bloodline gives me an advantage, I have to work twice as hard," Smith said, putting the cut steak into his mouth. He looked satisfied; Linda's steak was to his liking.

Although the steaks made by the chefs at his teacher's place were also acceptable, they lacked a certain flavor.

Smith swallowed his steak and took a sip of the creamy vegetable soup with his spoon. After a moment of hesitation, he said, "Moreover, my teacher didn't hesitate to sell some family assets to buy various potions for me. I have to live up to his cultivation."

Since Smith was tested to have a Bronze Bloodline, the relationship between him and Knight Victor had actually changed. Now, Knight Victor was actively cultivating Smith.

"Mm," Linda nodded in agreement upon hearing this.

Colin, however, felt a stir in his heart and proactively inquired, "I also heard from Bill before that the financial situation of Knight Victor's household isn't very good. Now that he's selling off family assets to cultivate you, isn't the family's economic situation rather dire?"