Apparently, the dinner was to celebrate Arthur's selection in Cardinal Academy. The place where new Cardinal Knights are trained. But he wasn't too pleased.
"Why did I have to gather ingredients for my celebration?", he grumbled while chewing some Earth Deer meat. "It was a surprise. Even we didn't know about it.", Justin said.
"Only your uncle and Alice knew about it.", Aunt Sylvia said with a smile. She's a beautiful and elegant elf with a kind smile. Her pale skin was flawless and her pointy ears twitch when she becomes excited. Her wavy blonde hair flowed over her shoulders. She is in her fifties despite the fact she looks thirty years younger.
"I thought it was a joke by Alice. Then I remembered that her jokes are terrible.", Arthur said. "That's what he said when he got the envelope.", Alice was sitting opposite him and spooning her soup.
"Why haven't you opened it yet?", Jack asked, "Arthur said he'll only open it when uncle John comes home. I hope he didn't forget about it.", Alice answered.
"Of course I won't forget my nephew's achievement.", John Night appeared at the hall, dressed in his signature grey suit. He's a burly man with black hair graying at the temples. His green eyes twinkled as he smiled brightly, "Congratulations Arthur.", he said.
"Thanks, Uncle John!"
He joined the table. Aunt Sylvia sat next to him. "Well. Aren't, you opening it?", Justin asked nodding at the silver envelope. "Yeah I will.", Arthur used a letter opener and opened the envelope.
The first thing he pulled out was a letter of invitation that informed him about his selection. The second was a folded card. He opened it, "Oh, this is my examination result.", he said.
Cardinal Academy holds entrance examinations three months before a new term begins. Candidates can attend the examination any day in these three months and take part in the tests. The tests vary every year to prevent malpractice. But the criteria remain the same: Magia control, combat skills, attribute, and knowledge. One has to pass at least three of these criteria to be selected.
Students can also be selected through recommendation but it is rare. Anyone can become a student despite their status as long as they have the talent.
Arthur scanned through his result, "Looks like I aced in everything except attribute", he frowned, "Well that was expected.", he said with a shrug. "The class you are attending is also there at the end of the result.", Allistair chimed in.
Arthur read the last sentence. He looked up, confused, "It says I'm in Special class A", he said. Everyone except Justin and Stella was surprised. Both of them and Arthur looked at the others with confused expressions. "Um. What is Special class A?", Stella asked.
Jack looked at Arthur, "There are six classes in Cardinal Academy, From S class to E class. Special class A is the sixth class where students who are 'different' are put in.", he struggled when he said 'different'.
"Ah", Arthur said, understanding dawning on his face, "Well, that was kinda expected since I don't have an attribute.", he leaned back on his chair, "So looks like I'm in the losers class.", he chuckled, "Well at least I'm selected in the academy. That is enough."
"I wouldn't call it a losers class. Some from our squad are from Special class A and they're pretty good.", Allistair said. "I don't think that's how the other students and instructors feel towards the class.", Justin said with a worried smile.
"Indeed. You may face some trouble. And you can't use your Family name.", Alice told Arthur. Cardinal Academy promotes equality. So students don't need to use their last names in the academy.
Of course, some kids of nobles don't care about this rule and use the name of their families recklessly. But they wouldn't dare to harass anyone in the academy unless they're sure the student isn't from an Arken Family. There was once an incident where a spoiled noble kid harassed a student from an Arken Family. It didn't go well for the noble family.
Legend has it that they're now cleaning the streets of Crystalis city.
Jack smiled at Arthur, "Well, at least you won't be alone. My little sister was also selected for Special class A." "Minerva? But she was the best student at Lunaris high school.", Arthur was surprised to hear the name of his best friend.
"Well yeah. But you know her capabilities, she is too smart to be put in the other classes and besides, she has a habit of getting into trouble.", Jack explained. "Oh, you're right.", Arthur winced when he recalled the number of times Minerva Raven was sent to the headmasters' office.
He took out the final sheet of paper. It contained a list of the things he can bring to the academy. He smiled when he saw that students can bring their own weapons. "The entrance ceremony is in two days. After that, we'll be shown to our dorms. Looks like I have some shopping to do.", he said folding up the paper.
