Several weeks into the semester at the Sovereign College, I had begun to settle into the rhythms of academic life. My days were filled with rigorous lectures on law, politics, history, and military strategy. Each lesson demanded my full attention, pushing me to my intellectual limits. The specialized courses in etiquette, rhetoric, and espionage had become my favorites, offering insights into the subtle games of power that ruled noble society.

As I walked back to my quarters after a long day, my mind churned with thoughts of my progress. I had managed to maintain a steady footing, despite the undercurrents of disdain from some of my peers. My commoner status was a shadow that lingered over me, yet I had begun to turn it into an advantage, playing on the expectations of others to carve out a niche for myself. Still, I knew that every interaction was a test, every conversation a negotiation of social standing.

When I reached my room, I was surprised to find a sealed envelope waiting for me on my desk. The wax bore the unmistakable seal of Lord Cedric Aldridge. My heart quickened as I broke the seal and unfolded the letter. Cedric’s handwriting was as precise as his words were ambiguous—a subtle dance of suggestion and implication.

Edwin,

I trust your studies are progressing well. I have a small matter that requires your attention, one that would benefit from your particular talents. Please come to the mansion at your earliest convenience to collect a message and deliver it to the intended recipient. Discretion is, of course, paramount. I have no doubt you will handle this with the care and efficiency that has already impressed me.

Warm regards,

Cedric

I read the letter twice, parsing the nuances in his wording. “A small matter,” he called it, but Cedric was not one to bother with trivialities. The emphasis on “discretion” and “particular talents” suggested something more significant—something that required not just delivery, but observation and understanding. This was a test, one that could define our future dealings.

I tucked the letter into my coat pocket and made my way through the college corridors, my thoughts a mix of anticipation and calculation. Cedric had chosen me for this task, bypassing his usual servants and couriers. He was testing my ability to operate within the shadows, to serve him in ways that extended beyond mere messenger work. This was my opportunity to prove my worth.

The walk to Cedric’s mansion was familiar by now, the grand structure looming ahead as the evening lights flickered on. The gates were open, as if inviting me into the next stage of this intricate game. A servant greeted me at the door, leading me silently through the corridors to a small antechamber where another servant handed me a sealed envelope, heavier than the one I had received earlier. The weight of the envelope felt substantial, the task ahead equally so.

Without a word, I exited the mansion and began my journey to the designated location. The streets of Eldralis were quieter now, the bustle of the day replaced by the stillness of night. The meeting place—a nondescript door in a secluded alleyway—was the kind of location that invited secrecy. I knocked, and the door creaked open, revealing two men inside.

They were rough-looking, their clothes worn and their manners far from refined. They eyed me with suspicion, their posture tense, as if expecting trouble. These were no noble courtiers—they were lackeys, underlings who operated on the fringes of society.

“Here for the delivery?” one of them grunted, his voice low and gravelly.

I nodded, maintaining an air of calm professionalism. “Indeed. I’ve been entrusted with this message by Lord Cedric. I trust everything is in order.”

The man scrutinized me for a moment before extending his hand. I carefully handed over the envelope, watching as he inspected the seal before tucking it away. His companion looked me up and down, likely assessing whether I posed any threat or held any hidden intentions.

I didn’t flinch under their scrutiny. Instead, I projected an air of quiet confidence, allowing my bearing to convey exactly what I wanted them to see: a young man of competence and discretion, someone above their station, yet not dismissive of their role. I offered them a small, polite nod, acknowledging their part in this exchange without conceding any authority.

“Good,” the first man finally said, satisfied. “You’re done here.”

Without another word, I turned and left, my steps measured as I retraced my path through the city streets. The air felt cooler now, the night deepening. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction. Cedric’s test had been subtle, but it was clear I had passed.

As I approached my quarters, I noticed a small commotion in one of the side courtyards. A group of students had gathered, and at the center of the crowd, I recognized Vellan—the same nobleman I had encountered on my first day at the college. Vellan, a young man of considerable influence, was known for his arrogance and the entourage of sycophants that followed him everywhere.

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Vellan was looming over another student, his entourage forming a circle around them. The student—slighter, with a nervous demeanor—was clearly out of his depth. From the embroidered crest on his jacket, I recognized him as a member of a lower noble family, likely struggling to find his footing at the college.

I assessed the situation quickly, noting the way Vellan’s lips curled into a sneer as he spoke, his words too low for me to catch but clearly intended to intimidate. His entourage snickered and whispered among themselves, feeding off his bravado.

