(Chapter 18)
All the students at the Academy listened attentively to the Headmaster's long speech. Kaelion Arvasyn, who was usually attentive, was nearly falling asleep due to the boredom that took over him. Caelira Duskthorn, standing not far from Kaelion, appeared anxious and worried.
"Is the speech really this bad?" asked Rowan Evandril, breaking the silence.
Kaelion simply gave an awkward smile.
"I stayed up late last night, it's not because of this speech," Kaelion replied casually.
"Oh..." Rowan muttered, as if understanding.
Among the audience, many nobles had come to see their sons and daughters become the best students. Though most of them already knew, the spotlight lately had been on the Crown Prince and the daughter of the Faeloria family.
"It's a shame Lady Clarisse Faeloria is with the Duke," whispered a middle-aged man.
"Quite a pity," replied another man.
When the speech ended, everyone clapped enthusiastically. Now it was Kaelion's turn to step up to the podium and deliver a brief speech as the Crown Prince. Accustomed to public speaking, the words that left his mouth were confident and wise.
"I hope the juniors will work as hard as we did. For the empire and for the continent, we as humans must support each other," Kaelion said firmly.
"So simple," Rowan muttered almost inaudibly.
"His Majesty always chooses the easy path," said Selviana Larethiel with a lazy tone.
Suddenly, the atmosphere became lively as an unexpected figure appeared. Lorcan Frostborne, the Duke of the North, had arrived. His presence sparked whispers among the crowd.
"The Duke of the North?"
"He must have come because of Lady Clarisse Faeloria."
"Of course, definitely because of Lady Clarisse Faeloria."
The students around Lorcan felt self-conscious, realizing how far behind they were compared to the Duke, known for his achievements and titles. Kaelion, who noticed his presence, felt uncomfortable.
Kaelion couldn't help but compare himself to Lorcan, recognizing the vast difference between them.
"Welcome, Duke. We've prepared your seat," the Headmaster said respectfully, his demeanor warmer than usual.
Even the Emperor, who was present, didn't remain silent. He greeted Lorcan and invited him to sit near him.
When Lorcan and Clarisse Faeloria's eyes met, Clarisse became nervous. She lowered her head, embarrassed, and her discomfort was evident to the other students.
"He's way more handsome than I heard," Selviana muttered in admiration.
Rowan raised an eyebrow. "Are you planning to compete now?"
"What do you mean?" Selviana asked, confused.
"Look, he's clearly staring at Clarisse. Seems like he likes her," Rowan replied casually.
"Mm..." Selviana nodded slightly, realizing that. "It seems their relationship is more serious than we thought."
Jonathan Faeloria, Clarisse's father, couldn't hide his wide grin as he welcomed Lorcan. Many saw his behavior as a sign of pride.
"I didn't expect the Duke to come," Jonathan said with a broad smile.
"It would have been impossible for me not to come," Lorcan replied in a low voice with a blank expression, making the atmosphere awkward.
"By the way, congratulations on your victory," Jonathan continued, trying to lighten the mood.
"Thank you," Lorcan replied briefly.
Lorcan surveyed the Academy with an interested gaze, but only for a moment. His gaze quickly shifted back to Clarisse before moving to Kaelion. Lorcan's face immediately changed, radiating displeasure, which puzzled Kaelion.
"Why is he staring at me like that?" Kaelion asked, confused.
"I think he hates you," Rowan sighed.
"Huh? Why does he hate me?" Kaelion asked again.
"I'm just talking nonsense," Rowan replied lazily.
"Ugh, you're always like this," Kaelion muttered in annoyance.
Kaelion then glanced at Clarisse, who seemed even more nervous than usual in front of Lorcan.
"..."
TO BE CONTINUED