1.1

It was morning, I was a little nervous, but I knew that there was nothing to worry about, since I also have been to school, But not this huge campus. I was looking at the mirror putting on my uniform, It was a blazer with red and black stripes, and a plain red necktie. I loosely tied my tie wherein I didn't want to look so formal to the point I looked like I couldn't breathe. As things were slowly and inevitably coming, I knew that somehow I would receive bitter eyes from the masses, but it does not matter as of now. While deep in thought someone knocked "Come in."

"Are you doing fine Mr. Rivera?"

"I am, do you have any advice for me, for school ever since you know the 'incident' , I could get insights from others"

"Be calm and do not be affected by what others say."

"And also one last thing.

"Yes?"

"Where do I sit again in class?"

"Oh uh sir, you always sit where you wanted to."

How did I become so arrogant and out of hand?

"Okay then, please close the door on your way out" I said without looking back. "Hurry up sir, we don't want to be late".

As I got down and went my way to the car, I asked Malves if there was another Car to be used, this Mercedes Benz was too conspicuous.

"Well Sir I could take you to the garage and let you choose what Car is to your liking."

"Very well then, lead the way."

As the garage was opened with a small remote, there lie 7 cars. A particular one stood out, A black Rolls Royce, but I already had my eye on one car. A grey Toyota Vios, it felt familiar, but it was the best choice.

"Malves we are taking this Vios to school, start it up." I hurriedly said so. As we rode out of the garage we came to pick out the secretary outside of the doors of the Manor.

"By any chance do you know where my phone lies?" I asked the woman

"Oh I think so, I will call one of the servants to bring it here at once." After a few calls a man who is supposedly my butler came to window reach it out. "Here Mr. Rivera"

I turned it on, and there were a lot of notifications in the lock screen, speaking of the lock screen, what is my password?

"What is my password again?"

"Sir, it's your birthday" embarrassingly smiles at me.

Interesting, first thing that came to my mind was to check the messages, but then I came across Paypal, hmm how much do I really have? I opened the app and used my fingerprint in which there were no problems so far, as I waited for the loading screen to be over with, there. Money was over the screen, i't specifically wrote $1250.50. It was a lot, what would I even do with such tremendous money. Then I checked the messages, apparently most of my messages comprised of Females, and there was also the so called assistant of my Father, I was ignoring her, It looked like she sent me more than 36 messages which were left unseen, well I'll check it later.

There I arriveed, obviously the school was full of aristocratic people, it's ambience was heavy, I have not been in such a place before. I wonder how I will not attract attention, If I act too weird wherein I couldn't fit in such an atmosphere, It would heavily impact upon me, wait... I forgot about the attempted murder.

"Good Luck Mr Rivera." I waved back.

I walked towards the campus, and subtly looked around my surroundings, do people with wealth always looked this annoying and arrogant? Speaking of the campus, where in the world is my classroom? I wouldn't like to casually ask someone after the incident.

I walked into the Senior High section, and there were lockers everywhere, I looked at each step at the name tags of the lockers in search for my name, or last name. I finally saw it, I guess I was on 10th grade. Now where is that classroom?

"Isn't he the arrogant guy?". "Isn't he the one who brought a gun to school?". "Isn't he the one who tried to murder one of the Laurels?".

God, make the whisperings stop. As I was walking and speculating as to where my classroom might be a guy bumped into me.

"Oh uh uh uh-, Primo Im sorry! I was in a hurry, I didn't mean to do so!" He was anxious, he thought it was going to be the end of him. Luckily I wasn't my aroogant self anymore.

"It's alright, here." I helped him pick up the books that fell from his arms because of the collision.

As I got up I saw a prolate spheroid ball or a football coming towards this guy's direction. Impulsively I stopped it "Tad!" I used the base of my palm to minimize the risk of an injury, and looked to as to where it came from.

"Oh? Killer Boy hasn't been suspended? did Daddy pay a huge amount of 'donation' at the school?" a group of guys, most of them averagely built were walking towards us. So this will be the first fight to happen after years huh? I wonder if I have worn off.

"It's him" He was trembling with fear. "It's always like this".

"What is?"

"It doesn't matter, all of my parents' hardwork is done.'"

