After a while, the banquet had shifted into a different mood. All eleven of the top ten stood shoulder to shoulder with each other, facing the king and the queen, their hands behind their backs and their heads raised high.
The king stood before them, his demeanor calm. He looked at all of them with pride on his face. After a few seconds, he smiled, a soft one, but nonetheless a good smile.
"The eleven of you have shown greatness in the short time you have been in the academy, with talent, grit, and hard work.
You stood against the demonized that have threatened many above you in strength, and you saved your mates and your school on several different occasions.
So tonight, all of you will become the next golden set, a prestige that's beyond many. As one of the golden set, you have the power and importance of a marquis, but you'll also serve the kingdom to the extent of your ability.
