18 My daughter, Isabella Roberts, reduced to a mere bystander?!

The moment those words left her lips, a palpable tension descended upon the Roberts household.

All eyes turned nervously towards Vincent Roberts.

And as expected, his countenance soured instantly.

No need to speculate; Isabella might be in for a severe reprimand.

Lucien, Isabella's elder brother, who typically doted on Isabella, discreetly tugged at her sleeve under the table, urging her to retract her statement.

But Isabella remained resolute, ignoring Lucien's subtle cues, and kept her gaze fixed firmly upon her father.

Vincent's expression turned grave, registering Isabella's defiance.

"Isabella! Tell me, do you recall the first rule of our family?"

In the face of her father's inquiry, Isabella didn't falter, her response clear and unwavering: "The first rule of the Roberts family is to respect our teachers and uphold our principles!"

Vincent's furrowed brow deepened as he pressed on: "If you remember, then why engage in such an act of disrespect towards your teacher and our family legacy?"

In that moment, Isabella recalled Oscar Mills's actions, her disdain evident in her eyes. "Does someone like him even deserve to be called a teacher?"

Seeing his daughter dare to utter such rebellious words, Vincent was on the brink of exploding.

Meanwhile, Michel Roberts, Vincent's eldest son, who had been observing from the sidelines, rose to intervene: "Dad, please, let's not jump to conclusions. Surely you understand Isabella. If she's speaking out against her teacher in this manner, something must have transpired. Let's hear her out before passing judgment. And if she is indeed in the wrong, I'll personally accompany her to apologize to her teacher and seek forgiveness."

With Michel's intervention, Vincent's demeanor softened slightly as he uttered coldly: "Very well, let's hear what you have to say. What could possibly drive you to reject your teacher?"

...

Thirty minutes later, astonishment was writ large on the faces of every member of the Roberts family.

Even Michel, usually the epitome of composure, couldn't conceal his surprise. 

"So, your instructor from Warrior Class A, Mr. Mills, actually wagered your entire class in a bet with someone else?" Vincent's expression darkened as he absorbed the details.

Isabella's face mirrored her father's disgust as she continued: "And not only that, he pushed the entire class to intensify their training just to secure victory in this competition, training far beyond the limits of ordinary endurance. Everyone in the class was too afraid to voice their grievances, fearing expulsion from the group. And when he ended up losing, he even hesitated to admit it, revealing a rather unsavory side of himself."

As Isabella's evaluation settled in, Vincent Roberts fell silent this time. Indeed, if Isabella's account held true, this teacher was evidently lacking in many respects.

But… The Roberts family had always upheld strict rules, with a long-standing tradition of respecting teachers and adhering to principles. The idea of switching teachers was a difficult pill for Vincent to swallow.

Observing his father's hesitation, Michel offered a reassuring smile and persuaded: "Dad, I don't believe Isabella was in the wrong. If Mr. Mills was the one to abandon his students first, why shouldn't the students be able to leave him? Even if Isabella leaves Warrior Class A, it's solely Mr. Mills's responsibility. No reasonable person would accuse the Roberts family of dishonoring teachers or betraying principles. Moreover, if a teacher has stooped to such depths, our family would only invite ridicule by remaining associated with him, appearing weak and easy to exploit."

Clearly, Michel held considerable sway within the family.

After listening, Vincent nodded slightly, speaking with seriousness: "Very well. Given the circumstances, let's proceed with the class transfer. But remember, the principles of the Roberts family remain unchanged. Now that you've chosen a new mentor, Mr. Watson, the rites of initiation and the welcoming banquet must be carried out with utmost respect."

With those words, Isabella's brothers collectively breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed their father had given his blessing.

Yet, Isabella couldn't help but feel a twinge of embarrassment as she continued: "For now, we might hold off on the initiation rites and the banquet. Because, as of now, I haven't been formally accepted as a student by Mr. Watson. I'm merely an observer in the class..."

The revelation left everyone speechless. Even Vincent found himself momentarily at a loss for words. "Me, Vincent Roberts, renowned as I am, and my daughter can only be a mere bystander?! Wouldn't this become the subject of ridicule if it were to spread?"

Yet, this time, he held his tongue for a moment, refraining from any immediate response. After all, the principles of the Roberts family were sacrosanct. First and foremost among them: respect for teachers and adherence to principles!

If he were to insist on Isabella switching classes again, wouldn't he, as the head of the family, be the first to flout those very principles?

After much inner deliberation, Vincent finally waved his hand. "Very well, let's save the welcoming banquet for after the formal initiation. But the initiation rites are non-negotiable. You must carry them out as soon as you return to school, understood?"

"Yes!" Upon witnessing her typically stern father actually support her, Isabella felt a sigh of relief escape her, a trace of delight appearing on her face.

A moment later, Vincent Roberts reiterated with a final instruction: "Lucien, it would be somewhat impolite if our household doesn't send a male representative to pay respects for your sister's initiation ceremony. Two days from now, you'll accompany your sister for a visit. I'll leave the matter of the initiation rites in your hands."

Upon hearing this, Isabella's earlier joy dissipated instantly. In her father's eyes, it seemed sons were always more esteemed than daughters. This was precisely why Isabella strived so hard.

With her father's decree, Lucien naturally agreed without hesitation. Even if their father hadn't mentioned it, he still wanted to meet this Mr. Watson.

Who dared to relegate the Roberts family to mere observers.

I, Lucien Roberts, would like to see if this Mr. Watson is truly as formidable as he's made out to be!

...

On the other side, at Santania School.

Alex Watson had spent the day in his office, busy preparing the next stage of study plans for Wendy Queen.

However, as he left the office and made his way towards the dormitories, he noticed a faint light coming from the training room not far away. Alex paused for a moment, then walked over to investigate. To his surprise, it was Wendy Queen!

"Wendy? Isn't school on break? Why haven't you gone home?"

Upon hearing her teacher's voice, Wendy immediately opened her eyes and explained: "Good evening, Mr. Watson. My home is in a very remote town. If I were to go home for just two days off, I'd barely have time to arrive before having to return."

Hearing this, Alex could only nod in understanding. Observing Wendy's diligent demeanor, Alex smiled faintly and said: "Well then, I might as well teach you a new Stage 7 technique ahead of schedule."