The grand hall sparkles with bright golden light and the melodious tunes of music.

Chandeliers are elegantly suspended in the air, and the massive expanse is filled with all manner of people seated in their respective positions of honor. Over a thousand tables exist within the hall, mostly reserved for each Household of High Nobility.

There are also seats allocated to the graduating students as well as the Professors.

And, of course, at the elevated pedestal, above all else present, exists the table of honor.

It belongs to none other than the Royal Family.

Naturally, the other tables are also arranged according to stratas, with the lower-ranked Households of the High Nobility positioned further away from the central stage.

Regardless, this is quite the magnificent sight!

It is one I never got to witness in my past life, and an experience I wouldn't have expected to have in this one.

Right now, I don a three-layer ensemble of white, silver, and pale gold—a long-sleeved coat split at the thighs, revealing a layered tunic beneath. Gold cords outline the collar and cuffs, with small gemstones sewn along the sleeves in subtle patterns.

A golden medallion with the crest of my Household hangs around my neck, and I wear gloves of white suede with the faint crest watermarks on them. My light perfume even leaves a trail of radiance wherever I go, almost like it's glitter.

My apparel was made from Moonweave silk, a fabric reserved for High Nobility.

But with my connections, it wasn't difficult to obtain.

Everywhere I go, I hear the same thing—

"He embodies the dignity of the Royal Academy—opulent but restrained."

I can't help but smile.

My facade is a mere performance, but this is how one survives in the world of Nobles and Kings.

The orchestra's music beautifully fills the air, sending electric energy through my body as I listen to the amazing melodies. I think of my family in this moment, especially my brother, but only the High Nobility and Royals can attend the Royal Academy of Randalorion's Graduation Ceremony.

A select few Royal Knights, as well as Clergymen, are also invited to the event, and such an invitation is treated with great honor.

Because of this, my family couldn't have come… unfortunately.

Still, I have more than enough people to meet and greet within the grand hall.

As more guests spill into the theater and take their seats, I make sure to greet as many people as I can, especially those with whom I have had ties during my stay in the Royal Academy.

Parents and relatives of students who are members of my J-Tutorial Club are high up on my list, as well as the families of all the Professors I ended up forming bonds with. I also make sure to greet those who support the Royal Faction, expressing my loyalty to the Royal Family.

Since this is the current faction in which I hold some positive influence, I have chosen to associate with the people who share the same political standing.

Naturally, I avoid those in the Noble Faction, though several of them still express intentions to associate with me. I politely decline or postpone their offers for conversation, which is part of the courtesy I learned in the Academy.

The compulsory Department of Etiquette really did come in handy after all!

Apart from greeting these Nobles in the Royal Faction, I also get approached by some of them, most notably Count Kaelen Thornvale.

His son, Cedric, caused me some trouble in my second year when he allied himself with the Noble Faction to try and suppress the J-Tutorial Club. After I dealt with him, and then the Royal Academy Incident happened, he went off-grid and didn't pester me again.

To think his father would personally come and greet me on his own.

Count Kaelen bears a striking resemblance to his son, with both of them being obese and having purple hair. Unlike the short Cedric, the Count is actually more robust, his huge frame even towering over mine.

His amber eyes are also quite different from his son's crimson ones.

However, they are without a doubt related. After all, the two of them have the Thornvale Family's signature buckteeth.

Contrary to my expectations, Count Kaelen is actually very polite. He even goes as far as apologizing for his son's actions, explaining that the boy was simply too young and ignorant. Honestly, as a rebellious son and someone who was once a father myself, I can understand where he's coming from.

I also feel his sincerity, so it would be overbearing not to accept such a genuine apology.

This is a Count, after all!

Regardless of his humble nature and slightly funny appearance, he possesses the same rank as the Headmaster of the Academy.

Plus, he belongs to the Royal Faction, which makes him a natural ally.

Overall, I developed a good impression of him and even managed to secure an invitation to his premises anytime after I graduate. It's clear that the Count wishes to make connections with me, and how can I refuse such an opportunity?

Only good things can come out of getting involved with such a humble yet powerful man.

Other than him, a few other High Nobles go out of their way to greet me.

They are all mostly Barons, though.

I met them during Serena's engagement party last year, and after seeing how close our friendship was, it seems they're trying to network with me in hopes of using our connection to get on her good graces

Sigh…

Members of the High Nobility can be so predictable at times.

