I passed the theory back in my palace, and now the time had come for the practical exam. I stood before the entrance of one of the academy's wings, where it was to take place. In front of me rose a tall, beautiful building, all in white tones, adorned with ornamental embroidered towels and surrounded by fragrant flowers. It wasn't only majestic and pristine here, but also pleasant and bright. When you host future kings and emperors, everything must be perfect.
I entered a great hall filled with nobles from all across the world. Clothing in this world bore a certain touch of grandeur and pomp, but only partly. It also looked modern and comfortable. Men weren't in stifling multi-layered suits but in T-shirts, shorts, light jackets, or even sleeveless tops. Their clothes often carried small decorative elements that revealed their noble status. Women too, even if they wore dresses, chose lighter, shorter, and more practical ones; and never wore corsets.
Passing by and accepting bows, I finally stepped outside into the open air before a large arena, surrounded on two sides by countless rows of seats, and on the other two by covered corridors, beside which stood various equipment and tools. This was where the practical exam was to be held. The arena itself was set some five meters lower, keeping spectators safe from the battles staged within. It was a special ceremonial arena, reserved by the academy for such occasions.
Walking through one of the corridors, I spotted my parents sitting in the first row of the audience and waved to them. They were already seated among other monarchs and nobles, waiting for the candidates to appear in the arena. My path lay to the opposite side, to a small square where the table of results from the theoretical exam was about to be posted. Benches had been arranged there in rows under the open sky, with the future students seated behind them. The parade ground was small and in its size resembled a classroom under the open sky, so everyone sat quite close to one another.
I joined the benches, already filled with students — the sons and daughters of the very monarchs who sat beside my parents. Yet another reminder that the theoretical exam, and this entire procedure, was nothing but formality. If all these parents were already waiting for the performance, it was obvious that everyone had passed.
There were around thirty students seated here. Some of these faces I had seen before at receptions and balls, though I was barely acquainted with any of them. Each bench bore a name, so I made my way and sat in my place — beside a young, slim girl with pink hair and a sporty yet stylish outfit that concealed a generous bust. She was a little below average height, with a strong, shapely figure. Her pink hair was tied into two braids that fell over her shoulders, and one larger braid at the back.
Everyone here would soon have to fight in the arena, so their outfits were both handsome and suited for performance. I, as always, wore my favorite gray sleeveless shirt and dark-gray shorts. Most of the other boys, too, were dressed simply and less strikingly than the girls.
Maria: Hi.
Nestor: Hi.
Maria: Nervous? About the results?
Nestor: No.
When I spoke or looked at people, I usually did so in a calm, stoic manner. Not entirely without emotion, but always controlled, detached from whatever was happening around me. In my past life, in my former world, I had seen every kind of person, in every state, at every stage of growth and decay. The result was this manner of speaking. In truth, it was my way of relaxing. Back then I constantly had to pretend — smiling, laughing, showing fear, shame, and so on. No expression or emotion was ever truly sincere; all were just tools to achieve my goals.
But here, I allowed myself to loosen up a little and settled on calm stoicism. It required no lies, yet still let me control my feelings when dealing with others.
On the front bench sat a young woman of striking beauty with long golden hair cascading in arcs down her back. This was Ariel — the crown princess of Elarion. She was speaking to Daria, crown princess of Azure.
Ariel: That's the second prince of Rus'. He's never entered a single junior tournament. Probably talentless. Unfortunately, there are enough like him in the academy. They get in through status, not skill. — she said in an obvious tone, as if she knew me personally.
Arrogance and self-deceiving assumptions. As expected.
Onto the square stepped the headmaster, dressed in a summer uniform and holding a tablet. Stopping a few meters from the first row, where Ariel was sitting, he began. He didn't have to shout, since everyone got quiet and started listening. In front of us there were also cameras streaming us for the parents, who were literally just a five-minute walk away at the arena where I had just been, so they could see and hear everything happening here.
Headmaster: Ladies and gentlemen, I welcome all the great and noble guests of this academy. It is a tremendous honor to host both parents and students here. I am delighted to announce that everyone has passed the theoretical exam and will be admitted into the academy!
Formal applause echoed, though everyone had expected this.
Maria smiled at me and clenched her fists.
Maria: We both passed! Awesome!
Headmaster: Now allow me to read the exam results — from last place to first.
He began announcing scores one by one in ascending order.
Headmaster: ...Maria Koval — eighty-five points.
I glanced at Maria; she pumped her fists cheerfully and giggled.
Headmaster: ...Ariel Tudor — ninety-two points!
Applause rang out, and Ariel raised her chin proudly, basking in the praise. I, of course, did not clap.
Maria: What's wrong with you? Clap!
I didn't react, only turned my eyes back to the headmaster. My name had not yet been called — meaning I ranked above Ariel. I wondered how she would react.
Maria, thinking: Oh, why doesn't he react to me at all? But he's so cool when he does this! Love it!
Headmaster: Nestor Ryurikovich — one hundred points! Bravo! — he said with joy, and began to clap.
Lada: Ah! Hooray! That's my son! Did everyone hear? — my mother laughed, sitting far away among the nobles as she watched the results on one of the large screens set before them.
