Chapter 44

Chapter 44

A full ten minutes later, Lucius Campbell concluded his discussion on the weather and colonial cuisine. His topic gradually shifted to the purpose of his visit. "How about joining my support club?" he said. "Let's help each other advance, work together in the freshman tournament, and achieve good results."

Joining the support club meant expressing support for Lucius Campbell to become the first-year class president. Lucius knew well that in the fiercely competitive Imperial Knight Academy, rallying all possible allies was crucial.

Louis, of course, understood the implication, and he felt uneasy. Campbell would undoubtedly inherit the title of marquis, becoming a great noble, while he himself, though the son of a baron, could not inherit his father's honorary baronetcy and was essentially a commoner.

Becoming a follower of a future marquis would be a golden opportunity for other commoners, but his grandfather was up for a promotion to senior judge, so Louis had to act cautiously. Moreover, those competing with Campbell for the top spot were the second and third place finishers in the freshman entrance exam; their fathers were also senior military officers, especially the second-place finisher who was royal kin and held a knighthood himself.

Louis quickly weighed the pros and cons in his mind. He knew that choosing to join Campbell's club meant standing in his camp and making enemies of the other competitors. This could bring him unnecessary trouble.

Mulling over the details of the three competitors, Louis immediately pointed at Evan and Ista, who were eating seafood. "I heard this freshman tournament is a team format, with groups of 3 to 7 people. These are the buddies I've chosen."

The implied meaning was that accepting him meant also accepting Evan and Ista. Louis didn't want to join Campbell's club alone; he hoped to bring his friends along. This would both bolster his own confidence and, to some extent, protect them.

Before coming to recruit Louis, Lucius had conducted a detailed investigation. He had also looked into the identities of the two people who had been close to Louis these past few days. Two commoners from average families, not the eldest sons, whose entrance exam results weren't particularly outstanding. Such people were a dime a dozen at the Imperial Knight Academy, with little recruitment value.

Louis saying this was actually an indirect refusal. Lucius slightly furrowed his brows; he hadn't expected Louis to make such a request. He glanced at Evan and Ista, feeling hesitant. He wasn't sure if it was worth accepting these two commoners of little value for Louis's sake.

Lucius slowly looked at Evan and Ista, his brow slightly furrowed, a serious look crossing his face. "I don't think this is a good choice. You should reconsider carefully," he said, his voice steady and forceful, carrying an air of authority.

Louis shrugged, a resigned look on his face. He shook his head slightly and sighed softly. "The three of us click well. I believe we'll have fewer disputes when cooperating in the future." This statement clearly indicated he wouldn't change his decision.

"In that case, I hope you won't regret this choice later," Lucius said with a polite smile, though a subtle hint of deeper meaning was barely detectable. Then, he picked up his tray again, his movements elegant and composed. He slowly stood up, turned, and left, his departing figure seemingly exuding an air of superiority.

Only after Campbell left did Louis finally heave a sigh of relief. His shoulders relaxed slightly, and the tense expression on his face gradually faded. He turned back and met two pairs of eyes filled with concern. He couldn't help but offer a warm, reassuring smile. "What's wrong?" he asked softly.

Evan spoke first, his voice full of concern. "Is it okay to refuse him? Will there be any follow-up trouble? He's a noble's son. Need any help?" His eyes revealed determination and bravery, as if he would step forward for Louis whenever needed.

Ista also nodded, his face equally full of worry. "If he uses his status to cause trouble for you, will the academy professors intervene? Can money solve it? I have five hundred Silver Keren." His tone carried a hint of urgency, as if he wanted to solve this problem for Louis immediately.

Louis smiled, a faint joy in his eyes. At this moment, Evan and Ista had become his true friends. Their concern and worry made him feel incredibly warm and further solidified his choice.

"It's fine. He can't personally come after me just because I refused. At most, he might have his underlings cause some minor trouble, nothing major. Besides, this is the Imperial Knight Academy; nobles don't have pull here," Louis said, his voice calm and confident. He believed he could protect himself within the academy.

Louis picked up his knife and fork again, winking at the two of them, his eyes full of playfulness. "Don't let this food go to waste. Enjoying food with anger affects its flavor," he said, his words carrying a sense of openness, as if the earlier incident hadn't troubled him at all.

Evan couldn't help but smile, his grin full of understanding. Soon, he changed the subject to something more suitable for mealtime. "This afternoon is the whole grade's practical combat class, free team formation. How about we form a small team, try our hand, and see if we can beat up that guy we don't like?" His voice was full of anticipation, as if he couldn't wait to start.

Not only Ista, but even Louis's eyes lit up. Their eyes sparkled with excitement, as if they could already see the scene of that annoying person being taught a lesson.

Ista lowered his voice, his tone filled with anger. "I want to beat up that annoying guy from just now." His fists clenched tightly, as if already prepared for the fight.

Louis was also somewhat tempted; after all, no one likes being looked down upon. He cut a piece of lobster meat and took a fierce bite, the action full of resolve. "Let's do it! I want to beat him up too," he said, his voice filled with firmness.

Evan couldn't help but shake his head, a wry smile appearing. Arrogance really does attract hatred. But what did that have to do with Evan? He raised his wine glass, raised an eyebrow, the gesture full of nonchalance. "Let's do it! Beat him up!" His voice was full of heroic spirit.

Ista and Louis smiled, also raising their glasses. The three glasses clinked together, producing a crisp sound. That sound was like a battle horn, declaring their determination.

The Imperial Knight Academy truly lived up to being an institution highly valued by successive kings. Even though land in the imperial capital, Beckland, was extremely valuable, the academy still possessed a practical combat training ground equivalent in area to ten football fields. That training ground was vast, full of challenge. Within it, different terrains like small hills, marshes, and sandy areas could fully meet the students' daily practical training needs. These terrains were complex and varied, providing all sorts of challenges and opportunities.