“Louis Paer, please step forward.”

Hearing my name, I immediately stood up straight.

Elegantly and diligently, just like all of us were instructed to.

Just like, we practiced for the entire month. Me, alongside the other prospective retainers.

As the audience’s gaze falls upon me, I slowly walk up to the stage.

The voice in front of me begins to ring out across the entire stage, as though it enveloped us all, as well as the entire world. This entire world, however, was nothing more than us at the stage and the audience who pretended to care about this event. In fact, even the entire island does not care for us. Not in the slightest.

The eyes belonging to that voice stare directly into me, their vibrant green looking towards me, commanding me to do the same.

In this single moment, that felt like an eternity, I realized long before that this gaze wasn’t fixated on me in the slightest.

I wasn’t even in front of them.

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“You, too, have demonstrated, the diligence and ambition befitting a member of the Salviga clan.

All of you on this stage represent everything, that your peers, as well as those who precede you, should always strive toward.

As such, you shall all be bestowed the privilege of serving those above you.

Louis Paer, you have been given the privilege of serving Izel Salviga, member of the main family.

May you fulfil this duty to its utmost.

May you bring honour to the family, who raised you.

May you work on furthering this sacred clan's legacy.

And may you serve the princess to your utmost capacity. Protecting her forevermore.”

The warmth of those words, the words showering me with the intention to convey respect and acknowledgement, feel, to me, the same as when I walked towards the stage that welcomed me.

Practiced

I see it everywhere I look.

The cheering audience. Who celebrate me.

Practiced

The silent audience. Who deem me unfit.

Practiced

Even the uncaring look of the person I will from now on serve, devoid of any interest before the scene in front of her.

Practiced

It feels like the entire world watches me, put all its purpose on me.

And yet, I feel like the most insignificant being, like my existence could wither.

Like my existence could fade any moment.

Like it could it be replaced by anyone.

This gaze just happened to be placed on me. It didn't have to be me.

Yes, the worth I am currently experiencing was fabricated for a purpose, beyond my own self.

I am simply partaking in a theatre, designed by the ones above me.

I was once again reminded of just how small I am in this world.