Btw, in case anyone is wondering what Vince is talking about on page 24 and 25 he's referring to how the Academy says that rank and class are ignored but aren't. Also, that it's sort of a small community of the Kingdom where the men and women of various areas are packed together as opposed to the usual hours/days distance between territories outside the main floating island where the Academy, Royalty and King's castle reside. For example, when Leon checked into the dormitory as a Baron he was just given a key to his room while the arrogant higher ranked noble who came afterwards was fawned on, led, and had baggage carried by the person at the desk. Also, this refers to earlier when Leon was told that win or lose he'd be in big trouble for participating in the duel. This is because regardless of how the duel went, he stood up to and fought the future king and heads of major houses who will carry a grudge for him going against them and can, and likely will, use their houses influence to make his life miserable later on. Whether he's right or wrong, the point they'll remember is he stood against them. Furthermore, in fear of their wrath the boys and girls from other houses will avoid Leon like the plague to avoid getting caught in the crossfire which will make it harder to do business with other territories and find someone to marry.
As for the conduct of a knight by outwardly he means to act in an honorable way, stand up for what's right, and defend the weak from the strong. Inwardly to have some political sense, temper virtue with wisdom, and be corrupt enough to see through and deal with, quietly and discreetly if need be, the dishonest and dishonorable acts of others. Such as how to handle a noble who acts honorable and noble in public, but has a lot of under the table deals, illegal trade, and hires assassins to deal with bothersome individuals. After all, that noble's image is great so can't even accuse of wrongdoing without absolute proof, and likely to get murdered if assume he'll act in an upfront and honorable fashion.