This is an opportunity, I thought, my mind already working through the possible outcomes. Vellan was a force at the college, but he was also predictable, easily riled by those who dared to challenge his authority. The student, on the other hand, was vulnerable—a potential ally, if handled correctly.

I stepped forward, making my presence known with a polite cough. “Is there a problem here?” I asked, my tone measured, gentlemanly, as I approached the group.

Vellan turned, his eyes narrowing as he recognized me. The laughter of his entourage faded as they noticed my arrival. The dynamics of the group shifted subtly, their posture changing from one of aggressive confidence to something more restrained.

“Thatcher,” Vellan drawled, his tone mocking. “I didn’t realize you were taking an interest in such trivial matters.”

“Trivial?” I echoed, raising an eyebrow. “I see a fellow student in distress. Hardly trivial, wouldn’t you agree?”

The slight emphasis on “fellow student” was deliberate—a reminder that we were all here for the same purpose, regardless of our backgrounds. I could see Vellan bristle at the implication, his pride pricked by my calm demeanor.

The student at the center of the confrontation looked at me with a mixture of hope and uncertainty. I offered him a reassuring nod before turning my attention back to Vellan. “I’m sure we can resolve this amicably,” I said smoothly, “without unnecessary unpleasantness.”

Vellan’s eyes flicked to his entourage, gauging their reaction. He wasn’t used to being challenged, especially not in front of others. But he was also astute enough to recognize the potential fallout of making an enemy out of me, particularly given my growing reputation at the college.

“Of course,” Vellan said, his tone laced with false sincerity. “Just a misunderstanding, I’m sure.”

I smiled, the gesture small but deliberate. “Excellent. I’m sure our friend here will appreciate your magnanimity.”

Vellan’s jaw tightened, but he managed a curt nod before stepping back, his entourage following suit. The student exhaled a shaky breath, relief washing over his features.

As Vellan and his group departed, I turned to the student, offering him a hand. “Are you alright?”

He nodded, taking my hand gratefully. “Thank you. I—I didn’t know what to do.”

“Think nothing of it,” I replied, my tone gentle. “We all have our struggles here. If you ever need assistance, don’t hesitate to seek me out.”

The student’s eyes widened slightly, clearly surprised by the offer. “I will. Thank you, truly.”

I gave him a reassuring smile before heading back to my quarters, the encounter already filed away in my mind as another piece of the complex puzzle that was life at the Sovereign College. I had positioned myself as a mediator, someone who could resolve conflicts and navigate the intricate social dynamics of the college. It was a role that would serve me well, both in the short term and in the long run.

When I reached my room, I expected to find solitude, but instead, a servant from Cedric’s mansion was waiting outside my door.

“Lord Cedric requests your presence in his study,” the servant said, his tone formal.

I nodded, following him back through the now-familiar streets to Cedric’s mansion. The servant led me to Cedric’s study, where the lord himself sat behind a large, ornate desk, his expression unreadable.

“Edwin,” Cedric greeted me, his voice smooth. “Please, sit.”

I did as instructed, my posture relaxed but attentive. Cedric’s gaze was sharp as he studied me, his fingers steepled in front of him. “Tell me,” he began, “how did the delivery go?”

A test, I realized immediately. Cedric was probing, seeking to gauge my understanding of the situation. He wasn’t interested in the surface details—he wanted to know how much I had observed, how much I had deduced.

“It went smoothly,” I replied, choosing my words carefully. “The recipient was as expected—discreet, but careful. The exchange was quick, without incident.”

Cedric’s gaze didn’t waver, but there was a slight shift in his posture, a nearly imperceptible relaxation of his shoulders. He was satisfied with my answer, but the true test had been in what I hadn’t said. He was measuring my discretion, ensuring I knew when to speak and when to remain silent.

“Good,” Cedric finally said, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. “You’ve proven yourself reliable, Edwin. I knew I could count on you.”

“Thank you, my lord,” I replied, inclining my head. “I’m here to serve.”

Cedric nodded, the conversation clearly at its end. As I rose to leave, he added, “There will be more tasks like this in the future. I trust you will continue to handle them with the same level of care.”

“Of course,” I said, meeting his gaze with confidence. “You have my word.”

As I left Cedric’s study and made my way back to my quarters, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction. I had passed yet another test, cementing my position in Cedric’s service. But more than that, I had begun to carve out a place for myself at the Sovereign College