"Huh?"
As Grant approached, the grey-coated man who had slung the last slur at Pierre stepped backwards, as if to ward off the angered teen's advance.
"Did you not hear me correctly? Do I have to repeat myself in order for your simple intellect to catach up with the rest of humanity? As that may seem to be the case, let me speak once more. Were you perhaps spending this fine morning to release the frustrations you may have in your poor, unfulfilled life upon my family?" Grant spoke, with a cold glint flashing within his eyes. At the insult, the man flushed deep red, then mumbled, "Nothing."
"Ah, then am I supposed to assume that you were speaking of some other people? My apologies," Grant smiled.
"However sir, should the subject have been about a member of the nobility of Candidus, I expect that you know the consequences that comes with such slander," Theo added in, also smiling.
"Y-yes, of course," the grey-coat responded, visibly whiter in visage at the thinly veiled threat. Meanwhile, Leah merely glanced around, a gentle smile upon her face, but none that reached her eyes, her gaze lasting a moment longer upon those who had spoken before. The recipients' faces paled as well, as they hurried off to their respective destinations, silent. WIth the ensuing silence, the grey-coated man took it has his cue to leave as well, before these young nobles decided to follow up on their threats.
"... you didn't have to do that," Pierre muttered. Grant, Theo, and Leah gave a collective sigh at Pierre's words, and then responded simultaneously, "Yes, we did."
"Come on Pierre, you don't need to let them walk all over you like that," Theo complained. Pierre merely nodded, staring at the multi-colored cobblestone paving the road. Sighing once more, Grant said, "Well, at least the rumors should die for about another month with this."
"Pierre, if anything's bothering you, you know you could talk to us anytime," Leah spoke with concern. Pierre nodded once more, then, with a small smile on his face, said, "Let's hurry guys, we're gonna be late."
With these parting words, he started walking once more to the Academy, approaching it's metal gates. Grant, Theo, and Leah each gave another looks, then walked once more to catch up to Pierre.
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The Academy. Located in the Capital, it stands as the kingdom of Candidus's most prestigious center of learning. The students are required to attend from age 10 and onwards, until their graduation at age 18, marking their entrance into society and adulthood. Their first 4 years are to be general studies, namely etiquette, language, arithmetics, and physical training. After this introductory 4 year course, they are to separate into 3 separate branches for their remaining 4 years: the Pen, the Sword, and the Shield.
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The Pen refers to studies of the arcane, of mysteries and magic, tapping into the enigmatic energy present within the world, mana. The members and graduates of the Pen strive to improve humanity's understanding of mana, inventing new applications of it in both combat and domestic affairs.
The Sword refers to the studies of military might, of plain flesh, blood, and steel, augumenting their strength into further heights to the force of life dwelling in every creature, aura. The members and graduates of the Sword invest their prowess in battle to defend the Kingdom, as well as to strike their foes if needed.
The Shield, although given the moniker of a military equipment, refers to domestic affairs; politics, engineers, lawyers, etc. They serve to protect the livelihood of the Kingdom, as well as to improve upon it.
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Once at the Academy grounds, the siblings split off, Grant to the Sword, Leah to the Pen, Theo to the Shield, and lastly, Pierre to the introductory course. As Pierre walked the familiar route towards the intro building, he received an impact from the back, with a cheery, "'Sup!"
"Hey Ned." Pierre responded, rubbing his back, yet with a smile. "Do you always have to hit me in the morning?"
"Aw come on Pierre, you know my day doesn't feel right without a hearty hello," Ned responded, as he proceeded to jostle Pierre. "So, are you excited that this'll be our last day in the introduction course? What kind of branch are you thinking of going to? "
"Eh, I don't really know. Don't they recommend you choose something that best suits your aptitude from the test today? Besides, I'll probably just enter the Shield like Theo." Pierre said, a bit despondently.
"Huh? Why?" Ned asked. Pierre glanced at him. They had been friends, if friends could be people you hang out with during lunch, and talk about trivial things, such as schoolwork and rumors. Especially because of the rumors surrounding Pierre, he hadn't had the chance to have alot of acquaintances, much less friends he could confide in. Ned, a bit uncomfortable with Pierre's stare, said nervously, "What?"
"You know I'm known as the black sheep of the Osmanthus family, right?"
"Yeah, so what of it? Doesn't mean anything if the family itself doesn't care," Ned spoke carefreely. Pierre took a deep breath, as if to bolster his spirits, then decided that Ned was a good enough friend to know more about his situation.
"When we were young, my siblings and I underwent an aptitude test. I was the only one with a mediocre rating."
Pierre looked at Ned expectantly, expecting to see shock of some kind. Instead, Ned pondered a bit, then asked, "So?"
"So? Doesn't this further prove that I'm not really an Osmanthus?" Pierre laughed bitterly. "At least that's what everyone else seems to think."
"Dude, it doesn't matter. Maybe your siblings took all the talent and left you with the dregs in the womb," Ned joked. "Besides, maybe your rating changed from the last time. Still doesn't change the fact that your the awkward yet cool Pierre I know."
"... Thanks."
"No problem"