As I make my way towards the stage, I can hear faint murmuring in the crowd that slowly lets me through. Things like 'how did someone get the top on two subjects?' and 'wow the princess is so pretty.' Luckily I'm not the only thing on their minds, but I'd still rather not be there at all. Even more fortunately, they don't know who I am as I pass, though that will likely change soon.
"We have everyone except Mr. Pryce! Morgan Du Pryce, please make your way to the stage."
Oh great, now I'm the last person. This just keeps getting better and better.
Nearing the stage, a few people have realized my destination, and send me looks of mild awe and pity. Their stares make me want to drop to the ground and curl up into a ball, but it's too late to stop moving, as the professor has noticed me.
"There you are! Come up on stage, we've been waiting for ages."
He gestures towards the stairs in front of him.
As I arrive at the first step, I can finally get a good look at the other people called up before me.
The only other guy on stage that isn't the professor, I think his name was Julius, has an average face, but a not so average build. He is tall and incredibly well-built, along with very neat black hair and light brown eyes. Didn't he get called up for math? He seems a bit nervous, but is overall put together. He is wearing the uniform, which fits surprisingly well.
Of the three girls on stage, one is much easier to put a name to than the others. Marcella De Varas, the Royal Princess. She is easily spotted by her straight light-blue hair that falls down to about mid-back. That hair color is shared by every person born into the Royal Family, so it is very recognizable. She has a pretty face, but is otherwise unremarkable. I have a feeling I'd be arrested if I shared this evaluation. She appears completely uninterested in everything happening around her. She is also wearing the uniform, which goes well with her hair.
The next girl is standing on the far edge of the stage, looking absolutely mortified. I relate to you on a personal level, girl-whose-name-I-do-not-know. She is easily the shortest person on stage, which is only accentuated by her slumped posture. Her disheveled blonde hair covers most of her face and shoulders, but I can faintly see a grimace beneath it. She is also wearing the uniform, though it seems to be a bit too big for her in all but one spot.
Leaving the person who stands out to me most for last.
The final girl has wavy blazing red hair, cut off just below her shoulders. I don't know who she is, but she certainly stands out. She is just about my height, and I can only describe her as gorgeous. I didn't know someone my age could look that good. In stark contrast, she has an expression that seems incredibly strained. I think she's trying to maintain an indifferent face like the princess, but is failing to hide the small smirk of pride that appears any time she looks out into the crowd. Finally, she is also wearing the uniform.
I'm the only person on stage not wearing some sort of uniform. This is a nightmare right? Someone pinch me.
In contrast to the beautiful, or at least visually interesting people on stage, I must look like some random person taken off the street. White dress shirt and black pants, next to a bunch of primarily red uniforms.
Once I'm standing behind the professor with the others, he shouts.
"These will be the people to beat this coming year! Notice how there are only five at the moment."
He gestures back at us, moving off to the side so that the crowd can see us clearly.
"You know one of the reasons..."
He points to me and I reflexively shiver, as eyes in the crowd turn.
"... but the other is a mystery. Let me give you a hint. The Practical Combat Ranking has not been put together yet, as no one has been able to demonstrate their skill. That 'evaluation' will be held during the school year. I will leave the rest of the details to orientation."
That was far more than just a hint.
"Now, I think that's enough for today."
Is it finally over? Can I get down now?
"Can I get a round of applause for the first-year Rankers?"
Why do you want that you bastard?!
Thunderous applause erupts from the crowd. They're likely just doing it for the princess, but I'm still having a heart attack. Someone faintly giggles from my left. I glance over and spot the red-haired girl barely holding back laughter as she looks in my direction.
Did I do something funny? What's going on, why is she laughing at me? She seemingly notices my gaze and turns her head quickly. I'm extremely confused, but I'd rather focus on the man who put me in this situation.
The professor looks far too pleased with himself, and I kind of want to punch him in his smug face. No no no, I can't be having these thoughts before school even starts. Breathe Morgan, breathe. Inhale, exhale. It will all be over soon.
And it was.
The clapping ends quickly, and the professor lets us off the stage. The moment the blonde girl's foot touches the ground it disappears, just as it did earlier. It seems a few older students mixed into the crowd, as when the it disperses, some people don't immediately head to the exit.
I reunite with Mom and we head back to the carriage. I want to get out of here as soon as possible, I've had enough embarrassment for one day. Mom seems to understand, as she doesn't say anything until we get into the carriage.
"... Morgan do you need to go relieve yourself?"
She breaks the silence with a completely unanticipated question.
"... What do you mean?"
"You've had a constipated look on your face since everyone started clapping."
"I have?"
"Yes."
"Oh."
"..."
"..."
She looks so innocently concerned that I can't form an adequate response.
"Let's just go home."
"I understand."
She knocks on the wall behind her and the carriage begins to move.
I think this nightmare is finally over.