Entrance Ceremony 1

A year ago, in a noble house, an old noble who was waiting for his certain death was reminiscing about his past. He wondered where he had gone wrong. His sons were fighting for his riches instead of earning achievements to be worthy of them.

Sometimes he would think it would be best if he just disowned his children. He wanted to do something more but then, his age-ridden body wouldn't allow him.

"Lord Cain…"

One of the head maids said in worry, that she was with Cain ever since he became the head of his house, which had the title of a Baron.

Even though he's a Baron, he wasn't lacking in any of the nobility's aspects, riches, pedigree and especially honour. He was a man who'd discovered a special type of chemical that would later be known as the fertilizer that would boost the population of the Empire and increase life expectancy.

"Ha… I wish it would be better than this," he muttered.

"I'm sorry that I could only be by your side, Lord Cain."

"Don't be, Your service was deeply appreciated."

Then suddenly, the door opened, and a man with urgency came in, even though his face was completely bringing bad news, he had the decency not to bash the door open.

"Lord…"

"Yes? I presume that your news would be bad?"

"Yes… the two young masters have perished in a car accident."

"Is it really accidental?" Cain furrowed his brows

"No… They were racing, according to witness reports."

Cain just placed a palm on his forehead, his lineage is now doomed. Two of his sons just died and there are no other branch families to continue his lineage. Only money-hungry relatives, if he died then the inheritance would fall to them.

"Like I'm going to let that happen."

Cain ordered a few of his retainers to go find a talented individual, preferably an orphan, it might cause rumours but he doesn't care at this point. His sons were a disappointment and he needed leverage.

And that day, Walter managed to immigrate to the Empire, it took him quite a long because the Empire is strict with its management. But what can't an mc do?

He managed to get in and was discovered with his sister by nationwide security. They thought he was from the slums and gave him the proper documents to be a citizen of the Empire.

It was quite the story, but he landed in an orphanage, he had no connection right now since they're all out of the empire's borders.

And the only way to have his powers don't get rusty is by dungeons, controlled dungeons. The dungeons were once a nuisance to humans because of the human-demon war but when they saw that they were getting stronger after being exposed to the dungeon, they started using it more.

Walter was caught by one of Cain's retainers being a mercenary who delved into dungeons and saw his potential in him.

"You? What's your name?"

"Me?" Walter smirked, "I'm Walter, why'd you ask?"

"Are you interested in being a noble?"

"Why?" Walter continued asking.

"Because you seem talented, and my lord is finding someone who'll replace his son's."

Walter couldn't help smiling, he was a blessed son of the heavens, of course, this would happen. He knew it would, like everything that happened to him is always eventful thanks to his infinite luck.

"So, I'll become a noble, right?"

"In training, yes."

"I'll take my sister as well. Would that be fine?"

The retainer squinted his eyes and thought for a bit. Then he nodded. It matters not if he had a sister, she'll be married off anyways, that's the way nobles work.

"Yes, that would be fine."

That day, the house of Cain would receive its heir, frowned down on by society.

***

It was the opening day of the Academy, February 6th, 1734. The entrance ceremony will begin. Everyone was in the reception hall of the Academy.

It is wide enough for people to host a massive banquet, and that they did. The Freya Academy was the most prestigious in the Empire, other countries would send their Prince and upcoming politicians to study here.

Although, politics is not the only thing they study here. They also study how to fight demons, but that's for another day.

"Where is he?"

The welcome ceremony was, of course, just to receive students, they made its grandeur, with dresses and suits from the families that entered.

Though it is not required that you wear luxurious clothing, you can wear the school uniform, however, people might make fun of you.

Yula Quite annoyed from waiting for too long, called Lenneza and asked.

"I don't know either Yula, I'm about to arrive though."

"Oh, well, I'm at the confectionery so see you here."

"See you."

They ended the call, it was a friendly chat, they didn't develop only business relations, Yula and Lenneza became close within that year.

