As simple as that sounded, Varioso’s exasperation and Runiya’s indulgence in Bovies spoke volumes of how respected Bovies was among the Stefords. While Bovies could be replaced, to get rid of him immediately would be a blatant offense against the Stefords. Fred was heavily injured too, and he could not regulate the inner strength within him. To get caught in a fight now would be akin to shooting himself in his foot.Still, Fred slowly moved to the center.“Oh? Where’d your arrogance go, hmm?”Bovies did not quite understand how Fred could remain so calm when he had just provoked him through Seelie.Fred looked nothing like the arrogant young man who claimed to not know what it felt like to lose. Soon, disdain painted Bovies’ features. After all, only a cowardly man was too scared to make his anger known after someone taunted his wife. In fact, Bovies was starting to believe that Fred had realized how impossible this fight was. He must be ready to surrender and flee.“Haha!

That night, a welcoming banquet was held for Fred.Despite being upset about his quick defeat, Bovies had shed quite a bit of his arrogance after waking up.After all, everyone could fight in the Ancient Martial Realm. It was the survival of the fittest.Now that he knew Fred was much more powerful than he was, Bovies naturally would not dare to anger the younger man.Just as the banquet ended, Runiya had Varioso meet her in the inner court. “Miss Steford, you were looking for me?” Varioso bowed and greeted respectfully. Runiya quickly walked over to him. “There’s no need to be so courteous, Mr. Burke. I called you here today to thank you for introducing such a powerful fighter among us! With him here, we'll surely win the five-year competition!” “You’re too kind, Miss Steford. It was pure chance that I met Mr. Fred, and I'm one of the Stefords' bodyguards, after all. It’s only natural that I have our best interests in mind,” Varioso replied with a hand over his heart. Runi

Bovies' statement brought about a sudden change in Varioso's expression. As the chief guard of the Stefords’ bodyguards, Varioso actually held a high position within the family. Even the current mistress of the Steford family, Runiya, had to address him as Mr. Burke.Varioso was unwilling to comply with Bovies’ desire to imprison him. However, when Varioso looked to Runiya for her opinion, his heart sank. This was because the woman was just looking on indifferently. When Varioso's gaze landed on her, she only sighed and said, "Mr. Burke, everything Vice Commander Buckner is doing is for the family, so I hope you understand.""You mean you actually... actually agree with my imprisonment? Miss Steford, do you really have such little trust in me?" Varioso asked again with a sense of dissatisfaction."It's not a matter of trust; it's just a precaution," Runiya explained. She even made a gesture of respect to Varioso. "Mr. Burke, please bear with us for a while. Once this matter is ove

Seeing this, Bovies frowned slightly. "Mr. Hoffman, look! Vice Commander Buckner has already taken the initiative to apologize. Shouldn't you give a response as well?” Runiya suggested."Give a response? Sure," Fred responded indifferently, finally reaching for the teacup beside him and lifting it to his lips slowly.This seemingly simple action instantly silenced the hall. All eyes were fixed on the teacup in Fred's hand.However, just as everyone was waiting eagerly, the teacup stopped midair right before it reached Fred's lips. The man raised his head with a calm smile."This..."This sudden halt made Runiya raise her eyebrows instantly. Bovies also immediately furrowed his brows as he asked, “Mr. Hoffman? What is it? Do you not intend to forgive me?"Smiling, Fred replied, "If it was a sincere apology, I'd naturally forgive you. But you won't get my forgiveness if there are ulterior motives at play."Ulterior motives?The moment he said that, a sense of unease gripped eve

The moment Bovies said that, the guards who were already at the ready released their murderous intent and charged at Fred.They had received orders to kill Fred on the spot the moment they were called to act before the man himself had even arrived. However, what surprised them all was that despite being in the face of death, Fred showed no signs of panic or caution. He was still indifferent like how he was at the start. Even Seelie, who was standing by his side, was the same.Their lack of reaction caused Bovies to furrow his brows.Bovies might have thought that Fred was scared silly before he had gotten to know his strength. Yet, he knew that Fred actually had the strength to kill him. There was no way Fred would be so easily frightened! In that case, why was he so calm at this moment?Could it be that he had another trick up his sleeve?Just at that moment, Fred waved his hand, causing the chair next to him to shatter. He then grabbed a piece of wood and stepped forward leisu