Book 16: Chapter 14: Graduation Ceremony  

The graduation ceremony of Serendia Academy is held in early summer, just before the start of the social gathering season.

That day, a pleasant blue sky stretched from the morning, and the blowing breeze was comfortable, a fitting day to celebrate the departure of the graduates.

"We graduates take pride in the days we spent at this Serendia Academy with our seniors. With that pride in our hearts, we promise to continue striving and to carry the future of the Ridill Kingdom without shaming the name of this Serendia Academy. Finally, I pray for the further success of our seniors, and I will conclude my farewell address. Neil Clay Maywood, student representative."

The small-framed Neil stood with pride as he read the farewell address in a resounding voice.

When Neil was initially appointed as the student council president, many did not look favorably upon someone from a baronial family becoming the president.

However, when the previous student council president was nearly executed on suspicion of being an imposter, Neil gave precise instructions to the academy students, and after the incident was resolved, he worked tirelessly on the aftermath and reporting. Now, everyone looks at Neil with trusting eyes.

Especially Claudia, seated in the current students' section, looks unusually proud.

"Next, a speech from a graduate representative, Felix Ark Ridill."

"Yes."

Replacing Neil, Isaac rose from his seat and ascended the podium.

His current position of being the "prince who was brainwashed by a shaman's curse and nearly executed as an imposter" is a rather delicate one.

After graduating, he will be granted territory and peerage, and it has been decided that he will live away from the capital under the guise of "recuperation." In other words, he will be "retiring at a young age."

Naturally, the students' gazes toward him are quite nuanced. Especially those who had tried to curry favor with the Second Prince, a candidate for the next king, have rather blatant expressions. Some even look as if they have been betrayed.

Isaac did not deny this. Of course, he thought it was a deserved consequence.

However, if he shifts his gaze slightly, he can see Cyril in the graduate's section, looking directly at him with the same unwavering gaze of respect as when they first met in the Junior Division.

And next to Cyril, Elliot was looking at Isaac with a somewhat provocative smile. That mischievous, mean-spirited look on his face seemed to say,

Show me you can handle it until the end, you imposter.

Ah, indeed. It seems Elliot still didn't quite like Isaac.

Well, I don't like you either, Elliot Howard. You bullied Ark quite a bit, but then you suddenly got chummy with him. I really dislike that.

Still, Isaac was somewhat grateful that Elliot cooperated with Monica.

Isaac let a smile befit Felix Ark Ridill surface on his face. This might be the last time he has to play the role of Felix in front of a large crowd.

"I am sincerely grateful that such a wonderful ceremony has been held today."

A perfect princely smile, perfect enunciation. He had cultivated this for over ten years. It was easy enough that he didn't need to be conscious of it.

As he spoke of memories of seasonal events and gratitude toward the teachers, Isaac casually glanced around the hall.

Monica Norton's figure was nowhere to be seen among the current students' seats.

She had withdrawn from Serendia Academy after that day with the Supreme Council.

As one of the Seven Sages, she was already quite busy. Moreover, after her great maneuvering at the Supreme Council, she seemed to be flying back and forth to various places to provide explanations.

Particularly the Black Chalice that Monica had created based on her late father's blueprints was a groundbreaking invention that shook the magic tool industry.

With the cooperation of Duke Anvard, she was currently handling procedures such as assessing its capabilities and patent applications at the Magic Tool Association.

The last time Isaac met Monica was their exchange in the reception room after that Supreme Council meeting.

Since that day, Isaac had not seen Monica even once. He had sent her an invitation to the graduation ceremony and the subsequent party but received no reply.

She was said to be busy flying all over the place, so perhaps she hadn't even noticed the invitation itself.

I really wanted her to see me standing here, though.

It was only because Monica was there that Isaac could stand in this place and graduate from Serendia Academy.

No matter how much he expressed his gratitude, it would never be enough. That's why he wanted to convey his feelings of gratitude here.

As Isaac was delivering his perfect valedictory speech, just as he was about to give the closing remarks, he paused.

And instead of as Felix Ark Ridill, he spoke the last words as Isaac Walker.

"The days I spent at this academy were more precious than anything. Surely, these memories will remain in my heart forever."

He had thought that his academy life, acting as the ideal prince, was merely an extension of the social circle.

Achieving the desired results in academics and student council activities, gaining the trust of those around him he had intended it all as preparation for eventually becoming king himself.