"Charles Larnt Zubrik Has entered the Hall!" The guard announced.

Everyone then went quiet, the double arched door with intricate patterns on it opened wide. A boy with blue hair walked in elegantly, whispers started and the boy whose the centre of attention was not irked one bit.

"So he's also here huh? The son of Duke Zubrik."

"Yeah, I heard he's a genius, apparently breaking and ascending a rank of the 9 realms."

"What was his cultivation stage?"

"I heard it was Apprentice Bishop, already above his peers."

Apprentice Bishop, 4th of the 9 realms of magical cultivation. There are three stages, dividing the realms, mage, bishop, and Arcane. In each stage, there are three steps. Apprentice, Intermediate, and Advanced.

And the stage of mage is one that is still learning Magic, one that has yet to break to the next stage. One of the bishops, the stage, is always called the "experienced stage".

Yula nodded at the thought of being amazing, but she has other beliefs. No, it wasn't just a belief but a fact. She knows that when it comes to magical cultivation. Nobody will outrank Lenneza, the maiden blessed by mana itself.

"What the…"

Yula then saw Charles looking in her direction. She clicked her tongue at the misfortune that had befallen her. She forgot that ducal families fight for political power. And she is betrothed to one.

"Greetings, Miss Yula." Charles bowed elegantly.

"Greetings, young master Charles." Yula pulled the hem of her skirt and bowed with elegance.

"Oh, Miss Yula, did you not know that titles of nobility are null in the Academy? You don't have to call me formally! Just Charles is enough." Charles gave a charming smile.

"I'm betrothed, Young master. Isn't it very out of the empire's etiquette to greet another man casually?" Yula retorted with a similarly charming smile.

The edge of Charles' smile twitched and he looked at Yula with an enigma.

"Oh, I apologize for that. Then how was your betrothed? I heard he joined a troupe of clowns if I'm not mistaken?" Charles chuckled.

Yula then just stood there stiff, a Circus is not just full of clowns, that's very insulting to the entertainment troupe, but she very well knows that Charles wouldn't care about that detail.

"My, Young master, I believe that a Circus is not only full of clowns, it's also filled with Acrobats and animals that entertain people. Not that I expect the young master to know that." Yula cheerfully laughed.

The whispers are now targeting Yula and Charles, why would a Duke's son be in a circus? And why would you be betrothed to him as well? While the whispers against Charles are about his choice or topic.

"I see. Well, I hope that the duke's son isn't going to make balloons when the Academy is going to test us for our strength. But oh well, what do I know?" Charles chuckled then turned around "it was nice talking to you Miss Yula."

Yula only inwardly clicked her tongue, nobles and their kids. She was wicked in the first iteration, she admits to that, but a change is better than being the same person given the chance.

"Ha… kids."

"Kids?"

A familiar voice was heard behind her, the voice of a transitioning boy from a man. She looked behind her and saw Leonard, munching on some meatballs from the tables.

"These meatballs capture the essence of the Northern countries. This shit is amazing."

Leonard was around yet nobody was noticing him, this made Yula a bit confused. How come he isn't being noticed when he is openly around? Eating the meatball like a man deprived of food.

"Amazing ain't it? Learned it at the circus."

"Wait, how come is nobody noticing you?"

"Just a technique I learned from the monkeys."

Leonard's back was straight, as I'd the essence of being a noble is in him. He was eating the meatball like there was no tomorrow but his suit has no stain at all. In fact, as she looked closer his lips didn't contain any grease from the food.

"Why, just because I went to the circus you think I already forgot my noble habits?"

"What? What? No! I'm just surprised."

Then Leonard smiled, placing the now empty plate into the pile of many.

"I'm surprised how you defended my dignity there." He said with a smirk.

"Of course, I would, I'm your fiance!" Yula puffed her cheeks.

Yula puffed her cheeks, it was adorable, especially her sharp tooth, she had that fang smile. Leonard then moved forward close to Yula.

