The two carriages of the George Family arrived on the other side of Ivory Bay, near the Lanuo Restaurant, where the focus is mainly on extravagant dining for the nobility.

The Armano Bar was already ablaze with lights, with a dedicated area for parking carriages at the entrance, where everything was orderly. The people coming and going were all young, either casually dressed or wearing their respective academy uniforms, and the youthful energy was palpable as soon as one reached the door.

When Simmons and the others arrived, the bar noticeably paused for a moment. Some cheered, while others had complex expressions, but most were filled with reverence.

After all, Simmons had his foundation; the George Family, though an old camel, was not on the verge of dying. While they handled part of the intelligence work in the royal court, their power was not insignificant. The old Count wasn’t dead yet, and although in the past he felt he had no successor, Simmons’ allegiance to the Canon Law School was seen as an act of flattery. Who would have thought Simmons could hold his ground against Didia?

The faceoff involving both families was undoubtedly a duel to the death. Being able to hold it to a draw spoke volumes about Simmons’ power, and the rumor of his heterochromia spread quickly. He was the classic example of a wolf in sheep’s clothing, and among the younger generation, his background and prowess were perfect for showing off.

Whether familiar with him or not, anyone raising a glass received a casual wave from Simmons, his manners impeccable. Lancer and others seemed like their chests might burst through the ceiling, and Rock gave no less than proud glances.

Of course, they were all low-key; someone else in their place would definitely flaunt it several times over. The bar had already prepared the best spot upon learning Simmons was coming. Today, Simmons was the most distinguished guest, the brightest star at Helden, which was also the bar’s unwritten rule.

Lancer and his group had visited Armano Bar before. This was the major showing-off venue for the younger generation of Helden. Even without big shots present, they were still somewhat transparent. Saint’s Grace was considered top-notch at the Canon Law School, but here the four Knight Academies held that title, and it was their first time feeling this exhilaration.

“You guys shouldn’t get so inflated, watch out for a beating,” Celestia cautioned, noticing Lancer and Rock’s overly carefree gazes.

“Ahem, Celestia, as long as you tone it down a bit, we’re all good,” Lancer said with a wry smile. They were the ones noteworthy.

Celestia called over a server and began ordering drinks and food. Li Xin hadn’t eaten, so she ordered him two large servings of steak, and they opened up the drinks, intending to knock down a few tonight.

“Have you heard, the little son of the Sarah family stabbed himself eight times and committed suicide,” Lancer said, “just today.”

“What, you mean Onna Sarah, the one from the Hunting Enjoyment Club?”

Everyone was shocked but also somewhat pleased.

“That’s right, he was one of the participants at Blue Bird Bar last time. Since Anthony’s execution, the Sarah Family had been observing cautiously, fearing they might be the next on the chopping block.

“Wasn’t that case closed by the city guards? I heard it was dropped.”

“They were scared themselves; His Majesty is mighty.”

“Let’s toast to the just King!” everyone exclaimed with admiration.

The Hunting Enjoyment Club was a group, but outside of it was the prey, with conflicting values.

“To the most just King!” everyone filled their glasses. The current Canon Law School members were undoubtedly loyal supporters of the King, while the Knight Academies were divided into two factions: the conservative hedonists and those upholding knightly virtues, ready to switch sides anytime, especially if the King allowed such developments to unfold. Soon faith and principles would become chaotic and degenerate.

Everyone raised their glasses, marking their time in Helden. Li Xin believed Ola the Eighteenth to be a reform-minded king, also quite shrewd, and strategic in his approach. His handling of Anthony’s case was exemplary. He could use royal authority to enforce a death sentence, but the backlash would be significant. Yet he patiently found a flaw and decisively turned the situation around, intimidating the aristocracy from its core.

The one who stabbed himself eight times extended from this situation.

No matter the country or the era, challenging the entrenched traditional forces is a risky endeavor. This King, with great wisdom and patience, seemed to Li Xin a likely success. With Moncalleta’s national heritage and resources, if social order keeps pace with the times, the nation’s fortunes could thrive for centuries.