Really, Lada? Nobles in this world certainly behave differently than in mine. But at least it's livelier.
Ariel turned toward me in shock. How to make this moment even more amusing? I knew.
I rose from the bench and bowed first to the headmaster, then, turning toward the camera, to my parents and the other nobles. All with the same calm, stoic gaze. Another might have felt embarrassed in my place, but not I.
Before sitting, I looked again at Ariel, and this time our eyes truly met.
She found herself locked in my calm, genial stare and didn't know how to respond. I looked at her the way a dragon looks at a small human who has wandered into its castle. A dragon that has no intention of blushing or laughing to ease the tension. But neither does it sneer or mock. You know how some people laugh, blush, or scratch their heads to smooth things over and make others comfortable? I don't do that. I only watch, speak, fight, or kill — calmly. My emotionless manner is no affectation, as I've written before. In my past world I had been wounded, mocked, beaten, cut, raped, tortured — and after all that, I understood that one must always remain calm.
Seeing my gaze, her arrogance quickly shifted into shame. She blushed, remembering that everyone was watching, and turned away.
The headmaster noticed her reaction too.
Headmaster: All students have shown excellent results. Remember, this is not a competition but training to reveal strengths and weaknesses.
Ariel: Of course. I wasn't trying for the maximum score anyway, but it seems someone wanted to show off. I don't mind giving the second prince his little moment of glory. — she continued with charming politeness, drawing out the word "second" with special intonation.
Laughter rippled around. Everyone had heard her words — students and many parents alike. Now this was living! A real verbal sparring with a princess. What should I reply?
Nestor: She'll calm down soon, Headmaster. Please, continue.
Ariel: What?! I didn't—! — she snapped, but the headmaster cut her off.
Headmaster: Ahem! The practical exam will begin in half an hour. Your schedules are listed in the app. In the meantime, I invite our esteemed guests back into the building for some entertainment. — he bowed low.
Lada filled my chat with heart emojis. Seemed she was boasting to everyone about my results. I headed toward the covered corridor beside the arena, where the future students had gathered. Maria followed me, and we both entered the corridor, where a group of students were already talking. From here, I could see my parents at an angle — they were chatting with other monarchs and hadn't noticed us. The arena was already prepared for the exam, which was now only fifteen minutes away.
Ariel: Such arrogance, all because of pure luck. Arthur, you'll fight him in the first round. Once you win, his crown will fall right off.
Nestor: What's the conversation about? — I asked, stepping into the small circle of people.
Gathered here were Ariel — the first princess of Elarion, Arthur — a knight from Elarion, Daria — the first princess of Azure, Haruto — a mage from Tsukihana, and Artem - a mage from Rus'.
Ariel: About you. Did you bow to everyone just to humiliate me? Everyone knew... or expected that I'd get the top score. And you embarrassed me in front of everyone, twice! Why? — she said in a tone that clearly didn't consider me worth respect.
Nestor: I did it because I wanted to, — I answered flatly.
Ariel: So you admit it was just to show off.
Nestor: No. To you I'll only say this: I did it because I wanted to.
Ariel: That's the same thing! Never mind. I heard you fight well with your courtiers, but sorry to break your illusion — they were just going easy on you. Arthur competed in last year's youth tournament and placed second. Against him you don't stand a chance. By the way, Arthur, maybe you'll bow to the audience after your victory too? That would look splendid!
Arthur: Gladly, for balance, — he said with a nasty grin at me.
Nestor: Bow to whoever you like after your defeat. I don't care.
Ariel: What?!
Nestor: Better tell me — who took first place?
Ariel: Haruto, right here.
She pointed to a young man who waved politely. I extended my hand.
Nestor: Nestor Ryurikovich. Which branch are you in?
Haruto: Haruto, mage from Tsukihana. A pleasure. We'll meet in the next round, if we both win.
Nestor: Excellent. I look forward to fighting you. You have an organized, methodical style. I want to study it.
Ariel: At least your arrogance comes with good manners. But do you really think you'll make it to the next round? — she teased, amused by my confidence.
Nestor: Yes. I'll defeat everyone here, — I said with the same calm tone. In my voice there was no pride, no modesty, no malice, no kindness. Only control, strength, and calm.
Arthur: Let him talk, Ariel. In a few minutes we'll remind him of his words.
Ariel: Yes. Maybe we should record him, so the whole academy can later enjoy his arrogance. It'll be a good lesson for you.
Nestor: Interesting idea. I've never entertained myself that way. But it wouldn't be fair to record only me. How about Arthur and you record something too? To make it absolutely fair, we can even record the same lines, and the winner gets the right to publish them to the internet.
Arthur glanced uncertainly at Ariel, who also faltered.
Ariel: What's the point? — she retreated. — Everyone already heard what you said. I won't turn this into a circus.
Nestor: And you? What do you say?
Arthur: What? I agree with Ariel.
Nestor: No, what do you think of me?
Arthur: I heard what you said earlier. It was wrong and childish.
I didn't answer, only kept looking at him as if he were a mannequin on display.