Rather than being angry at Vaan for starting so many relationships, Linetta felt sorry for him. She felt like it was her fault.

Because she was powerless and left him to cure her sister in the capital, he had to resort to promiscuous methods for survival.

Nevertheless, Vaan shook his head before Linetta delved deeper into her misunderstanding.

"I know what you are thinking, but it's not like that. So don't feel bad. Also, this is just how it is. You can accept it, or you can not. It's your choice whether you want to be a part of this or not," Vaan stated.

He wasn't nave enough to believe he could give everyone equal happiness. After all, not everyone was willing to share their lover.

However, he was at least confident in his ability to provide for those willing to stay with him.

"You are all fine with sharing the same man?" Linetta stared at Astoria and the others incredulously, considering they were all impressive women. They wouldn't lack any suitors.

Nevertheless, she quickly understood the answer in their eyes before they could verbally reply.

"Obviously," Aeliana stated, provoking Linetta with her haughty look.

"Then, why the hell wouldn't I be fine with it?" Linetta stubbornly gave her answer as she clung to Vaan's arm. Then, she said to Vaan, "It's not that easy to get rid of me!"

Vaan smiled wryly.

It was never his intention; he was simply giving her a choice.

"Linetta, get back here!" Arabelle ordered with a strict tone. "It's fine if you only want to play with him temporarily. However, I will not let such a promiscuous man marry into our family. I will not let my granddaughter and family become a joke to other witches."

"No! I only want Vaan! If he can't marry into our family, I will marry into his family!" Linetta replied defiantly, causing Arabelle almost to puke blood in anger.

"Nonsense!" Arabelle thundered, saying, "You are the hope of the Vossen Household! How can you share a man with other witches? God knows when you'll be able to produce an heir and continue the lineage?! Only other men can share you!"

Due to the low fertility rate, it was common for witches of noble households to have multiple lovers as it would increase their chances of impregnation.

Nevertheless, while Arabelle was admonishing her granddaughter, Aeliana suddenly approached her with a dark look.

"Do you need something, Lord Aeliana?" Arabelle asked with surprise.

"Do I, a Mid-stage High With and the Lord of Sunpeak Town, look like a joke to you, Lady Arabelle?" Aeliana asked in a low tone.

Arabelle shook her head in response with a startled look.

"Then, does Headmaster Astoria, another Mid-stage High Witch, headmaster of Blackmoon Academy, and the true heir to the imperial throne of the Holy Knight Empire, look like a joke to you?" Aeliana coldly continued.

"Do you think everyone here is a joke to you because they are willing to share Lord Vahn? If he permits it, I would be most willing to marry him and carry his family name! I'm sure that's the same for everyone! Does that make us a joke to you?!"

"In my opinion, you don't know just how lucky your granddaughter is for the choice she made! Only endless opportunities await her!" Aeliana spat menacingly, causing a few pieces of phlegm to land on Arabelle's face.

Nevertheless, Arabelle was so shaken by Aeliana's threatening pressure and killing intent that she dared not wipe them.

While trying to lecture her granddaughter, she had inadvertently offended everyone else.

Many people would have agreed with her words if they were in the capital. But unfortunately, it was not the case for where she was currently.

"Astoria, do you have any spare mana utilization methods recorded? Give one to Linetta to learn," Vaan casually requested with a smile.

"Unfortunately, I have yet to record any new ones, Vaan," Astoria replied with a shake of her head before adding, "However, she can have mine. I won't be needing it since I have the mana utilization method memorized."

"Take it, and learn it well," Astoria handed a memory crystal to Linetta, much to the latter's curiosity and surprise.

"Alright, I'll be back. Take care of things while I am gone for now," Vaan informed, no longer delaying his plan to prepare for the trip to the southern borders.

"We understand," Solana and the others followed his wish.

After Vaan disappeared from the lord's estate, taking Zodreg with him, Arabelle raised her hand when Aeliana glared at her again.

"I dare you to wipe them. Do you dare?"

"No"

Arabelle replied meekly, leaving the phlegm on her face.

She recognized her mistake, but she was still bullied for it. Even so, there wasn't much she could do. She was surrounded by witches more powerful than her.

How many years has it been since she suffered such injustice?

Nevertheless, Aeliana didn't say anything when Linetta wiped the phlegm for her granddaughter. Arabelle was almost moved to tears.

"Are you alright, grandmother?" Linetta asked.

"Yeah, don't worry about me..." Arabelle warmly smiled with some hidden bitterness before advising her granddaughter, "Headmaster Astoria gave you something. You should go ahead and learn it."

"Yes, grandmother," Linetta nodded before returning her attention to the memory crystal with growing curiosity.

Ten minutes passed in the blink of an eye as Linetta was immersed in studying the mana utilization method.

Although she memorized the technique, she missed the chance to practice.

Vaan had returned.

"Let us head to Fort Whitebridge. Lord Helia is already waiting there," Vaan invited everyone downstairs to the basement, where the teleporter was located.

Arabelle and her personal guards were shocked by the advanced magic tool in their possession. Even so, they kept their silence for fear of antagonizing someone with their careless words.

They obediently followed the group and entered the black spatial gate, taking them into a new room.

It was the council room within Fort Whitebridge.

Although they had never been there, Lady Artemis, Lord of the Whitebridge Region, was present.

Thus, they had no choice but to believe they had crossed over several regions and arrived at the southern border in an instant.

"Welcome to Fort Whitebridge," Artemis greeted everyone.