NOVPUBIn a lively corner of the dazzling Main Hall banquet, Landry fixed his gaze on the two young girls.
Ursula, normally domineering and arrogant, now appeared astonishingly vulnerable. Even the gentle Elsa seemed more resilient than her.
As he observed her, Lanci's mind wandered back to the moment he first encountered Ursula.
Ursula had once tried to give him trouble in class, but his solid expertise won over the students' trust, leaving her no choice.
At that time, she wasn't the jittery, fretful figure she was now—like a frightened bird.
Not far away, the air around the Ninth Army God Purple Crystal Ryan grew dense and frigid.
"May I ask, what business do you have with my sister?"
Marquis Ryan stared at Lanci and questioned directly.
The mere aura emanating from the Army God weakened the knees of the surrounding aristocrats, prompting them to instinctively withdraw as though escaping.
It was clear that Marquis Ryan wasn't merely displeased with the professor; he had also been tolerating the gawking aristocrats nearby up until now.
"According to the Saint Kray Temple's regulations, it is customary for the monastery professors to offer the annual blessing of the Moon Goddess to their students during the festival, so they may receive the protection of the Silver Moon and the Healing Goddess, and complete their academic journey safely and in good health for the coming year."
Landry remained entirely unfazed by the Ninth Army God Ryan's intimidating presence. Only after finishing his conversation with his student did he turn to Ryan and bow respectfully.
It was the standard imperial etiquette by which a Viscount expressed deference to a Marquis.
"Lan..."
Ursula hadn't recovered her composure yet. She never expected Landry to be so bold, daring to stand before the Army God unaffected by the Eighth-order Supreme Being's overwhelming aura.
More importantly, Landry wasn't merely acting out of consideration for Elsa; he genuinely stood before her and offered blessings that seemed unattainable.
However, seeing her brother Ryan's chilling expression, Ursula anxiously tugged at Landry's gray outer coat, signaling for him not to intervene in the Roland family's troubles, lest he and Elsa get caught up in it.
"You and Elsa can go over there and have some refreshments. Enjoy the Moon Goddess Festival's school celebration and don't worry. I'll communicate to your parents regarding your academic performance and development."
Lanci addressed her, simultaneously instructing Elsa to take Ursula away.
Elsa nodded knowingly, taking Ursula's hand and leading her aside.
It had always been Ursula protecting her; now it was her turn to look after Ursula.
"Alright, Marquis Ryan, if you have any questions regarding Ursula's situation at Saint Kray Temple, you can bring them to me as her professor, rather than placing too much pressure on a minor."
Lanci stated this to the Ninth Army God Purple Crystal Ryan.
In the end, Lanci had spoken with Elsa and learned about the Roland family's circumstances.
Long before the Cerryti Empire's establishment, the Roland family had already stood as one of the most illustrious noble houses of the Seross Empire.
In the old days, the values of the Seross Empire outwardly appeared to be directed exclusively at the empire's citizens but actually concealed the toxic seeds of racial prejudice.
They championed the superiority of Seross Empire aristocracy, disparaged the supposed flaws of other races, glorified the honor of the upper classes, and scorned the inferiority of the lower-class commoners.
This philosophy of "survival of the fittest" perpetuated a belief that all beings were not created equal—an unchanging law through time.
Led by such covert cultural beliefs, the establishment of the Cerryti Empire sparked the outbreak of the Blood Cleansing Day twenty years ago, during which enraged citizens indiscriminately massacred and oppressed their nobles.
Ryan and Ursula's Roland family endured this upheaval; their foundation was gravely damaged and nearly collapsed.
Witnessing the horrors of Blood Cleansing Day firsthand unmistakably left young Ryan with indelible psychological scars, while Ursula, born later, never experienced such trauma.
The siblings depended on each other growing up, with Ryan, as the eldest son, bearing an excess of responsibilities. Solely through Ryan's personal efforts and relentless determination did the family revive from ruin, which is why he now stood as the Family Head Marquis Ryan. To Ursula, Ryan was not only an elder brother but also a father figure who provided her immense protection and security since childhood.
Despite her anxiety, the echoes of the past compelled Ursula to face Ryan.
"I harbor no doubts about this girl being useless. Besides, regardless of how worthless she is, this is a Roland family matter, and outsiders have no place meddling."
Marquis Ryan surveyed his surroundings and spoke chillingly.
He had just returned from the front lines and hadn't paid much attention to the empire's capital or to the recently famed professor—knowing only bits and pieces through hearsay.
Upon hearing the man identify himself as Ursula's teacher, Ryan surmised the gray-clad professor's identity.
But that held no significance to Ryan Roland. Whoever dared intervene at this moment was an intolerable nuisance.
"Does Saint Kray Temple forbid professors from aiding their students?"
Lanci questioned.
"Besides, your gaze is filled with contempt—can that truly be called family?"
His rare sharp words cut through the air.
"..."
Ryan's expression shifted slightly, and the gathered guests shivered collectively.
"Ursula!"
He called after Ursula, who had fled like a shadow.
Ursula's figure trembled, her steps halted, and she slowly turned her head back.
"What, do you intend to marry this man? Or have you already been brainwashed by him, treating him as your new brother? It seems you've exhausted the last shred of loyalty to your family and the shame you never possessed to begin with."
Marquis Ryan questioned Ursula coldly.
