Chapter 4: The Academy’s Problem Child

The Imperial Academy was the pinnacle of education in the Empire, a prestigious institution where noble heirs, royal descendants, and gifted commoners studied together.

For Alistair, it was just another headache waiting to happen.

The black-and-gold Ashencrest carriage rolled through the grand gates of the Academy, escorted by imperial knights. As soon as the carriage stopped, a dozen students and professors froze upon recognizing the crest.

The Ashencrest name carried weight. Alistair's reputation carried fear.

He stepped out, his ash-silver hair gleaming under the sunlight, his piercing blue eyes scanning the courtyard with quiet authority. The moment students locked eyes with him, they scattered like frightened mice.

Cedric, stepping out beside him, coughed lightly. "It seems your reputation precedes you, sir."

Alistair sighed. "Wonderful. At least I won't have to deal with small talk."

Before Cedric could respond, a frazzled-looking professor hurried over, adjusting his spectacles nervously. "L-Lord Ashencrest! Welcome! I—I assume you received our message?"

Alistair gave him a flat stare. "You sent for me over my brother. Explain."

The professor visibly gulped. "W-Well, there was… an incident."

Alistair's eyes narrowed. "What kind of incident?"

The professor hesitated. Then, as if deciding there was no way to soften the blow, he sighed.

"Your brother… punched a duke's son in the face."

Alistair blinked.

"…Felix did what?"

Cedric coughed into his hand. "Impressive."

Alistair pinched the bridge of his nose. "And what, pray tell, did the duke's son do?"

The professor hesitated. "…He insulted House Ashencrest."

Alistair's expression darkened.

So that's how it was.

The Academy might have been a place of learning, but for noble brats, it was also a battlefield for political power struggles. And as Alistair's younger brother, Felix was undoubtedly a target.

"…Take me to him," Alistair ordered.

Inside the Academy – Disciplinary Office

Felix Ashencrest looked miserable.

The young noble with the same silver hair and blue eyes as his older brother sat stiffly in a chair, his arms crossed. He was clearly trying to act indifferent, but the way he kept stealing nervous glances at the door told a different story.

When Alistair entered, Felix visibly tensed.

"…Brother," Felix greeted, his voice cautious.

Alistair closed the door behind him, crossed his arms, and stared.

Felix lasted three seconds before cracking. "Okay, okay! I know I shouldn't have punched him! But he was being an arrogant bastard—"

"I don't care about the punching," Alistair interrupted.

Felix froze. "…You don't?"

Alistair sighed. "If someone insults our family, they should expect consequences." He walked forward, placing a hand on Felix's shoulder.

"But, Felix," he continued, his voice dangerously calm, "if you're going to hit someone, do it where there aren't witnesses."

Felix blinked. Then, slowly, he broke into a grin.

"You're the best brother ever."

"I know," Alistair muttered.

Before Felix could celebrate too much, the office door burst open, and a young noble stormed in.

"Lord Ashencrest!" the boy seethed. He had noble insignias embroidered all over his uniform—the clear mark of a duke's son. His cheek was still red from the punch.

Alistair barely glanced at him. "Who are you?"

The boy's face turned purple. "I'm—"

Alistair raised a hand. "Wait. I don't actually care."

The room went silent.

Even Felix had to turn away to hide his laugh.

The noble boy trembled with rage. "Y-You—! Your brother attacked me! I demand punishment—"

"No," Alistair cut him off.

The boy spluttered. "What—?"

Alistair leaned in, his blue eyes cold. "You insulted an Ashencrest and expected no repercussions? That's either arrogance or stupidity. Either way, it's not my problem."

The noble flinched but forced himself to stand tall. "You can't just dismiss this!"

Alistair smirked. "I can. I just did."

He turned to the professor. "Is there anything else, or are we done here?"

The professor clearly wanted to live, so he quickly shook his head. "N-No, sir! That settles the matter!"

"Good." Alistair turned to Felix. "Let's go."

Felix happily followed, and as they left, Alistair couldn't help but sigh.

His little brother was turning out to be more of a handful than expected.

End of Chapter 4