The majority of the freshmen weren't surprised by the strictness of the academy.
They were warned by their guarantors early so it's not surprising anymore. Still, even knowing this doesn't lessen the pressure exerted on them as new students.
Cedric also heard enough things from Reiner last night. They talked for hours and the old man told him everything he knew about the schools. He's also made aware that Reiner was a dropout student of the academy.
The City Lord also tried to give him things that he could use to make his stay easier here, Cedric accepted some but refused the others. He either has no need for them or has something better.
He could tell that the City Lord was trying to make up for his negligence. Something that Cedric already expected to happen. But he did tell the old man that he didn't mind.
