Legendary Hero is an Academy Honors Student - Chapter 215

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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215

That evening.

Countless knights stood in formation before the Warp Gate.

The atmosphere was quite different from when they had welcomed Leo and Selia during the day.

A moment later, light flashed from the Warp Gate.

Along with it, a man with black hair and red eyes revealed himself.

His eyes were a bright crimson that seemed ready to burst into flames at any moment.

His face was like a sculpture carefully crafted by an artist.

The man, who could be called a handsome middle-aged gentleman without shame, possessed an overwhelming presence that dominated the crowd.

Thud- Thud-

As the man descended from the Warp Gate and headed toward the carriage, the knights made a sharp “Clack!” sound as they knelt and performed a knight’s salute.

The man raised his hand to the knights.

The knights then returned to their original positions with discipline.

“Have you arrived, brother?”

“Yes. Were there any particular incidents with the family?”

When Jis greeted him respectfully, Seld Jerdinger, the head of the Jerdinger family, asked in a serious voice.

“Selia returned today.”

“Come to think of it, today was the closing ceremony.”

Though it was the day his beloved daughter returned for vacation, Seld had completely forgotten.

Recently, to respond to the rapidly changing world situation, he had been attending meetings hosted by the Emperor day and night in the capital.

Seld had been spending incredibly busy days without a moment to breathe.

Even so, thinking himself a poor father, he smiled bitterly as he boarded the carriage.

“And Leo also visited together with Selia.”

Seld’s movement paused for a moment.

Then he boarded the carriage again.

Jis followed and climbed into the carriage.

“Leo…”

At the visit of his nephew, whom he had only heard about in stories, Seld showed an interested expression.

“What about Ris?”

“Ris went to conquer a Hero Dungeon at Lumern’s request after the graduation ceremony. He won’t be able to return to the family for a while.”

Seld nodded at Jis’s words.

“Are the preparations for the welcome party ready?”

“Everything is prepared.”

“Good.”

Seld leaned back deep into the carriage and said.

“I’m looking forward to it.”

***

The Party Hall of Jerdinger Manor.

With all those holding important positions in the manor gathered, Leo also stood beside Selia.

Leo observed the faces of the people.

There were many knights with tremendous skills.

“What are you looking at so intently?”

“There are many people with incredible abilities.”

At Leo’s words, Selia puffed out her chest proudly.

“Of course, it’s Jerdinger after all.”

As Leo chuckled while watching Selia sweep back her hair.

“Miss Selia. Congratulations on becoming a 2nd Year.”

“Is this gentleman Master Leo? It’s a pleasure to meet you, from the branch family…”

People gathered around Leo and Selia.

Today’s party was nominally a celebration for Selia and Leo’s advancement to 2nd Year.

As such, the two of them were the main characters.

However, it was Leo who was drawing people’s attention.

Selia covered her mouth and spoke teasingly to Leo.

“You’re quite popular?”

Looking at Selia speaking teasingly, Leo replied indifferently.

“Popular? They’re all hovering around like that because they want something.”

“Want something?”

As Selia tilted her head at Leo’s words.

The entrance to the Party Hall began to become noisy.

There, Seld and Jis were entering the Party Hall.

While the Jerdinger retainers paid their respects, Seld spotted Leo and Selia and moved toward the two.

“Father!”

Selia smiled brightly upon seeing her father after a long time.

Though Selia was always perfect in her conduct as a direct descendant of a Renowned Hero Family, in front of her father she was just a fifteen-year-old girl.

Seeing his daughter running over with a bright smile and hugging him, Seld chuckled and patted his daughter’s head.

“You rascal. I heard stories about your achievements. I’m proud of you.”

“I only did what was natural as a direct descendant of Jerdinger.”

After patting his daughter’s head, Seld’s gaze turned to Leo.

“So you’re Leo.”

“I greet the master of Jerdinger.”

When Seld looked at him, Leo respectfully performed a formal bow.

Though Leo had been recognized as a direct descendant of the Jerdinger family, today was the first time Leo and Seld had met.

Moreover, this was an official occasion with countless people watching.

He had no choice but to perform perfect etiquette.

Selia stuck out her tongue while watching Leo, who showed not the slightest flaw.

‘This guy seems casual but his etiquette is perfect.’

Usually, Leo showed a demeanor that didn’t care much for formalities.

So one might think he had only learned the minimum etiquette required of a noble, but that wasn’t the case.