But speaking of Serena—

Out of everyone I welcome and greet, I pay special attention to her family members, both her immediate and extended family. After all, I have some relationship with Jonathan, who was just recently appointed as a Royal Knight.

Also, his father, Seren's uncle, is one of the seven Counts of the Kingdom.

I also greet her fiancée and his family. The Duke, his wife, and their two other children were pleasant to talk to, but the brat himself actually gave me a cold shoulder.

His harsh treatment stuns me, especially since we got along quite well at his engagement party.

What could have caused this sudden change? Did he somehow figure out his future wife's interest in me, or perhaps he is simply jealous of how close Serena and I are?

Ah… Serena, what did you do?

Even though he treats me harshly, I take everything in good stride. After all, he is still the second son of the only Duke who supports the Royal Faction.

That makes him very important.

"Javier, I've been searching for you. There's someone I want you to meet! I already introduced him to Arthur!" With a loud, excited voice, Seth charges at me while an older man walks right behind him.

"This is…" My eyes flash with mild surprise as I see him.

I recognize his face from a portrait that Seth showed me some time ago.

"It's Father Gerome! Do you remember? I told you about him a while back, remember?" Seth jumps in glee, his voice melodious, thin, and child-like as he introduces us.

Of course, I know this man.

He's the person closest to Seth, the one who raised him like his own son, and who personally sponsored his Application Fee, paving his way into the Royal Academy.

In essence, Father Gerome is the reason Seth could get an education in this prestigious school.

For that alone, he already has my respect.

"Oho… Javier Aditi, was it? This boy has told me so much about you." Father Gerome takes my hand and offers a blessing while giving me a gentle smile. "Thank you for taking care of him during his school days. He used to be so reserved and frail, so it pleases me to see him with such spirit."

"F-Father…!" Seth's cheeks turn red in embarrassment, and I merely laugh lightly.

"It was my pleasure, Sir." I then proceed to pay my respects and offer formal greetings. "I'm glad you could make it. Your presence here has certainly made Seth's day. I hope you are enjoying the day so far. "

"Ohoho! Such a polite lad. But yes… I am quite enjoying myself."

Perhaps it's because of my actual age, but somehow I am able to properly interact with this old man in front of me. Despite appearing to be in his early sixties, we talk so comfortably as though we've been friends forever.

Naturally, I am careful with some of my words and maintain a boundary of respect. After all, this man was one of the few Clergymen invited to this Ceremony.

He certainly isn't an ordinary Priest.

We speak for a bit, but he eventually has to leave with Seth, who still desires to show him off to the rest of his friends. They had only met Arthur—our mutual friend—before seeing me, so I can imagine how many more people Father Gerome will have to see.

This is simply because Seth has a lot of friends.

Too many, in my opinion.

After some time passes, and the Royal Family arrives, it's finally time for the ceremony to formally begin. The King isn't in attendance, but Prince Korrin and his older brother, alongside the Queen, are present.

This is more than sufficient to give face to everyone who has attended today.

The Ceremony has a host of activities, but none of them are truly worth talking about. The only ones that hold relevance are the assignment of certificates, the awarding of Royal Seals of Excellence, and the announcement of the Year's Valedictorian—in that order.

And now, the first is about to begin.

"The Royal Academy of Randalorion was founded in 1742 C.E., under the reign of King Eldrian II, as a way to pursue knowledge and achieve excellence. Now, centuries later, we stand here in the Year 2025 C.E. to recognize the achievements of these amazing students."

The person who reads this is none other than the Dean of Discipline & Conduct, Earl Balric Wolfshade himself. It seems he was put in charge of announcing the final results.

No wonder he congratulated me early.

He begins with the First Rate Scholars, calling us out by name so we can proceed one after the other to receive our certificates. As for the certificate I receive… was there ever a doubt what it would be?

Naturally, I graduate as a First Rate Scholar.

After all my hard work and immense efforts, this is the bare minimum for me.

Seth is also a First Rate Scholar.

Unfortunately, Arthur has to settle for being a Second Rate Scholar. All things considered, it's a good result for him. In fact, he seems even happier than Seth and I combined that he achieved this result, and I'm glad for him.

After all, when I got to know him in my Third Year, it seemed like he would drop out. It was thanks to the J-Tutorial Club that he picked up the slack and was finally able to reach this point.

As I watch him now, seeing as the tears streak down his face and he sniffs in unfiltered joy, I can't help the warm smile on my face.

