"Yeah. We need to talk."
"What is it, grandson?" Counselor Charles asked, his tone clipped as he leaned back in his chair.
Frank took a step forward, his jaw tightening. "It's about the headaches I keep telling you about. They're getting worse—more frequent, more intense."
Charles sighed, "I've told you before, Franklin. It's just stress from your training. You push yourself too hard."
Frank's fists clenched, but he kept his voice steady. "I've seen doctors. They couldn't find anything wrong with me. This isn't normal."
Charles waved a dismissive hand. "Stop troubling yourself with nonsense. You're overthinking. That's all it is."
Frank hesitated, his gaze falling to the polished floor for a moment before lifting again. "I've been thinking about more than just the headaches. About my future. About what I really want to become."
Charles's eyes narrowed, his expression hardening. "Don't tell me you're having doubts—second thoughts because of that student who died."
Frank took another step forward, "That student was my friend!"
Charles pushed his chair back and stood. "Your friend died because he was weak. You and the others survived because you were strong. That's how the world works, Franklin. The weak fall, and the strong endure."
Frank's chest heaved with restrained anger. "How could you say that?! David trained just as hard as the rest of us!"
"Perhaps," Charles replied coolly, "but effort alone doesn't make one strong. Determination, resilience—those are what separate the survivors from the fallen. If your friend had possessed them, he might still be here."
Frank's fingers dug into the edge of the desk as he leaned closer. "This isn't about David, is it? This is about you. You've always measured my worth by how strong I am in your eyes."
Charles's lips curled into a faint, humorless smile. "Speaking of strength, do you remember how promising you were before Adam came along? You were the top student in your class, and then he arrives. Adam was a year below you, but he was so gifted that he was promoted to your class and surpassed you in no time. Do you know how disappointing that was?"
Frank recoiled slightly, his anger replaced momentarily by disbelief. "You've known from the start I never wanted to be a knight. I joined the academy because you forced me to."
"And you think that gives you a free pass to throw it all away?!" Charles's voice was sharp, his words cutting like a blade. "Five years of rigorous training—a waste because you want to sit behind a desk and write… books? Unacceptable!"
Frank's voice broke slightly as he interjected, "But my father—"
"Your father was weak!" Charles slammed his hand against the desk. "And his weakness led to his death. I was a knight of unmatched strength, defending this kingdom in my prime. Strong men fight, while the weak hide in their homes and let the world pass them by."
"But I—"
"Enough!" Charles's hand struck the desk again, the sound reverberating in the room. "You will graduate and take your place as a knight. You will uphold the honor of our family name. Is that understood?"
After a long, painful silence, Frank lowered his head. "Yes, sir."
Charles exhaled sharply and sank back into his chair. "Good. Now leave before you test my patience further."
Frank turned without another word, his boots scuffing against the floor as he walked to the door. He hesitated for a moment, gripping the handle tightly, then opened the door and stepped out, slamming it shut behind him.
The day of graduation dawned with the skies clear and the atmosphere brimming with excitement. The academy grounds were alive with the hum of conversations and the rustle of banners bearing the kingdom's emblem. People from across Camelot had gathered, their faces glowing with pride and anticipation.
Under the grand canopy, the graduating students sat in neat rows, their ceremonial robes gleaming in the sunlight. Parents waved from the crowd, their cheers and smiles infectious. Adam adjusted his collar, glancing at his friends as a buzz rippled through the students.
"The royal family has arrived," someone whispered, and all eyes turned towards the grand entrance.
King Arthur walked in with his stately air, followed by his counselors. Then came Princess Emily, radiant in her elegance, as she took her seat beside the king.
"Guys! The princess is here at last! She's so beautiful." Mike yelled excitedly, his grin practically splitting his face.
Cynthia leaned forward, her gaze fixed on Emily. "She's not that pretty."
Adam nudged Frank, slinging an arm around his shoulders. "You okay, Frank? You've been quiet all morning."
Frank gave a faint smile. "Yeah, I'm good. Just… a little nervous. It's a big day."
Ben, sitting nearby, sighed. "I wish… David was here with us."
A somber silence fell over the group, the weight of their shared loss hanging in the air.
Mike stood abruptly. "Look, guys, David's gone, and yeah, it hurts like hell! But if there's one thing I know, it's that he'd want us to be happy today. Let's honor him by celebrating the way he would've wanted." He raised his fist. "For David!"