Leo’s etiquette was perfect even in Selia’s eyes, having lived strictly in a Renowned Hero Family since childhood.

‘Looking at things like this, it was worth being tormented by Risinass.’

Leo chuckled inwardly, recalling his old friend.

Thanks to Risinass’s nagging, Leo had perfectly mastered the demanding etiquette of the dragon race.

Thanks to that experience, he became able to execute most etiquette perfectly.

‘Etiquette starts with one’s bearing after all.’

Seeing Leo’s etiquette, Seld burst into laughter.

“You’re completely different from Raina.”

Recalling his younger sister who had been free-spirited to the point of being rough, Seld added.

“Feel free to call me Great Uncle.”

“Yes. Great Uncle.”

Seeing Seld allow the friendly form of address, all the Jerdinger people held their breath.

‘As expected, the family head intends to give Master Leo a major position in the family in the future.’

‘Damn! If I had known this would happen, I shouldn’t have cast an opposing vote when he was accepted as a direct descendant!’

Many of those attending the party quickly turned their minds.

Jerdinger wasn’t simply a Renowned Hero Family.

It was one of the two pillars supporting the Rodren Empire.

It was a family that influenced nearly half of all knights throughout the Empire.

That meant Jerdinger possessed enormous power.

In reality, the external status of Jerdinger’s direct bloodline was higher than, or at least never lower than, the royalty of most kingdoms.

Within the Rodren Empire, being a direct descendant of Jerdinger alone brought treatment beyond imagination.

Therefore, branch family members always yearned to gain recognition and obtain the status of direct descendants.

When a new direct lineage member is born, the probability of becoming a direct heir decreases accordingly.

That’s why there were many who tried to check Leo when he rose to the position of direct lineage.

But Leo was now one of the key figures within Jerdinger.

Moreover, he was clearly protected by the family head and vice head as their nephew.

Now, just falling out of Leo’s favor could distance one from the family’s power.

After Seld finished talking with Leo and left, Selia asked with sparkling eyes.

“How’s our father?”

“He’s amazing.”

As the master of the Jerdinger Family, Seld was a man without fault.

A skilled warrior who could be counted among the best knights he’d ever seen.

Truly a man worthy of the name hero.

Just as Selia smiled confidently after hearing Leo’s words.

Ding-ding-ding-ding-

Jis tapped his wine glass to draw everyone’s attention.

“The family head would like to say a few words.”

At those words, everyone looked at Seld.

“I want to thank everyone for attending today’s party celebrating my daughter and nephew’s advancement to 2nd Year.”

Seld’s solemn voice echoed throughout the Party Hall.

“Since these two are the future of our Jerdinger Family, I hope you’ll continue to support them so they can keep showing excellent performance.”

As his simple words ended, applause poured from those attending the party.

After that, Leo had to greet countless people.

Starting with Jerdinger’s collateral bloodline members to many vassal families.

Though it was a party where only those connected to Jerdinger were invited, there were numerous people.

‘If other nobles were invited too, it would really be chaotic.’

While shaking his head at Jerdinger’s scale, Leo handled people perfectly.

‘Did sister neglect etiquette herself but teach Leo thoroughly?’

Watching this, Jis was impressed.

There wasn’t a single flaw to find anywhere.

‘For external events, I’d want to send him as the family’s face along with Selia.’

Jis felt like driving home the point that Leo was a perfect Jerdinger person to the outside world.

‘So other families can’t even dare to look. Especially Rwallin.’

Jis’s face twisted.

Normally, Rwallin wouldn’t covet Jerdinger Family bloodline.

But Leo was different from typical Jerdinger members.

All Class.

Moreover, his abilities and talent as a mage were comparable to knights.

Even throughout Jerdinger’s long history, Leo’s talent was among the best.

With such magical talent, it wouldn’t be strange for Rwallin to covet him regardless of pride or dignity.

‘Especially that witch asking about Leo frequently is annoying.’

Until last year, Rwallin’s vice head would start with glaring contests when they met, but recently her attitude had softened and she often mentioned stories about Leo.

‘The Imperial Family is also showing interest in Leo.’

Since it became known that he was Phoenix’s contractor, the Imperial Family had been showing interest in Leo to a degree that could be called blatant.

‘Having too much ability is also a problem.’

Just as Jis let out a hollow laugh and shook his head.

“Vice head.”

“What is it, Sir Terrius?”

Jis looked puzzled at the person addressing him.

