"Leadership Class," Pascal says, "is one of the most important aspects of life at Archambault as a final-year. We have three from which to choose."
He pauses for effect.
"The first," he says, "is Drama Club. Traditionally, I direct, but it will be the Drama Club's choice which play we put on in the spring, and of course you'll perform and run the entire thing."
Close by, Javi is talking to her companions. You hear her saying, "Obviously I'll be the leading role. I won't have it any other way."
Javi looks over her shoulder at you, scowling. "Do what you like," she says. "I'm absolutely being the star, whatever you think."
Upon the stage, Vere steps forward. "I run the second Leadership Class, the Athletics Team. I won't pontificate," she says with a brief glance at Pascal, "so this will be brief. The Athletics Team gives you the chance to be part of a group of elite athletes. You'll hone your bodies and minds to beat the opposition. If that sounds like you, sign up."
A murmur of excitement ripples around the theater. You see Javi examining her fingernails studiously, while Dominique grimaces and sinks down in his seat.
Beaumont squares his shoulders and cracks his knuckles with a determined expression. He glances over at you. "That'll be me," he says.
Beaumont shrugs as Clemence takes center stage. They beam at the gathered students, and clear their throat.
"I run the third Leadership Class, which is the Student Council," they say. "This year we're doing something different. You'll have much more autonomy, and will have a positive effect on Archambault as a whole. And its future, too!"
Javi looks unmoved; Beaumont looks bored. Over on the other side of the room, Dominique sits bolt upright as though he's only just started listening.
Pascal steps forward once more, brandishing a clipboard. "Sign-ups now, please!"
You consider for a moment while the others rush forward. Beaumont, Mai, and a few others sign up for Athletics with Vere; Javi is signing up for the Drama Club with Pascal. Dominique's chatting with Clemence as he signs up to the Student Council. You'll have more time with your peers in your chosen Leadership Class, though there will be time for everyone. Certainly your presence in a class will bring more prestige to the teacher.
Dominique has already sidled over to sign up for the Student Council, along with the quiet student, Gabi, who was taking notes at the front. You stride up to Clemence and sign your name on the clipboard.
"Wonderful!" Clemence says happily. "We'll meet in my classroom in half an hour."
Next
You arrive at Clemence's class at the same time as Gabi, the student you noticed in the theater. Their shirt and pants are unwrinkled, their tie is immaculate, and their heavy, dark hair is cut in a neat bob. They bow smoothly to you.
"I'm so looking forward to working with you, Prince Hugoz," they say with a touch of officiousness.
Together, you enter the classroom and take your seats. Clemence has set up desks facing each other, putting you in mind of a parliamentary session. Clemence is watching from their desk, taking notes while most of the students are sitting around chatting. Dominique is sitting on one of the tables, cross-legged.
"…so, I think maybe it's best if we start work now," says Dominique, but the chatter does not abate.
Clemence coughs. "Be a little firmer," they say kindly. Gabi nods along, but
Dominique nods quickly. "Come on, everyone," he says. "Once we do this, I'll get us some candied apples!"
The room falls quiet, and Dominique shoots you a grateful smile. "So," he says. "We were discussing the Winter Ball!"
It seems Archambault Academy and Gallatin College have a tradition of meeting for a Hearthlight celebration before the end of the Winter Term. You've not met any of the Gallatin students yet, of course, but Clemence intimates that you'll have a chance to socialize before the ball.
"We have to outdo what they did last time," Dominique says. "It was fireworks before. I was thinking a hot air balloon ride."
Gabi looks horrified. "That's incredibly dangerous!" they burst out. "How could we organize something like that in good conscience? A carriage ride would be much more appropriate."
Someone else puts up a hand and suggests a boat trip, and the discussion devolves into argument. Clemence catches your eye, saying nothing, but this must all be part of the Leadership Class experience.
"The river's gorgeous around here," you say. "Can you imagine riding in a gondola while it snows?"
Neither Gabi nor Dominique looks impressed. Dominique shuffles his feet, and Gabi starts rattling off reasons why life vests would be difficult to combine with evening wear. Some of the others start muttering amongst themselves, not going so far as to disagree with you directly, but you're certain they'll cause problems if you don't address it now.
You spread your hands. "I've always wanted to throw an event like this," you say. "And I think a boat ride would cap off the evening wonderfully."
"I don't think the currents will be suitable for boat rides at that time of year," Gabi says as though you hadn't spoken.
"Yes, and where would we get gondolas from anyway?" Dominique says.
Clemence stands up. "Come on, everyone," they say. "Prince Hugoz's decision is perfectly sound. Let's talk about how we'll make it happen."
Next
Despite Clemence stepping in, the discussion is fraught and tense. It's evening when you finish, and everyone is tired and fractious by the end. "It feels like the end of term's going to be next week," Dominique groans.
"Don't worry," Clemence says. "You've got plenty of time."
Afterwards, Dominique dawdles in the corridor to speak with you, looking preoccupied. He looks distracted, and not exactly his usual self.
Come on," you say sharply. "Tell me what's wrong. You look like a sad dog."
Dominique gives you a dramatically wounded expression. "A sad dog," Dominique says. "I never heard the like."
He shoots you a weak smile.
He sighs heavily.
"My parents have been saying I can't have the sapphire ring I wanted for Winter Ball," he says. "I've been wanting it for forever—I saw it in a jeweler's window before term started and they promised, and now it's not happening. It feels horrid."
Rarely have you been refused a trinket that you wanted. It must feel disappointing. Certainly Dominique looks entirely downcast.