“Young Master Simmons, your steak. The owner says all your expenses today are on the house,” a server said respectfully.

“Brother Li, your steak,” Simmons nodded with a smile, “The ingredients here are quite good, give it a try.”

“Hurry up, I’m starving and waiting to freeload,” Li Xin took the plate, pairing it with the drink and began eating. In Helden, life got better, living days of drinking heavily and eating heartily.

This is the bond between brothers.

“Boss, your victory this time is also a deterrence. Bringing clarity to Helden, the country can grow stronger, and we can defeat the Black Meteor Empire!” Lancer said.

Simmons was also delighted. If Li Xin were to act, the result would be very different. With heterochromia earning him prestige, his future seemed bright.

The bar was buzzing with talks about today’s events, and at this age, passion and drive were at their peak. Didia was still well-regarded, adhering to knightly virtues within the Knight Academy, but in dealing with Anthony, he had no choice. Regardless, Didia’s situation was genuinely pitiful this time.

Inside the Knight Academy, there was talk of removing him from the eight knights, whereas Simmons became a leader in the Canon Law School, turning the previously disordered Canon Law School into a cohesive unit, effectively taking control of it entirely.

As long as Simmons could maintain this prestige, his future was limitless.

“I heard the King is planning a reform for the palace association, no longer basing it on aristocracy, but selecting talent from the Knight Academies and the Canon Law School. It should be implemented soon,” Celestia said, “If the Canon Law School is involved, we are surely the first group, so everyone should get ready.”

“Celestia, are you saying we have the chance to join the palace association?” Lancer’s eyes widened, as did Rock and others.

“Really, my heart is not strong enough, but I do believe it,” Balakli said, clutching his sturdy chest.

“It was approved before, just waiting for the right timing. Now that Simmons won, isn’t this the moment?” Celestia said confidently.

“Wow, wow, are we really going to meet the Princess?” Little Red Roll touched his head, his face flushed.

“I have to go order a gown; this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance.”

“It was long overdue, the Canon Law School should compete fairly with the Knight Academy.”

Just as everyone was in high spirits, a group arrived at the door, instantly quieting the bar, making the atmosphere exceptionally heavy. Five young people, four men and one woman, each with an extraordinary presence. Two were somewhat unfamiliar, but the other three were renowned figures in Helden.

Lion Duke Holman, Fire Duke Aubent, Wind Duke Zheng Shengxun—the trio part of Helden’s once formidable quartet came, missing the one still licking his wounds, Didia.

Holman’s Tia Clan possessed royal lineage, ranking as the top pillar among the eight, overseeing the Royal Knight Order, their family status second only to the Great Sage King, interconnected with the nation, the aristocracy of the aristocracy, also the leader among the eight dukes. Holman was a reserved character, seldom appearing publicly.

Zheng Shengxun smiled, “Helan Mosa, Nagan, this bar in Helden has a unique style, mainly open to the Knight Academy.”

“I thought you were going to show us the Hunting Enjoyment Club’s unique projects,” Nagan expressed disappointment, considering nowhere could match Helden in entertainment.

Zheng Shengxun shrugged, “Don’t listen to outside rumors, while some break the rules, they don’t represent everyone.”

As they conversed, the owner approached, bowing respectfully, not daring to lift his head. Zheng Shengxun looked at the owner, “Clear the place, we’re just having a few drinks.”

“Old Zheng, don’t be like that. Without people, there’s no atmosphere, better to drink at my place,” Aubent laughed, “Owner, don’t pay attention to that, just empty the old spot, let others be as they are. Tonight’s expenses, sponsored by Young Master Zheng.”

Zheng Shengxun nodded with a smile, “Alright then.”

The owner kept his head down, unsure how to respond. He had just given the prime spot to Simmons…

Zheng Shengxun frowned, “Hmm?”

“Ahem, Young Master Zheng, honorable guests, Young Master Simmons arrived first, and he is currently using that spot,” the owner said awkwardly.

“You have a minute to get him to swap places, what’s the point of drinking half-dead?” Zheng Shengxun said indifferently, to them, Simmons wasn’t much of a matter.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep