Chapter 85

Clifford frowned slightly. Him, the biological father hadn’t weighed in yet, and here was his brother, Middleton, taking charge as if it were his right.

Although he wasn’t keen on sending his daughter Winnie to some Supernatural Department either, after the last incident where Winnie had to give up her room, he’d learned to ask for her opinion first.

“Middleton, Winnie can decide for herself which school she’d like to attend. You stepping in and making decisions for her is overstepping your bounds as an uncle,” he chided Middleton wasn’t fazed by Clifford’s words. Turning his head, he retorted, “Clifford, I’m doing what’s best for her! Have you ever even heard of this so–called academy? Aren’t you afraid she’ll pick up bad habits? Are you planning on her taking the vows?”

Speaking so bluntly in front of the admissions officer was hardly polite.

But Middleton wasn’t concerned with pleasantries. He felt Clifford had changed ever since he acknowledged this daughter, and he feared Clifford was being foolish.

“Ahem… becoming a priestess is different from taking vows, the robed admissions officer explained with a smile, trying to lighten the mood.

Middleton spared the man a glance. To him, it was all the same. Winnie could be eccentric at home, but he wouldn’t allow her to embarrass the family in public.

He was a music producer he couldn’t afford that kind of reputation.

Horace didn’t care about Middleton’s attitude; he was solely focused on Winnie, “Winnie, are you familiar with this school?

He had witnessed Winnie’s abilities firsthand and didn’t oppose her pursuing a specialized academic path, but the school had to be reputable.

couldn’t be one of those bait–and–switch. institutions that were all too common these days.

Winnie had been silent since the start, but at Horace’s question, she turned her head slightly. “I’ve heard of this school, but well–acquainted.”

The caretaker at Breeze Monastery had spoken to her mostly about the Supernatural Department at Capital University. She wasn’t as familiar with Emerald University’s program.

This, however, didn’t dampen her Interest.

She remembered Boss Drake mentioning once that her master had claimed to be a lecturer at EU’s Supernatural Department.

Later, she had searched online for information about the academy but found very little.

“Our EU Supernatural Department is nationally accredited and one of only three universities in the country with a first–class degree in esoteric studies. You can rest assured on that front,”

the admissions officer continued amiably, unbothered by the skepticism.

But the Bryant family was even more doubtful.

A department for esoteric studies, with top–tier accreditation? They couldn’t help their disbelief. Kate, not opposed to her niece pursuing her interests, still advised, “Winnie, college isn’t just about earning a degree; it’s about gaining experience and connections for entering society. Choose wisely.”

The twins, York and Yates, looked at Winnie in surprise.

Unlike the other Bryants, they had only met Winnie once during her brief return to the family, but they had heard from Hobson about her recent runaway episode.

Unlike Hobson and the others, they didn’t have a negative view of Winnie. In fact, they thought she was quite attractive and couldn’t be as bad as Hobson painted her.

But… was she actually interested in becoming a priestess?

“Winnie, if you go to the Supernatural Department, will you end up becoming a priestess?” York couldn’t help but join the conversation with a chuckle.

The Bryants imagined Winnie as a priestess, and their expressions grew even more curious.

Winnie, generally tolerant of those who meant her no harm, shook her head, “It’s not the same.”

“There seems to be some misunderstanding about our Supernatural Department. How about this? Let me give you a focused introduction to our school…

The admissions officer from the Supernatural Department said as he confidently approached, pulling out several booklets bound like ancient texts from his backpack.

Middleton was about to refuse when a call from the gatehouse came through again. Abdul returned with a look of unmistakable joy.

“Mr. Bryant, admissions officers from Capital University, Silverpine University, and Emerald University are all here.”

At this news, the complex emotions brought on by the Supernatural Department’s officer were instantly replaced by joy.

Everyone momentarily forgot about Winnie’s potential enrollment in the Supernatural Department, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the other admissions officers.

Hobson cast a sidelong glance at Winnie, his gaze conveying a clear message without words.

He was different from her.

She could only be accepted by a dubious–sounding Supernatural Department, but his choices were among the nation’s elite institutions.

The Bryants perked up, waiting for the admissions officers, while the Supernatural 12:36 Department’s representative, feeling threatened, hurriedly spread out the booklets and began to earnestly introduce the merits of their school to Winnie.

Finally, the admissions officers from Capital University arrived.

Upon entering, they were met with the eager faces of the entire Bryant family.

Through Leonie’s eyes, there was an air of incredulity.

The teachers were initially astounded by the affluence of the Bryant family and the presence of the entire clan, but they quickly remembered the purpose of their visit, aware that it was time for the college entrance exam results to be released.

Their gaze swept past the young boys gathered in the house, eventually settling on the only two girls in the living room.

“Excuse me, which one of you is Winnie?”

This time they were taking no chances, announcing their purpose right at the outset.

They couldn’t afford to make the same mistake twice.

Leonie was about to rise and welcome the teachers on behalf of her son when she heard the question, and her expression froze.

Hobson’s cheek twitched in disbelief The rest of the Bryants weren’t faring any better.

What was this? Another visit for Winnie? And not from some no–name college recruiter!

But Bacchus remained unflappable, gesturing for Abdul to seat the guests and introducing them to Winnie.

The college recruiters had actually recognized Winnie the moment they walked in, seeing as there were several brochures spread out in front of her!

And who was that next to her? A man in a robe, looking like an eccentric, explaining something!

Could it be that someone had already made the first move The recruiters immediately went on high alert.

When Clifford confirmed that these visitors were indeed here for a rare look of surprise and delight crossed his typically composed face.

“Winnie is my daughter. Have you come because her exam results are out?”

A teacher from Emerald University recognized Clifford. Having had the most interaction with the Bryants, he was the first to speak up, offering a congratulatory smile.

“Yes, Ms. Bryant got a great result on the college entrance exam, making her the valedictorian of Emerald Bay. We are here to extend a heartfelt invitation for Winnie to join us at Emerald University.”

12:36 The representatives from Silverpine University and Capital University also chimed in.

“We at Capital University would also be thrilled to have Winnie join us!”

“Silverpine University extends the same invitation to Winnie!”

The recruiters all looked eager, leaving the Bryants utterly dumbfounded.

Hobson, particular, couldn’t believe her score.

Cutler was even more direct, “Impossible! Are you sure you haven’t made a mistake?”

Winnie, a valedictorian? It just didn’t seem likely!

The admissions officers frowned at yet another challenge to their announcement.

Just as they were about to reiterate their statement, Springer, who had been quiet thus far, suddenly spoke up with a firm and earnest tone, barely concealing his excitement, “It’s true!”