“How are you looking like this already? It’s only been a few hours, and your suit is already a mess,” Ailera scolded.

  A mess? Adion thought in confusion as he looked down at his attire.

  “I look fine, don’t I?” Adion questioned.

  “It’s all wrinkly,” Ailera softly murmured as she patted out some indistinguishable wrinkles, “And look at your tie. I told you not to touch it.”

  “Ailera, calm down,” Aiden said with an amused smile, “No one is going to bother with those details. Maybe if we were a normal family that ascended to Nobility, but with Adion’s status, I doubt anyone would mock him for something like that.”

  “You’re both just stupid boys, so what do you know?” Ailera said with a pout.

  “Haha,” Adion softly laughed, “Even if I wore my normal clothing, my middle Silver aura would still grab all the attention.”

  “Adion, we are about to become Nobles,” Ailera scolded, “These things matter more than you know. Even if you are strong for your age, our family is still incredibly weak compared to the other Noble families. So until we are stronger than everyone else, you will have to be careful with your behavior.”

  “Alright, alright,” Adion nodded, aware that Ailera had a point, “I’ll remember to be as courteous as I can tonight.”

  “Be more courteous than you can,” Ailera instructed with a stern expression.

  “How do I do that?” Adion questioned.

  “Just do it,” Ailera said.

  “Alright, I will be more courteous than I can,” Adion conceded with a sigh.

  They were currently in one of the side rooms to the great hall in a building called the Assembly. It was located in the public Academy, and was the location where matters concerning Cyalis would take place, such as a ceremony for welcoming a new Noble family to the city-state. That was exactly the case tonight.

  Adion’s grandfather was already in the great hall, handling the official part of the ceremony together with some members of the Council. Adion and his siblings, along with the various guests, wouldn’t have to appear until later. The latter part of the ceremony wasn’t very different from a party, the basic function of which was for various Nobles and other important people to get familiar with each other.

  “Remember to be on your absolute best behavior when Sell shows up later with the Amyss family,” Ailera warned, “No flirting. It should be hard to even tell you are friends.”

  “I remember. Don’t worry,” Adion assured.

  “Do you?” Ailera asked with a doubtful look, “I will say it again. There have only been rumors so far, but I’m sure a lot of people showing up tonight will be curious about it and have their eyes on you two. Even if you don’t do anything inappropriate, just your free behavior with each other will give tremendous weight to those rumors. But if you behave, and even act a little cold, you will be able to dispel a lot of doubts in a lot of important people’s minds. Even if they hear from somewhere that you two get along a little too well in the future, they will trust their own eyes more. So make sure to make the most of this opportunity and not make it into a disaster instead.”

  “You’re right,” Adion nodded slowly, “I will make sure to be careful in everything I do tonight.”

  “Good,” Ailera nodded.

  The door to the side room was opened, and a servant stepped inside.

  “Remori young masters, the official ceremony has now been completed, and the great hall is open for the celebration.”

  “Let’s go,” Ailera declared and strode out.

  “When did Ailera suddenly become the eldest sibling, brother?” Adion murmured teasingly to Aiden.

  Aiden gave Adion a sour look, “She’s your elder sister, so it’s natural that she acts this way to you. But I’m still the eldest. Let’s go!”

  Adion smiled and followed. He had no issue with taking orders from his elder siblings. Even if he was stronger than them, he was the younger brother, after all.

  The great hall was filling up with guests who had arrived early and been waiting in the reception hall. But Adion and his siblings made their way to their grandfather, who was talking to a few other Soul mages.

  After paying their respects to their grandfather, they made their way around the great hall to greet the different guests of the younger generation. Even if they were of the Remori family, who was the center of attention tonight, it would be improper to approach the leaders of different families. That was the role of their grandfather.

  “Ailera,” A man’s voice rang out as the group of siblings had just finished greeting a local merchant family.

  “Oh, Marso,” Ailera said as she saw the person walking up.

  “Congratulations on becoming a Noble family,” Marso said with a bright smile.

  “Thank you,” Ailera said. She gestured to Adion and Aiden, “This is my elder brother Aiden and my younger brother Adion.”

  “I have already had the pleasure to meet them before. I hope you two are well,” Marso said as he turned to look at them.

  “Oh?” Ailera seemed surprised.

  “Marso is in the student council,” Aiden cleared Ailera’s confusion.

  “And he’s also taking ‘Inexplicable Magic.’” Adion explained.

  Marso’s full name was Marso Valis, a prince of the Valis Kingdom. He had approached Adion before his first lesson had begun when he first started the Academy. He had offered his help when Adion was being harassed by the professors under Elder Kilth.

  “I see,” Ailera nodded, “Did you come here with anyone from your family?”

  “My uncle traveled from Lavi to come here, actually,” Marso answered.