As they were walking towards the guy, I stood up walked straight, Afterall I had nothing to do with him, I was possibly only delaying the inevitable, the strong usually prey on the weak, if I get involved in the natural flow of imminence, who's to say that I would attract attention?

"Good choice Killer Boy" He closely whispered to me as I walked next to him, and he gave me a slight bump. I decided to ignore.

"Wha-wha what is this?" As he said while losing control over his body, he slowly fell.

"Ah shit, my legs feel numb" His body thumps in the floor and the slap is heard across the hallway.

I didn't take a glimpse no more, It was time I go back to my own business. As I was finally in my classroom after the detours, the students were already immersed in chatter and class materials. I chose to sit at the lower-left corner of the classroom. After a few minutes the Homeroom teacher came, she looked furious and also late.

"Everyone take your seats, I did not have a good moring, so try not to piss me off too much" She said that as she was tapping the blackboard with a pointing stick. How brazen, I thought to myself.

"Open your textbooks everyone to where we left off, now Primo stand up, ever since that incident you've caught my eyes, now please read this passage.". Everyone had a smile, it was obvious that the teacher was picking on me.

"The bourgeoisie always loved to eat a croissant while relaxing in their chateau." I said so on point, without so much a mistake.

The classroom and the homeroom teachers had their eyes wide, it's as if they cannot believe that I said the words masterfully. Then it hit me, it was so obvious, the old me was stupid. In no way the old me could have pronounced such words with such articulacy and eloquence, Why have I not thought of this?

"Oh, um 'ehem' okay, sit down Primo" The teacher continued to discuss until the very end of the class, until the end of the session, everyone fell silent. My word......

Everyone started to went outside our room when it was break time. I sat there and ate the only thing I brought with me, a juicy Apple. 4 people started walking towards my direction. Interesting, I wonder how this would turn out. They all took seats and faced it towards me.

"I didn't know you spoke French Primo?"

"Yea, he did really well I must say"

"You've been awfully quiet, don't tell me you're guilty of what you did last week?" They all laughed.

"I just enjoy the tranquility, nothing more, nothing less."

"Wow, what a way with words. Primo"

a woman bluntly said to me.

"Anyways are you coming with us Primo? we're going to the cafeteria"

"Oh, go on without me, I will be fine." I said so while pretending to read a book from my phone.

"Can you guys give me a minute? I'll catch up"

"Whatever you say Ave."

The 3 of them are now out of sight, and this woman's eyes are like prickly thorns, why is she looking at me like this.

"Tell me, what is your problem?"

"What do you mean?"

I asked her feigning ignorance.

"This isn't like you Primo, did something happen?"

"Nothing, really. Your friends are probably waiting for you now."

"Your friends?! They are our friends Primo, What is wrong with you!?"

She thunderously closed the door, and left me all alone in the classroom, finally no more company. Time to savor the time, after all in a few minutes the classroom will be swarming with people.

Apparently the woman's name was Aveline, Ave is probably the way we call her, considering we're probably close friends. She was slimly built and had short black hair, she was astonishingly pulchritudinous. I searched and tampered with my phone with all my free time, it was also interesting as to how a simpleton I was back then, and now I act sophisticated, how interesting.

Interesting enough, I found a conversation with my Father, it was our last one. And it was 4 months ago, It was about me being sent to this school.

*Primo, you are being stubborn. I will now send you to a good school, there you will be able to grow and shape yourself for the future I have prepared you. To be able to be worthy of my fortune. If not my co-partner's son will rid you of your birthright.*

*What the hell Dad? you are not sending me to that school, besides just fire Mr. Dela Cruz he is nothing without you*

*You clearly know nothing as to how this world works Primo, I am sending you to that school or else you will be ousted within this family.*

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

*Are you fucking stupid? No. Do you think you get to own everyone around you?*

*Come talk to me again my son when you have grown.*

*But I am ready DAD , I do not need to study, I am ready to handle our empire, for us. For our family.*

That was the last thing I said to Father, I was so ill-mannered. I need to make things right and change this. I was so eager to inherit the business from my Father, that I forgot that he was my Father, the one who was providing everything, and the one who I was supposed to look up to, The other me really was an absol- ...