"I will be coming with you to the academy in Crystalis city. Squad captains are supposed to attend the entrance ceremony." Alice said to Arthur. "Ah, that annoying ceremony where you just sit on a chair.", Jack wrinkled his nose.
"Please be sure to attend this year's ceremony, Jack. You have slipped away for the past years.", Alice sighed. "Sure Alice. I think I'll also stay here until we go to the academy", Jack replied cheerfully.
"Stay...stay here?", Alice stammered. "Why it will be a good idea, Jack. We'll prepare a room for you.", aunt Sylvia replied. She raised her glass of wine, "To Arthur's selection." Everyone toasted together.
After dinner, Arthur, Justin, and Stella sat on the roof of the Manor enjoying the cool breeze. "Hey Arthur can I ask you a favor?", Justin asked. "Sure. I do have to repay you guys for helping me.", Arthur replied.
"Alright then. Will you look over Stella for me at Cardinal Academy? She will be joining next year."
Arthur sat up, "You're going to be a Cardinal Knight too?", he asked Stella. She nodded with a smile. "But don't you need to train for two years?", he asked. "She's an exception. The academy says her abilities are on par with a first-year.", Justin said. "Oh. Then you will be the youngest student in the academy.", Arthur remarked.
He then looked at Justin, "What about you?", "Oh, I'm joining the Adventurers Academy in Elvenglade. Adventurers have more freedom than Cardinal Knights", Justin replied.
Arthur nodded in understanding. Justin likes to be a free spirit, not restrained by superiors or ranks. "But why do I need to look over Stella? She's really powerful.", he asked. "Sure she is powerful. But I feel better if someone I trust watches over her.", Justin explained. "Ah, the worries of an older brother.", Arthur lay on his back.
"Hey! I am not a little girl anymore!", Stella complained. "You're acting like one right now," Justin said drily. Arthur laughed as Stella's face became red. "Sure Justin. I'll watch over her. She's my sister too.", he said.
"Thanks, Arthur."
The three of them gazed at the stars as the wind ruffled their hair.
*******
The fireplace crackled as the others relaxed around it. George brought in some tea. "Thanks, George. The tea is splendid as always", Uncle John said as he sipped his cup. "I was with the headmaster this afternoon. He was the one who informed me about Arthur's selection.", he said.
"I heard Cardinal Academy got two new instructors.", Allistair said. "Indeed. Both of them are in their early twenties.", John replied. "They are probably one of those prodigies who become teachers at a young age.", Aunt Sylvia said.
"I think so. The headmaster has an eye for geniuses like them", John nodded. "I met one of them. An interesting young man. The headmaster said he joined last month."
"That is interesting.", Jack said, "There was an incident in Crystalis city last month." "Oh, do you mean that incident?", Alice asked, he nodded. Allistair was puzzled. He just came back from a mission today. "What happened?", he asked.
"A powerful presence was felt in the city. So strong it caused tremors. Even the Cardinals don't give off that type of presence and it only lasted for a few seconds", Jack answered. "Damn.", Allistair whistled. He looked at his uncle, "So are you saying that this new instructor was the reason for this presence, uncle?"
"I don't think so. I couldn't feel his presence at all when I met him." "He might have had an enchanted item to suppress it.", Alice noted. "Probably. He was wearing an accessory on his ear.", John agreed.
"Many say that the presence was that of a powerful dragon flying above the city. But the skies were clear that day.", Alice noted. "You're right.", Jack said, "Maybe the arrival of this new instructor and the powerful presence could be connected."
"Although I didn't feel his presence, I know for a fact he's strong. I believe Arthur would be safe in the academy with him around." John said. "But we don't know his motives.", Jack pointed out.
"The headmaster told me that he can be trusted.", John responded. There was a silence for some time. "But still, with a presence that powerful, that warlock would be stronger than a Cardinal.", Allistair said. The others nodded in agreement
"This new instructor seems interesting. I think I will invite him for tea.", Alice smiled. "That is a good idea. The headmaster may be weird, but his actions are always for the good of his students.", John said as he lighted a pipe. He puffed out a small cloud of smoke.
"Things are getting lively nowadays.", uncle John chuckled, looking at the smoke rising from his pipe.