The leading boy strode up to Loewen with an air of arrogance, his gaze sweeping over him with a haughty scrutiny. Then, all of a sudden, he flashed a grin and did a flawless noble’s bow, and talked in a polite manner. “Miss Flenqi, a pleasure to meet you.”

His name was Sayak Lombardi—a burly, broad-shouldered brute. Standing in front of Loewen, he blocked out half the light like a human mountain.

Loewen barely spared him a glance, noting his smirking lips and the band of lackeys trailing behind him. Without a shred of interest, he simply let out a flat “Mm” and turned away, refusing to talk to him.

Sayak’s grin twitched. The blatant disregard stung his pride, and made him both irritated and awkward. Unwilling to back down, he rapped his knuckles against the table. “Miss Flenqi?”

Loewen didn’t even look up. “Do you need something?”

Seeing that he almost had “Leave Me Alone” written on his forehead, Sayak swallowed back his original line—an attempt at an introduction—and his face darkened. His eyes bulged slightly in frustration, but since he had already put on the act of a refined gentleman, it wouldn’t do to lose his temper now.

He gritted his teeth and forced himself to hold it together.

When Loewen showed no intention of engaging in a conversation, Sayak’s simmering irritation needed an outlet. His gaze flicked sideways, landing on the boy seated next to Loewen—Felix, who had been quietly eating his breakfast. His expression immediately turned sinister.

“Hey, you. What’s your name?” he asked coldly.

Felix didn’t respond.

Sayak’s temper flared. With a swift move, he knocked Felix’s tray off the table, spilling its contents onto the floor. His voice was filled with hostility. “I’m talking to you! Are you deaf?”

The wooden tray hit the ground with a sharp crack, a thin fracture splitting across its surface. Food scattered everywhere, and a freshly peeled egg rolled to a stop by Felix’s foot.

Only then did Felix lift his head slightly, seemingly confused. In a soft voice, he answered, “Felix Shillman.”

Sayak’s lackeys burst into loud laughter, their voices filled with mockery.

“Shillman? Hah!”

“So this is the idiot who doesn’t know his place?”

“Got rejected and still won’t give up?”

“How pathetic! Clingy little freak!”

Loewen didn’t know what they were going on about, but their noisy chatter was making it impossible for him to focus on his book. His patience wore thin, and his brow creased in irritation.

Sayak, however, had just noticed something that made his blood run hot with excitement.

A wicked smirk spread across his face as he stepped toward Felix. His boot came down hard on the egg on the floor, crushing it into a slimy mess. He then stepped back, eyes gleaming with cruel amusement. “Alright, pick it up. Eat it.”

Felix remained still, seated at the table without a word.

The lackeys immediately closed in, and formed a tight and oppressive ring around them.

The air grew tense, heavy with unspoken menace.

Slowly, Felix lowered his gaze and bent down. He tried to reach for the egg.

Just as his fingertips were about to touch the mess on the floor, a hand grabbed his wrist and yanked him upright.

Loewen frowned. “Are you seriously listening to him?”

Felix blinked, and looked up at him in quiet bewilderment.

Loewen’s face fell. Like lifting a helpless chick, he hauled Felix back into his seat.

Sayak exhaled sharply, his smile morphing into a twisted, malicious grin. “Miss Flenqi, are you interfering?”

Loewen met his gaze. “What, you got a problem with that?”

Seriously? A bunch of spoiled brats resorting to bullying? And they called themselves nobles? What a joke.

Sayak’s eyes flickered with something unreadable before he leaned in. His tone suddenly changed as he started to tease. “Well then, how about this? If you agree to go out with me, I’ll let him off. What do you say?”

Loewen nearly laughed out loud.

He managed to suppress his emotions, stood up, and walked around the table. In just a few steps, he was in front of Sayak, extending a hand toward him.

Sayak remained still, watching in stunned silence as Loewen’s fair, delicate hand landed on his shoulder. His heartbeat became erratic, pounding wildly against his ribs.

Loewen took another step forward, and then leaned in close to his ear.

All Sayak could see was the silky sheen of his golden hair. He forgot to breathe.

"Kid, read more books. Stop thinking about girls all day—you’ll amount to nothing when you grow up." Loewen finished with a smile, then took a step back.

Sayak’s eyes widened in disbelief. For a few seconds, he was completely stunned before erupting in rage. He jabbed a finger at Loewen’s nose as he bellowed, "You damn bitch! Useless trash with no magic power!"

"My brother, Gian, is in the Solstice Class of the fourth year. He told me that if I ever run into trouble, I should go straight to him." Loewen cut him off smoothly, maintaining a calm smile as he stared straight at him.

"You—" Sayak’s insults died in his throat.

His face darkened like a storm cloud. He scoffed coldly before turning on his heel, his lackeys trailing after him. Just a few steps away, he twisted back to sneer, "You better watch your back!"

Loewen, without hesitation, flipped him off behind his back, his face filled with disdain. He mused that, after all, even bullies had their own hierarchy. For once, his annoying older brother actually came in handy.

Narrowing his eyes thoughtfully, Loewen decided to ask Gian about Sayak later. If trouble was brewing, he might as well get a head start.

In the meantime, Felix had crept up beside him, and secretly clung onto his arm with a fearful expression. His voice trembled as he asked, "Miss Flenqi, what did you say to him? Why was he so angry? Will he come after you? This is all my fault..."

Loewen cut off his rambling, "It’s fine. He probably won’t dare bother us again."

With that, he discreetly pulled his arm free from the clingy troublemaker, putting some distance between them.

Breakfast had lost all its appeal after that mess. Loewen grabbed two slices of bread and left the cafeteria.

"Why are you following me?" He suddenly stopped at a fork in the path leading to the academic buildings, and turned to look behind him.

Felix halted, looking utterly innocent. "We’re in the same class..."

Loewen ignored the feeble excuse and massaged his temples. He raised a hand, pointing to each path. "You go that way. I’ll take this one."

Felix frowned in confusion. "But that’s the longer route."

Loewen, now determined, shot back, "I like taking the long way."

Felix immediately responded, "Then I’ll go with you."

Loewen took a deep breath. "No. I don’t like being followed."

"Why?" Felix’s eyes drooped, looking like a sad puppy.

This kid was seriously persistent.

Loewen felt a headache coming on. Searching his mind for ways he used to fool his younger siblings, he suddenly had a stroke of genius. He put on a grave expression and asked, "Do you know what the crest of the Flenqi family is?"

"...A wolf?"

"That’s right. Our family has long been regarded as the descendants of wolves. When we come of age, our bloodline awakens." Loewen folded his arms, and spoke with utmost seriousness. "My father is a Snow Wolf. My brother is a Dumb Wolf. And me? I’m a Lone Wolf."

He then solemnly patted Felix on the shoulder. "Kid, don’t mess with my persona."

Taking advantage of Felix’s dumbfounded expression, Loewen made a swift, stylish escape.