Chapter 89: Chapter 89: The Angry Medro Cep!
Feeling the burning gaze upon him, Dean Bruce immediately put on a nonchalant expression, appearing even more enigmatic in the eyes of Jones and the others.
It was Erla who reacted first, curiously asking, "Dean, you're the teacher of that young lord? So the magic he used on Brother Herbert was also learned from you?"
"What kind of magic was that? It was amazing! Brother Herbert is naturally immune to certain magical abilities, yet that young lord, despite not seeming very high in rank, was able to knock him out without any resistance. That's incredibly powerful!"
"Wow, being a teacher to a young lord must mean you have an extraordinary identity, Dean. Can't you tell us more?"
"Exactly! That magic was truly remarkable! Dean, could you teach it to us?"
One person spoke up, and the others chimed in, their hopeful eyes fixed on Dean Bruce.
"Enough!"
Obona Jones said sternly, "Magic shouldn't be passed around lightly. Don't bother Dean like this!"
Dean Bruce understood the value of rarity. Even if the more people who sought to learn magic increased the chance of someone successfully mastering it, he still wouldn't teach too many.
Skipping the topic of teaching them magic, Dean Bruce calmly said, "That spell is called Slumber of the Dead. I did teach it to Nicholas. As for why I took him as a student? I originally didn't want to, but he knelt before me, and I couldn't bear to see such a young boy so disappointed and heartbroken, so I agreed."
"However, my energy is limited, and even if something similar happens again, I wouldn't be able to agree."
Noticing Erla and Ezra's eyes lighting up, Dean Bruce's words soon revealed their helplessness, and their astonishment was hard to quell.
"A young lord had to kneel just to become your student… Dean, you must have a noble background, right? You're not from the Empire, are you?"
Erla's words caused a chill to run through the Jones family, making their breaths quicken.
If they could establish a connection with a force from the Empire, it would be a tremendous opportunity for their family!
Lina Jones, linking arms with Dean Bruce, pouted and said, "Did you all forget what I mentioned before? Dean has a special identity that can't be disclosed! If it weren't for resolving my engagement this time, he shouldn't even have to step into the spotlight!"
"…"
Initially, the members of the Jones family thought Lina was trying to cover for Dean Bruce, but upon seeing Nicholas William's respectful demeanor, they were convinced.
Erla quickly apologized, "I'm sorry, Dean. I shouldn't have asked that."
Dean Bruce shook his head, feeling the shift in the Jones family's attitude toward him. He couldn't help but reflect on how important strength was in this brutal world.
Because he gradually revealed his power, he transformed from being challenged to being respected, even feared!
Regaining his composure, Dean Bruce calmly said, "The matter has been resolved. Let's set off."
Obona Jones and the others nodded, instructing the large group to move forward.
With Dean Bruce present, Nicholas William dared not compete for space, dutifully yielding to the Jones family's carriage, following closely as they made their way to the lord's mansion in Stanlow.
The scale of this banquet was immense, and the lord's mansion had long been prepared; the area near the estate had cleared the streets to avoid any collisions.
As the crowd thickened, the noise became palpable. Obona Jones could no longer remain in the carriage, so he got out and sat at the front, engaging with various parties passing by.
For the moment, the people inside the carriage regarded Dean Bruce with utmost respect, even Dana Jones, the elder, treated him with great deference.
Lina Jones rolled her eyes and said, "I absolutely hate situations like this. Unfortunately, once I officially take on the role of saintess, I'll probably have to live like this every day."
Dean Bruce replied calmly, "In that position, you must manage the affairs. The path you've chosen requires steadfast commitment."
At his words, Lina Jones raised an eyebrow and chuckled, "You always manage to surprise me. Just this one line seems to hold some profound meaning."
Dean Bruce merely smiled in response. He had done extensive research on both Eastern and Western civilizations and knowledge in his past life, so casually dropping some seemingly deep insights was easy for him.
Choosing silence, Dean Bruce closed his eyes and began to ponder what kind of magic would be best to teach Nicholas William next.
