Chapter 501 A Letter from Xuebang
"Hurry up, Gutaf! The Demon King won't wait for us to be ready!"
“Yes, yes… Miss Lino.”
"Too slow! You need to run faster. See that hedge over there? Make it disappear into a blur!"
"...Just kill me."
"You can't die! You're my comrade-in-arms, you have to stay with me forever! I'll resurrect you with holy light! Ha!"
"...??"
Fortunately, Lino was only nine years old and had not awakened any supernatural powers; she was just talking about it.
Even so, it still terrified the timid Nanfu, who almost tripped and fell again.
On the other side of the lawn at Colin Manor, seeing her younger brother's disheveled appearance, the unrestrained Vivian was almost laughing uncontrollably.
She gave Miss Lino, who was looking over, an approving look—
That's right!
That's how Nanfu is used!
The future Grand Duke of the Principality of Colin reached an agreement with the princess of the human principality.
On the other hand, things are really bad for Nanfu.
For the weak and helpless Nanfu, this long afternoon was no less than a severe trial.
He has lost count of how many laps he has run around the lawn, fountain, and flowerbeds.
Princess Lino, whose energy was beyond human comprehension, seemed tireless. After defeating a non-existent demon king, she quickly fabricated another demon king as her opponent.
Due to his elder brother's orders, Nanfu was unable to use his supernatural powers and could only rely on his physical body to endure the scorching sun and endless running.
Even though the early spring sun is not scorching, it is like a perpetual curse to the vampires.
The trial continued until dusk, when the melodious dinner bell rang from the main building of the manor.
For Nanfu, this sound was nothing short of a blessing from the demon god Bayel.
He felt that he was about to burn out in just one second.
"That's enough playing! Time to eat!"
Princess Lino finally stopped, released the poor Nanfu, and lightly jumped off his shoulder, transforming back into the dignified and elegant princess.
Nanfu collapsed to the ground, almost completely exhausted.
He gasped for breath, feeling grateful to be alive, but little did he know that mischievous little devil was approaching again.
This time, however, she didn't ride on his shoulders.
Lino Campbell lifted the hem of her light blue dress, which was covered in grass clippings, and tried to stand on tiptoe like a little adult.
Before Nanfu could react, a warm touch had already gently landed on his cheek.
"Chirp."
Nanfu froze on the spot, his brain completely shutting down.
"Thank you, my knight."
Princess Reno giggled, revealing a row of pearly white teeth. "I take back what I said earlier. You're not a horse. You're a unicorn, more beautiful and stronger than a horse!"
After saying that, she giggled, feeling smug about having tricked her playmate again, and happily ran towards the brightly lit restaurant.
Nanfu stood there blankly, subconsciously touching his cheek.
The spot that was touched was heating up at an incredible speed, and then a surge of heat rushed straight to the top of my head.
Her pale cheeks were now flushed with a brilliant red, as if the twilight of the day stretched all the way to the lawn of Colin Manor.
By the Demon God, he had always lived a life of constant anxiety, and no demon had ever treated him with such gentleness.
Nanfu's eyes welled up with tears.
Humans...
She's so gentle.
...
"This is terrifying... Demons are terrifying."
"Brother, thank goodness that Sister Vivian isn't the Demon King of Thunder County, or we would definitely be doomed!"
"Don't be afraid, I will protect you."
The main building of Colin Manor.
Richard and his brother Alfred, supporting each other, limped into the restaurant like close comrades-in-arms.
Seeing the two brothers so close, Archduke Edward felt a sense of relief. However, perhaps reminded of his own difficult childhood, this relief quickly turned into a bittersweet feeling.
The maids hurriedly stepped forward to brush the grass clippings off the two young masters and tidy their appearance, finally making the two mud monkeys, who had been playing wildly all afternoon, look somewhat presentable.
As for Lino, she was forced to stand in front of the dressing mirror and tidy her messy hair.
This restless little guy was pouting, his bright eyes darting around, as if searching for where his "Gutaf" had gone.
In the hallway before dinner began.
Nanfu stopped Luo Yan, who was about to enter the restaurant. His expression was unusually serious, and his eyes flashed with a thoughtful light.
"Elder brother."
Luo Yan stopped and said in a gentle tone.
"What's wrong?"
Nanfu took a deep breath, his bright eyes filled with unprecedented seriousness.
"I think I understand what you meant!"
Luo Yan pondered for a long time but couldn't remember what he had said, so he asked casually.