  “Really? I hope your family hasn’t taken any offense at us joining Cyalis,” Ailera said, lowering her head slightly.

  “Haha,” Marso laughed, “None at all. Your family has been relocated here for years already. It is apparent that this has long become your home now. And considering Adion has become the disciple of the Headmaster, I doubt even my father has the courage to be even slightly displeased.”

  “That’s a relief,” Ailera said with a smile.

  Marso excused himself after some more small talk, and the siblings continued to be approached by the youngster of the Noble families in Cyalis.

  Adion quickly became bored. He always enjoyed training, but having spent so much time training and studying lately, he had been looking forward to having some fun and relaxing at the ceremony. But he had been unaware that having countless conversations with people he held no interest in, all while being on his best behavior and acting as polite as he could, was far more straining than fighting beasts in the Outskirts had been.

  After almost two hours, Ailera looked to the entrance of the great hall and spoke, “The Amyss family has arrived. Remember not to flirt!”

  Since when have I ever flirted in front of other people? Adion thought with a sigh.

  He glanced over and spotted Sell. She wore a stunning red dress, and the necklace he had given her adorned her neck. Her arrival attracted countless looks, and Adion even felt how a silence was placed in the great hall. Sell and Rellitha were both extremely beautiful princesses, after all. It was far from a common sight even for those who attended this kind of ceremony. Adion met Sell’s eyes and couldn’t help but smile. But he quickly averted his eyes.

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

  It’s better not to look at her, in case I do something stupid.

  Sell, along with her sister and two young men who Adion assumed came from the branch family, left the older members of the Amyss family that had arrived and started walking over.

  “Aiden, Ailera, Adion. Congratulations on becoming a Noble family of Cyalis,” Rellitha took the opportunity to speak.

  Adion focused his whole attention on Rellitha, focusing almost all of his willpower not to take a glance at Sell. He knew there were many eyes on them at the moment, and he didn’t think he could fool those old and experienced Soul mages. This time, it wasn’t about rumors and what could be proved. It was about what people saw with their own eyes and what they concluded from it. As much as Adion was willing to cross the line and toss consequences away from his mind when it came to Sell, he had actually taken Ailera’s words to heart. If it was ever an event not to be careless, it was tonight.

  “Thank you, Rellitha. I’m glad the Amyss family could grace us with your presence. I’m sure Grandfather will be delighted to see that your family has come to congratulate him,” Aiden responded.

  I know I have to be careful. But is there really a reason for everyone to act this stiff?

  Adion soon tuned out the conversation. Atao occupied his mind and soul. He was not afraid to use all he had to make this one interaction a success.

  “Adion, Adion!” Ailera’s voice finally broke through as she pulled Adion’s sleeve. “Let’s go greet some other guests.”

  “Alright,” Adion stiffly nodded.

  As they got some distance away, Adion calmed down. He turned to look at his sister with a smile and asked, “Did I do well?”

  “You were stiff and weird,” Ailera answered, “But at least you didn’t act inappropriately. So I guess for you, it can be counted as a glorious success.”

  Adion smile melted off his face.

  Is that all the praise you can muster? I gave it my all back there!

  As the night continued on, Adion found himself peeking at Sell more than a few times. It got harder and harder to ignore her presence in the great hall.

  Come on, Adion. Be more resolute.

  “Hahaha, if it isn’t the Remori children,” A loud laughter sounded.

  Adion turned to look at the man who was walking up to them. He looked to be in his fifties and he had a stomach that made his suit almost burst at the seams. His aura revealed him to be a Soft Soul mage. Next to him was a girl in her early twenties. She had long black hair, and a bright but careful smile adorned her face.

  “Congratulations to you all. I’m glad to see so many promising youngsters join the Nobles of Cyalis. Oh, I’m Darelio Astrofon, by the way. I was just about to go greet your grandfather, but I just had to take a look at you children first. Especially you, Adion. I almost believe that my senses are fooling me, but you really are a 17-year-old middle Silver mage. I’m sure it won’t take long before you take the Headmaster’s place as the number one of the continent.”

  “I don’t deserve such praise, but thank you for your kind words, Soft Soul Astrofon,” Adion said with a slight bow.

  “Haha, you can even feel my strength. What a scary kid,” Darelio said with a wide smile.

  Am I not supposed to be able to feel that? That can’t be right. A Soul mage would be able to hide from my senses easily if they wanted to.

  “This is my daughter Refelia. I’m sure you two will get along. She just graduated from the Academy this year and was part of the same House as you. I’m sure she will be happy to hear all about the Scrolls and how it is doing now. Well, I’ll be off to see Patriarch Remori. Take care of my daughter, will you?” Darelio asked with a wink before walking away.