Now, with the Red Sun Fruit in his possession, Dean Bruce anticipated that after consuming more of it, he would experience a significant boost to his fire elemental magic. It would be best to teach others a variety of fire elemental spells later on.
However, to help others grasp specific elemental magic, he would need to carefully consider the incantations!
Noticing Dean Bruce lost in thought, the members of the Jones family grew tense. They dared not chat loudly, or even breathe heavily, fearing they might disturb him.
With Obona Jones present outside, Dean Bruce and the others didn't have to worry; they slowly approached the lord's mansion in Stanlow.
Upon reaching the entrance, Dean Bruce gathered his thoughts and stepped down from the carriage. The others quickly followed, and soon someone moved the carriage to the side. The guards were also directed to the side courtyard, where food was prepared for them to rest.
Dean Bruce's group was led through the main entrance. Just a few steps in, a voice called out, "Lina, it's been years! I heard you've become the designated saintess; congratulations!"
At the sound of the voice, Lina Jones narrowed her eyes, gripping Dean Bruce's arm tighter, her body pressing closer as if they were about to merge.
Noticing this shift, Dean Bruce understood immediately—Medro Cep had arrived!
Turning toward the source of the voice, he saw a man in a light blue magic robe, adorned with patterns similar to Borus, walking out of the courtyard.
He wore a sword at his waist, its scabbard embedded with gems of various colors, shimmering in the sunlight.
As Dean Bruce assessed Medro Cep, he caught sight of the intimate contact between him and Lina Jones. Although Medro's expression remained unchanged and still bore a smile, he stumbled slightly, revealing that his emotions were in turmoil!
In truth, Medro Cep didn't have feelings for Lina Jones; otherwise, he wouldn't have rejected the Jones family's marriage proposal years ago.
Now he was willing to agree purely because of Lina's status!
But someone as proud as him, no matter how much he disliked the situation, would still feel anger upon seeing Dean Bruce so close to Lina Jones!
He had already regarded Lina Jones as his own prized possession; how could he allow anyone else to touch her?
In an instant, when he looked at Dean Bruce again, his eyes were filled with a chilling killing intent!
However, since they were at a banquet with guests arriving frequently, no matter how displeased Medro Cep felt, he had to suppress his anger and put on a smile to greet Dean Bruce.
Feeling Medro Cep's murderous intent and frustration, Dean Bruce nearly laughed out loud; the sensation was utterly delightful!
He relished the way others looked at him with resentment yet felt powerless.
Moreover, Medro Cep's immediate anger toward him actually worked in their favor.
Lina Jones smiled and said, "Thank you! I hear you're about to get a promotion as well, so congratulations to you too!"
Medro Cep pretended not to notice the closeness between Dean Bruce and Lina Jones and replied with a smile, "Compared to you, what kind of promotion is that? I'm still just a lowly underling following orders!"
"Uncle Obona, Aunt Dana, it's been a while! I've been thinking of you both. I've been tied up with mundane matters lately and couldn't visit your home; I hope you can forgive me."
"And your younger siblings are looking more charming than ever! I happen to know a mentor from the Saint Laurent Advanced Magic Academy; perhaps I could help you all get in touch and teach you some high-level spells ahead of time!"
Had Dean Bruce not revealed his power, Obona and Dana might have been tempted by his offer, but now they had made their decision and wouldn't be trying to build ties with Medro Cep.
Obona firmly rejected, "I appreciate your kind offer, but they should strive for their own success in school without wasting a favor! If they don't get into the advanced magic academy, it's no big deal; the Jones family can support them just fine!"
This wasn't an empty statement. With Lina Jones around, as long as no major problems arose, the Jones family would undoubtedly thrive for another two hundred years. With a bit of luck, climbing even higher wouldn't be difficult!
Even if it was just a polite refusal, Medro Cep felt embarrassed by such a blunt rejection.
What made it even worse was a clearly sarcastic voice ringing out, heard by everyone in the courtyard.
"A mere high-level spell, and you want to help others make connections? If you lack the capability, don't make grand claims!"
"When did the Nine Provinces Alliance produce someone like you?"