Pierce Terrius, a member of the family head’s knight order, Phoenix Knights.

“There’s something urgent I need to discuss regarding Young Master Leo.”

“What is it?”

“It’s about Young Master Leo’s knight order.”

At those words, Jis chuckled.

‘So it’s that story after all.’

Jis also oversaw the Jerdinger Family’s trainees.

As such, he knew that when selecting Leo’s knight order in late spring this year, the top-performing trainees had avoided joining the knight order.

By now, he was also aware that many regretted not joining Leo’s knight order.

‘I heard recently that quite a few trainees are eyeing positions in Leo’s knight order.’

Pierce’s son was also a trainee with top-tier skills among them.

“Don’t you know that Leo’s knight order matter was already settled in spring?”

“Yes, of course it’s settled. But Vice head, Young Master Leo’s current knight order’s abilities are quite lacking compared to Young Master Leo’s reputation.”

“Hmm.”

Jis crossed his arms and looked toward Leo.

Those who appeared to be trainees were gathering around Leo.

They were probably trying to make an impression somehow.

But Leo’s face looked rather indifferent.

‘Leo seems to have already made up his mind.’

Jis chuckled.

‘For Leo, the kids who chose him would be more precious than skilled ones.’

“That doesn’t seem like something for me to decide, but rather for Leo to decide.”

At those words, Pierce’s eyes lit up as he spoke.

“Then may I speak directly to Young Master Leo about this matter?”

“Do as Sir Terrius sees fit.”

“Yes.”

Pierce made a meaningful expression and headed toward Leo.

“Young Master Leo. I am Pierce Terrius, a member of the Phoenix Knight Order.”

“Hello, Sir Terrius.”

Leo looked puzzled at the large knight who suddenly approached him.

“I have something to tell Young Master Leo.”

“What is it?”

“Young Master Leo is fourth in the succession order as a direct lineage member of the Jerdinger Family, following Young Master Ris, Miss Selia, and Miss Emira. You are like the face of Jerdinger.”

The current succession order of Jerdinger was as follows.

Ris and Selia, children of family head Seld.

Emira, Jis’s daughter.

And Leo.

Though his surname wasn’t Jerdinger, as the family head’s nephew, his succession order was fourth.

Additionally, since Emira was physically weak and didn’t walk the knight’s path.

Leo’s actual succession order was third.

Of course, Leo would never become family head, but even so, succession order carried deep meaning.

“So?”

“Young Master Leo is a person worthy as Jerdinger’s successor. However… I think the knights following Young Master Leo are insufficient.”

Seeing Pierce bring up such a direct topic, Leo curled up the corner of his mouth.

“What are you trying to say?”

“I recommend Young Master Leo take knights suitable for you. This isn’t just Young Master Leo’s problem, but a matter of Jerdinger Family’s prestige, so I’m saying this out of concern.”

At Pierce’s words, Selia frowned.

But everyone around agreed with Pierce’s words.

‘Certainly Leo’s current knight order lacks skill. But still, that’s Leo’s decision, not something to discuss publicly like this.’

This conversation was practically pressuring Leo using the family’s prestige.

Selia glanced at Jis.

Jis was watching the situation intently, as if he’d let Leo handle it as he wished.

‘Father won’t intervene in this kind of situation.’

Selia looked at Leo.

‘What are you going to do, Leo?’

With everyone’s attention focused on him, Leo smiled.

“I’m quite fond of my knights.”

“Yes. Those children chose Young Master Leo, so it’s natural for you to feel attached to them. But even so, you should still select children with ability.”

“My knights have plenty of ability too.”

Leo chuckled softly.

At those words, Pierce gave a bitter smile.

“Young Master Leo hasn’t seen the other trainees yet, so you say such things…”

“All five of them are planning to enroll in Lumern immediately.”

“…”

In that moment, everyone in the party hall doubted their own ears.

Even among Jerdinger’s knight trainees, only a very few could enroll in Lumern.

But all five of them would enroll in Lumern?

Moreover, it was a well-known fact that Leo’s knight order had mid-tier grades among the trainees.

No matter how you looked at it, Leo’s words were preposterous.

But there was one person.

Selia was different.

‘…If it’s him, he could probably do it and more.’

Selia, who knew her cousin’s abilities better than anyone, thought Leo could do it.

Leo was someone who accomplished what he set out to do.

‘Of course, those kids will taste hell.’

Selia wore a pitying expression and let out a deep sigh.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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