novelcrest Chapter 413: But I Don’t Have a Basement
Chapter 413: But I Don’t Have a Basement
“The academy’s knowledge isn’t much use to you; you’ve probably already mastered it all, right?”
Paqina nodded. She didn’t actually think she was a genius; she simply felt it was normal to have finished learning everything the academy had to offer.
“Alright. I’ll get you a leave of absence. Don’t attend class today—just study here.
I still have some things to handle, so I need to leave early today.”
Loren still had to go back and deal with the rumor situation. Just thinking about it made murderous intent surge within him, and his expression instantly turned cold.
“Yes, Master Mentor…”
Paqina sensed Loren’s mood and knew it was serious, so she didn’t say anything more.
Still, a warmth rose in her heart. Even with urgent matters, Loren was willing to come to the academy to teach her first before handling his business.
Luna glanced at the half-finished accessory in her hands, then at Loren, and made a quick decision:
“Master Mentor, I’ll go with you.”She had come to terms with things now. Her talent couldn’t match Paqina’s, but Loren had never cared about anyone’s identity or talent. Even if Scarlett couldn’t do anything, Loren still took good care of her.
Before leaving, Loren first stopped by the Potion-making classroom.
He had to admit, these elite students lived up to their reputation. The vast majority had successfully brewed the potion.
Yvonne, in particular, had created a potion that looked identical to Loren’s.
“You’re quite good.”
Loren glanced at Yvonne’s potion and commented. But he didn’t linger there for long. After going over a few points of caution, he planned to leave:
“I have things to do. This class ends here. Remember to pass the potion formula to your family’s high-ranking members when you get back.”
Loren left, and Anna trotted after him, clutching two bottles of brewed potions.
“What potions did you brew?”
The two bottles in Anna’s hands were different colors. One was the Clarity Potion Loren had requested, and the other was a mysterious brown substance.
“One’s the Clarity Potion. The other’s a tonic for your kidneys. Want to give it a try?”
Loren’s expression nearly cracked, mainly because Luna was still right beside him.
“Another time.”
With that, Loren quickened his pace. Movila had just landed on his shoulder and reported the situation to him. A large crowd was now blocking the entrance to his house, and Laila had set up a sniper rifle at the window—fortunately, Naclis had stopped her in the end.
It wasn’t just Loren who was furious. Laila, wounded by the rumors, was even angrier.
“Master Mentor…”
Loren hadn’t taken more than a few steps before Casper caught up with him.
Last time, Loren had only given him a few hints and then disappeared without a trace. Casper felt like ants were crawling all over his heart.
So he’d been keeping a close eye on Loren’s affairs lately. He knew what was happening around Loren and wanted to lend a hand.
“I’m heading back to deal with some things. You can come or not.”
Hearing this, Casper’s heart leaped with joy. This was Loren giving him an opportunity. Without a second thought, Casper fell into step beside him.
“Master Mentor! Wait for me!”
Just as Loren and Casper were exchanging a few words, Yvonne came running out after them.
Loren stopped and waited for Yvonne. Only after catching up did she start speaking, gasping for breath:
“Master Mentor… I also… heard about what happened… to you… I’m from… the Chailros Family… I can help a little…”
Loren patted her shoulder, signaling her to rest first and not rush.
After a moment to catch her breath, Yvonne spoke more smoothly:
“The Chailros Family still carries some weight here. Far from your influence, of course, but I can help a bit…”
“…”
William was already working for Loren. Loren wasn’t sure if anyone was behind Yvonne’s offer, but in the end, he agreed to her decision:
“Alright.”
…
By the time Loren reached the area near his home, the crowd was so thick he couldn’t even see his own front door.
“Loren’s back!”
Someone in the crowd suddenly shouted, and instantly, all eyes locked onto Loren.
Hearing how that person addressed him, Loren’s face turned icy cold.
The crowd saw his expression and immediately fell silent. They could feel a faint, oppressive aura radiating from him.
“Is my name something someone like you is worthy of uttering?”
Loren shot back directly, stepping toward the man who had just called him by his name. Seeing this, the others quickly made way for him.
“I represent the Bountiful Church, and you chose to call me by my name outright. Are you implying something against the Church?”
It was the same old tactic of framing accusations. Everyone still vividly remembered the Langton family’s fate. The nobles were terrified of Loren, let alone these commoners.
The moment that accusation was laid down, the man nearly wet himself in fear. Loren didn’t say another word, simply nodding toward the Church members keeping order. In the next instant, the man was dragged away.
Loren was usually very mild-mannered. Commoners could show him less respect, they could even call him by his name—but not like that man just had.
Such behavior would undoubtedly give whoever was behind this a chance to spread more rumors. And this was part of Loren’s plan—he had already memorized every single face in the crowd. If any related rumors surfaced later, the culprit would most likely be among these people.
“Loren…”
Laila, at the window, saw him return and immediately leaped down from the upper floor, hurrying to his side, instinctively moving closer.
Right now, she was in a situation where she couldn’t defend herself no matter what she said, but she believed Loren would find a way to solve it.
“Master Mentor…”
William also pushed through the crowd and walked toward Loren. Besides his bodyguards, there was a young man beside him who looked very much like him.
When he saw Yvonne there, he was momentarily stunned.
“Leave the rest to me.”
Loren took a step forward, not planning to let William intervene.
“Who is the victim?”
“I am.”
In response to Loren’s question, a slightly overweight woman stepped out from the crowd. She didn’t seem humbled at all; instead, she wore an air of righteousness. Many around her began loudly praising her courage.
“Describe the situation in detail.”
“It was a dark and stormy night…”
The woman narrated vividly, going into excruciating detail. Unfortunately for her, Laila didn’t even have the tool of the crime.
When she finished, the onlookers wore expressions of deep hatred, as if standing on the moral high ground made even Loren unafraid.
“But I’m a woman!”
At this point, Laila finally lost her composure and shouted.
Instantly, the scene fell dead silent.
Laila was so angry she felt like crying. She had said this many times before, but no one had ever listened.
Now, with Loren present, people finally paid attention.
Loren knew this wasn’t that simple. He stepped forward, shielding Laila behind him.
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