Which sentence are you referring to?
"It's about how to become a real man!"
Nanfu's eyes gleamed with confidence, and before his elder brother could ask a question, he spoke quickly.
"It's patience and protection! And the responsibility you mentioned! Thank you for giving me this opportunity to grow! I... I might be expressing myself a bit abstractly... but basically, I'm just like you!"
That's truly beyond abstract.
Luo Yan's expression became somewhat subtle.
He felt that Nanfu had probably misunderstood, but the statement itself was actually not wrong.
Except for the last sentence.
They're different; at least the Demon King wouldn't let anyone ride around the yard like a horse.
However, seeing the rare determination in Nanfu's eyes, Luo Yan ultimately didn't expose him and gave him an encouraging look.
"Not every problem in this world has a standard answer. Go find your answer. I believe in you."
Little Edward needs a defeat to grow, while Little Nanfu desperately needs a win.
Personality is something that lasts a lifetime, but values can be changed. In comparison, right and wrong are not so important.
This is all Roxie's fault.
I don't know what that guy does all day. Doesn't that mean he hasn't taught me anything?
Luo Yan felt like he was being his father again; perhaps this was a twisted fate.
With his elder brother's approval, Nanfu's face glowed with confidence.
"I will! I will become a man as mighty and powerful as Gutaf!"
He said no more, and with that "man's promise" in mind, he walked into the restaurant with his head held high and chest out.
However, his proud posture didn't last long; it quickly collapsed because of that silvery laughter...
...
The atmosphere at dinner was unexpectedly harmonious.
Soft candlelight spilled onto the pristine white tablecloth, and the long table was laden with a dazzling array of delicacies.
There's roasted lamb leg until it's charred, stewed oxtail until it's tender, bread sprinkled with herbs, Nanfu's favorite creamy mushroom soup, and Nanfu's least favorite baked snails with cheese.
Luo Yan was initially worried that this dinner with its "complex ingredients" would be awkward.
However, it turned out that he underestimated Vivian's "dominance".
This second-generation tycoon, who is invincible in Shanghai, may not be good at anything else, but she is a master at dealing with other second-generation tycoons like herself.
Richard and Alfred had completely come to regard her as their boss.
They sat upright, awkwardly imitating Vivian's dining posture, having completely forgotten the etiquette teacher's instructions.
They cut the steaks on their plates with wicked and exaggerated gestures, as if the plates contained the corpses of a demon king.
Speaking of which, the world of superhumans is truly full of wonders. Alfred, who is only three years old, already doesn't need to be fed and can eat by himself with a knife and fork.
Furthermore, in their eyes, Prince Colin, who was able to conquer Vivian, had already become "the boss's boss," a respected hero!
This gave Luo Yan a strange sense of pressure.
As for Lino...
This spoiled little princess ignored everyone and completely clung to her younger brother, Nanfu.
She moved her chair very close and sat down next to the "Gutaf". The eldest of them, however, was too lazy to wield the knife and fork herself, and simply rested her chin on her hand, smiling as she directed her clumsy "knight".
Or rather, a unicorn.
"Gutaf, I don't want to eat that bean... Yes, I want that one, ah—"
Nanfu blushed.
Under Lino's expectant gaze, he stiffly raised his fork, fulfilling his heavy-handed masculine duty.
The rigid maid stood to the side, her eyes bulging, yet she dared not step forward to advise the princess to observe proper dining etiquette.
After all, the Grand Duke did not speak.
Although royal servants held considerable authority in matters of etiquette, this pitiful authority had long been shattered by the infamous reputation the "White-haired Duke" had earned during the Winter War.
The removal of three powerful vassals at once is unprecedented in the history of the continent of Os.
Even though Edward did not threaten his servants, his imposing presence alone was enough to silence anyone who wanted to say something.
Nowadays, apart from his closest advisors, perhaps only Prince Colin can communicate with him on an equal and natural level.
Although he sometimes felt lonely because of this, it was the least of the costs compared to other costs.
Looking at the two families getting along so well, Edward Campbell couldn't help but smile with satisfaction, raising his glass to toast the deep friendship between the Colin and Campbell families.
Luo Yan politely returned Edward's greeting, but in his heart, anticipation for the opening day of Hell Academy rose once again.
I hope school starts soon.
Perhaps he should write a letter to the principal of the Demon Academy in his capacity as a senator, and seriously discuss the necessity of Hell taking a winter break.
The second-generation rich kids of Shanghai are the future pillars of hell. How can they waste their time at the age when they should be working hard?
