*****Xavier was indeed the terrifying Erudite Grandmaster, a realization that struck the father and son duo like a blow to the skull at onceThis realization instantly made their vision swim, their minds reeling, both of them struggling to force the mythical image they had worshipped for years onto the calm, youthful figure before them.It felt absurd… almost insulting to everything they believed.And yet, reality did not seem to give a fck, casually forcing the truth on them.It was so…But now wasn’t the time to dwell on their shattered perceptions.Not after what they had done… not after what the Patriarch himself had done.The memories rose without any forewarning… still painfully vivid in his mind.The elderly Patriarch had treated Xavier with undisguised contempt.Not subtle disdain or restrained arrogance, no. He had treated Xavier with blatant, naked disrespect.He had spoken down to him with a tone so dismissive and derisive that, in hindsight, it felt less like a

*****Reginald stood rooted to the spot at this moment, gawking at his father’s subservient bowed figure as though the laws of reality had suddenly malfunctioned.Without even realizing it, his mouth had already dropped open, his jaw feeling like it had unhinged itself and fallen straight to the floor.The sight before him was wrong… completely and catastrophically wrong.That posture… that bow was reserved by the Harrison Patriarch only for their late ancestors during sacred rites, not for living men, not for kings, and not even for the country’s President.Yet now… his father was bowing that deeply to a young man several times younger than even his own lastborn youngest son.Yes, Reginald already knew that Xavier was the Erudite Grandmaster. And before then, his father had already told him the legends, the terrifying rumors, and the impossible feats of a grandmaster.And so, he understood them intellectually.But understanding something with the mind was very different from

*****Principles were only useful until reality forced exceptions.And this situation? It was undoubtedly one of them. That was precisely why Xavier had instructed the Prime Minister to reveal his identity in the first place.It wasn’t out of arrogance nor because he wanted attention, but because certain walls simply refused to move unless struck at the foundation.Even so, Xavier genuinely hadn’t expected the Harrisons to make things this convenient for him.Looking down on him first?That had been… helpful.Originally, Xavier had assumed the Harrisons wouldn’t believe the Prime Minister’s claim about him being a grandmaster.Frankly, he wouldn’t have blamed them. Even he himself knew his appearance was far too deceptive… too young, too relaxed, and too ordinary for someone carrying his title.If anything, disbelief would have been the natural response.And when that happened, Xavier had already planned to let reality do the talking.Strength didn’t lie.Authority didn’

***** At this moment, Xavier couldn’t help but study the Harrison Patriarch’s flushed face, the trembling hands, and the barely-contained grin that looked ready to tear his cheeks apart. For a moment, he genuinely didn’t know whether to laugh… frown, or sigh. ‘I’m the one asking for help,’ he couldn’t help but think dryly to himself. ‘So why does it look like I’m the one about to bestow a divine blessing instead?’ The irony wasn’t lost on him. But still, he shook his head lightly, the motion slow and controlled. “Sure,” Xavier said, finally deciding to move things forward. But just as he opened his mouth to continue… The elderly patriarch’s eyes flickered sharply. The excitement didn’t vanish; instead, it sharpened into something cautious and calculating. Then, without a second’s hesitation, he gestured respectfully and invited both Xavier and the Prime Minister to move elsewhere. His reasoning was simple… and blunt. “I cannot be certain who might be

*****“This…” Xavier, hearing the sudden words, couldn’t help but halt mid-step, turning to look at the old man with clear confusion.‘Why does he look like escorting me out is more important than breathing?’ he couldn’t help but wonder, a faint crease forming between his brows.For a moment, he considered declining.But then he noticed the old man’s expression… genuine, respectful, and almost anxious to please.Refusing him now would feel… unnecessarily cruel.So, Xavier sighed inwardly and then slightly nodded his head.“Very well,” he said, and with that, he turned around again, walking away. His pace was calm and unhurried, every step steady and composed.The Prime Minister lingered behind for a moment, watching the exchange unfold. Ultimately, a playful glint flickered in his eyes as he glanced at the elderly patriarch.How could he not understand the man’s intentions?He understood them perfectly.But seeing such blatant eagerness from someone as notoriously rigid, bl