"What is it this time?" Rio got to the point as soon as they sat down, Naturally, Dimitri didn't like this tone, however, he couldn't do anything but crease his eyebrows showing his displeasure, Rio ignored him and looked directly at Elise.
'Why is it every time I visit him, he becomes more handsome, it was a slight change that I dismissed as me seeing things, however, I am definitely sure something is up' she pondered as a couple of seconds of silence and both of them holding eye contact came into place until she snapped out of it and realized the situation making her avert her gaze with a slight blush on her face
Elise cleared he throat, regaining her composure, and looked back at Rio, "My father and the elders have concluded you to be a flag bearer of our academy, someone was supposed to tell you, however, due to the importance of the news I personally came" she looked at Rio's face as if trying to observe his reaction, however, was disappointed at the lack off
'flag bearer, huh?' Rio thought, Naturally Rio knew what a flag bearer was, every sect, academy faction, etc could be said to have a flag bearer, a flag bearer was just a key person in the establishment, an upcoming prodigy, flag bearers are only given to people of the next generation, people like the academy leader or the High elder can't be a flag-bearer due to their age
"Benefits and responsibilities?" Rio asked briefly, However, it seemed the attitude manage to tick a nerve in Dimitri, however, before a sentence could exit Dimitri's mouth Luke hurriedly interfered.
"Rio, I understand that you're a prodigy and a key person in the academy, however, you must watch your tone when speaking to someone in a superior position".
Rio looked at Luke and tilted his head "Superior position? In what way, not only am I stronger than Elise, I am a direct disciple, the same as her, in what way is she superior to me?" he asked in a confused tone
When Rio said this, Luke felt very puzzled and instinctively looked at Dimitri with the side of his eyes, which startled him
Dimitri showed a calm face but since Luke already knew Dimitri's temperament he knew that this calm wasn't the same as his stoic face, it was more like the calm before the storm, and Elise clearly understood that as well so before he could act Elise rose her hand to stop him and said "The benefits are the full backing and investment of the academy, which ranges from access to classified information, top-tiered skills and spells, restricted places and more, and there isn't much responsibility, the title also makes you eligible to inherit the academy leader seat in the future" as she said that the previous annoyance she had due to Rio's words were forgotten as she slightly blushed and averted his gaze at the last part
"No thanks," Rio said casually as if someone was offering him a snack.
"…"
"…"
"…"
All three of them couldn't believe what they heard, so they stayed silent as if waiting for additional comment from Rio, they didn't know what they expected to come out, an explanation of why or an "I'm kidding", but they stayed silent for a couple of seconds but nothing else left Rio's mouth.
"W-What do you mean, no thanks? Did you not hear what I said, I said there was little to no responsibility and the benefits were humongous" Elise said slightly startled, she never thought anyone could refuse a flag-bearer position.
"Did the academy leader himself say there was little to no responsibility involved in this title?" Rio asked ignoring her question.
"n-no?" she hesitated since she said that from her own knowledge.
"The previous flag bearers, where are they now?" Rio asked another question.
"The previous bearers are the current elders of the academy, including my father…" she trailed off realizing something
"Exactly, you claim there is no responsibility, but such the backing and full support of the academy doesn't come at a price, there's this saying, there are only two types of people who would give you something for free, either they're stupid or they can get something bigger In return, and I don't believe the academy leader is stupid"
She pondered in thought, however, Luke could help but say "even though, being a future elder or potential Academy leader isn't a burden, so why refuse?" When Elise heard what he said, she also thought what he said was correct.
'This place is too small for me, for someone that wants to rule the world, you want me to stay in this backwater academy of the weakest continent in Acatrial? impossible' Rio thought, naturally he couldn't say that so he decided to neaten his words as best as he could, "I don't plan on staying here forever, I want to explore the world when the time comes, possessing that title would tie me to this place, making me unable to leave"
"Wonder the world? For what reason? The Santos Empire is already big enough to do all your exploring" Dimitri spoke his first sentence ever since coming here. Dimitri didn't have a good impression of Rio so whatever Rio wanted or said, he would naturally think it was nonsense.
"You're small enough for it to be big enough for you, However, I am not like you" Rio retorted, naturally touching a nerve.
Elise quickly intervened and said, "I understand what you were trying to say, since your sights are set on exploring, it would be unwise to cage a bird, however, I thought of a better solution, what about an honorary Flag-Holder, I would have to ask father about it first, but that should work right?"
Rio pondered for a bit and though it was reasonable, Honorary Flag-Holder can be given to him to be the main person in the tournament and won't restrict me when it's time to leave the Academy, Rio nodded in approval at the idea.
"That's good, I'll inform my father about the honorary title," Elise said as she stood up along with Luke and Dimitri and headed out.
Rio escorted them out but stopped at the front door, he thought it was a bit unnecessary to go outside, so he did the bare minimum and proceeded to continue his plan on alchemy and artificing.