just nodded and ignored Lance.As soon as Lance started his day's activities, she followed him at a distance that wasn't too close but not too far.……After about half an hour, Lance and Talia arrived a...Chapter 256: Lan Qi Has Been Pitiful Since Childhood.

Lord Francis, Miss Zethira.

Lancie bowed to the two of them, then sat beside Lord Francis as usual.

"Mr. Lock, I heard you go for a stroll in town every afternoon. What are your thoughts on this town"

Lord Francis smiled and asked.

It is an excellent city for tourism and residency, with enormous development potential. As long as the tourism industry is vigorously developed, it will surely achieve prosperity and flourishing.

Ranche answered seriously.

He also realized at once that Lord Francis's question wasn't meant literally.

Lord Francis fell silent for a moment after hearing this.

He just wanted to ask Lance what it was like living in this town.

The result sounds like a provincial leader sent to conduct research is giving his opinion.

But then I thought, since Lance is an academic, it's not a big deal.

I called you all here today mainly to ask for your opinions.

Lord Francis cleared his throat. Since Lancelot had arrived, he instructed the butler to let the kitchen know they could begin their dinner service.

"Zara Sila, I wish to employ Master Loch as your tutor, accompanying you back to the Protoss Royal Magic Academy as your attendant. Will you accept"

Lord Francis was actually quite apprehensive.

He sometimes doesn't know if his words will upset or hurt Zestilla, so he always communicates with her very carefully.

If Zestilha agrees, he would risk using his authority to get a Lirom City identity for Ranchi, making it easier for him to travel to the Imperial City.

Lanche sat beside Lord Francis, slightly noticing that Zerestila's expression across from them was somewhat unwilling.

But she also pondered, not immediately refusing.

Although she never proactively asks Lanchi about magic genealogy and magical engineering knowledge now, she carefully reads through every annotation Lanchi makes in the books according to his progress each day. Then, she exchanges the completed magic genealogy textbooks for magical engineering textbooks daily. When Lanchi finishes annotating the magic genealogy textbooks again, she exchanges the finished magical engineering textbooks back.

She prefers this self-study learning method.

While the teachers at Protoss Royal Academy of Magic wouldn't be as patient as Lance, and few in the Northern Continent possess his unique understanding of magic engineering.

A heavy silence fell upon the table after Lord Francis's suggestion, and even the serving staff felt the shift in atmosphere. After placing the meal, they hurried away.

These days, Lan Qi has also learned about that school and roughly understands what Zesitla is worried about.

Protoss Royal Academy of Magic's style lies between the Icerith Academy and the Inferno Corridor Academy, but its greatest feature differs from both schools.

Firstly, family background and status were particularly important. Apart from being divided into Upper and Lower Houses upon admission, their teachers and treatment were drastically different. Noble students were inherently endowed with numerous privileges.

Moreover, gang formation among students is extremely prevalent, and genuine friendships between students are rare.

During his conversations with the Silver Paladin, Lance had overheard hints of this. Rumors spoke of students at Protoss Royal Magic Academy who fought not just for their opponents' lives but also sought to humiliate and torture them before resorting to blackmail and control. It was a place shrouded in darkness under these rules, yet it allowed for rapid advancement.

Just like the Annihilation Bishop had originally disguised the Annihilation Son and sent him to Protos Royal Magic Academy to study, he eventually graduated with a bloody record of victories and excellent grades, much to the Annihilation Bishop's satisfaction.

Later, even the Heaven-Dominating Saintess fell to the hands of the Desolate Saint Son.

Of course, precisely because the school has a rigorous elimination system, aristocratic students who stand out in the assessment will correspondingly have more privileges and benefits, even far exceeding those of ordinary teachers.

They can not only advance levels by accumulating credits, but also have access to various privileges that they can even share with their attendants, allowing them to enjoy more conveniences at school and better serve their master.

Many imperial nobles treated this privilege of bringing retainers as a display of their family's wealth and influence, jokingly calling it "summoning attendants" — a competition to see who had the deepest pockets.

It is helpful or beneficial to have a capable or powerful companion who can make a nobleman's school life easier.

Of course, the limitation of attendants is no higher than sixth rank, which is the limit for junior students.

Many influential students and even professors at the school find great amusement in ranking attendants of noble new arrivals, sometimes even treating them like summoned creatures, measuring their value by rank and grade.

Zethira originally refused the escort arranged for her by Lord Francis, who was quite helpless and could only respect her decision, after all, that was just her personality.

But now Sir Francis has unexpectedly drawn a mysterious artificer from the South Continent from the sea.

The most crucial thing is that Zesthira is willing to spend time with him. Perhaps she could be persuaded to bring him along as an academic companion. She has a severe case of subject bias and desperately needs a tutor who can make her listen.

"…"

Then, Zestrilla remained silent for a long time.

She didn't really want to bring attendants. Being alone suited her better.

The most crucial thing is that she left a cage where power and status are everything. If she can't stand firm, being a subordinate of this half-demon won't be easy. She could even be implicated, facing prejudice, discrimination, misfortune, and unfair treatment.

"Zestilla..."

Just as Lord Francis was about to inquire about Zestrilla's grasp of the magical lineages and magical engineering coursework, intending to persuade her further.

"Perhaps it's best to leave it be, Master Zi Jue."

"Lanche addressed Lord Francis in a gentle tone, seeming unwilling to embarrass Zestira,"

"I've been cursed with bad luck since childhood. Even my family's trading company was dragged down by me, nearly going bankrupt... Following Miss to the capital, I'm afraid I won't be able to help her at all... I'll only cause trouble for her."

As he spoke, Lance seemed to remember something very sad.

Silence fell over the table all at once.

Such a heavy topic doesn't seem fake.

A young man who is well-read, intelligent, and gentle doesn't seem like the kind of person who would curse his family's business to collapse.

Finally.

"I'm not afraid of trouble, I'm very good at taking care of people."

Zesthira looked up at Lanch, and said.

"Is this…"

Lance hesitated.

"Take me to the imperial capital to continue teaching me about magic systems and magical engineering. I don't want to listen to those teachers at school."

Zethira finished speaking and focused on continuing her meal.

"Thank you, Zethira."

Their conversation came to an end, and the table returned to its previous tranquility. Only the occasional clinking of spoons against plates broke the silence, echoing occasionally in this dining room.

Lord Francis: ""

(The End)

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Please note that the text between > was empty.irst. You're still injured, and with the weather looking like a storm tonight, the rocking of the boat might keep you awake."After finishing, Francis pushed open the hatch and walked out.After bringin...