“Did you see clearly? Just now, what did Vinny use to block Young Master Valan’s magic??”

“I don’t know… what was that? A flash of white, gone in an instant. Looked like magic too—was it ice magic??”

“No way! How could Vinny possibly use magic?? His Spirit Soul talent is only one star, right? What qualification does he have to study magic??”

At the dining tables, the young nobles whispered among themselves, every one of them wearing looks of disbelief.

“What trick did Vinny just use to confuse us??” Some of them still refused to accept the outcome. In their eyes, Valan had lost only because of a weapon disadvantage. If Vinny hadn’t been using a spear, if both had rapier-length weapons, then surely Valan would’ve struck first.

So then—if they used long-shafted weapons, wouldn’t that solve the problem?

Such was the reasoning of these reckless calves unafraid of tigers. Deep down, their unspoken hierarchy of contempt always placed Vinny at the very bottom. Recognizing his true strength was out of the question.

“Which of you knows how to use a long-shafted weapon? Go up there and crush his arrogance. If you can beat a full Carillian Academy student before even entering, your reputation will skyrocket.” Someone whispered, egging them on.

And as for who that whisperer was—if Vinny had noticed, he would surely have sneered, “Yo-ho, isn’t this an old acquaintance?”

Indeed, the one fanning the flames was none other than Caron, the Dragon-Knight commander’s son—Vinny’s long-standing enemy. He was the one who had once instigated two newly recruited young Dragon-Knights to cause Vinny trouble. Earlier, Valan had also been his pawn.

Now that the Academy’s students had returned home, so had Caron. On the carriage ride back, his face had been dark the whole way as he watched Vinny and Mirexia interact. He had wanted to step up and greet the Princess, but the atmosphere never gave him the courage to insert himself.

He had racked his brain and still couldn’t figure it out—how had that stinking gutter-rat Vinny suddenly grown so close to Her Highness Mirexia?

In truth, the day he had seen Vinny strutting around in a Carillian Academy uniform, Caron’s mental defenses had nearly collapsed. If this weren’t a story where he wasn’t the male lead, he would’ve gladly spent thousands of points just to blow Vinny up.

After returning, during the banquet, he schemed all the more to have Vinny humiliated, to expose his real ability.

If not for the rules—that as a senior student he could not openly challenge a junior at a banquet—he would’ve gone himself. How could he allow Vinny, this three-legged cat, to continue basking in pride??

“I’ll go!”

A tall, broad-shouldered youth stood abruptly, receiving his own moon-bladed axe from the Dragon-Knight.

The long-handled axe was massive, and paired with his hulking frame, suited him perfectly.

“Young Master Vinny, don’t rush off yet.” Just as Vinny finished his chicken leg and was preparing to return to his seat, the youth strode forward with the axe, deliberately raising his head to peer down at Vinny from above.

“I’m a provisional student set to take the entrance exam next year. I’d like to test myself against an official student. I hope you won’t refuse, Young Master Vinny.” He smiled with forced confidence. “After all, we’ll be classmates soon.”

Vinny was left speechless.

If not for Mirexia and His Majesty the King watching, he would’ve replied outright: “Don’t be so sure. Whether you’ll ever be my classmate is doubtful. Someone like you—probably hopeless for life.”

Seriously, what was going on??

He’d just come here to mooch a meal, and before he’d had a chance to eat his fill, he was being forced onto stage to perform for free.

He could only say—public setting restrictions had clipped his tongue. Otherwise, he’d have flipped the table long ago.

Of all times to bother him, they had to do it while he was eating? Were these people sick?

“Well, hurry up then.” Vinny tossed the gnawed chicken bone into the trash and spun his icy spear.

The water-curtain rose again. Seeing Vinny’s careless attitude, the burly youth was delighted rather than angry.

When your opponent underestimated you, that was the best chance to win.

If he could beat a Carillian Academy student who had even defeated Valan, then in the noble youths’ circle, his reputation would rise above Valan’s!

But such pampered young masters, unused to real battle, didn’t understand the meaning of concealing one’s strength. At the Dragon-Knight’s signal to begin, he roared, gripping the end of his moon-axe with both hands, swinging it with all the reach and force it could muster.

At least he’d learned from Valan’s mistake—his idea was right. But execution? Far too crude.

That kind of move was useless against Vinny.

Vinny didn’t dodge, didn’t even bother to parry.

Clang! Clang! The clear sound of metal striking rang out.

The burly youth froze. Around them, nobles finally saw what had been covering Vinny all along.

Many of the younger nobles still didn’t know what Spirit Soul Vinny had chosen. They’d been far more interested in his clownish antics. Who cared about anything else? He wasn’t some celebrity. His scandals were amusing enough.

“That’s… an armor-type Spirit Soul??” The younger nobles’ eyes widened.

The elder heads of houses had already recognized it earlier.

Yes—an outdated relic of a Spirit Soul.

But then—how had a one-star Spirit Soul managed to release magic at this level??

One-star Spirit Souls could only learn a handful of spells, and those only at higher realms. Many couldn’t learn any at all.

Confirming that Vinny’s Spirit Soul was indeed not the [Saintess] relieved quite a few house heads. Rumors were one thing, but without seeing with their own eyes, they had never been assured.

Yet at the same time, they couldn’t help but wonder—how had Vinny carved a path into Carillian Academy with only a one-star Spirit Soul??

Didn’t that mean plenty of others couldn’t even measure up to a single star?

No sooner had this thought passed than Vinny’s spear hooked the axe’s shaft, preventing the youth from pulling back. In the same instant, his spearhead darted forward.

The youth was startled, but his reaction was quick—he dropped his weapon, broke free, and raised his hand. A small, shimmering water shield appeared at the back of his hand.

Vinny’s eyes flicked. He didn’t alter his attack. His spear struck the water shield dead-on. Then he poured ice-element mana into it. The youth’s magic reserves were far weaker than Vinny’s—the shield froze instantly.

With a thrust, Vinny shattered the frozen water shield into a spray of glittering shards. The icy fragments pelted the youth’s face, leaving him stunned.

In the next heartbeat, the spearpoint was at his throat.

Two-for-two. Fame sealed in a single night.

The hall fell silent once again.

Vinny dismissed [Armor Fortress], cast a glance toward the younger nobles’ table, and asked, “Anyone else?”

No response.

By rule, upper-year students couldn’t challenge juniors unless directly named. Even if they did, «N.o.v.e.l.i.g.h.t» defeating them wouldn’t be honorable.

As for those who hadn’t even entered the Academy yet—they’d all been struck dumb.

With no challengers left, Vinny ignored the stunned youth, dismissed Frostfang back into its small pendant form, returned it to the Dragon-Knight, and headed back to his seat to keep eating.

The elder nobles were silent. The younger ones were silent.

By the time Vinny sat down, even the noble beside him scooted his chair away—he felt as if the chill radiating off Vinny would freeze him solid.

In that instant, every gaze at the banquet changed. Even the younger nobles began doubting reality itself.

Was this really the same useless clown of the capital? The infamous good-for-nothing??

“Well then, thank you all for your marvelous martial displays. Which of you would like to come forward next?” Mirexia’s voice rang out in the silence, steady and without inflection. When she saw no one answering, she simply carried on with serene composure.

No one responded. The guests still hadn’t recovered from the shock.

“Then I shall set the example.” Byrne rose with a smile and walked to the center.

What followed had nothing to do with Vinny. His only duty now was dealing with the dishes on his table. He’d already played the fool once. The martial displays would no longer call on him, and no one would dare to challenge him again.

As Vinny stepped down, he noticed something had changed. The gazes upon him were more numerous, but unlike before, now they carried hesitation—no longer the brazen scorn they once had.

Soon, the banquet drew to a close.

Vinny had no idea what else transpired. He was too busy enjoying the food, blood running hot, thoroughly satisfied. If not for the setting, he might’ve belched.

“So, Dale, did you eat your fill?” Vinny stretched lazily as he turned to Shicodale.

“Yes. I’m full.” Shicodale nodded obediently. With everyone’s attention on Vinny, hardly anyone had spared him a glance. That spared him much embarrassment.

After all, he was only here because Mirexia had extended the invitation as Vinny’s roommate. As a foreigner, he normally had no right to attend. For an outsider to appear at a royal banquet was already baffling enough.

Maidservants bustled about, clearing dishes. Vinny stretched again, scanning the hall. The house heads had risen and were conversing with the King—likely exchanging formalities.

The younger nobles, too, were crowding around Mirexia, eager to make her acquaintance.

Whether their conversations went well was irrelevant. The point was to show their faces, especially for those who had never been in such public contact with the Princess.

As the future Queen of Camella, Mirexia had to handle every social connection with grace.

But Vinny saw no need to talk to her in this setting. He was about to take Shicodale and leave.

Just as he stepped out of the hall, however, a maid with shoulder-length hair appeared before him.

Vinny recognized her instantly—Mirexia’s personal maid.

“Sir Vinny, please wait.” She folded her hands before her waist and bowed respectfully.

“Mm? What is it?” Vinny guessed immediately—it had to be Mirexia who wanted to see him.

“May I trouble you to wait in the reception hall for a moment?” she asked with utmost courtesy.

“Her Highness Mirexia wants to see me?” Vinny asked directly.

“You could say that.” The maid replied.

“All right then.” Vinny turned to go, but the maid added, “If you would, please come alone.”

“Oh.” Vinny understood—Mirexia wanted to speak to him privately. He glanced at Shicodale.

Shicodale also understood.

“Dale, what do you think?”

“It’s fine, Vinny. Go ahead.” Shicodale knew well enough that as an outsider, it was already a huge exception for him to attend.

“Then I’ll give you the key. Head home first.” Vinny handed him his house key. “You remember the way, right?”

“Yes, I do.” Shicodale nodded.

“Good. I’ll be back later. Seems Her Highness wants a word.”

“Sir Vinny, please come with me.” After watching Shicodale depart, the maid bowed again and led the way.

Vinny followed, taking in the sights of the palace as they walked.

They came to a white, domed hall. Vinny entered the wide chamber. It was spacious, almost empty. Crystal chandeliers shed soft light across the glossy, pale yellow floor, making it look as though the entire hall was paved with gemstones.

Suits of armor and swords decorated the walls. A few maids stood at attention. In the center, a carpet led to a set of sofas and low tables.

When Vinny sat down at the maid’s gesture, they served him tea and sweets on the broad table.

“If you need anything, please tell us.” The maids stood respectfully on either side of him.

“Ah—oh, sure, sure.” Vinny felt overwhelmed. From childhood until now, it was the first time he’d ever been treated like this. He wasn’t quite used to it.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep