The Virtues of Nobility

The Brown family's territory is located near Will City. This is why the family heir, Lyon Brown, was sent to study at Will Knight Academy, not for its educational resources, of course.

As hereditary knight lords, the Brown family commands many commoner knights, some of whom are quite strong. The reason for attending Will Knight Academy was simply to establish connections, or rather, to build a network centered around Lyon Brown.

So far, Lyon Brown has been doing exceptionally well, becoming a trendsetter and central figure within the academy.

The Brown family not only possesses hereditary small territories but also has vast industrial holdings throughout the Marquis's domain.

The Bayar Restaurant is located on Wright Street, just two hundred meters from the Russell family's residence. It's a high-end establishment that brings in significant income for the Brown family each year.

Around ten-thirty, some guests had already arrived to dine at the restaurant. Mige, the restaurant manager, stood at the entrance, waiting with a composed demeanor.

Shortly after, a carriage that appeared ordinary but was actually made of excellent materials stopped at the restaurant's entrance. The coachman in front dismounted and opened the carriage's side door.

Lyon Brown alighted from the carriage.

"Young Master Lyon," Manager Mige quickly stepped forward to greet him.

"Mm," Lyon responded with a calm, soft hum. Mige immediately led the way, guiding Lyon to the restaurant's most exclusive private room.

Guests dining or waiting to dine around them saw Lyon, and many displayed expressions of surprise. The heir of the Brown family was a notable figure wherever he went.

The private room was decorated with extreme luxury and grandeur. The table was crafted from fine "Tuo'er Tree" wood, a product of Will City, known for its sturdiness, durability, and a faint, pleasant aroma.

Two sets of tableware were laid out on the table, with two chairs beside them. Mige personally pulled out a chair, and Lyon calmly sat down, nodding gently at Mige. Mige, understanding his cue, immediately returned to the restaurant entrance.

A short while later, Colin arrived on foot. He didn't dare to be negligent and hurried to meet him.

The most explosive news in Will City recently was undoubtedly the grain business, and the instigator of this massive upheaval was the teenager standing before him, today's protagonist, Colin Russell.

Facing such a person, how could he dare to be remiss?

"Young Master Colin. Young Master Lyon is already in the private room," Mige greeted him most deferentially.

"Mm," Colin nodded lightly. Mige then led Colin to the exclusive private room where Lyon was, drawing the attention of the dining nobles.

Lyon Brown and Lyon Brown's guest.

Most people didn't recognize Colin Russell, but a small number did. They began whispering, and soon, everyone knew who the newcomer was.

"Classmate Lyon," Colin entered the private room, briefly assessing Lyon before bowing slightly.

"Sit," Lyon watched Colin calmly, merely nodding slightly without standing.

"Heh heh," Colin chuckled at this. Restaurant manager Mige gently pulled out a chair for Colin, and Colin sat down.

Mige bowed slightly to Lyon and turned to leave.

At this moment, there were two books on Lyon's right hand. One had a blue cover titled "The Vengeance of Chris," and the other had a red cover titled "Politician Leon."

Lyon picked up the blue-covered book, gently opened it, and asked casually, "Classmate Colin. Have you read this book?"

"'The Vengeance of Chris,' by Martin Peter. It tells the story of the Chris family being nearly annihilated by another noble family. Three generations later, a powerful knight named Lining Chris emerged to exact revenge on his enemies."

"'Politician Leon,' by Blue Sky. It discusses the art of politics, compromise, and assertiveness."

Colin responded calmly to Lyon's demeanor.

"Indeed. Revenge, compromise, and assertiveness are all noble virtues. Chris is a hero of vengeance, and Politician Leon, who skillfully employs compromise and assertiveness, is also a hero." Lyon nodded gently.

"I understand what you mean," Colin chuckled again.

Lyon smiled softly and clapped his hands.

The private room door opened, and Brian walked in. He was no longer arrogant; his eyes were sunken, bloodshot, and he looked haggard. He kept his head slightly bowed after entering and then, in humiliation, knelt beside Colin, saying, "Classmate Colin, please forgive me."

Brian, with his head bowed, revealed a complex expression. It held humiliation, hatred, and regret. He never imagined things would escalate to this point.

The once unremarkable and impoverished young noble had, in a short period, unleashed such powerful energy, not only achieving a qualitative leap in his own strength but also accumulating a relatively extensive network. This had led to a catastrophic disaster for a family with deep roots in Will City.

If only he had known, why provoke him? He never bothered me. Brian was filled with regret.

Amidst his regret, humiliation and hatred filled his heart. "I will reclaim the humiliation I suffered today sooner or later."

As for the matter of compromise between the two families, Brian wasn't worried. With Lyon Brown himself mediating, could Colin Russell really refuse to back down? Wouldn't that be suicidal?

Although the family was severely wounded this time, the problems were not insurmountable.

Colin, however, understood his classmate well. Although he couldn't see Brian's expression, he could guess a few things. He ignored Brian's plea and looked up at Lyon, saying, "As an excellent noble, one cannot lack the courage to seek revenge. One must also recognize the situation and make decisions between assertiveness and compromise. However."

Colin stood up, under Brian's disbelieving gaze and Lyon's calm observation. Colin tightened his black jacket and said, "I once said I would leave Brian with nothing and drive him out of Will City. Sticking to one's original intention is even more commendable. Isn't it?"

Colin smiled gently and looked down at Brian, saying, "Goodbye, Classmate Brian."

Then, Colin turned and walked out without any hesitation.

Brian, as if having an epileptic fit, convulsed and trembled uncontrollably, collapsing onto the floor. He looked at Lyon with pleading eyes.

Lyon frowned slightly, calmly picked up the two books, and stood up, saying, "Goodbye, Classmate Brian."

Then, Lyon also walked out of the private room.

"Why, why did he dare to refuse Lyon Brown's mediation? What kind of backing does he have to be so defiant? That bastard." Hysterical rage and overwhelming fear engulfed Brian, causing his body to tremble for a long time.

He knew he was finished.