The entrance ceremony was in full swing in the auditorium.

‘Eyes…….’

Riche felt as if she were sitting on a bed of thorns with the glances flying from all around her.

It was the first time she was revealing herself in front of so many people, so she had prepared herself to some extent.

About 70 or 80 new students, their accompanying guests attending the entrance ceremony, and even the dean and teachers on the podium felt like they were watching her.

‘8 years……. It’s long.’

The education course at the Imperial Academy lasted up to 8 years.

Thinking about the time it would take until graduation, she felt overwhelmed.

‘It’s just the first time. Once I get used to it, the novelty will disappear.’

Just endure until then.

Riche repeated to herself, trying to think positively. Meanwhile, the last part of the entrance ceremony, the president’s speech, ended.

The presenter guided the next schedule.

“New students, please gather in the grade classroom in one hour. The professors in charge will explain the semester’s course.”

It was the last time to talk with family and acquaintances who would soon be parting.

The students rose en masse to exchange farewells, dispersing around.

Fortunately, the attention has drifted away. Riche moved her steps slowly. There was no need to move hastily.

‘Has Father arrived at the imperial mansion by now?’

Blake, who had come to the auditorium with her, went back long ago due to the crowd parting wherever he walked.

He wouldn’t usually care, but he didn’t want to create an uncomfortable atmosphere because it was Riche’s entrance ceremony.

But he didn’t just leave.

“Si[Dash]! My Lord, didn’t I just tell you that I heard someone calling Miss Riche a commoner?”

“…….”

“I’m sorry. I must have misheard.”

“…….”

At Jedd’s sudden words, Blake did not reply at all, but Lord Ludwig was clearly present, even when he was quiet.

They had been quite listening to the onesided conversation of the servant, pretending not to hear.

“It’s not my place to say, but I’m relieved. Otherwise, someone could have gone missing on a fortunate day like today.”

At that, people’s whispering mouths went agape.

It was the words of an assassin’s family servant. The worst scenario of being caught gossiping about Lady Ludwig flashed through their minds.

After that, Blake affectionately stroked Riche’s head, saying he would return to the mansion.

“Contact me right away if something happens. Even trivial conversations are fine, just leave any messages with Philip.”

“Yes, Dad. I’ll write to you every week.”

“Alright.”

That the Lady’s trivial stories would reach Duke Ludwig’s ears every week. The fear of someone facing the worst situation possibly being themselves came first.

Though Blake was gone, people didn’t dare smirk at Riche throughout the ceremony.

“Miss! Over here, over here!”

Philip waved his hand, calling Riche, who was coming towards the crowd in the middle of the auditorium.

Riche looked around to find Philip’s direction. She smiled slightly and nodded, then greeted the male student standing next to him with a happy face.

“Brother!”

It was Deon.

Despite being only 12 years old this year, he had grown tall enough to reach Philip’s ear.

Under his black hair, his prominent features, calm red eyes, and a chin line that had lost baby fat gave off a stately aura.

Deon strode towards Riche, who was running towards him.

“Don’t run. You’ll fall.”

His tone was a mix of annoyance and worry.

Two years ago. After Riche, who had purified Blake’s curse, hovered between life and death, Deon started to overprotect her like a changed person.

Having a personality far from being gentle, he teetered between quarreling and worrying.

At first, Riche found Deon’s behavior strange, but now she was used to it and accepted his actions.

“Brother, why are you here? Aren’t you in class now?”

“Yeah. Playing hooky.”

“What?”

Playing hooky? Was that something to proudly say in front of his sister who just enrolled?

As she was about to ask why, taken aback, someone popped out from the nearby crowd and acted familiar with Riche.

“Riche!”
“Robenhalf Brother?”

A cool breeze rustled her skyblue hair. It was Robenhalf Hibetzman. He stood in front of Liche, his eyes wide with surprise.

Though he was about half a head shorter than Deon standing next to him, Robenhalf was also on the tall side among his classmates.

In any case, both were so much taller than Liche that it was common to have a stiff neck after talking to them.

The same was true now. Liche, tilting her head back, asked Robenhalf.

“Brother, are you… a truant, too?”

“No. I’m on the entrance ceremony committee. I’m not like that sage who skips class whenever he wants.”

“Hmph.”

Robenhalf showed his committee badge around his neck as he spoke.

Becoming friendly enough with Liche to speak informally had been due to Robenhalf’s relentless effort.

Three years ago, the day they reunited at the Duke of Ludwick’s residence.

Only then, inside the carriage on the way home, did Robenhalf realize.