⁺˚⋆｡°✩₊✩°｡⋆˚⁺˚⋆｡°✩₊✩°｡⋆˚⁺

The entrance ceremony at Celentine Academy was always a grand affair, but this year, the air felt charged with something different. Aster stood in the crowd of students, her gaze sweeping across the expansive auditorium. Everywhere she turned, hushed whispers filled the space, all centered around one topic: the announcement of the new Academy Council.

Grand Duke Reginald of House Valemont, a man in his early sixties, stepped onto the stage clad in elegant robes. With a single raised hand, the murmurs ceased at once. As both a close relative of the royal family and a grand duke, his mere presence commanded unwavering attention. Beyond his noble title, he also bore the mantle of Headmaster of Celentine Academy, a position entrusted to him not only for his lineage but for his reputation as a seasoned statesman and scholar. It was said that under his stewardship, the academy did not merely shape nobles into leaders, but molded them into visionaries worthy of guiding kingdoms. His keen eyes swept across the sea of students, and though his expression was stern, there lingered a trace of warmth as if he regarded them not just as pupils, but as heirs to the future he had sworn to safeguard.

“Welcome back, students, to another promising year at Celentine Academy,” he began, his voice firm, yet warm.

“Today, we introduce your new Academy Council, with its Archon to lead and guide, and fellow members who will uphold the honor of Celentine Academy.”

Aster’s attention sharpened as the first name was called.

“Lady Flavia of House Gardner, Regent, tasked with assisting and standing in for the Archon in guiding the council and representing student interests.”

Flavia stepped forward with the poise of someone who had expected nothing less. The applause was deafening, but Aster could sense the tension hanging in the air.

“Lord Ranley of House Bramstone, Chronicler, responsible for recording the council’s decisions, correspondence, and ensuring all proclamations are properly documented.”

Aster blushed as Ranley walked onto the stage. His smile effortlessly charming, sending a ripple of admiration through the crowd. He waved, his confident presence starkly contrasting Flavia’s commanding authority.

“Lady Isadora of House Topaz, Keeper of the Coffers, entrusted with overseeing the council’s resources, funds, and all matters of finance for academy events.”

Isadora joined Flavia, the smug smile on her face confirming what Aster already feared. With these two at the helm, the Academy Council could easily shift from leadership to a showcase of status.

“As for the Council Members, please come forward.”

The crowd hushed once again as the names of additional members were announced.

“Lady Renie of House Varcallis, Envoy, who delivers announcements and represents the council to the academy at large,” and

“Lord Jarrett of House Altis, Warden, charged with maintaining order, discipline, and decorum among students,” took their place on stage.

Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for.

“And now,” the headmaster continued, his voice drawing the room into complete silence,

“It is my honor to announce the new Archon of the Academy Council, the student chosen to lead, guide, and oversee all council activities.”

The auditorium held its breath, every student leaning in, eager for the revelation.

“But before I do,” the headmaster added,

“I must inform you that the Archon has not yet arrived to take his post.”

Whispers rippled through the crowd.

“Our new Archon is a recent transfer. While I cannot reveal his name just yet, rest assured he has been chosen for his exceptional leadership and will assume his duties next week.”

Aster’s eyes widened. A transfer student appointed to the highest position in the council right away? That was unheard of.

Whispers started almost immediately.

“He must be someone important if he’s taking the top spot immediately.”

“Definitely someone of higher status than Flavia,” someone murmured.

“Could he be the son of a marquess? Or maybe a duke?”

“That’s impossible,” another voice corrected. “Higher-ranking nobles are usually homeschooled, like the royals.”

“Maybe he’s a count’s son…just— wealthier than Lady Flavia.”

“Or… he could be from another kingdom. That would explain why we’ve never heard of him.”

Flavia’s face remained composed, but the way she clenched her jaw was unmistakable. Being overshadowed was something she’d never tolerate.

The headmaster cleared his throat, continuing,

“Until his arrival, Lady Flavia of House Gardner will serve as Regent, acting in place of the Archon and guiding the council in all matters of leadership.”

Aster tensed. That was the last thing the academy needed… Flavia wielding even more power.

Aster barely heard the rest of the announcements. Her thoughts were tangled with curiosity about the missing Archon. Who was he? And why did the headmaster trust him with such an important position?

One thing was certain: this year at Celentine Academy would be unlike any other.

As the ceremony concluded, students spilled out of the auditorium, their voices abuzz with speculation. Aster lingered near the back, lost in thought. Flavia as Regent wasn’t a surprise, but the mention of a mysterious new student Archon unsettled her. Who could he be, and why was he granted such a high position immediately? Celentine Academy rarely accepted transfers, let alone one who would lead the Academy Council.

And then there was Ranley. Seeing him on stage had sent her heart racing, though she reminded herself that he was far beyond her reach. Still, she couldn’t help but admire how effortlessly he carried himself, his presence commanding attention without even trying.

Sighing, Aster pulled her satchel over her shoulder and made her way toward the library. While others were likely headed to the courtyards or dining halls to discuss the morning’s events, she had work to do.

☆ ★ ✮ ★ ☆☆ ★ ✮ ★ ☆☆ ★ ✮ ★ ☆☆ ★ ✮ ★ ☆