In the Roksha Empire, there was the Imperial Academy.

Founded by the first Emperor, it was a prestigious academy where only nobles could attend.

At the highest position of the place, the Chancellor was now breaking into a sweat.

“Your Grace.”

Sitting opposite the Chancellor was the current Lord of Ludwick, Duke Blake Ludwick.

Just watching him drink tea was somehow filled with tension.

“I did not expect you to visit personally.”

The Chancellor spoke with a forced laugh. Sweat poured down his spine beneath his jacket and shirt.

Due to the nature of their business, the Ludwick lords rarely appeared outside the ducal mansion except for official occasions.

Blake Ludwick was no exception.

So rare that he did not even attend the entrance ceremony two years ago for his son, Derkedeon Ludwick.

It was a significant occasion, where his son spoke in front of the entire student body as the top enrollee.

‘The Duke of Hibetsman and the Duke of Serdiya attended their sons’ entrance ceremonies.’

But that did not mean Blake Ludwick was cruel to his son.

He had sent letters and donations, asking to take good care of Derkedeon at the right time.

It was rather Duke Gerwer who was cruel to his child.

Even though his only son, Iandwein Gerwer, had enrolled last year, there was neither a visit nor even a formal letter.

Anyway.

That was the case with Duke Gerwer. What was in front of him now was Duke Ludwick.

“Your son Derkedeon ranked first in the yearend evaluation last year. You must be proud.”

Despite the suffocating pressure, it was a parentteacher meeting, after all.

The Chancellor cleverly brought up the topic.

It was fortunate that Derkedeon was a bright student. At least there was no awkwardness with Duke Ludwick over his child’s grades.

Blake sipped his tea and nodded.

“It’s thanks to the ability of the professors.”

Now 35 years old.

Though younger than the Chancellor, the Duke’s speech was unreserved. It was only natural.

In the Roksha Empire, the only ones to be respected by the Duke Ludwick were the royals.

“The Princess will also enter next week, right? I saw her during the entrance exam; she’s such a lovely girl. Her grades are excellent too.”

The Chancellor recalled the girl he had seen in the interview room a month ago.

She was an exceptionally attractive child.

With silver short hair reaching her shoulders and twinkling silver eyes.

Without losing her composure in front of much older interviewers, she responded ambitiously.

‘The Ludwick is indeed a prestigious family. Adopting a commoner and raising her as such a splendid noble lady. Has it been 3 years?’

Moreover, she had the charm to win hearts, quickly earning the affection of the interviewers, including himself.

Even after the interview was over, the child often appeared in their conversations.

“She learns quickly. She also has excellent qualities.”

Putting down his tea cup, Blake laid his ringed hands on his crossed legs.

Pausing as if he had something to ponder,

‘Why has the conversation suddenly shifted… Did I make a verbal mistake? It won’t, surely, kill me.’

The Chancellor’s mind was filled with concern for his life as he feared Duke Ludwick’s ability.

His heart trembled so much that he could not face it properly. The Chancellor cast a quick glance downward.

“Chancellor.”

“Yes, yes!”

Startled by Blake’s voice, he sat up straight. Behind the Duke, the brownhaired attendant’s lips twitched.

“The reason I came today is.”

Unable to know what he intended to say, the Chancellor’s lips dried up.

Observing Blake, watching his expression,

‘His complexion…….’

His face was beautiful, radiant even when still.

But seeing Duke Ludwick after a long time, his complexion seemed not just good but glowing.

It was strange. Ability users, due to their curse, started to show the light of death on their faces as they neared 40.

Hadn’t the previous generation Ludwick Lord been the same when the Chancellor was young?

But the current Ludwick Lord, Blake, looked extremely healthy.

“……I’m sick.”

“Excuse me?”
The Chancellor raised his voice at Blake’s words.

For a moment, he was worried about his health, but he was also embarrassed, feeling like his thoughts had been caught.

“Ah, where are you uncomfortable, Your Highness?”

“It’s not me. It’s my daughter.”

“The princess?”

Unlike Derkadian, Tuari Che Roadwick was not yet enrolled.

As he was not a student of the Royal Academy, he could not easily lower his speech.

‘The child is sick?’

She didn’t look sick at the interview.

But looking at Blake’s darkened face, it seemed to be true.

“She fell seriously ill the year before last. I’m worried about my daughter’s body, but the academy is a boarding school. For all students, without exception.”

“Then, the reason you came [dash].”

“That’s right.”

No way. The Chancellor’s heart skipped a beat.

In the Royal Academy, the treatment of students was equal regardless of the high and low status of the family.

Commuting. An unprecedented event.