Nicholai And Marquis Croft's Discussion

(Information Clash: I would like to point out that Emma Saunters is actually Duke Quentin's daughter and not granddaughter. All previous errors would be corrected.)

Just before the qualifiers was officially over ...

"Sixty three students from the Second Dawn Academy would be displacing a similar number of students from the First Dawn Academy. Never would I have expected the numbers would be this large. This is indeed a new golden generation." Marquis Croft, the father of Ethan Croft, suddenly said to the man by his side.

The individual on Marquis Croft's side was a black-haired middle aged man in white luxurious clothing and gave off the air of a calm but calculating individual.

"The students of the Second Dawn Academy aren't that much different from those in the First Dawn Academy, unless when talking about peak talents. For the mainstream folks however, they are all the same. The only difference is that students in the Second Dawn Academy couldn't afford the high tuition cost for various reasons, or were branch family members designated wastrels. In some cases, they are talented individuals who had outshined main family members but were purposely relegated to the Second Dawn Academy by the main family to prevent a possible uprising." Duke Saunters' son, Nicholai Saunters, who happened to be the man seating beside Marquis Croft, commented.

"The power struggle in such families is indeed a factor to consider." Marquis Croft nodded.

In the inside however, he was analysing the current political situation of the Saunters' family.

'Duke Quentin isn't present for this event despite his favourite daughter participating. Is this a sign from him that he's finally planning to step down and allow his son take over?' Marquis Croft couldn't help but think.

Duke Quentin was one of the oldest serving dukes in the Great Dawn kingdom and was of the same generation as the former king and the previous Duke Wesley. The reason why he held power for so long was unknown, but recently, rumours had sparked regarding his retirement. This started as far back as Emma's birthday in the first year [1] of her stay at the academy, and was becoming more popular as of recent. In fact, Duke Quentin could barely seen in most events, with his son, Nicholai, representing him instead.

Although the stepping down of the duke seemed like a simple matter, it wasn't quite the same. Despite being the son of Quentin, Nicholai's principles and methods were a bit different. Also, since he would be a newly appointed duke and was also considerably younger than Quentin, Nicholai would most likely want to make some changes and developments to stand out and receive the respect or even fear of the other nobles.

In other words, while the coming of the new duke wouldn't be a bloody one, a string of possible reforms or development would be made. And there was a high chance that these changes would affect the entire ecosystem of the aristocracy in the Great Dawn kingdom, after all, the Saunters family was the third great family, beneath only the Castellan family and the Wesleys; although the gap with them and the latter wasn't that much.

"Although the developments could be explained, not many would want to accept that explanation." Nicholai said.

Hearing this, Marquis Croft raised his eyebrows for a second before taking a glance around. True enough, some of the nobles sitting in the VIP section didn't look too pleased by what they were watching, but nothing could be done about it. Their children would be displaced from the academy and they could only blame them for being weak.

The academy was an entity above a majority of families, especially those below the Marquis and Duke rank, and couldn't be bothered to be swayed by their power. Even if these nobles decided to throw a tantrum at the First Dawn Academy's gate, they would be the ones who would come to regret it.

"What's your take on this contest, your excellency? Who do you think would stand at the top, and those to watch out for?" Marquis Croft asked, using a honorific on purpose.

Although it wasn't official, Marquis Croft was pretty sure that Nicholai would be appointed as Duke within the next few months. Since that was the case, addressing him with a honorific was not too much.

Nicholai acted as if he didn't hear the honorific attached to the question, or rather, he took it naturally as he answered.

"Who I think would win and those I believe are worth taking note of? Marquis Croft, you know well that the latter question can be considered confidential information, don't you?" Nicholai smirked.

Marquis Croft didn't respond but smiled too.

Even if Nicholai told him who to watch out for, Marquis Croft could not compete with him for the individual. One reason was because it was quite disrespectful to try and poach Nicholai's target unless he wasn't interested in recruiting the individual. The second reason was because his Croft family could in no way compare with the esteemed Saunters family. Competing with them over a student was not worth harming their relationship.

"I'll start with the second question. There are quite a few interesting people to watch out for, especially those two from the Second Dawn Academy. However, I feel that many of you are eyeing those who stand out too well and not the hidden gems." Nicholai said.

"Take for instance that child from the third round. Number #52. While he did well to pass the test, his performance was average. However, he was hiding his strength. I'm guessing he plans on shocking his opponent in the tournament if the straits become dire for him." Nicholai said.

If Asher was here, he would have been shocked by Nicholai's statement. #52 was exactly Raven, the young boy who was one of Asher's most devoted followers. Although Raven had been staying low and not attracting any attention, Nicholai had managed to see through that. If he was here, Asher would definitely give a thumbs up to him.

"Hmm? That's an interesting thought." Marquis Croft stroked his beard.

He didn't notice anything special about #52, but Nicholai, who was on the same level as he was, managed to see through the boy. There was no doubt that what Nicholai said was the truth even though it had yet to be proven. This was because great family members were much more sensitive and powerful than other mages, what more the Saunters family that held the special talent of being able to see through fake from real.

"There are a few others, but I feel he holds the most interest, for me that is. He's definitely going to be a dark horse if he shows his real strength." Nicholai added.

"Also, while he holds the most interest for him, he isn't the only interesting individual here. Right behind him is someone we are both familiar with; Asher Arnhaunt."

"The Arnhaunt kid?" Marquis Croft raised his eyebrows in surprise.

"That can't be. He's a null and this has been confirmed."

Although the news of Asher being a null was unknown to the public, it was an open secret in the circle of nobility. As long as one was above the viscount rank, they would have knowledge of this.

"He's a null, true, but being a null means that one's growth is limited. It doesn't mean they won't grow." Nicholai said strangely. He then continued,

"Haven't you noticed? His growth speed is roughly on par with some of the elites at the First Dawn Academy, and this is despite his talent being poor. Sure, it may have a lot to do with potions, but even then, the boy has been putting in the effort."

Marquis Croft went into thought after what Nicholai had said and he realized that there was some truth to it. In fact, not some; the statement was completely true.

"Onto the very first question. You asked me who I believe would take first place. Of course, I'm rooting for my little sister, however, I have to say that she has a handful of difficult opponents to deal with. The kid from Second Dawn, the young lord, the twin princesses and even your son." Nicholai said.

"Haha. You jest." Marquis Croft laughed, but in fact, he was proud. His son was being recognized by a Saunters and not just anyone, but the future duke. How could he not be proud as a father?

"However, there's a dark horse to this category. It's not the kid I had mentioned previously, #52, but instead, it's the heir to the Arnhaunt duchy."