  Adion was a little stumped, but as he saw the slight blush on Refelia’s face, he soon remembered how his grandfather had been approached by a number of people wanting to arrange a marriage with him.

  Is he trying to set me up with his daughter?

  “So…” Adion hesitated a little, “You were part of the Scrolls?”

  “Haha,” Refelia laughed softly, “Yes. I was a part of the Scrolls council. So if you want to know any of the secrets of the Scrolls, I’d be happy to share. But I guess you’ll soon be there yourself. It wouldn’t surprise anyone even if you became Head of the House before your fifth year.”

  “I don’t know about that,” Adion answered with an awkward smile. Even if he knew what the current situation was, he couldn’t exactly be so ruthless as to walk away. He glanced at his sister to see if he could receive some help, but she didn’t seem to know how to butt into the conversation.

  Adion had no problem with talking with a pretty girl, even with the implications in the air. But the issue was that Sell, and he was sure that there was a pair of cold eyes boring into his back at the moment.

  Why did this have to be tonight? I have promised Grandpa not to do anything stupid. But I had to ignore Sell, and now I have to entertain someone who obviously has an interest in me.

  Oh well, I’ll just have to bear with it. I’m sure Sell will understand.

  “I’ll have to perform well in the House Clash if I want any kind of chance to become Head. I’ve never participated in one, though. How was your experience?” Adion asked what he thought was an appropriate question.

  But as Refelia answered him, Adion’s focus wasn’t on the answer as he felt a chill run down his back.

  Am I imagining things? Surely not just a look from Sell can have this kind of response? But I’m somehow convinced that’s the case.

  Not good. I have to find a way to get out of this situation.

  Adion tried to think of excuses that wouldn’t come off as impolite when he suddenly felt a powerful and familiar aura. Adion wasn’t the only one who felt it, as the great hall quieted down, and everyone’s heads turned to the entrance where the Headmaster walked in.

  Perfect!

  “I’m sorry, Refelia, I have to greet my master,” Adion said with an apologetic look.

  “Of course,” Refelia said, nodding her head with a dazed look.

  Adion turned away and ran up to the Headmaster with hurried steps.

  “Headmaster, I didn’t know you’d come tonight,” Adion said, greeting him with a slight bow and palming his fist.

  “Hehe, you’re my disciple, after all. It wouldn’t be proper if I didn’t make an appearance,” The Headmaster said with a light grin, “But I’m afraid I pulled you away from a conversation with a pretty girl. You should hurry back, don’t worry about me.”

  Adion definitely noticed the teasing in the Headmaster’s voice. He smiled awkwardly and said, “How can that be? I’m your disciple, so that wouldn’t be proper at all. Let me escort you to my grandfather.”

  “Escort?” The Headmaster asked with an amused smile.

  “I have promised to be polite tonight,” Adion said.

  “So that’s it,” The Headmaster nodded in understanding, “I won’t make things difficult for you then. Take me to see your grandfather.”

  Adion breathed out in relief and started walking with the Headmaster to where his grandfather and the other Soul mages were gathered deeper in the great hall.

  “I can feel that you’re on edge. Is it really so difficult for you to act proper for a night?” The Headmaster asked.

  “It really is,” Adion sighed, “I don’t understand why things can’t be a little more casual. But since I made a promise to Grandpa, I’ll battle through it.”

  “Hehe,” The Headmaster chuckled, “It’s only important to behave because you are weak. If you become strong enough, you can act as you will. No one would dare question my behavior tonight, for example. Haha, it’s truly great to be powerful.”

  I never imagined I’d gain a new reason to become powerful. It seems like such a silly reason. But I have to admit that I’m pretty jealous of the Headmaster right now.

  “Oh?” The Headmaster came to a stop. He pulled out something from his robe and got a serious look on his face.

  What is that he’s holding?

  The Headmaster turned to look at Adion with a complicated expression.

  “What’s going on?” Adion asked.

  The Headmaster didn’t answer for a while before finally letting out a soft sigh. “I just received word that the formation at the Remori manor has been attacked.”

  “What? By Heavenly Light?” Adion asked.

  “It would appear so,” The Headmaster slowly nodded, “I have heard about their plans for a long time, but I never thought…I should go there and take a look. This is something that will impact all of Shiora. If Heavenly Light has started this attack, it would probably mean they have more powerful mages sent over from Quemer than I thought. Perhaps they will do a lot more than just take over the formation. Anyway, I probably won’t be able to stop any of it, but if your great aunt is in trouble, I’ll do my best to get her to safety.”

  “This…thank you,” Adion said, somewhat in a daze.

  “Give your grandfather my condolences. I’ll be back in a couple of days,” The Headmaster said before turning around and disappearing from Adion’s view.

  I’ve also known about this plan for a long time, but to think the time has finally come. Will they take on all of the Valis Kingdom? Has their power reached such a level?