Everyone was looking at Lin Ke.
Lady Antova and Butler Billy had already guessed, and so had mother Fulon to some extent.
But most of the servants were still a bit confused.
It was the middle of the afternoon, and everyone was preparing dinner. What was the reason for gathering everyone together?
Lin Ke grinned, revealing his neat, white teeth, and said loudly, "Today, my most loyal servant John, my follower Knicks, and I awakened our bloodline!"
When speaking, he made sure to mention John before Knicks; otherwise, John tended to get jealous easily.
As for John... when Lin Ke mentioned "most loyal," John proudly puffed out his chest.
Knicks, always mimicking Butler Billy, had his fluffy, pink ears drooped back and bowed respectfully.
Everyone gradually became filled with anticipation. Even the dullest person understood what their young master meant.
It was surely a good awakening!
"The bloodline levels for the three of us are all excellent, or rather, extremely excellent!"
Lin Ke's voice brimmed with excitement and also had an inspiring quality.
Today, after awakening the "leader" bloodline, he naturally felt adept at inspiring others.
Maybe it was a charisma brought by the bloodline.
"Extremely excellent?"
"Andrew's Leg, as expected of our Master Azanen."
"Indeed, the master's bloodline couldn't possibly be inferior."
"Oh, I'm so envious of that guy John."
The servants began to whisper among themselves, while Lin Ke's mother Fulon directly cheered with excitement, "That's wonderful, Little Lin Ke!"
She never cared about appearances outside the dining room, reveling in her happiness freely.
"Madam, Young Master Lin Ke has been smart since childhood. He will surely become the most dazzling pearl in the kingdom."
Butler Billy seamlessly employed exaggeration and metaphor to flatter.
Fulon became even happier, but her joy turned into tears: "Boohoohoo, I'm so happy. Fortunately, my little Lin Ke didn't inherit my bloodline, boohoohoo…"
There was guilt, relief, and a hint of happiness.
Lady Antova wanted to say something to Lin Ke, but seeing her sister cry, she rushed over to comfort her.
Seeing this, Lin Ke felt a bit helpless. Such a good thing turned into this.
Thinking for a moment, Lin Ke changed tack and said again, "Mother, you cry tears of joy as well, because my bloodline is top-tier not just in this kingdom, but in many other realms too!"
Though there was not a specific term for 'tears of joy,' he conveyed a similar meaning.
"...And even Knicks' bloodline is quite good, and John's bloodline can also be ranked!"
He roughly explained the bloodline levels, mentioning the rankings for the three of them.
Then, he explained that the beam of light that appeared earlier was because Ove couldn't believe their bloodlines were so good, which led to the crystal ball exploding since he failed to control his power properly.
He mainly announced these things to stabilize the rule and reassure those reliant on Azaenn Castle.
The other reason was to understate his own formidable talent, letting the people of Azanen know ahead of time about his outstanding gifts.
He reckoned that these people might have never left Azanen in their lives. Knowing their young master was exceptional was already quite something, as they wouldn't dare to think even higher.
Even if someday someone investigated intentionally, the blame would fall on Ove, not them.
"Little Lin Ke…Little Lin Ke is amazing…boohoo… it's all my fault…but thank goodness…"
Fulon couldn't stop crying, even more loudly and incoherently upon hearing Lin Ke's words.
John, standing aside, was in a daze, unaware that he was at the sixth rank, which was considered "a bit interesting."
He was delighted, as he never learned an expression to face such a situation, even in his self-perceived long life of six years as an adult.
However, he thought of Knicks beside him, and couldn't help but look over enviously, feeling a bit bitter but without jealousy.
Knicks had better talent, but they were both under the young master, so he would only be happy for the young master.
As for Knicks…
Knicks' white, fluffy fur was soaked with tears, rolling down continuously, muttering to himself, "Lady Fulon is so touched… boohoo... I miss my mom… boohoo…"
Not just him, but many servants were weeping secretly, especially the elderly ones.
They liked Fulon very much because she was humble and treated everyone well, having come from a commoner family.
Compared to the superior Lady, Fulon was more down-to-earth.
"Boohoo, this is great. The lady has always feared affecting the young master."
"Yes, yes, boohoo, the lady just mentioned this to me a few days ago. It's great."
"Wonderful, just wonderful."
"Our ancestors bless Azanen."
The servants, affected by Fulon's emotions, secretly wiped their tears one by one.
Suddenly, everyone was crying.
...
Gosh.
Lin Ke, after announcing the news, never expected such a situation. He thought it would be rejoicing and encouragement all around!
"Lin Ke, quickly take your mother back to her room and have a good talk with her."
Lady Antova, supporting Fulon, shouted towards Lin Ke.
Lin Ke originally didn't want to be moved by the woman who wanted to kill him, but with his mother crying loudly, he worried about her emotional fluctuations affecting her health.
After all, she had just experienced a fright and should avoid such strong emotional highs and lows.
Lin Ke hurried up to comfort her, comforting as they walked, eventually taking Fulon back and having the servants clean her up simply before letting her sleep deeply.
...
The next day, in the study.
Lin Ke originally arranged accommodation for Ove, but probably Ove, being very averse to socializing, went off to sleep elsewhere.
However, this morning, after breakfast, Ove already sent a message asking them to come to the study.
In the study, the bright light still shone, and Ove simply hid behind the bookshelf.
Lin Ke and the others couldn't see him, nor could he see them. It seemed like this eased Ove's anthropophobia more.
Lin Ke realized that Ove wasn't socially anxious; he was indeed more afraid of people.
"Children, you are here." Ove's voice came from behind the bookshelf.
"Teacher Ove."
"Master Ove."
"Master Ove."
Lin Ke and the other two bowed.
As instructed, Knicks and John called him Master Ove, to emphasize Lin Ke's use of "Teacher" as special.
Plant enough hints in Ove's mind now so that future apprenticeship would be easier to manage.
"Hmm…let's start the class."
Ove spoke very little today, seemingly subdued, unlike the emotional outburst yesterday.
"Wait a moment, teacher."
Lin Ke softly called Ove and then signaled to John with his eyes.
John nodded and gently clapped his hands outside.
Immediately, four or five people came in, bringing exquisite morning tea, comfortable chairs, and long-stored ice cubes from the cellar.
"Teacher, your presence here to teach is a gift enough. We cannot let you educate in a poor environment, that would be Azanen's discourtesy."
Lin Ke explained in a milky voice.
Social anxiety treatment begins!
The seduction of a gentle abode begins simultaneously!