Chapter 26: The Incident Sparked by a Smile

The classroom regained its usual order.

The teacher continued her lecture, though her voice sounded slightly more strained than before.

Now, with someone sitting next to her, Anran, no matter how tired she was, had to force herself to stay awake. Feeling the coolness radiating from the man beside her, she subtly shifted her chair a little further away.

At that moment, Richard turned his head and noticed the increased distance between them. A glint of amusement flashed in his eyes as he suddenly leaned in, his lips brushing her ear as he whispered, "What's wrong? Uncomfortable having someone next to you?"

The cool breath against her ear made Anran's ears twitch involuntarily, but she didn't respond, pretending as if nothing had happened.

Seeing this, Richard chuckled softly. "Your ears move. You really are a kitten."

At this, Anran ground her teeth in frustration. Wasn't this guy acting like they were strangers just moments ago? How had he suddenly become so familiar? He really must have a split personality!

It was still class time, and although Richard's voice was low, it was enough to catch the attention of everyone in the room. Since his arrival, the entire class had been on edge. The moment he spoke, the teacher's voice faltered for several seconds, and nearby students glanced over furtively.

Anran wondered: if she started a fight with him here, would she become the enemy of the entire school? Better not to find out. She decided to endure it and act as if she hadn't heard a thing.

But Richard wasn't about to let things go. The kitten beside him was clearly on the verge of losing her temper, yet she held it in—this was far too amusing. Unconsciously, Richard's lips curved into a smile once again.

"Ah, His Highness Morris… he's… smiling…"

Perhaps out of sheer surprise, a male voice rang out inappropriately in the classroom. But as soon as the words left his mouth, the boy realized he had committed an unforgivable mistake. His face turned pale, and his body trembled violently.

Predictably, Richard's sharp gaze shot toward the boy, and he said in a low, cold voice, "Who gave you permission to shout in my presence?"

Not a trace of the earlier smile remained on his face—it was now replaced with an icy sternness. His voice was quiet, almost hushed, but the flat, uninflected tone carried an intimidating chill. Anran couldn't help but recall the same feeling she had experienced that evening when he had reprimanded those men.

Anyone who met those violet eyes felt a bone-deep cold that pierced straight to their soul. Moreover, those eyes were now fixed on the boy who had spoken. One could only imagine the terror he was experiencing.

"Y-your Highness… I… I didn't mean it, I… I beg for your mercy," the boy stammered, his legs giving way as he collapsed from his chair and fell to his knees on the floor, panic etched across his face.

In the entire town of Rosewood, no one had ever dared to challenge the authority of the Morris family. Therefore, no one could predict what fate awaited the boy.

But they all knew it wouldn't be good—even if His Highness Morris didn't take action himself, those who served the Morris family would not let the boy off easily. The methods of the people in purple uniforms were something everyone had heard of, even if they hadn't witnessed them firsthand.

Anran couldn't understand the boy's fear. A man's pride was invaluable—how could he kneel so easily? And over something so trivial?

She frowned slightly, glancing at the equally pale-faced teacher. The teacher seemed to have no intention of intervening; in fact, her expression looked just as terrified as the boy's.

Unable to help herself, Anran turned her wide, dark eyes toward Richard.