When Yvain finally stepped up to the podium, his royal demeanor clashed with the mundane backdrop of the academy auditorium.

They didn’t know why, but everyone fell silent.

There was a sense of quiet authority emanated from his poised demeanor. His voice, smooth as silk and laced with subtle depth of experience, resonated through the hall.

"Ladies, gentlemen, and esteemed scholars, seekers of knowledge, welcome to this inevitably enlightening gathering," Yvain's tone exuded a calm and a bit of a nonchalant aura, tinged with a hint of sly humor.

"Today, we embark on a journey through the realms of academia, where the pursuit of knowledge is both noble and astonishingly mandatory."

Everyone chuckled. Mandatory? It was almost like someone forced him to be here.

All his words were delivered with a hint of regal majesty, but beneath the refined exterior lay a layer of understated wit that danced between the lines. As he continued, his speech subtly weaved a tapestry of intelligence and jest.

"As we tread the hallowed halls of learning, let us remember that while textbooks may enlighten the mind, a well-placed quip can sometimes illuminate the soul," Yvain remarked, a wry smile playing at the corners of his lips.

"After all, what is academia without a touch of irony to spice up the lecture?"

"But," Yvain's smile faltered, "All the drama, irony, quips, and subtle sarcasm should only be the supporting actors in our grand production of goals."

"My Mama insisted I should cheat when the opportunity arose, while Papa declared that true men never resort to cheating… Yet, Papa greased the wheels for my test after we missed the admission deadline..."

The audience erupted in laughter.

Yvain joined in, "Thanks to that, the examiners put me through the wringer more than the other contenders. I practically had four guided arrows aimed at me!"

"Oh, it wasn't all terrible. It actually stirred up my Force! But really, who put it in Papa's head to make a hefty donation to the academy for some infrastructure repairs?"

Pfff—hahaha!

Ahahahahah!

Clap-clap-clap-clap-clap!

"The kicker is I never even wanted to attend the academy in the first place. My Mama had just recovered from a three-year ordeal, and all I wanted was to be by her side. But of course, both my parents were hell-bent on shipping me off here. This is the best place children could go, after all.”

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Now, the parents, the children, and the academy people all clapped in pride.

“And wouldn't you know it, we missed the admission deadline because of that."

Ahahahah! Hahahaha…

Clap-clap-clap-clap-clap-clap!

His speech, a masterful blend of eloquence and manipulation, left the audience in awe. Parents whispered about his promising future, children eyed him with a mix of admiration and envy, and the Headmaster smiled a bit too widely.

“This boy… who is he?” Bianca muttered.

And so, the entrance ceremony concluded, setting the stage for a year filled with academic challenges, social drama, and the occasional triumphant speech that would cement Yvain's reputation as the academy's golden child—

Bianca smiled, “My boy must befriend him at all cost.”

***

“Food!”

Yvain’s eyes sparkled.

The air buzzed with excitement as 200 guests, including the elite students of Saint Lucia, mingled and sampled delicacies fit for royalty.

The spread was a sight to behold, rivaling even the opulent feasts of the palace. From succulent roasted meats to decadent desserts that sparkled like gems, every dish was a masterpiece crafted by the academy's esteemed chefs.

The aroma of exotic spices and rich flavors wafted through the air, tempting even the most disciplined of appetites.

Guests adorned in their finest attire flitted from station to station, their eyes widening in delight at the culinary marvels before them. Laughter and chatter filled the air as they indulged in the lavish spread, sharing tales of triumph and anticipation for the academic year ahead.

The academy staff enjoyed along in the festivities, looked on with pride as students reveled in the celebration. They knew that Saint Lucia had indeed solidified its reputation as the premier academy in the world, not only for its academic excellence but also for its ability to host a feast fit for kings.

Yvain was determined to try as many kinds of food as he could when he saw his "pretend parents" surrounded by the other parents.

His eyes turned in another direction and caught a familiar face.

“Your Highness!”

Blair turned towards his voice, her face brightening.

“Look, it’s crane meat! Wanna try?” Yvain asked without noticing the two other people near her.

“Isn’t this Young Master Sator?” a young man greeted him, munching on a meat skewer himself. “Nice to meet you, I’m Locan Inkor.”

Yvain raised his head and smiled before bowing to him. Of course, noticing him allowed him to notice another person too, “It’s an honor, Your Highness the First Prince and Your Highness Princess Nahwu.”

Nahwu narrowed her eyes. “This… you know him, Blair?”

Blair raised her face and nodded excitedly. “I haven’t seen him in action, but being the best student of the entire entrance exam must mean he’s stronger than me, right?”

Yvain chuckled. “I was shocked I got the honor, not you.”

“Huh? Why me?” Blair blinked.

“I didn’t answer all the questions in the written exam. I thought they’d give me a bad score,” Yvain smiled.

“W-well, the written exam is quite difficult,” Blair felt curious. Then how did he…

“Professor Lim said he answered the most difficult five questions more creatively and revolutionarily than the professors ever could,” Princess Nahwu stated coldly.

Yvain tilted his head. “Huh? Me?”

Blair’s eyes sparkled. “C-can you tell me how you answered them? Which questions?”

Locan calmly observed Yvain, his eyes suspicious, but the reasons completely different from the young elf beside him. Nahwu intently listened as Yvain explained things to Blair. Just like she thought, he didn’t feel like a normal boy.

He felt very… important. And he almost didn’t even try to hide it.

“Ah, about that question, what if we talk about it more with my Mama and Papa? Mana is so interesting, right? It’s almost like light, but also like air. Let’s—”

“Evan Baby.”

The four turned.

The Sator couple approached. It was almost as if a fantasy novel had sprung to life.

“Your Highnesses, please allow me to introduce to you, my parents. Monsieur Morgante di Sator and Madame Bunny Fay di Sator, my Papa and Mama.”