Hughberlian's Unspeakable Secret

The Central Courtyard Examination Hall, which had been filled with the smell of gunpowder, now became strangely silent.

Hughberlian and Vivian both looked sideways at the floor, unwilling to say another bad word about each other.

"..."

Just as the Central Courtyard fell silent.

Lanchi's words also stunned the other two examinees waiting nearby.

Although Lanchi himself might not have realized it.

They felt that Lanchi seemed to have a unique talent for navigating Shura Fields!

Even though this wasn't strictly a Shura Field right now, because Lanchi could have stayed out of it from the beginning, he had actively joined in to mediate!

This even made them momentarily feel the urge to become his disciples and learn from him.

Wasn't this much more practical than magic?

Their expressions were quickly noticed by Lanchi opposite them.

Lanchi looked at the two examinees who were casting respectful gazes at him and returned a smile and a nod.

As expected, doing good deeds like mediating disputes really earns people's respect.

The feeling of being respected made Lanchi very happy.

More importantly, the scene of the students getting along harmoniously in the Examination Hall was Lanchi's wish.

A little more respect and understanding, a little less conflict and contradiction, and the world would become better and better.

Everyone remained quietly in the Central Courtyard for dozens of seconds.

Accompanied by hurried footsteps.

Teacher Theresa also returned to the Examination Hall, holding her small magic instrument.

"Sorry, students, I'm back..."

She had finally seen off Examiner Ferrat from the previous exam. Since earlier, she had been worried that the ill-tempered Duke Miss Hughberlian and Princess Vivian would have a conflict while she was away.

However, before Teacher Theresa's voice had completely faded, she was slightly surprised and stunned.

From the looks of it, the atmosphere in the Examination Hall was unusually harmonious.

Had she worried too much?

Theresa shook her head in confusion, reminding herself to focus on the task at hand.

She quickly walked up to Hughberlian and Lanchi and said,

"Congratulations on successfully passing the exam."

Teacher Theresa smiled at Hughberlian and Lanchi,

"You will receive guidance by going directly to the main building of the Sage Institute on the first day of school. Also, the school dormitories can be moved into three days before school starts, and the student bracelets can be collected from the Magic Engineering Institute around the same time."

She pointed to their Examination Bracelets, indicating that they could exchange them for formal admission documents at the Magic Engineering Institute later.

"Thank you."

"Thank you, Teacher Theresa."

After receiving thanks from Hughberlian and Lanchi, Theresa waved goodbye to them gently.

Then, quickly, she ran over to the second group of examinees, including Vivian, like a waitress during lunchtime.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, you can prepare to start the exam now..."

Vivian listened absentmindedly to Teacher Theresa's words, her gaze still following Hughberlian's retreating figure.

Although Hughberlian had coincidentally met someone who helped her this time.

This was just temporary luck, which would soon burst like a bubble.

The reason Lanchi was completely unguarded towards Hughberlian now.

It was simply because this young man from the border didn't know Hughberlian's secret—

Hughberlian had half Demon Race blood, an illegitimate daughter born to the Duke of Aransal and a Demon Race member.

Vivian was very certain that if Lanchi ever learned of Hughberlian's Demon Race identity in the future, his friendly attitude would definitely undergo a drastic change, perhaps even joining the ranks of those who persecuted Hughberlian.

Because, in the Hutton Kingdom, which had been ravaged by the Demon Race war many years ago, there was no one who didn't hate and fear the Demon Race!

Iketerite Academy, Learning and Education Building.

The wide main staircase, several meters wide, ascended layer by layer from bottom to top. Its design was unique and avant-garde, with beige stone and crystal railings reflecting each other, like a beam of light traversing through the floors.

Each level of the staircase had a different function. Some large wooden steps could directly serve as resting areas for students, while others displayed the latest academy works. The lowest level of the staircase also connected to the building's spacious terrace.

Two young figures walked on the building's staircase, their steps unhurried, immersed in a stress-free artistic space.

After finishing the difficult exam today, Lanchi's smiling face clearly showed his cheerful mood.

Although Hughberlian remained as expressionless as ever, showing no inner thoughts, the hostility in her eyes had unknowingly dissipated at this moment.

"Speaking of Hughberlian."

Lanchi chatted with his newly acquainted comrade, Hughberlian, as they walked,

"You're familiar with the Royal Capital area and have a broader perspective. How do you think one can make money quickly in the Royal Capital? Of course, it has to be something not written in the criminal law."

After asking the question, he added another sentence.

Although the criminal law itself was a treasure trove for making money, one absolutely couldn't do that.

Their walking figures occasionally passed by decorations beside the stairs, newly cultivated plants from the Alchemy Institute, new academic achievements, and new research and peculiar artworks from the Magic Engineering Institute.

"..."

Hughberlian hesitated and remained silent for a while.

She had originally intended to say goodbye to Lanchi here.

She was very grateful for Lanchi's help and friendly attitude, and she was also soberly aware that it was impossible for her to become friends with Lanchi.

The secret that "she is a mixed-blood Demon Race" wouldn't be hidden from Lanchi for long.

Although she hadn't deliberately hidden or deceived him.

But even if Lanchi didn't actively investigate and remained so friendly to her, one day those who wanted to target her would feel Lanchi's obstruction and reveal her secret to Lanchi, thus directly pushing her into the abyss at the most fatal moment.

The thing she was most unwilling to accept was a former friend suddenly becoming strange and indifferent, or even becoming an irreconcilable enemy...

But let this be a repayment for the brief and fleeting friendship between Lanchi and her.

"If my father hadn't gone missing, with your ability, our Duke of Aransal family would be very happy to invest in talent like you, but unfortunately, I have no right to use the family's funds now."

Hughberlian replied helplessly. At least at this moment, she would treat Lanchi as sincerely as Lanchi treated her.

"If you don't have any manufacturing-related professions, the fastest way to make money is to challenge the Shadow World."

They continued forward, walking down the stairs unhurriedly. The huge glass curtain walls between the floors reflected the sunlight, making the entire space bright, and then it was covered by marble walls and darkened again.

"Hmm..."

Lanchi nodded thoughtfully.

Although he had already started learning how to make Magic Cards, he could only make low-level cards for now.

Moreover, his skills were still somewhat rusty, and his success rate in making cards was very low, often causing the cards to explode, making Talia shake her head.

He didn't even have the confidence to participate in the registered Card Maker examination of the Southern Continent Card Maker Association for the time being.

It seemed that his combat profession, White Mage, was more advanced than his manufacturing profession, Card Maker.