Graduation (1)

The year had passed by swiftly, and the long-anticipated day of the year six graduation had finally arrived. The auditorium buzzed with excitement as parents and guardians poured in, their chatter growing louder with each new group that entered. Moments later, the students began to arrive, and the year six graduates proceeded to take their seats at the front of the auditorium. The seating arrangement was meticulously planned: the graduating students were positioned up front, parents and guardians to their left, and the rest of the student body to their right.

The ceremony commenced with the distribution of awards. Each recipient delivered heartfelt speeches that resonated deeply with the audience. Among them was Ravus, who had only joined the school that year yet managed to earn the award for best in swordsmanship and knighthood. Cassian, on the other hand, was recognized for his excellence in state affairs and history—a remarkable achievement for someone who had once seemed disinterested in academics until a humbling encounter with Lydia and Amelia sparked a transformation.

Cassian's journey had not been easy. After his humiliating encounter with Lydia and Amelia, he had withdrawn to his dormitory, plagued by the fear that the entire school was mocking him. Matilda's scathing words haunted him, disrupting his sleep and leaving him almost certain that he would have to drop out. In a desperate bid for clarity, he visited the principal. To his surprise, people still greeted him normally, and the rumors he overheard were never about him. What had seemed like a minor embarrassment had felt monumental to Cassian, yet it ultimately became a catalyst for change.

Inspired by his sister's advice to respect women, Cassian found a renewed purpose. It wasn't merely about respecting women but about seeking a new direction in life, one that his sister and the others had unwittingly set him on. His speech reflected this newfound clarity.

"I'm giving all my thanks to my teachers, friends, family, classmates—older and younger—but most especially to my sister. Matilda, I hope I was able to melt away our conflict. Your words have changed my perspective in many ways, and I'm grateful. I also want to thank Lydia Fairfax and Amelia Sinclair for contributing to my growth. I hope the next graduating class after us has a wonderful year ahead," Cassian said, bowing his head before leaving the stage to applause.

The atmosphere grew more vibrant as everyone busied themselves with catching up with their parents. The evening promised a grand farewell with a ball, and as the sun set, the guests arrived, dressed in their finest attire. Lydia walked in with Amelia, while Arabella chatted with Octavia and Prince Caleb, the second prince of Diando. Matilda decided it was time to settle her differences with her brother, Cassian, and sought him out on the balcony.

"Good evening, Your Highness," Matilda curtsied formally.

"Matilda, please don't be like that. I'm your brother. It's been a year since we actually spoke," Cassian said, his voice tinged with regret.

"And I would like to leave it that way," Matilda replied, trying to walk away.

"I'm sorry about what I did last time," Cassian apologized, gently holding her hand. "I am also grateful to you, and I want to tell you that I have come to respect your gender and will never disrespect you or any other lady again. I promise," he swore, placing his hand on his chest earnestly.

Matilda giggled and nodded. "I hope you keep that promise, brother," she said, hugging him.

As Cassian left the balcony for the ballroom, Matilda leaned on the railing and sighed. "I swear I was actually angry, but it's not my fault. I had to complete the mission. I'm sorry, Cassian, for putting you in a tight spot," she murmured, staring at her status window. Her EXP out of 1000 was 25, and her HP out of 1000 was 500.

"I'm a pretty healthy child, but if I get shot now, I'll be facing that angel again. For someone who doesn't put her saintly powers to use, there's no point expecting much from my EXP and HP," she analyzed. "My store has nothing much but my rewards so far: a smartphone and a house in Korea with all the groceries and necessities."

When Matilda had wished to return to Korea, her wish was denied, stating she did not exist in that world and returning would disrupt the flow of time. She now had a new mission: "Discover a reincarnated individual."

"Are you insane?" she yelled in frustration, drawing curious glances from people walking in the garden below. She apologized quickly and sat down on the balcony floor. "You should have given me this mission before I met Isadora. What use does this do now?" she lamented.

While Matilda was lost in her thoughts, the ballroom was abuzz with activity. "Greetings to Their Majesties of Arcadia," King Arthur and Queen Flora greeted, followed by their daughter, Amelia, who had momentarily been left alone while engrossed in conversation with a classmate.

"Greetings to you too, Your Majesties of Luretta," King Fabian and Queen Phoebe responded. Amelia curtsied and greeted them, "Good evening, Your Majesties."

"So well mannered," Queen Phoebe commented approvingly.

Their conversation shifted to discussions about their children. Cassian approached, greeting his parents who were deep in conversation. "Mum, Dad, good evening," he said.

"Ah, Cassian, this is the king and queen of Luretta and their daughter, Amelia," his father introduced.

"Good evening, Your Majesties, and Princess Amelia," Cassian greeted, recognizing Amelia—the same girl who had once insulted him.

Cassian smiled and pecked the back of her hand. The parents encouraged Amelia to dance with him, and as the music began, couples paired off on the dance floor.

"We meet again, but this time under different circumstances. How are you doing?" Cassian asked as they danced.

"Please focus. I'm not a great dancer, so I'd appreciate it if you concentrated and got it over with," Amelia replied curtly.

"You look quite pretty up close," Cassian commented with a bright smile, causing Amelia to turn her face away in embarrassment.

"You don't look bad yourself," she replied, though her pout betrayed her true feelings.

Cassian laughed, seeing her reaction. "You are such a baby."

'He is so annoying,' Amelia thought. Suddenly, her status window appeared, reminding her of her mission: "Make the Crown Prince break up with his current girlfriend."

Time remaining: 10 minutes.

Penalty: Aphrodisiac effect.

Her eyes widened in alarm. As the music ended, she quickly made her way to the resting parlour, Cassian following, worried she was upset with him. She barely reached the couch before collapsing to the floor, her body becoming increasingly feverish.

"Amelia, are you alright?" Cassian asked, lifting her onto the couch.

"Please don't touch me," Amelia begged, her voice strained.

"Let me get a physician," Cassian insisted.

"No," she yelled, grabbing his necktie. "I just need a favor."

"Anything," Cassian replied urgently.

"Good. Please break up with your girlfriend," she begged, holding onto his collar, their faces inches apart. Cassian looked flushed, but Amelia focused on the countdown.

* 2 Minutes Left *

She pulled him and kissed him on his lips.

"Will you break up with her now?" she asked, her face flushed as they broke away from their kiss.

* 10 Seconds Left *

"Hmm..." Cassian nodded.

"Mission completed," the status window declared. Amelia's red face began to return to normal as her fever subsided.

"You are 11 years old, dammit. I'm a 18-year-old guy. How can you act so lustful?" Cassian complained, cheeks flushed as he covered his lips.

"New Mission: Learn to use your skill," the status window announced. Amelia giggled at his reaction before passing out.

Cassian informed her parents that she was resting in the parlour. As the ball concluded, parents and students gathered in teleportation circles according to their kingdoms. King Fabian carried Amelia and stood in the circle leading to Luretta, bidding farewell to the Royal Family of Arcadia.

When everyone had teleported, carriages awaited their arrival, and everyone went home as the teleportation circles disappeared. The teachers and directors of Emperian Academy had devised this method to keep the school's location a secret. As always, Emperian Academy remained a place no one could track down without an invitation.