Fortunately, the dinner at Colin Estate ended happily amidst laughter and candlelight.
The night outside the window was deep, and the moonlight poured onto the garden path, creating a scene as beautiful as a poetic painting.
The laughter and chatter in the restaurant gradually subsided, and Alfred began to yawn, entering his drowsy phase.
Upon learning that she was going home, Lino looked at "Gutaf" with a reluctant expression and asked if they could meet again.
With a blush on his face, Nanfu agreed to her in an unprecedentedly solemn tone.
"It definitely will!"
As for Richard, he kept saying, "He'll be back." One day, Richard Campbell will become a powerful hero, as powerful as Prince Colin.
Vivian covered her scarlet lips with the back of her hand, hiding the canine teeth at the corner of her mouth, and laughed "kukuku".
That lazy look in his eyes clearly showed that he didn't take this weak and feeble shouting seriously.
Humans were like insects to her... except for her respected elder brother.
However, Vivian, like her brother, did not mock the young people's dreams.
Having dreams is always a good thing.
In this chaotic world, demons not only walk in the sunlight, but also sit down and dine with humans.
Perhaps this was something neither Saint Sith nor the Demon God had anticipated.
...
After the boisterous Campbell family left, the manor finally returned to the tranquility that the night should have.
The dinner tableware had been cleared away by the servants, and the noise had faded away, leaving only the chirping of insects in the hedge.
Luo Yan returned to his study, where the flames in the fireplace flickered quietly, illuminating his profile, which had regained its composure.
He took the letter from Xuebang out of his coat pocket; the Castellón family's sealing wax on the envelope was particularly eye-catching in the light.
He removed the magical seal, tore open the envelope, and unfolded the letter that carried a faint scent of ink.
"...My dear Prince Colin, it has been more than a year since we parted. I wonder if you are well?"
I hope you are doing well, and I hope you still remember that in that remote northern wilderness, there is a girl who misses you.
And, as do many others who miss you.
】
The letter begins with Ophia's vibrant handwriting, reflecting her personality; she remains as brave, cheerful, and enthusiastic as ever.
Beneath that sunny and cheerful greeting, Luo Yan also saw many familiar handwritings and signatures.
This included his favorite protégé, Ilana, as well as Jamie and Ram, Hard and Bain, and even Corgi, who often ran errands for him.
While offering him their blessings, they also shared some everyday anecdotes and interesting stories from the laboratory.
A nostalgic smile crept onto Luo Yan's lips; he could almost picture them sitting at the lab table, busy at work.
Ilana is probably working out equations she can no longer understand on her scrap paper, Ram is likely fiddling with optical instruments, and Jamie is probably fixing that table that can never be fixed.
And then there's Hard and Bane; I wonder if their thermobaric explosive bombs successfully blew up the training ground. As for the Corgi, it didn't have to do anything on its own and probably had a year of leisure.
By collecting everyone's greetings and pasting them into the letter, it's clear that Ophia put a lot of thought into writing it.
Luo Yan continued reading the letter.
Besides their everyday moments that brought a smile to his face, Ophia also shared some of the latest news from the academic community with him.
Whether it's something happy or something unhappy.
"...Since you left the Tower of the Great Sage, the tower has returned to its former state."
I often hear people talk about you in the library. They say you opened a window to the Tower of Great Sages, letting in fresh air and making people realize that ordinary souls can also live extraordinary lives.
It's a pity you left in such a hurry; people didn't have time to hear your story before you flew away like a butterfly in spring.
I often hear people reminiscing about you, whether they are prospective students, monks, or even teaching assistants and professors who have received your help. The sentence I hear them say most often is, "If only you were still here."
Every time I hear those words, my heart is filled with joy. This has only strengthened my resolve to carry on your teachings and ensure they are not forgotten...
】
Luo Yan was very pleased to see this.
Not only because his footprints on the snowfield were still burning hot, but also because Ophia wouldn't be chasing him here for the time being.
Vivian was already giving him a headache, and if Ophia came along, he'd probably have to rack his brains for a while about how to continue the story.
Ophia then mentioned in her letter that Professor Hector's recent situation was not optimistic.
Since Professor Uriel, who was regarded as a "candidate for great sage," inherited Professor Arist's academic legacy, his influence in the academic community has grown day by day, and his exclusion of Professor Hector has become increasingly obvious.
This is clearly related to Professor Hector's previous close relationship with Professor Colin.
