The Herb King

148 Headmaster Aethelwolf

“Janrose wins!” The referee announced the result and the crowd immediately erupted into cheers.

Janrose retrieved her sword and put it back on its scabbard. She then went down the arena while smiling at the crowd.

Grace stared at her figure and sighed. She was convinced of her defeat.

“Are you alright?” Julie Irish Urgel asked her sister the moment she got down the arena.

Grace nodded but shook her head. “I didn’t even have the chance to win against her. She’s too strong, probably stronger than Alec.” She muttered.

Julie rubbed her sister’s head and smiled. “It’s fine. Janrose is two small levels stronger than you so it is normal to be defeated. Besides, the sword technique she used is also powerful and mysterious. I haven’t seen anything like that before. I believe many noble households will show interest in her swordsmanship.” She was also thinking about why Janrose didn’t use that sword technique before. Was there a reason?

“I’ll go take some rest first. I still have a second battle and there might be some people who would challenge me.” Grace said while clenching her fists.

Julie nodded her head. “Alright.”

Meanwhile, Janrose returned to the VIP room where Aethelwolf and the others were seated. When she arrived, her mother immediately hugged her tightly.

.....

“Congratulations!” Everyone congratulated her on her victory.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

Aethelwolf turned his gaze to Rendell and told him to open the door.

Rendell did as he was told and stood up to reach for the door.

Click.

It was Prince Calvin and everyone immediately adjusted their sitting posture when they saw him. “Sir Aethelwolf, I hope I didn’t come at the wrong time. Oh, Sir Johann is also here?” He was surprised to see Johann sitting beside Aethelwolf. There was also another man that he couldn’t identify, but since he was sitting in the same position as Aethelwolf and Johann, the prince believed that it was someone with important status.

“Your Highness!” Everyone stood up and lightly bowed at the prince.

Only Aethelwolf, Johann, and Anton cupped their fists. Anton was already told that there wasn’t a need for him to bow his head to the Imperial Family since he was now the family head of the Lassiter Household.

“Your Highness, this man beside me is Sir Anton Lassiter, the family head of our Lassiter Household.” Aethelwolf enunciated that he was part of the Lassiter Household and the prince was taken aback by this. He thought that Aethelwolf was not unaffiliated with any noble household so this came as a surprise to him.

Prince Calvin reached out his hand and Anton grabbed it with a smile. “It’s an honor to see you in person, Your Highness.” Anton said.

Prince Calvin smiled back in response. “I now remember you, Sir Anton. General Gavin has mentioned you a lot. He said that you are one of the strongest warriors he fought alongside with.”

Anton smiled from ear to ear when he heard this. “General Gavin is merely putting me on a pedestal, but I’m just a normal commander.” He shook his head lightly.

“I don’t think so...” Prince Calvin muttered silently. Since he was a family of Aethelwolf, he was far from normal.

“Come. Sit with us, Your Highness.” Anton invited.

Prince Calvin shook his head faintly. “There is no need for that. I came here to invite Sir Aethelwolf to join the Imperial Family in spectating the remaining battles.” The prince then added as he looked at Johann. “Sir Johann and Sir Anton can join if you guys want.”

Aethelwolf stared at the prince and asked. “Is this His Majesty’s invitation?”

The prince nodded his head.

“Alright.” Aethelwolf nodded his head.

“I’ll join you guys.” Johann said.

The prince then stared at Anton and waited for his answer.

Anton glanced at the prince and then at his wife who nodded her head at him encouragingly. “Alright. I’ll go as well.” He replied to the prince.

Prince Calvin was happy that no one rejected him. “Follow me. His Majesty is waiting for us.” He said to the three.

Aethelwolf smiled apologetically at Samira and the others before turning his head to his student. “I wish you good luck in your next battles.” He said before leaving the room with the prince.

Prince Calvin brought them to the VIP room of the Imperial Family.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

“Your Majesty, I brought them here.” The prince said before he opened the door.

There were some familiar faces sitting inside the room. Julius Reynolds, Jericho Rayden, Harold Reynolds, Hugo Ward, and Julie Irish Urgel. And there were many who he didn’t recognize, but they all had something in common. They were all powerful Espers!

Hugo’s eyes narrowed when he stared at Aethelwolf, but he hurriedly retracted his gaze. Aethelwolf was still in a weak state, but he noticed the man’s sneaky stare.

“Your Majesty.” Aethelwolf and the other two cupped their fists as they greeted the emperor.

Emperor Ragnar smiled and gestured for them to sit down. He didn’t recognize who Anton was, but since he came with Aethelwolf, the emperor decided to just let him stay. “Take your seats first.”

After everyone took their seats, Emperor Ragnar scanned the crowd as he put on a serious look. “I invited all of you here to announce that the academy building has already been made. The construction was expedited and the enrollment will begin in the next month. I’ve already sent you details about who will be headmaster of the academy and since everyone is gathered here, I’ll introduce him again.” He then turned his head to Aethelwolf and smiled. “Aethelwolf, please do a simple introduction of yourself and some of your plans for the academy.”

Aethelwolf felt everyone’s gazes boring down on him. He didn’t want to sense his weakness so he stood up with a calm look on his face. “Aethelwolf of the Lassiter Household. It’s a pleasure to meet everyone in this room. During my travels, I have heard about the hostile movements of our two neighboring empires. They are showing signs of aggression and I believe that they would soon come to us with unfriendly intentions. Other than them, I also heard about the appearance of Underworld creatures who suddenly emerged to the surface. To make a summary of everything, our Leone Empire. No... The Regalis Continent is about to enter a period of upheaval.”

Everyone’s faces became solemn as they listened to his words. They already knew this information.

Aethelwolf continued. “I believe that His Majesty created the academy for the purpose of preparing for this upcoming danger and as the headmaster appointed by His Majesty, my goal is to train young elites regardless of status and background, to become pillars of our empire!”