While I was deeply immersed in my Inner monologue I was interrupted by multiple speakers surrounding our classroom.

"Everyone, immediately go the the auditorium. I repeat the orders of the School Director to immediately go to the auditorium."

Wondering and speculating things while I was preparing myself on the way to the auditorium. Though I was not familiar with the place I immediately found it, considering the big sign it portrays at the hanging contents of the hallway.

I came there with a lot of seats empty, looks like I'm a little early. Usually in my perspective being a little early is somehow embarrassing and awkward, I would rather instead walk in as the subject starts, time will sit idly for being too early. A few people who happens to be my so called friends earlier in my classroom sat next to the seats that I was in.

"So it's finally starting huh? Are you really ready for this?"

A guy talking to a guy said so, both of them burst out laughing.

"It doesn't matter, whatever happens in this test, I will ace it."

"Wow... That's confidence at it's finest. Don't you ever come to us crying when you fail or even become suspended"

A guy said in a mocking manner, all of them laughed.

"You should ask Primo! he's like the dumbass of this group. He always copies Albert's school activities "

All of them laughed again, I mean we probably may be friends, but does this woman have no filter in her mouth? The group remained quiet, finally realizing that they were looking for a response, coming from me of course.

"Oh, I am sure you guys will do well." I muttered while looking busy staring at the ambience of the auditorium.

"Jeez! what's gotten you so sad Primo!"

He then punched me at the shoulder, however I speculated that it was just teasing at this part, so I chose to just ignore this unnecessary act of his. The group then remained silent again, the cold air was awkward. I must have caused this? It's not my fault though, I am very new at the atmosphere.

The auditorium was very large, nothing that I ever expected was. It was air-conditioned, it had a couple hundred of red theatre-like seats, it was like an opera box, I wonder if I'll ever have the chance to personally be met with an orchestral presence? It was always my goal, but due to my limited choices back then I wasn't able to fulfill my longings, maybe now will be a good time? No. I have to finish more vital matters in my life before I entertain myself, besides it looks like this school year is going to be interesting.

I read online that this school boasts its very competitive environment ever since 1918, multiple world-class leaders have been educated in this university. How astounding, people like Morgan Edison is a notable alumni, after graduating just 3 months in this university. He went on to win the Nobel Peace Prize which was at the time and probably at the present was the largest and most honorable achievement one could have. If only I could have access to the school library with just a few or even better, no people at all.

"Good morning everyone! I am the School Director Mr. Mikhail Barlowe, call me Director Mikhail instead."

Ah yes, from the renowned family of Barlowes, the founder of this university. Barlowe Noble University. Born with a silver spoon, having everything ever since birth is probably and most likely reason as to why he's always in a patronizing manner towards people a ladder below the social hierarchy.

"Starting tomorrow our very essence of this school year starts! Every test, will be regarding about general things, meaning to say this school will test you in terms of everything. Physical! Mental! Emotional! and so on!" Said Mikhail with in a shouting manner.

The people gathered at the auditorium started thunderously clapping at his words. I on impulse started clapping too. He must have felt proud.

After a few more speeches by Director Mikhail, a group of people, seemingly the student council started climbing up the stage, the Director welcomed them. And one by one they started giving speeches. After several speeches, Then it was the last two. The president and the vice president, one I have been waiting to listen to. Everyone then clapped for the vice president before even giving a speech, compared to the other student council members pre-speech, this guy is probably popular and has an astonishing reputation.

"Hey everyone! for those people who are new, my name is Harry Solace, the current vice president of the Barlowe Noble University. I am, and will always try to be of use to you, I also promise to be of help, to hold people accountable who do immoral activities. I do solemnly swear to punish those who go unpunished, this is my duty as vice president of this prestigious university."

Everyone then claps as he walks off the podium, then a lot more noisy and thunderous claps, with a mix of supportive shouting came when the president walked towards the podium. This time the woman had a different atmosphere, it was cold and defiant quite contrary to the vice president, in which he was cheerful and obviously a star. She was obviously respected and born with a silver spoon. She then glanced to the obstreperous crowd who was clapping and shouting towards her, they then fell silent and sat well-behaved.