Ophelia, after all, was a princess of the Holy City. Having been exposed to politics since childhood, she saw through the essence of the problem at a glance.
Professor Ulier was using the accusation against Hector to suppress the scientific school of thought within the Academy, thereby eliminating dissidents.
It is precisely for this reason that Professor Uriel is not only hostile to Hector, but also to other professors and students of the scientific school to an undisguised degree.
He viewed this doctrine, which originated from practice and challenged authority, as a desecration of knowledge.
At first, his criticism was somewhat restrained, but later it escalated to the point where he went so far as to publish articles and publicly denounce others.
To be honest, looking at all this from an outsider's perspective now, Luo Yan just smiled to himself and didn't take Professor Uriel's blatant hostility to heart.
If he had to give a single comment, it would probably be: "Shallow waters breed many turtles."
Of course, this is a bit too biased, after all, Xuebang gathers the best minds in the entire empire.
There are still many outstanding magicians there, but under the influence of the Great Sage, they find it difficult to devote all their minds to academic pursuits.
This wasn't just Luo Yan's idea; Ophia had a similar thought in her mind.
In her letter, she lamented that the towering Great Sage's Tower could no longer accommodate a quiet laboratory table.
To protect themselves, many professors have begun to deliberately avoid having too much interaction with scholars from the scientific school.
The journal *Science* has gradually lost its original influence due to the cold treatment from professors. After witnessing Professor Hector's experience, everyone is worried that if they publish an article in it, they might be seen as a thorn in the side by the future sage.
Luo Yan felt they were overthinking things. The difference between a "candidate for Great Sage" and a true Great Sage was roughly an era.
Arist had no hope of becoming a Great Sage, and Professor Uriel certainly had no hope either.
No matter how hard he tried to show his loyalty and try to figure out the emperor's intentions, he could not change the fact that he was just a tool used by the great sage to tend his garden.
Ophia didn't mention the Great Sage, but in her letter she mentioned that she wasn't discouraged by the temporary setback; instead, she was filled with renewed fighting spirit.
Including Ilana, many core members of the scientific school continue to publish their research progress in the journal Science, and have built their own world with their spirit of hard work.
"...I will treat this as a trial, and I will not be easily defeated by this setback. I am Orphea, daughter of Duke Castellón, the lucky one who defeated the Chosen of Chaos. I will not stand idly by in the face of this academic persecution!"
Just wait and see. If Uriel attempts to stifle the freedom of exploration with his authority, I will check and balance him politically and economically. We will show them that truth belongs not to any faction, but only to true truth!
That unruly yet passionate spirit leaps off the page. Luo Yan seems to see Ophia's fierce face and can't help but chuckle.
"Just like something she would say."
The firelight from the fireplace reflected on the letter, creating flickering shadows, and he turned to the next page.
[...And there's more good news! Professor Wally has recently made significant progress in his research on the stability of magical airships. He specifically asked me to tell you that he is very sorry about your airship crash—he said it was the biggest wake-up call in the experiments. He assures you that the next airship will not fall from the sky!]
Upon seeing this, Luo Yan smiled knowingly; he did not blame Professor WALL-E.
If it weren't for that accident, he would never have met Karen.
Although the final outcome may be no different, this grand strategy will probably not be as natural as it is now.
Everything seemed to be arranged by the gods.
Tucked inside the letter was a thin magic photograph.
It was a group photo taken in the lab, with Professor WALL-E, Ilana, and many other people familiar to Luo Yan crowding in front of the camera.
Of course, Ophia placed herself in the most prominent center of the photo.
She wore a clean and tidy mage's robe, held a staff in her hand, and wore her usual bright smile.
Looking at that confident smiling face, Luo Yan's facial features softened considerably.
He was very pleased that this smart and brave girl had finally found a career she was willing to fight for.
Although he does not deny that he forced this career on her to some extent.
The study was quiet, with only the soft crackling of the burning wood in the fireplace.
Vampires are always particularly energetic after nightfall.
For example, at this moment, a dark purple figure silently slipped into the study without making a sound.
Vivian, like a nimble cat, tiptoed lightly around to the back of Luo Yan's chair.
She waited for a long time without receiving any punishment, and she became impatient, wanting to see what the Demon King was doing.
She peeked out, her delicate chin jutting over Luo Yan's shoulder, her deep purple hair hanging down.
Those ruby-like eyes, like the light from a fireplace, immediately caught sight of the delicate handwriting on the letter and the strikingly prominent magic photograph.
