Du Cheng nodded regretfully, confirming Norton’s guess.
“Only after scolding him did I realize it was all a misunderstanding. Headmaster Sieg would never commit such an act! Uncle Norton, is Headmaster Sieg still here? I think we need to apologize in person.”
Steve quickly added, “Yes, we definitely owe him an apology!”
“Young Master Steve, you weren't the one who made His Eminence Sieg vomit blood…” Norton sighed, shaking his head. “Fine, Headmaster Sieg is still here. Follow me!”
Francis truly lived up to his reputation as the "Third Idiot of Saint John"; only he could behave so foolishly!
Although students occasionally argued with their headmasters, rarely did it happen so boldly, so righteously, and with such dramatic consequences—leading to the headmaster vomiting blood! Francis was likely the first—and possibly the last—to ever accomplish this.
Alas, a fool’s reckless deeds should be his alone to bear. But why involve Young Master Steve? Yet, knowing Steve’s character, he wouldn’t distance himself from trouble. If Steve was punished by Headmaster Sieg under his watch, how could he face Marshal Anjes?
Francis might be the family’s disgrace, but Steve was the firstborn heir, future Duke, and the young commander of Sigurd's Legion!
After instructing Hari to keep his distance, Norton guided them into the City Lord’s mansion. Along the way, he cautioned, “Young masters, His Eminence Sieg strictly forbade me from revealing his presence here. Please keep this confidential. Also, if you notice anything unusual in the city, just pretend you saw nothing. I can’t explain further.”
Steve nodded respectfully. “Understood, Uncle.”
Du Cheng briefly nodded, agreeing to keep the secret. It was better to remain ignorant about sensitive matters, lest trouble follow.
After entering the mansion, Norton led them through a small courtyard, approximately twenty meters wide, at the center of which stood a life-sized statue of Sigurd.
As Du Cheng approached the statue, a sudden warmth surged from the tattoo on his backside, followed by an unbearable itch—his "Lotus Treasure Sutra" was alerting him to a significant opportunity to perform a good deed nearby.
Du Cheng paused, scanning the area carefully.
The courtyard seemed ordinary: low walls on the east and west with crescent gates, stone paths connecting the main gate to the inner court, the statue at the center, and some scattered flowers. Besides their group, there wasn’t even a servant in sight.
Strange.
The Lotus Treasure Sutra’s signals had never failed him. Although many good deeds required active investigation, once alerted, the opportunity should be obvious.
Confused, Du Cheng stopped near the statue.
“Lord Francis, why have you stopped? Nervous about facing His Eminence Sieg?” Norton urged gently. “Don’t worry, as a descendant of Sigurd, Sieg will at most reprimand you a bit.”
Du Cheng suspected Sieg’s illness had caused the blood-spitting incident, but his main concern now was identifying the good deed.
"Haha, maybe I am a bit nervous!" Du Cheng chuckled vaguely and continued walking. As he moved away from the statue, the itching sensation gradually subsided.
There was definitely something peculiar about that statue!
Du Cheng took another careful glance back, memorizing its details and location.
Upon entering a guest room in the inner court, Norton announced their arrival, and the two brothers braced themselves as they faced Sieg.
Seeing Sieg again stunned Du Cheng.
Was this the same shabby old charlatan?
Sieg had changed into a majestic golden robe, seated imposingly on a fur-covered chair. His triangular eyes now glowed beneath sharp white brows; his neatly groomed goatee, radiant complexion, and noble aura transformed him entirely. This was truly the legendary Warrior God Sieg—"Eternal Glory" himself!
Clothes truly make the man.
Noticing their stunned silence, Sieg spoke sternly, “So, it’s you two!”
Norton quickly stepped forward, bowing. “Your Eminence, these are Marshal Anjes’s sons, Steve and Francis. Francis misunderstood you earlier and has come to apologize…”
“Why is Francis apologizing? Headmaster, it was all my fault!” Steve quickly interrupted. “I was the one who led my brother astray!”
“No, I acted on my own! It was my mistake alone, Headmaster.” Du Cheng nudged Steve aside, stepping forward bravely.
Du Cheng calculated internally—if Sieg truly valued fairness and integrity, he’d appreciate a bold confession.
“Your Eminence, although I disrupted your plans, would you criticize my intentions? Under similar circumstances, would you have acted differently? If anyone must bear the blame, it’s solely me!”
Sieg’s expression softened into a smile.
“You’re right. Today, I indeed looked suspicious, and your actions were driven by goodwill. You’ve done nothing wrong! Even in your shoes, I'd have acted similarly. Neither Steve nor Francis is at fault.”
Du Cheng smiled warmly. “Thank you, Your Eminence, for your fairness.”
“This matter is settled,” Sieg declared. “Soon, you’ll both be my students, so consider this your first lesson—appearances can be deceptive. Even seeing something firsthand doesn't guarantee understanding the truth.”
He stood and gently patted Du Cheng’s shoulder. “Continue being responsible and courageous; I value that greatly. Steve, both of you have done well.”
Returning to his seat, Sieg asked curiously, “One question remains: how did you realize I was carrying someone?”
“It was a Xuebi. His nose is exceptionally sensitive!” Norton quickly summoned Hari.
As soon as Hari entered, he fell to the ground, trembling. “Your Eminence, spare me! I’m just a lowly Xuebi!”
“Why would I harm you?” Sieg said calmly. “You must have overheard—none of you are at fault.”
“But my nose got me in trouble again!” Hari admitted nervously. “You must've realized—I detected the young lady's scent at the gate, and now I know she's held captive beneath the statue in the courtyard. This alone could warrant silencing me permanently!”
Du Cheng felt his heart skip a beat.
The statue… the girl… captive beneath it. Good heavens! Could it be that the Lotus Treasure Sutra was guiding him to rescue that very girl?!
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