The Brown family's territory lay near Will City. That was why the family's heir, Lyon Brown, had been sent to study at Will Knight Academy. Naturally, it was not because of Will Knight Academy's educational resources.
As a Hereditary Knight lord, the Brown family had many Commoner Knights under its command, including quite a few powerful ones. Lyon had come to Will Knight Academy merely to build his own connections—or rather, to form a network centered around Lyon Brown.
So far, Lyon Brown had done extremely well. He was a trendsetter and a central figure within the academy.
Not only did the Brown family possess a small hereditary territory, but it also owned vast holdings throughout the marquisate.
Baya Restaurant stood on Wright Street, only two hundred meters from the Russell family residence. It was an upscale restaurant that brought the Brown family considerable income every year.
At around ten thirty, some guests had already arrived to dine. The restaurant manager, Mige, stood at the entrance, waiting steadily.
Before long, a carriage that appeared ordinary but was actually made from excellent materials stopped outside the restaurant. The coachman climbed down from the front and opened the side door.
Lyon Brown stepped out of the carriage.
"Young Master Lyon." Manager Mige hurriedly went to greet him.
"Mm." Lyon answered softly with an impassive expression. Mige immediately led the way, bringing Lyon to the finest private room in the restaurant.
Many of the guests dining or waiting to dine nearby showed surprised expressions when they saw Lyon. The Brown family's heir was a prominent figure wherever he went.
The private room was decorated with great luxury and grandeur. The table was made from premium Tuo'er Tree wood produced in Will City. It was not only sturdy and durable, but also gave off a faint fragrance.
Two sets of tableware sat on the dining table, with two chairs beside it. Mige personally pulled out a chair. Lyon calmly sat down, then looked up and gave Mige a slight nod. Understanding at once, Mige returned to the restaurant entrance.
Before long, Colin arrived on foot. Mige did not dare neglect him and hurriedly went forward to welcome him.
The most explosive news in Will City recently was, of course, the grain business. The culprit behind the enormous upheaval was the teenage boy before him—the protagonist of today, Colin Russell.
How could he possibly dare to be careless when facing someone like that?
"Young Master Colin. Young Master Lyon is already in the private room." Mige greeted him with extreme humility.
"Mm." Colin nodded lightly. Mige then led Colin to the top-tier private room where Lyon was, drawing another round of stares from the nobles dining in the restaurant.
Lyon Brown and Lyon Brown's guest.
Most people did not recognize Colin Russell, but a small number did. They whispered among themselves, and soon everyone knew who the visitor was.
"Classmate Lyon." Colin entered the private room, gave Lyon a brief appraisal, and bowed slightly in greeting.
"Sit." Lyon looked calmly at Colin and merely nodded without rising.
"Heh." Colin gave a soft laugh at that. Restaurant manager Mige gently pulled out a chair for Colin, and Colin sat down.
Mige bowed lightly to Lyon, then turned and left.
At this moment, two books lay by Lyon's right hand. One had a blue cover and was titled The Vengeance of Chris, while the other had a red cover and was titled Politician Leon.
Lyon picked up the blue-covered book and casually flipped it open. "Classmate Colin, have you read this book?" he asked seemingly offhandedly.
"The Vengeance of Chris, written by Martin Pitt. It tells the story of how the Chris family was nearly wiped out by another noble family, with only one survivor escaping. Three generations later, a powerful knight named Linen Chris emerged and took revenge on his family's enemies."
"Politician Leon, written by Blue Sky. It is about the art of politics—compromise and firmness."
Despite Lyon's manner, Colin responded with perfect composure.
"That's right. Revenge, compromise, and firmness are all virtues of nobility. Chris was a hero of revenge, while Politician Leon, who skillfully wielded compromise and firmness, was also a hero." Lyon nodded slightly.
"I understand what you mean." Colin laughed softly again.
Lyon smiled faintly and clapped his hands.
The private room doors opened, and Brian walked in. He no longer looked arrogant and overbearing. His eye sockets were sunken, his eyes bloodshot, and his face haggard. After entering, he kept his head slightly lowered. Then, humiliated, he came to Colin's side, knelt, and said, "Classmate Colin, please forgive me."
Yet beneath Brian's lowered head was a complicated expression. There was humiliation, hatred, and regret. He had never imagined things would develop to this point.
That formerly insignificant, down-and-out young noble had erupted with such tremendous power in such a short time. Not only had Colin's own strength undergone a qualitative leap, but he had also gained relatively extensive connections. As a result, a family with considerable foundations in Will City now faced utter ruin.
Why did I provoke him when he had never provoked me? Brian was filled with regret.
But alongside 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 was not worried. Even Lyon Brown had stepped in. Could Colin Russell really refuse to let go? Wouldn't that be courting death?
Although the family had suffered serious losses this time, the problem was not too great.
Colin understood this classmate very well. Though he could not see Brian's expression, he could guess part of what he was thinking. Ignoring Brian's plea, Colin looked up at Lyon and said, "As an outstanding noble, one cannot lack the courage to take revenge against one's enemies. One must also recognize the situation and decide between firmness and compromise. However—"
Colin stood up. Under Brian's disbelieving gaze and Lyon's calm eyes, Colin tightened his black coat and said, "I once said I would leave Brian with nothing and drive him out of Will City. Staying true to one's original intent is even more precious. Isn't that so?"
Colin smiled lightly and looked down at Brian. "Goodbye, Classmate Brian."
Then Colin turned and walked out without a trace of reluctance.
Brian's body convulsed and trembled as though he were having a seizure. He collapsed to the floor and looked at Lyon with pleading eyes.
Lyon frowned slightly, calmly picked up the two books, and stood. "Goodbye, Classmate Brian," he said.
Then Lyon also walked out of the private room.
"Why? Why did he dare reject Lyon Brown's mediation? What gave him the nerve to be so unyielding? That bastard!" Hysterical rage and intense fear overwhelmed Brian, making his body tremble for a long time.
He knew he was finished.
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