"Stop it! Stop it! I was wrong!"

Chester Owen looked just like Baroli being bullied, his hands clutching his head, a trace of terror on his face.

"So now you know how it feels to be bullied? Who gave you the nerve to mess with my Class A students?"

Leyang stepped in front of Chester Owen, his gaze cold and indifferent.

"I know I was wrong. Please let me go. I won’t dare do it again."

Chester sobbed as he spoke.

"Listen up: Class A is under my protection. Touch anyone from our class, and you answer to me. Got it?"

"Mhm, mhm, mhm."

Chester nodded frantically, terrified a slow reply would earn him another punch.

Just then, Ailin Camila Lumier and Yvette slowly approached.

Spotting Lumiere, Chester lunged forward like he’d grabbed a lifeline, shouting desperately:

"Your Highness! Princess Ailin, save me! They’re going to kill me!"

"Stop right there! Don’t come closer!"

Lumiere jumped in surprise. Yvette instantly blocked her path, voice icy.

"Princess Lumei, I’m Chester Owen, eldest son of the Chester family. Please save me!"

Chester blurted out.

"Don’t panic. Calm down and tell me what happened."

Princess Lumei asked, puzzled.

"They… they attacked me! Look at my face—all beaten by them. Princess Lumei, you must give me justice!"

Chester pointed at Leyang’s group, sobbing uncontrollably.

"That does look rough. Yvette, check his injuries."

"Yes, Princess Lumei."

Yvette examined Chester briefly.

"Your Highness, aside from facial swelling, his injuries aren’t severe. He’ll heal naturally in a few days."

Yvette reported respectfully.

"Then it’s minor. But earlier, I—Princess Lumei—saw you bullying our Class A students. Three of you kicking and punching them. Explain yourself."

Princess Lumei smiled faintly, her light tone sharp with pressure.

"Th-this… I…"

Chester froze. Why did this feel all wrong?

"Trusted by Mentor Soya Jemi, I’m Class A’s president. I can’t ignore this. Mr. Owen, give a reasonable explanation—or I’ll report it to Mentor Jemi."

"Misunderstanding! All a misunderstanding! Baroli and I are brothers. How could I bully him? Princess Ailin, don’t misjudge me!"

Chester waved his hands wildly, his heart sinking. He never expected Princess Lumei to lead Class A—or that she’d witnessed them bullying Baroli. How had she seen it?!

This couldn’t reach the mentor. If investigated, they were finished.

"Whether it’s a misunderstanding, the academy will judge fairly. Come with us to clarify things with Mentor Jemi."

Princess Lumei said calmly.

"No trouble needed. I’m right here."

A ghostly, fiery figure materialized before them, gripping two boys—the very pair who’d fled Leyang earlier!

"Mentor Soya Jemi?!"

Princess Lumei was slightly startled. Plans never matched reality—how had she appeared so suddenly?

Phoenix tensed nervously. She’d beaten Chester bloody; would Mentor Jemi scold her?

Leyang stayed calm. He’d sensed Soya Jemi’s aura since they left the Noble Etiquette Hall. She’d followed silently. Since she hid, he’d let her witness everything—no denying it later.

"Say nothing. I saw it all. I’ll handle this as your mentor."

Soya Jemi flashed to Baroli’s side, checking his wounds. Her brows furrowed.

"Baroli, answer honestly: how did you get these injuries?"

"I… I…"

Baroli glanced at Leyang, then gritted his teeth.

"They did it!"

He jabbed a finger angrily at Chester’s trio.

"Good. Your mentor will see justice done!"

Soya Jemi didn’t heal him yet. These were evidence; non-lethal meant Kamila Noble Academy could fix him later.

Chester crumpled to the ground, face deathly pale.

"You three rascals—I’ll deal with you later. Go about your business now."

Soya Jemi shot Leyang a glare. He was the mastermind. Phoenix and Princess Lumei wouldn’t scheme like this.

Leyang scratched his cheek awkwardly, grinning.

Soya Jemi then led Baroli, Chester, and the two boys away.

Watching her leave, Phoenix sighed inwardly in relief.

"I thought Mentor Jemi would definitely scold us."

"Fear nothing. Blame me if trouble comes. I can take it."

Leyang said nonchalantly.

"Alright, I’ve other matters. You head back first."

"Huh? Where to, Lord Leyang?"

"To uphold justice and crush evil!"

…

Leyang donned the heavy iron armor, swapped his Kamila Noble Academy uniform for a loose dark cloak.

"Hoping for a catch tonight. This guy hasn’t shown for two days. Caught already?"

He muttered, puzzled.

Night deepened. Insect chirps and bird calls filled the air. Most slept soundly.

Guards patrolled the streets in pairs; few pedestrians remained.

Leyang silently practiced a profound fist form. The armor slowed his movements, yet each strike was deep and powerful, faint air ripples swirling from his fists.

"Yaaah!!! Underwear thief!!!"

"Help! Catch the thief!!!"

A shrill scream shattered the night’s calm.

Leyang’s eyes lit up—

"I’ve waited long enough!"