As Richard wrapped up his speech, a hushed stillness seemed to sweep over the entire orientation hall. It was so quiet that you could practically hear a pin drop. But then, out of nowhere, the unexpected happened.
Jarmin, Emma, and Richard's ever-loyal twin bodyguards, Luna and Luella, shattered the silence with applause. The sound seemed to echo against the walls, breaking the spell of tension that had settled over the room. During the clapping, Jarmin's voice rang out, carrying a mix of playfulness and pride.
"That's it, boss! Tell them who's in charge!"
Their applause stood out like a beacon in the sea of mixed reactions. It was a moment of support, a small declaration amidst the uncertain murmurs that rippled through the crowd.
Richard couldn't help but grin as he walked back to his seat. A strange feeling tugged at his chest, a sensation that he hadn't quite expected. "Is this… pride?" he mused to himself. His heart seemed to flutter in a way he hadn't experienced before.
A thought struck him like lightning. "Could it be that speech? Did it actually make me feel good?" He shook his head in disbelief. "Well, well, well, looks like I'm embracing the role of a real villain now," he chuckled softly. As he settled into his seat, that unbidden smile remained, a proof of the strange mix of emotions swirling within him.
After Richard gave his speech and returned to his seat, a group of students huddled together, their voices carrying a mix of disbelief and annoyance.
"I can't believe the audacity of that guy," muttered Lisa, her eyes still fixed on Richard.
Jake, her friend, scoffed. "Seriously, did he just imply that he's going to be at the top until graduation? Who does he think he is?"
Anna chimed in, her expression a mixture of amusement and irritation. "And that whole 'teachers bowing down to his brilliance' thing? Give me a break."
Alicia, who had been sitting beside Richard, nodded in agreement. "Right? It's like he's auditioning for the role of some villain or something."
The group exchanged knowing glances, shaking their heads in unison. Richard's arrogance had left a sour taste in their mouths, and they were far from impressed.
Caught in the hum of the conversations around her, Emma's eyes moved around with a curious blend of fascination and worry. Richard couldn't help but be charmed by the complexity of her expression, finding it oddly endearing.
Leaning closer, Emma's voice cut through the lingering buzz of post-speech chatter. "So, um... are you, like, some sort of bad guy?" She spoke softly, with an air of curiosity mixed with a touch of nervousness.
Richard couldn't help but smile at how Emma's curiosity amused him. He found her sincere wonder captivating, like a flicker of light that grabbed his interest. "Well, why not have a little fun?" he thought to himself, ready to playfully tease her.
Richard chuckled softly, leaning in closer to her ear, "Well, Emma, do you hate bad guys?"
A faint blush tinted Emma's cheeks, but she didn't reply, her gaze dropping to her hands. The playful tension between them hung in the air, unsaid words carrying more weight than those spoken.
As the room gradually quieted down, the principal stepped back to the podium, a gentle smile on her face. "Thank you all for being a part of this engaging orientation," she began, her voice projecting a warm and welcoming tone. "I can see a future filled with potential and achievements ahead of us. Remember, this academy is not just a place of learning but also a space where friendships will be forged and dreams will come to life. Cherish every moment, make the most of your time here, and let your enthusiasm guide you on this remarkable journey."
With those encouraging words, the principal concluded her speech, and the room filled with a round of applause and excited chatter as students began to leave for their upcoming classes.
Richard motioned for Jarmin, Emma, Luna, and Luella to join him a little way apart from the dispersing crowd. "Hey guys," he began, his voice hushed yet confident, "I've got something to take care of. I'll catch up with you in class, alright?"
Jarmin raised an eyebrow, a mischievous grin playing on his lips. "Trouble already, boss?"
Richard chuckled, his eyes glinting. "Just a little detour. See you soon." With a nod and a parting smile, he headed towards the administrative area of the academy.
"Now that I'm here at the academy," Richard mused to himself, his thoughts flowing like a quiet conversation, "I might as well deal with 'that person' a bit earlier than planned. It might be a tad premature, but hey, being the villain means staying ahead of the game. Gotta make sure things roll in my direction."
In no time, he stood before the principal's office. Knocking on the door, he was met with the principal's welcoming voice, "Come in."
Richard casually entered the principal's office by sli, his presence catching her off guard. Looking up from her desk, the principal's expression danced between surprise and curiosity. "Well, well, Richard. This is an unexpected visit," she remarked with a quirked eyebrow.
Richard's response was as relaxed as his demeanor. "Just thought we could have a little chat, miss principal. Or should I say," Richard paused, narrowed his gaze then added, "Miss Pale Moon?"
Just as the words slipped from his lips, a dagger sliced through the air, aimed straight for his head. Quick reflexes saved him as he elegantly dodged the unexpected threat by slightly tilting to the left. He smirked, his eyes never leaving the principal.
Remaining composed, the principal got up from her seat and walked towards Richard, but mentioned some distance, her tone measured. "Alright then, who exactly are you, and what do you want?"