Family Hatred

Mr. Grong's escort of guards, teachers, and students parted to the sides, leaving a wide aisle down the center of the corridor.

A robust young man strode in, clad in a short black cape, a breastplate over his left chest, and a formidable sword at his waist. He wore high-top boots with twin gold spurs that occasionally chimed against each other.

The young man was quite handsome, with striking light-gold hair. Unfortunately, a vicious scar ran from his left temple to his chin, marring his features. His left eye was likely damaged, covered by a black eyepatch secured tightly to his face.

Mr. Grong frowned, finding the young man vaguely familiar. Lin Qi also frowned. This young man bore a strong resemblance to Black Horse House, though his demeanor was far more mature and steady. Especially the emblem on his breastplate: a rooster crowing to the heavens within a sword and shield, its claws gripping a dying viper. This emblem represented the Empire's Royal Legion.

Lin Qi's face fell. Black Horse House's family? He'd heard the Round Table Knights were inherited by Black Horse House from his elder brother, who had graduated first in his class from the Imperial Army Academy and earned considerable merit in the military.

He recalled Black Horse House bragging after a few drinks that his elder brother had once led a team of the Empire's most elite knights on an adventure into the Northern Five Great Islands, plundered a werewolf tribe, and returned in triumph. The aura emanating from this young man indeed spoke of someone who had faced life and death in battle, much like the desperadoes under Lin Qi's father.

A squad of six lightly armored soldiers followed closely behind the young man, their chins held at a forty-five-degree angle, their faces filled with arrogance and pride. Truly, these were the proud, fierce warriors described. Their overwhelming arrogance made both Mr. Grong and Father Balin frown.

The young man approached Lin Qi, his single eye fixing on Lin Qi. He slowly extended his hand and said with a smile, "Classmate Lin Qi? I sincerely apologize for this minor mistake. I shouldn't have listened to Haus's nonsense. A person who just sobered up, he hadn't figured out what had actually happened."

Looking at the hand extended before him, Lin Qi puffed out his chest and crossed his arms. Shake hands with this young man? Lin Qi wasn't that foolish. This was clearly a military elite who had seen combat. Lin Qi wasn't stupid enough to try and match strength with him. Although he had been trained by his father and a group of eccentric uncles since childhood, honing his body and strength from the age of three, Lin Qi felt it was unnecessary to compete.

What was the point of winning or losing? Lin Qi was now an accounting student at Fifth University. He needed to maintain the image of an exemplary student. He had to constantly remember that he was a student who used his brain, not a warrior who went around swinging weapons with his shirt off.

The young man's expression darkened slightly. To him, a nobleman, Lin Qi's reaction could be seen as disrespect towards his entire family. He let out a cold snort, withdrew his hand, and bowed slightly to Mr. Grong and Father Balin. "I am Haolin of the Bavier Family. I apologize for what happened today. All losses will be borne by my Bavier Family."

He paused slightly. "However, I kindly request that the Director of Academic Affairs and the Reverend not pursue their responsibility. They are all respectable individuals who were merely carrying out their duties. Surely you won't be unreasonable and refuse to let this go over an unintentional mistake?"

Haolin revealed his family background. The Bavier Family was a military aristocracy that rose during the Hundred Years' War. Almost all male members of the family held military positions. Although their noble title wasn't high, their potential influence was not to be underestimated. By stating his family name, Haolin implied that unless Mr. Grong and Father Balin wished to antagonize the Bavier Family, they would have to drop the matter.

After all, Lin Qi had not suffered any real harm. The Dragon Cavalry and Copper Hat soldiers had already been punished. And there were unspoken rules within the Empire's noble circles. Even if Father Balin was a servant of God and transcended worldly power, he wouldn't dare rashly offend a hereditary noble with significant potential.

Especially since Lin Qi had nearly chopped himself into eighteen pieces with an axe yesterday!

Father Balin could only be considered one of Lin Qi's drinking buddies, not a brother bound by life and death. So, Father Balin puffed out his chubby chest and said with great solemnity, "Since they have atoned for their sins, then God is merciful."

Blinking, Father Balin stepped aside, adopting an air of detachment.

Mr. Grong took out his handkerchief again and wiped his nose, then felt the smooth small medicine bottle in his pocket. Putting the handkerchief back, Mr. Grong said sternly, "I hope such incidents do not happen again. Your Excellency Haolin, this is the campus of Fifth University."

Haolin bowed slightly, apologizing sincerely. "We, the Bavier Family, will bear all losses. This time, it was my fault. All losses will be borne by my Bavier Family. Furthermore, I must apologize to Mr. Lin Qi. He is innocent. It was my good-for-nothing brother who got drunk and spouted nonsense."

Haolin handled it beautifully. Lin Qi had prepared irrefutable evidence. A model student helping Father Balin transcribe prayer scrolls – how could he be linked to a bar assault and arson case? So, Haolin simply stopped pursuing the matter. Even if the case reached the King, with a testimony from an assistant priest, Lin Qi would surely be safe.

Father Balin and Mr. Grong left the dormitory with satisfaction, knowing that Haolin would have a private word with Lin Qi. The crestfallen Dragon Cavalry and Copper Hat soldiers gave Lin Qi a deep look. After accepting a money bag from Haolin, they also quickly left the scene.

Lin Qi leaned against the doorframe, smiling at Haolin, who also wore a smile. "Do you have anything to say to me, Your Excellency?"

Haolin ordered the six soldiers behind him to disperse the students watching the commotion in the corridor. He stood before Lin Qi with his hands behind his back. With a light sigh, he shook his head. "Haus is useless. He couldn't even defeat you. He comes from a family of military merit, yet he couldn't deal with an ordinary civilian student in strategy or combat. He will be severely punished by the family."

Lin Qi nodded slowly, meeting Haolin's single eye. He sneered, "And then?"

Haolin turned and walked unhurriedly towards the stairs.

As he walked, he said coldly, "The family remembers you. Lin Qi, you have successfully earned the enmity of the Bavier Family. But the family will not stoop to your level. We will have Haus defeat you head-on. Defeat you and your family head-on!"

Lin Qi smiled happily, shaking his head gently.

"My family? Hah, go to hell!"