The "targeting radar" sounded an alarm, and Vivian locked onto the smiling girl in almost a second.
Ophelia Castellón!
Vivian flew into a rage upon hearing the name, screaming like a cat whose tail had been stepped on.
"Wait a minute, let's put Eileen aside for now, but who is this Ophia?! I don't agree to this marriage—!"
Before she could finish speaking, there was a soft "thump".
Luo Yan didn't even turn his head before a magic book that had risen into the air struck her smooth forehead with just the right amount of force.
"grumble--"
Vivian clutched her forehead and let out a short, mournful cry before tumbling off the chair and landing hard on her backside on the cashmere carpet.
A wave of grievance washed over her. With her tear-filled, red eyes, she gazed resentfully at her brother's retreating figure, who was not turning back.
Not only did he not explain, but he even resorted to violence. His unreasonable behavior was almost too cool—ugh! That's too much!
Vivian's shoulders trembled slightly.
"Tsk... Don't always think that way, she's just my student."
Luo Yan calmly folded the letter he had finished reading and tossed it, along with the commemorative photograph, into his spatial ring.
"Student?"
Vivian blinked, clearly not expecting this answer. Her face was filled with disbelief, and for a moment she even forgot the slight pain on her forehead.
“That’s right, that happened when I was a professor at Xuebang. To be honest, her enthusiasm sometimes gave me a headache,” Luo Yan said succinctly, not hiding the experience. “But fortunately, I’ve arranged a stage for her to fully showcase her talents, so she shouldn’t be able to pay attention to me for the time being.”
From this perspective, the narrow-minded Professor Uriel was somewhat useful, at least in helping himself to restrain Miss Castellion.
Vivian rubbed her slightly sore forehead as she stared blankly at her brother.
"Wait a minute, you were a professor at Xuebang? When did that happen? I had no idea!"
We need to find out more about this.
She still has to go back and show off to that vixen from the Padridge family!
Vivian felt incredibly busy, as enemies seemed to be everywhere she looked.
"To be honest, it did happen for a period of time," Luo Yan said calmly after a moment's thought, "probably last winter."
The air in the study was silent for two seconds.
Although he said it casually, his words stirred up a huge storm in Vivian's mind!
Xuebang was outside the sight of Hell, and Vivian's understanding of it was limited to books. She only knew that it was the brain of the empire, gathering the best magicians in the entire Os Empire.
And those thousands of mage towers, under the guidance of the Great Sage, were all researching spells to torment demons; in short, they were a very, very evil group of people!
The thought that even such a terrifying place had been incorporated into the Demon King's corrupted territory by her elder brother filled Vivian's eyes with a growing sense of adoration.
As expected of my elder brother!
His strength is truly unfathomable!
Looking at the starlight shimmering in those red eyes, Luo Yan felt that her misunderstanding of him was perhaps even deeper than Nan Fu's misunderstanding of masculinity.
However, he was too tired today to waste time on useless explanations, which was more exhausting than responding to Campbell's dream.
Luo Yan waved his hand, making a gesture to drive him away.
"Alright, now that you've satisfied your curiosity, go back to sleep. Don't forget you're in human society now, and I hope that at least for the time being, you can behave like a normal person."
Vivian obediently got up from the ground, stood at attention, and gave a Campbell's salute that she had just learned.
"Yes, Professor!"
“Call me elder brother here, or prince. Also, if you dare to sneak in without knocking again, I will…” Luo Yan suddenly stopped, realizing he was truly at a loss.
Even those seemingly aboveboard tricks could only control Vivian temporarily. Once the evil forces recovered and became emboldened, they would dare to do it again.
or……
How about we go to the official website and brainstorm some ideas?
This was the first time Luo Yan had seriously considered this matter.
Fortunately, before he could finish speaking, Vivian's shoulders suddenly trembled again.
The knowledge I learned in class came flooding back to me, especially the cruel methods used by the Xuebang to torture and interrogate demons.
The thought that all of this was in the hands of the demon king before her finally made Vivian feel a genuine fear, and her teeth chattered.
She nodded like a chick pecking at rice, almost biting her tongue in the process.
"Chirp, chirp!"
Watching Vivian, who had become self-satisfied and then fled on her own, Luo Yan, sitting in his study, couldn't help but fall into deep thought.
Well then, the purpose of deterrence has been achieved.
Although he didn't know what had happened, his self-awareness saved him a lot of trouble.
(End of this chapter)
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