Isabel Norton said, “You only need to pass four subjects in the graduation exam. As long as someone has studied normally for six years, they can pass without trouble. But after all, you’re not Norton—you haven’t studied a single day, so it will be very difficult… So, you’ll probably need to delay graduation by a year to pass smoothly.”

Logan Bennett said, “But aren’t we in a very urgent situation? The retainers on the fief are already getting restless.”

Isabel Norton said, “There’s nothing we can do about that—this hurdle must be cleared. Besides, the royal family has already relaxed the rules a lot over the past decades. Under the previous system, you had to achieve the very best results in the exam and obtain a noble warrior’s medal to inherit a title.”

Logan Bennett said, “Is there any chance I could graduate on time, without delaying a year?”

Before Isabel Norton could answer, Owen Carter said, “No chance. There’s less than five months left until the graduation exam at the Royal Academy, and you have to start all four subjects from scratch. Miss is already giving you a lot of credit for your talent by saying you’d only need to delay a year. With Young Master Norton’s character, even a three-year delay might not be enough to graduate.”

Logan Bennett was truly fearless out of ignorance. Although these noble children only studied at the Royal Academy for six years, their families had been training them in all aspects since they were four or five years old. So, their total years of study exceeded a dozen.

But Logan Bennett had to start everything from zero, and with less than half a year, to complete what others took more than ten years to learn in both literature and martial arts—it was nothing short of a pipe dream.

……

For the next full month, Logan Bennett stayed in the memorial hall of Earl Norton under the pretext of observing mourning, even eating and drinking inside, as a way to make up for previous unfilial behavior.

In reality, Isabel Norton used this time to tutor him. She taught him the basic knowledge of civilization in this world, as well as about Norton’s social circle, to prevent Logan Bennett from being exposed if he ran into acquaintances after leaving the earl’s residence, or from being completely clueless about the world’s knowledge upon entering the Royal Academy.

“Norton is useless, undisciplined, and incompetent in both literature and martial arts. The only thing he’s good at is winning girls’ hearts,” Isabel Norton said. “So, even if your grades are a bit poor at the Royal Academy, it doesn’t matter.”

Logan Bennett said, “So, does that mean he has a lot of girlfriends?”

Isabel Norton nodded. “Yes… a lot.”

Logan Bennett said, “About how many?”

Isabel Norton blushed. “Maybe double digits, or… even more.”

Double digits? Even more? Logan Bennett was about to lose it, his scalp tingling.

“Big sister, I… I’ve never been in a relationship in my whole life, and Norton has such a complicated love life. If any of his lovers come looking for me, I’ll definitely give myself away,” Logan Bennett said.

Isabel Norton said awkwardly, “Norton is fickle and gets bored easily. Most of the girls were just flings, so they probably won’t come looking for you. But… there are a few you need to watch out for.”

Logan Bennett said nervously, “Tell me, big sister.”

Isabel Norton said, “The first is called Grace Walker, Norton’s fiancée. She’s the daughter of the Lord of Linhai City, talented in both literature and martial arts, very famous, and looks down on Norton. If you run into her, don’t worry too much—she’ll take the initiative to avoid Norton.”

That’s good, Logan Bennett nodded.

Isabel Norton said, “The second is called Lady Preston. She’s a very beautiful and very smart woman, known as the number one talented woman of the royal family. Norton was obsessed with her and once foolishly tried to pursue her, only to suffer great humiliation and a huge blow. The reason he went to the Tianmo Mountains was because he heard that Lady Preston desperately wanted a rubbing of the Ancient Dragon Seal, and the legend said it was in the Tianmo Mountains. So Norton went on an adventure, hoping to find the Dragon Seal rubbing to impress Isabella Preston.”

After hearing this, Logan Bennett instinctively sensed a whiff of conspiracy. Norton’s death might have been the result of someone’s scheming.

Isabel Norton said, “Isabella Preston is very smart, so if you ever meet her, you must act very naturally, or she’ll definitely spot something wrong.”

Logan Bennett nodded. “I understand. With a woman like that, I think I’ll know what to do.”

Logan Bennett wasn’t just talking big. He had depended on his sister since childhood and had seen all the ups and downs of life. Though kind at heart, he never hesitated to suspect others of the worst. He was more than capable of dealing with bad people.

Isabel Norton continued, “The third girl you must be especially, especially careful with. Her name is Natalie Grant. She’s extremely beautiful, highly skilled in martial arts, and has a particularly fiery temper. Norton spent a lot of effort pursuing her and got beaten up by her countless times. It took him over a year to finally win her over. This girl is simple-minded and passionate—once she falls in love, she’s completely devoted and obsessed, and will marry no one but Norton.”

Logan Bennett could already guess how this relationship ended. There’s no way a scoundrel like Norton would give up the whole forest for a single tree.

Isabel Norton said, “After they started dating, Natalie Grant kept pressing for marriage, causing a huge stir throughout the capital. But… Norton still abandoned her and shifted his affections to Lady Preston. Natalie Grant was heartbroken and left the royal city. Her whereabouts are currently unknown.”

Logan Bennett couldn’t help but say, “That girl is really nice. Norton is such a jerk.”