We did it.

All of us made it… We passed!

But, this is only the beginning of the true Graduation Ceremony.

After all, after granting all the certificates, the next event on the list is the awarding of the 7 Royal Seals of Excellence based on the best students in each Department.

I hold my breath as the names get called.

I know how well I performed, and I recognize my efforts, but this is the Royal Academy we're talking about. Sometimes, efforts don't get translated into results.

And so, I patiently wait while all my friends surround me… calming me down and offering encouragement. How do I tell them that they are only increasing the pressure in my heart and adding to my anxiety?

I know they mean well, though, so I remain silent…

… And wait.

"Best in the Department of History & Academy, the Department of Sciences & Natural Philosophy, and the Department of Martial & Chivalric Studies… let's give it up for the first student who will be receiving three Royal Seals of Excellence in at once. From the Aditi Knight Household… Javier Aditi, please come on stage!"

A resounding round of applause shatters the air, and I remain seated for a moment—dazed.

I did it!

I… actually did it!

The first student from a Mid Rank Knight Household to achieve such results in three hundred years of this school's history… the first student ever to be awarded three Royal Seals of Excellence at once!

Javier Aditi… you actually achieved this!

The emotions that rush within me are indescribable, to the point that their overwhelming strength paralyzes me. I try to rise to my feet, but I can't move.

My body simply trembles.

I want to scream… to shout in triumph, but my shaky lips cannot even let out words.

Then—

"Come on! Get up there!"

—Without warning, all my friends from the J-Tutorial and even alumni carry me to the stage.

Yes! I am not exaggerating!

Disregarding etiquette and tradition, they raise me from my seat and march in a loud procession, taking me from where I sit to the podium.

It is messy… it is very rowdy and undignified… but it makes me so happy.

This… is the happiest day of my life!

Once I get dropped off the stage, all my friends and allies who joined the procession scurry off while the Professors shoot them exasperated, helpless, or downright disapproving looks.

Unfortunately for them, they can't do anything to us anymore.

We are graduates!

With shaky hands, I receive the Royal Seals of Excellence from the respective Deans of each Department. I didn't quite get along with two of them, but Anna Randalorion was the most amazing person to me in the Faculty.

She… is my favorite Professor in the entire Academy!

Receiving the Royal Seal of Excellence from her means a lot to me, and I accept it with teary eyes and a broad smile. Her rainbow-like eyes glitter with pride as she pats my head and nods emphatically at me.

"You did it, Javier. Congratulations!"

I truly wish I can hug in this moment, even briefly, but that would be too inappropriate.

Still, I nod and smile.

This truly is an amazing day for me. I stare into the crowd and look at some of my favorite Professors who clap and smile merrily at me.

Senior Professor Klein Mornantte, who taught me all my favorite Courses in Sciences and Natural Philosophy. Junior Professor Seraphina Lindester, who made all her classes in Rhetoric and Political Philosophy understandable, and whose guidance I often sought in my spare time. I have no doubt in my mind that she will soon become a Senior Professor.

All of these amazing people who helped me on my journey… I owe them more than words can describe.

"While we are on it, why don't we announce the Valedictorian of the 2025 Class?"

The Academy Headmaster suddenly appears, his smoothly combed gray hair dancing lightly on his wrinkled face. I spot his blue eyes sparkling with delight, and I return his gaze with understanding.

This man… Count Blake Winchester… is also one of the people I am most grateful for.

He also belongs to the Royal Faction, and he is responsible for many of the reforms that have allowed students from humble backgrounds to achieve relative success in the Academy if they accrue sufficient merit.

He has served as the bane of those Noble Supremacists like Klaus Gerondester for many years.

If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have gotten these results.

'But no, old man… I still won't consider holding a position in the Academy.' I smile wryly, remembering a conversation I had with him just the previous day.

He offered me a position to remain as a Professor in the Academy, but I politely declined. I already spent five entire years in this place, learning all kinds of things about the world and broadening my horizons.

I would like to travel and witness all that I have been taught firsthand.

Reading about them in books is one thing.

But… I wish to see them for myself—the beauty of life.

"The Valedictorian of the proud Royal Academy of the Randalorion Kingdom is none other than Javier of the Aditi Knight Household!"

[A/N: Truly a fulfilling chapter for me, since I also completed my University Education this year. I hope you enjoyed the chapter and the Royal Academy Arc. It's pretty much a wrap!]

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