Leon didn't really expect to meet Emilia here since House Cross rarely attended any events.

They preferred to close more Rifts in the meantime, so it was hard to find them in these events. But they were famous for producing prodigies one after another.

Every single one was famous across the Western Continent. Some chose to remain on Earth and close off the Rifts that threatened human settlements, while others chose to explore the Primordial Expanse to find the solution to Corruption.

What remained common was their devotion to humanity. Even though they never attended any events or chased after fame, they were known throughout the world.

This was why Leon was surprised, and even the audience was surprised, to see Emilia there. Best of all was her speech.

Leon really felt thankful to her as the timing was just perfect. With this, the illusion of unity would remain and the humans would fight together for their goal.

'Still, this is for the better. It not only motivated everyone, it gave the best opening ceremony for the Conclave, so it's better for the Academy too.'

He glanced at Amber and found a faint smile playing on her lips. She seemed to have the same thoughts as him and was certainly happy for him.

'Best of all, it increased my favorability in people's hearts. This type of impression won't be easily erased and, coupled with my talent reveal, it should give me enough fame for my plans.'

He was really happy with the turn of events. This was going much better than he expected.

Of course, he also felt a strange emotion rise within his chest. And it was all because of the silver-haired woman standing among the VIPs.

Emilia Cross.

She was Silver's elder sister. His sister-in-law. He felt strange because there was a chance that they had abandoned Silver on the streets, but even he knew how impossible that was.

If it was anyone else, he might have doubted, but it was the Cross family. They cherished their blood more than anyone he had ever met.

They would even go against the whole world for their blood. So how could these same people abandon their youngest family member?

He knew there must have been a big incident which led to the separation of Silver and her family. That could also be the reason why Silver didn't have her early memories.

But it could also be attributed to the fact that she was too young to remember anything.

Whatever the case was, Leon felt a bit strange to meet her family members. If he was being honest, he wanted first to know Silver's stance on her family.

'Idiot! You already know her stance.'

Just as Leon didn't care about his family other than Silver and Leon, she was also the same. Even if she found her family, it wouldn't change anything.

'But things were different in the game. Wait! Fuck my overthinking! I have more urgent matters to attend to!'

The stadium was cheering for him and Emilia while the said woman just smiled in response, unimpressed to the core. Still, it was better to show some politeness at times like this. She knew it well.

He took a deep breath and said, his voice finally making the audience lower their voices as they were curious about his following words.

"I am very thankful for your support, Miss Emilia. I have always admired the Cross family for their valiance. It is my honor to meet you."

It wasn't a lie. If he put aside his prejudice, he really admired them. They were the perfect definition of brave guardians of humanity for a reason.

Emilia waved off her hand at the people who were coming to meet her and turned towards Leon. It wasn't a surprise since Cross rarely came out to events, so it wasn't easy to socialize with them, yet everyone wanted to make bonds with them.

But she wasn't interested in them. She smiled lightly at Leon and asked, "It's my family's honor to be admired by such talented people. Still, I'm sure that's not what you want to talk about. Speak your heart. You have impressed me with your brave and righteous heart, so you can even ask me for anything you want."

"I appreciate it, but that won't be necessary," Leon smiled and said. "I just want to finish my words since a few things were left unsaid."

"Ho? There's still something left?" Emilia was clearly amused. "Go ahead then."

"I stand by what I said earlier," Leon started. "But I also don't completely disagree with my teacher, Professor Amber. In fact, she's right in many parts. It's just that she came off as too aggressive for many people here."

"I do wonder what you mean, Little Brother," Emilia asked with a smile.

Leon felt a bit strange hearing her calling him Little Brother since he would technically become her younger brother if he married Silver…

'I wonder what her reaction will be if she knew about it.'

What Leon was forgetting was that Amber and Jade Cross were related, so Amber was technically Emilia's elder.

As someone who was also quite familiar with Amber, she could see that Leon was special to this Aunt of hers. That was the reason Emilia called him Little Brother. That was also one of the reasons she was so curious about Leon.

"Professor Amber was right about the fact there are many leeches in society who use others for their advantage," Leon said, smiling meaningfully at the VIP boxes. "I'm sure you are familiar with them too. After all, the Cross family has also been taken advantage of, right?"

Emilia raised an eyebrow at his question and glanced sideways. "You are an interesting fellow, Little Brother. You speak of things others wouldn't dare to open before everyone."

"Didn't you just say I have a brave heart?" Leon smiled and said. "Anyways, my point was that people love to use others for their advantage and that's what they are doing now. Some people here want to satisfy their curiosity about my talent by using innocent people."

Cha Yoori felt her blood boiling as she clenched her fists, wanting to kill Leon right there. How dare a man speak like that about her?

But then, her eyes met the icy cold cyan eyes of Amber and all of her courage disappeared, leaving a chilling fear behind. She hated to admit it, but Amber was far stronger than her.

"You're right. But you also know the consequences of backing away from their provocation, right?" Emilia asked, curious about his plan.

"Indeed, and that's why I'll choose a middle ground," Leon said. "Since Senior Cha here believes that the Academy might be spreading rumors, then how about we make a bet?"

"Me? And make a bet with you?" Cha Yoori sneered in disdain.

"Why? He's too superior for the likes of you?" Amber asked, as she stepped forward to stand beside Leon. "Don't worry, my students treat everyone equally. You can bet with him."

Leon had to bite the inside of his cheeks to control himself from laughing, but others clearly weren't so considerate.

Emilia laughed loudly as she gave a thumbs up to Amber and said, "You're the best as ever."

The audience was also laughing alongside some VIPs. Clearly, they weren't on any side. They were curious about Leon's talent, so they asked it through Cha Yoori, but now they were just enjoying the show.

On the other hand, Cha Yoori really felt like she had dug her own grave by coming here. Why did she even choose to come here in the first place?

"I'll state my terms first," Leon said after he managed to compose himself. "I will not only reveal my level before everyone, as in check through authentic testers, I will also let you check my talent. But in return, I want something of good value from you."

He turned towards the other VIP boxes and asked with a faint smile, "Surely you're willing to pay something to clear the rumors and fulfill your curiosity, right?"

Emilia raised an eyebrow and smiled at Leon. She had to say the boy was smart. He remained calm despite the pressure from VIPs and found such a middle ground.

Previously, the issue with Leon's rejection was that it would be too suspicious and people would begin to believe in rumors that he didn't really have Grade 8 Talent.

It was the Academy who spread the lies.

Everything would backfire and that was what the VIPs were using to force Leon into accepting their demand.

But with this proposition, Leon had turned the tables completely, and their earlier argument further strengthened his position.

If they accepted his condition, then he could just show his talent and earn some gifts, and if they refused, it would be their fault so people wouldn't believe in rumors at all.

'How can someone with such a calm personality and good head begin to mix with the likes of my Aunt Amber?'

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