However, this past year had been a series of unexpected events but it was truly enjoyable.

"To all the current students, I hope you never forget to enjoy this limited time. Not for the sake of anyone else, but for your own sake, I hope you find many things to immerse yourselves in, things you like, fun things."

Isaac spoke the wish that the young Felix had once expressed.

Not for the sake of anyone else, but for your own.

Now, he understood why Felix had made such a wish.

"Surely it will become a lifelong treasure."

With that slightly casual way of speaking for a student council president, the students looked at him with surprised eyes.

Isaac let out a delighted chuckle and declared loudly, "And finally, I express my gratitude to the wonderful friends I have made during my time at this academy!"

Elliot wrinkled his nose in a displeased manner as if to say "You're no friend of mine" It was clearly visible.

With a pleasant feeling, Isaac spoke the closing words and lightly descended from the podium.

The evening ball held after the graduation ceremony was as glamorous as the academy festival.

The students indulged in conversation and dancing, reluctant to part ways.

Even after the imposter incident, Felix was still inundated with invitations from female students, and the surrounding girls seemed to be watching for any opportunity to talk to him.

Smiling wryly at the sight, Felix called out to Bridget, who was standing alone like a flower by the window.

"Well, Bridget. You look even more beautiful today. In front of your current self, even the roses in the garden would pale in comparison."

Bridget, dressed in a deep red one-shoulder dress, glanced sideways at Isaac while hiding her mouth with a fan.

Her mouth below the fan was not smiling at all.

"Each time I hear your flowery praises, do you know how chillingly I have felt?"

"Did you know? My friend was greatly troubled that he could not praise you skillfully."

The young Felix would always hang his head apologetically, saying he would get nervous in front of Bridget and could not find the right words, despite referring to poetry for praising words.

"Yet that ineloquence was endearing to me."

Bridget muttered wistfully, lowering her long eyelashes a little moistly.

Isaac pretended not to notice and changed the subject.

"By the way, I heard you'll be serving as a lady-in-waiting after graduating."

"Yes, I hope to eventually take on diplomatic work." Female diplomats are extremely rare in the Ridill Kingdom.

However, with her language proficiency and quick wit, Bridget will surely accomplish it.

"If I become a diplomat, I would like to receive advice from you, Your Highness, who is well-versed in diplomacy."

"But there is little a retiring prince like myself can do."

Isaac can no longer stand on the political stage. That is the king's mercy.

Implying this indirectly, Isaac received a beautiful smile from Bridget. However, her eyes did not smile.

"There are many of your fans in other countries. Like Count Mare of Falforia, for example."

"Ah, a person from the Cursed Dragon Incident Now that you mention it, he did invite me for a falcon hunt"

Having already achieved several accomplishments as the Second Prince in his early teens, Isaac had become known by name and face among the nobility of other countries as well.

There was no way not to take advantage of that reputation. At the very least, he could provide assistance and be a reception liaison, as Bridget was implying.

"Are you not going to let me retire in peace?"

When Isaac asked with a furrowed brow, Bridget's amber eyes glinted as she said in a low voice, "You deceived me for so long, so you can at least cooperate that much."

"I feel like I can never win against you."

As if to escape Bridget's piercing gaze, Isaac averted his eyes out the window.

Several stars were already twinkling in the early summer night sky. But something flickered for an instant, an even fainter glimmer much lower than those stars.

The brief sparkle, shorter than a shooting star, was from reflecting the light of the party hall.

Isaac opened his eyes wide at that twinkling radiance.

That was

After parting from Bridget, Isaac hurriedly moved from the hall into the corridor and hid in the shadows.

"Will."

The pocket watch returned by Monica was still in Isaac's pocket.

Willdean slithered out from the pocket as a white lizard.

"What is it?"

"I'm leaving this place to you."

".."

Willdean stared intently at Isaac with thin, pale blue eyes, as if wanting to say something.

When Isaac remained silent with a smile, Willdean landed on the floor in resignation and transformed into an exact replica of Isaac's appearance, using his specialty, illusion magic.

"I thought you had graduated from nighttime wanderings?"

In a rare sardonic remark, Willdean looked utterly serious as Isaac.

"Won't you let it slide? The other party is my top priority."

"Go on, then."

"Thank you."

Isaac plucked a rose decorating the hall, tucked it into his chest pocket, and dashed out.

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