Chapter 23

The moment Lius disappeared into the examination hall with the headmaster, the crowd burst into a commotion. They remarked mostly about the young lord's stunning good looks despite his small stature as well as his mysterious arrival.

Claude shoved the leather gloves into his back pocket and twisted open his flask. He took a swig of water, unperturbed by the clamor. Torin and a small group of boys approached and bowed in respect. They took a step back, unable to look him in the eyes.

"Did you see him?" Torin scowled. "Four years since I saw him last and he still looks like that. I've said it before, but who would ever regard that boy as a man? He insults the very name of manhood."

Claude quietly closed the flask and wiped his mouth clean. "What has Camellius Bale ever done to insult you so?"