Otho said nothing. He kept staring at the floor with a red face. Marius was ready to scold him, but lacked the words for it. So instead he turned to me and shook his head in disapproval.
The classmaster returned with our evaluations. He kept smiling at us while slow walking towards his desk. He sat down and took the first scroll.
“Marius. You applied to the Army Division. Hm. You lack self-reflection and you tend to adjust reality to your belief systems. You tend to idealize ideas. Hah! You’re more or less uncompromising, which can be a good or a bad thing, depends wholly upon the situation. You’ll do well in the Army Division, Marius. They’ve decided they’ll accept you. Congratulations.”
Marius started clapping like an idiot and I couldn’t help myself but to laugh. Master gave us both an annoyed look that immediately made us go quiet.
“So, next one. Otho.” Otho stood up.
“Sit down, please! So… You’re an odd candidate, aren’t you? Don’t look so nervous! So… Army as well? Ah, I’m quite sorry, but army doesn’t want you. But fear not! The Republic recognized that you can offer your services in a different field. Diplomacy. And according to your talents you should do well. You’re fairly charismatic. Your class colleagues seem to adore you. It appears you inspire something in people and they follow your ways with ease. These qualities of yours are good enough for a pledge, but if your intent is to get knighted, you’ll have to work hard to correct your flaws. There are quite many of them. Be sure to read about them here!” He raised and waved through the air with Otho’s scroll.
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“And now Antonius, oh, Antonius, yes…”
He opened my scroll.
“You're a peculiar duck. Hm, your grades are in the average in most fields. But you’re a master in history, philosophy and in the matters of the mind. I must ask, and do please answer me truthfully, have you ever drank the Elixir?”
I stood up. Of course my legs started to tremble immediately: “I haven’t, master.”
“I thought so. It seems you’re quite exceptional at evaluating other people. You also have a great sense of irony, and know how to conduct yourself. It's funny how a lot of people underestimate you, while others recognize the leader you are. You do posses some lurking insecurities. You’re impatient, prone to anger and you tilt towards arrogance, yes. And sometimes your ways with people can be quite awkward in certain settings. But all that you can eliminate with practice.”
I could sense a tingle of jealousy and admiration coming from Marius.
“Diplomacy it is. Make us proud, Antonius. I have a feeling your division will play a crucial role in times to come. That’s it, boys. Or should I say men, forgive me, I still see you as my students. Go home, celebrate! A week from now report here at dawn. Don’t be late, which means – come here early!”
He stood up, as did we. The master walked to each of us and gave us our recommendations. Then he walked back to his desk, sat down and started reading the scrolls in front of him. We stood there, like statues, not sure what to do next. After a few moments he glanced towards us and yelled: “Go, what are you still doing here?! Ha ha ha!”
And we ran out of the classroom.