"Greetings fellow schoolmates. I am the president of this noble university. My name is Anastasia Ashford. I will be leading this university towards a bright future, not only will I make that happen, I will also bring inevitable change to the very delinquents of this school who behave inappropriately. Starting tomorrow, everyone's position according to merit will be measured based on their performance during their past years as a student and be placed in a certain group. All of you will be grouped into 5 groups, with a total of 20 people in each group. This applies to years 10th grade to 12th. In essence, according to the entrance exams, the interview you cooperated with before enrolling to this school and the performance you have ever since you were a child will be taken into account. Five groups will be named according to noble titles. Duchy, March, Earldom, Viscounty and Barony. With respect to the noble hierarchy Duchy is the highest position a group could have and is considered the winning side, on the other hand Barony is the lowest of the low, depending on your perspective it could also mean as the losing side of the competition. All will be automatically placed according to what I referred earlier"

Ah I see, what an interesting, smart and creative way to put rankings in succession. Obviously, these titles were England based. A duchy being a duke, a march being a marquess, an earldom being an earl or count, a viscounty being a viscount and lastly a barony being a baron. And what is interesting is that the school will be looking at the progress we have done ever since we stepped into education, and that will be a fundamental basis on the placing of ranks. This is going to be an interesting competition, I wonder as to where I will be placed?

"Oh my gosh..... I just realized that Albert and Simon are going to be placed at rank Duchy.." Aveline exclaimed.

"This is nothing, I am definitely sure that the performance of this school year is what's going to be assessed."

"Albert is certainly right, regardless of your rank. It has nothing to do with this year."

Hypocrites, of course it has everything to do with this school year. Just from hearing that they were going to be placed on Rank Duchy made them high-esteemed, other people are probably oblivious to the fact that Albert and Simon were unobtrusively bragging, but it had nothing to do with me anymore.

"I already feel sorry for Primo jeez.... I mean you're already rich and all but at least try to learn stuff so you can be useful to your father eh?"

The group laughed and I was the one sitting with an idle expression, I had no time to indulge their so called "entertaining" discussion. The auditorium came to an end and so did the class hours.

"C'mon you 3! stop being mean to him. Don't worry, whatever happens, you can rely on us." Aveline said.

They all nodded, except Simon.

"Thank you."

After the interesting auditorium meeting, I myself went to the classroom in which was very empty, I forgot to bring my books with me, after I went outside the campus, there were little to no more than 5-10 students outside. I then saw my secretary waving.

"Hey."

"Good evening Mr. Rivera! how was your day?"

"Tiring, that's all."

I then quickly went up to my room and jumped to the bed, it was a mentally draining day after all. But little did I know that it was still not finished. Someone knocks at my door.

"Mr. Rivera, the Laurel's family lawyer is downstairs, It is I think of importance."

"Immediately call my lawyer, Tell him of the current circumstances, and that I request him."

"He already approved of their arrival, since he called me first to let you know. I don't know the reason behind why the lawyers of the Laurel family arrived first than Mr. Cochran."

I went downstairs to discuss with the lawyers of the Laurel family, What are they thinking? Is this even allowed? I am not pretty familiar with the law, but time to handle this and make me more convincing, after all the consequences of not showing up and lack of self confidence can have an impact on as to how I handle my current situation, whether with guilt or with clean conscious thoughts.

I saw an elite pack of lawyers, they didn't looked like amateurs. They were 6 people, how intimidating. As I was nearing their distance, they all smiled and sat elegantly.

"Primo Rivera, hahaahha.. Speak of the devil."

"He definitely looks as wealthy as ever." The lawyer who was at the back row spoke.

"But?" Another lawyer butts in.

"Excuse my peers' behaviour, anyways we would like to discuss something with you. But is it okay if your lawyer is not here? after all we need your permission."

"Speak freely, I grant you my permission."

"Then please sign here that while your lawyer is late, you allow us to talk to you in the meantime."

I looked at the paper, it was a single and simply written page. It does not look deceitful and suspicious, I looked at the corners and the back of the paper as I picked it up, none. I then signed it. The other lawyers couldn't hide their smile, and started looking at the oldest looking lawyer, in which I reckon was the most experienced one.

"Very well then, thank you for a one on one opportunity Primo."

