Leo stood outside Headmistress Valeria's chamber, waiting silently for permission to enter. His heartbeat was uneven, his thoughts restless.
A person was in front of leo sitting calmly as ever, was Professor Marcus Reed. There was no tension on his face—no fear, no regret. It almost felt as if this situation was exactly what he had wanted.
Leo couldn't stop staring at him.
How can he be so calm? Leo wondered.
But beneath that curiosity, fear was growing.What if I get expelled…?
He looked at Marcus once more—but this time, Marcus was already looking at him. Their eyes met.
For a moment, Leo felt a chill run down his spine. Marcus's gaze was cold… sharp… as if he could draw his blade at any second.
Just then, the chamber door opened.
A man stepped out and said in a respectful tone,"Headmistress Valeria is calling both of you inside."
Leo and Marcus walked in.
As Leo entered, his eyes widened slightly. The chamber was vast and elegant. On one wall hung numerous badges—each engraved with names of former students.
Leo immediately understood.These weren't ordinary students… they were achievers—perhaps Knight Captains.
A soft sound echoed in the room.
Valeria placed her teacup down.
Leo's attention snapped back to her, and his tension rose again.
He remembered Ray's advice.
Taking a breath, Leo bowed respectfully."Headmistress Valeria," he said.
Valeria looked at him for a moment and instantly understood—he had been taught what to say.
But instead of responding to Leo, she turned her gaze toward Marcus.
"Professor Marcus," she said in a serious tone,"I've heard that you've been teaching students in an inappropriate manner."
Leo's heart sank.
It's over… I'm getting expelled…
Marcus replied calmly,"That is simply my teaching style."
Valeria continued,"But you used a dangerous strike on Noah Winter."
Marcus nodded. "Yes."
Then Valeria turned to Leo.
"And you, Leo… you intervened and saved Noah. But Professor Marcus is your senior and a professor too You should not have attacked him—you should have handled it respectfully."
Leo quickly responded,"I did speak respectfully, but Professor Marcus attacked me first. My wrist was cut because of that."
For a brief moment, Valeria went silent.
Then… she relaxed slightly.
After thinking for a second, she said,"Professor Marcus… you are dismissed from this academy."
Marcus simply nodded.
No reaction. No argument.
He turned and walked out.
Leo instinctively turned as well, about to leave—
"I did not give you permission to leave."
Leo froze.
Valeria stood up and walked toward a sofa, sitting down calmly.She gestured for Leo to sit.
He obeyed silently.
Before she could speak, a butler arrived and served tea to both of them.
"Drink," Valeria said.
Leo carefully took a sip.
Then she spoke—
"So… Leo Black. Son of Louis Black and Rimson Black."
Leo's body went stiff.
His heartbeat surged.
How… does she know…?
His mind raced.Am I exposed? Will everyone know? Will I be called a traitor's son too?
Valeria suddenly laughed.
"Steven was right," she said. "I should tease you a little."
Hearing Steven's name, Leo relaxed slightly—but fear still lingered.
"How do you know my parents… and Steven?" Leo asked.
Valeria took another sip of tea.
"Your father was a good friend of mine," she said."He was younger than me, yet he never felt like a junior. He motivated everyone… helped everyone."
Leo felt warmth in his chest.
"But," she added with a faint smile, "he was incredibly stubborn."
Leo blinked."Really…?"
"And your mother," Valeria continued, "was kind… sweet… and very strong. A dear friend of mine. She could have become a great knight… but she fell in love with your father."
Leo couldn't help but smile softly.
"And as for Steven…" Valeria leaned back slightly."That old man was my master. He taught me the sword."
Her expression changed.
"He was strict… short-tempered… but an exceptional swordsman. A true Knight Captain."
Then her tone turned heavy.
"When I heard he was declared a traitor… I couldn't believe it."
Leo stayed silent.
"They cut off two fingers from his left hand… and stripped him of his position."
Leo's eyes widened.
"I went to see him… secretly," Valeria continued."I saw his injured hand… and yet…"
She paused.
"He simply asked me, 'Would you like something to eat?'"
Leo listened carefully.
"He served me rice and vegetables… and for the first time… I saw him smile."
Her voice softened.
"But behind that smile… there was pain. And anger."
"I couldn't say anything."
"I just left."
Valeria looked down at her teacup.
"As I was leaving… he said only one thing—"
'Never come here again… I don't want you to become a traitor too.'
Silence filled the room.