The others smiled, their spirits lifting as they joined the chant. "For David!!"
The ceremony began with the captains and Commander Elijah calling up the students one by one. Each was knighted by the King and blessed by the princess, the moment steeped in tradition and pride.
As the final names were called, Elijah stepped forward, his voice ringing clear. "And now, let us introduce the top three graduating students: Beatrix Griffin, Franklin Hills, and Adam Spencer!"
The crowd erupted into applause as the trio stepped forward. They knelt before the king, who placed the ceremonial sword lightly on their shoulders, and then rose to receive the blessing from Princess Emily.
Finally, Elijah turned to the crowd with a triumphant smile. "Now, let us welcome our best graduating student, Adam Spencer, to deliver his speech!"
Adam took a deep breath, steadying his nerves as he approached the podium. From the crowd, he caught sight of Jason, James, and Grandpa Mark, who gave him a proud thumbs-up. He smiled, drawing strength from their support, and began.
"Thank you all," he said, his voice clear and confident. "I'm truly honored to stand here today. This journey has been anything but easy, and I wouldn't have made it without the support of my friends and the dedication of our teachers. To them, I owe my deepest gratitude."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the audience. "Today, I also want to honor someone who should have been with us—David Gifford. His hard work and unwavering dedication to this academy and his family will never be forgotten."
A hush fell over the crowd, the weight of his words sinking in.
Adam continued, his voice firm. "From the moment our training began, we knew the road ahead would be fraught with challenges. And there were times we faltered. But when all seemed lost, one person gave us hope—my best friend, Jason Marquoid."
The crowd turned to Jason, whose cheeks turned a faint shade of red. The applause was immediate and thunderous, and Grandpa Mark proudly clapped him on the back.
From her seat, Princess Emily's eyes lingered on Jason, a soft smile gracing her lips.
Adam raised his hand high. "Jason gave us a second chance to stand here today. He reminded us of our duty and our purpose. And so, as we step forward into the world, you can count on us to defend this kingdom with every ounce of strength we possess. For Camelot! For Eirene!"
The crowd roared in unison, their voices echoing across the grounds. "For Camelot! For Eirene!"
The celebration carried on into the evening, laughter and cheer filling the air. Adam found himself surrounded by his friends and family as Grandpa Mark pulled him into a tight hug.
"Well done, my boy! I'm so proud of you," Mark said.
"Thanks, Pa," Adam replied, his smile genuine.
James clapped him on the shoulder. "You nailed it, brother. Not that there was ever any doubt."
Jason stepped forward, his smile warm. "Thanks for what you said out there, Adam. You didn't have to do that."
Adam shook his head. "You deserve more credit than anyone else today."
Grandpa Mark clapped his hands together. "Enough of the mushy talk! Let's head to the bakery! Special discount for all graduating students!"
The students' laughter faded as they dashed off toward the bakery. But Adam lingered behind, watching them go before turning toward a nearby tent where Commander Elijah waited.
"You wanted to see me, Commander?" Adam asked, stepping inside.
Elijah stood from his seat, his expression warm. "I did. It feels like we haven't had the chance to talk in a while."
"Yeah, I guess we've all been busy," Adam replied, rubbing the back of his neck.
Elijah approached, placing a firm hand on Adam's shoulder. "Best graduating student of the year. It feels like yesterday when you first came to me, eager to join the academy."
Adam chuckled. "That was four years ago, Commander."
"Four years, indeed," Elijah said with a reminiscent sigh. "And look at you now—standing tall, ready to carve your place in the world. I'm proud of you, Adam. You've grown into a fine knight. Keep this up, and who knows? You might take my place as Commander someday."
Adam blushed faintly, scratching his neck. "I don't know about that. I'm not sure I'd be as good as you."
Elijah's face softened as he gave Adam's shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "You won't be as good as me," he said, his voice full of conviction before a smile broke through. "You'll be better."
Adam blinked, momentarily speechless. Then, a smile tugged at his lips. "Thank you, Commander. That means a lot."
Elijah ruffled Adam's hair. "Now, get going. The others are probably eating all the pastries without you. The day's not over yet."
Adam nodded, a lightness in his step as he turned to leave.
As Adam walked towards the bakery, Beatrix caught sight of him from a distance. Her gaze lingered on Adam for a fleeting moment, a sadness flickering in her eyes before she turned away, heading into the shadows of the academy grounds.