More like a 6 vs 1, but this is the part where I let them know that I was not the same person I was back then, they probably think that they are going to convince me into doing something stupid, lets see.

"The thing is Primo, you are facing charges here that will sentence you up to 30 years, we the lawyers of the Laurel family can make it happen, unless of course you make it easy for both sides, and accept our proposed plea deal."

Basically, they want me to admit guilt in court, in exchange of course the concessions from the prosecutors. I probably shouldn't do anything until my lawyer comes. But this is a granted opportunity, I couldn't help but feel a little excitement.

"We are willing to reduce the sentence to 10-15 years, I say to you as of now that you will regret this once we put you behind bars for 30 years, you wouldn't want to waste your life on that wouldn't you?" He said.

"The thing is, if you wanted me incarcerated wouldn't you have done that already? After all the Laurel family has money, they will not be accepting any compensation from us, what's more is that wealthy families tend to love their children, superfluously to be specific, that whenever they make a mistake a call from their political connections or big time lawyers, he or she would be in a flick of a second out of trouble, until it turns into a vicious cycle. Wouldn't you say that you're making me look stupid? You're a lawyer and you should know that much. Or is it also a possibility that you're also from a renowned family that paid their school 's 'mysterious miscellaneous donations' just to pass the bar?"

Ah yes Robert, the head of the family's lawyer. I looked into you, and you have quite the reputation. A japanese philosopher named Miyamoto Musashi once said "Know your enemy, know his sword.". I pushed things a bit, I wanted to provoke him. Attacking the person will make them a bit on edge, I do hope I am spot on. If things go according to plan and he really is mentally weak, then he shouldn't have been a lawyer and he'll be walking right to a specialized golden cage from me.

He then, seriously looked at me. It was threatening, maybe I shouldn't have done it? He then quickly composes himself and smiles.

"Your lawyer really is a piece of work isn't he? I mean how much of the script he's written have you memorized?" He chuckles.

I just ignored and smized at him intently looking deeply into his eyes. Little did he know that I wasn't the person he once knew of, Which in the future I would use to my advantage. Seconds later giving up, he averted his gaze and stood up along with his colleagues. Leaving the Manor not a single word.

Minutes passed by as I was in my room looking at the ceiling I heard a multiple sequence of rapid knocks from my enormous door.

"Primo!!" A man came shouting at my door.

"Wait a minute." I replied back slightly raising my voice.

This man is most likely the man I was expecting, my lawyer. It was understandable that he was in that state, because there was a possibility that his leading client which is "me" could have fell out of his grasp and be deceived. Causing not only troubles to his job but also jeopardy to his family since he knows the circumstances of Father.

I opened a door to an emotionally distressed man, it was obvious to the naked eye that he was panting.

"Come inside, let's talk about it." I casually invited him in.

After a quick watch from the monitor as to how it happened and a summarization for nearly 30 minutes he took a deep breath in relief.

"Mr. Rivera is that how it really happened?" Mr. Cochran asks.

"Yes, are you doubting me?"

"Oh! certainly not! I am not doubting you sir!"

"I was kidding. You're proba-" Mr. Cochran cutting me off.

"Mr. Rivera how did you make Robert leave? He's one of the highest paid, talented and cut-throat lawyers this country has.."

It was understandable, Mr. Cochran did underestimate me. But to see me, a teenager who was once deemed as a lost cause wherein the only benefit they would come to get from me is connection through my father, verbally beating a renowned peer of his was a surprising feat at his part. But for me, this is nothing more than an afternoon coffee break.

"I just told him the things that were in my mind. That is all."

"You've changed.. In a good and surprising way."

"Really? how so?"

"Is it really alright to be blunt towards you?"

"By all means."

"Back then, you were this hot-headed child who would like to brag about his Father's accomplishments and possessions. But now.. You're just different but in a good way."

He probably wanted to say something offensive. I was curious.

"But now?"

"Oh it's nothing Mr. Rivera."

"Very well, I will now go back to sleep."

"Understood Sir."

Right after he showed himself out I started to think about what would happen tomorrow. Minutes later I concluded that it was futile, the real thing was instead a better alternative so I decided to sleep and hoped that it would make tomorrow a little faster.