"Right, You're my fiance."

He then laid out his hand as if asking her hand. Yula was confused at first so she slowly puts her hand on top of Leonard's. Leonard shook and his face contorted a bit. But he didn't snap his hand away, no. He slowly pulled his hand away so as not to offend Yula.

"Oh well."

Yula wanted to comfort him, but knowing she was the cause of this reaction she stayed silent, what happened at the first iteration stays there and will not be brought here.

"By the way, I know nobody notices you but when did you get here?" Yula asked

"I got here first."

"Eh?"

"I was here before everyone else. The guard was even confused that I have to show my ID."

Thinking of the guard confused as a high-ranking boy came in early makes a funny thought for Yula. But no matter, she has time with Leonard and that she will take.

"What a nice pair, both of you."

A feminine voice then interrupted their talk, Her hair was white, but her eyes… different, it wasn't Lenneza. It's someone else entirely. White hair and golden eyes that of a snake. Skin pale and milky smooth. She was Yebett Gann Aumet, one of the ducal family.

"Hello, Princess."

Leonard greeted first, frankly his tone was rude. But Yebett didn't mind, and she continued to talk with Leonard.

"You seem different, I wonder what changed over the years you went to the circus."

Leonard going along with the circus is like an open secret, everybody knows about it but doesn't dare spread it.

"Do I know you?"

Leonard however, rudely eyed Yebett up and down then raised a brow. Commenting with no grace his eyes glowing dim suddenly.

"Eh-eh?" Yebett got flustered. "I-it me Yebett, don't you remember?"

Yebett was actually about to cry, with tears forming on the edge of her eyes. Leonard looked confused and even looked at Yula who gave him a shrug. Then he looked closer. Then he patted his fist, he leaned closer to Yebett.

"The princess who cried about her cat?"

Yebett got flushed and Leonard pulled himself away, but Yebett nodded, confirming Leonard's question.

"Ah, sorry. I almost forgot you." Leonard apologized sincerely. "Well, Yula, here is my very first childhood friend."

"Eh? What?"

Yula was confused, Leonard had a childhood friend?! Leonard, though, looked at Yebett calmly.

"Does your twin still use your identity or did she stop?"

"She… she did. How did you recognize me?"

"hmm… your stride I guess. Your walk is like if trees had legs." Leonard chuckled.

"What the… you were a crybaby back then." Yebett narrowed her eyes looking at Leonard. "But I guess you changed once your stepmother was gone."

"Yeah, she was a plague. It was good riddance." Leonard grimaced with a smile.

"Well, I won't take up your time with your fiance, though I hope you know that effect won't last long." Yebet turned around and left.

"Huh what effect?"

Leonard was confused and so is Yula. Then someone bumped into Leonard and they both turned to face each other. Leonard was only wearing a vest suit without a jacket. This made him look like a server.

"Watch where you're going, peasant."

The noble child spouted poison, and Leonard was surprised, disbelieving and in awe. Why in awe you ask? He never knew someone would speak with this much ill intent and ignorance in one go.

"My hair doesn't match anything in your memory buddy?" Leonard asked, still in disbelief.

"Why would I know a random peas—"

The noble child then has his mouth covered by a girl with a fancy dress. She bowed as if something pulled her head downwards.

"I'm sorry young master, my brother didn't know who you are! Please forgi—"

"Ah, yadda yadda, give me the phone number of your father." Leonard waved his hand.

The apologizing had made everyone look at Leonard and the poor girl who was bowing down. But whatever, Leonard didn't care and had the phone number of the boy. The mere mention of his name was enough. The boy and the girl excused themselves.

"This party was lively. Not gonna lie."

Now with all of the attention on Leonard, not that he wanted the attention, that's why he had his presence hidden till he was with Yula. But what can he do? Nobles have the ears of an elephant, they'll hear the tiniest bit of possible gossip, even the children.