[39.6] Della POV: The Graduation Ceremony

We arrived at the large temple on the outskirts of the Royal Palace where the Graduation Ceremony was set to take place. After we got out of the carriage, I had to stop Zephyr from yanking off his suit. It had become second nature to me, that I didn't even realize I was doing it.

Reika looked at the large temple with a frown, "Why did they have to hold the Graduation Ceremony here!? Why couldn't they have held the ceremony at the Academy?"

Aldrich spoke calmly, "The Academy can't handle this large of a celebration."

Hazel got off the carriage behind us and looked at the large temple, "Although, I'm a bit surprised they would hold the ceremony here."

Reika tilted her head, "Is it weird?"

Zephyr looked around, "Yeah. Wait. Isn't this a Holy Light temple? I just realized I haven't seen any in this Kingdom except for this one. Before I got stuck in that stone, there was one in every single village."

Aldrich explained, "This is the last known temple. The other ones were burnt down during the war between Alora and the demons. It's rumored that Alora died in this very temple which is the reason why the building was never destroyed. Some say that her spirit still blesses its halls. That's why many important ceremonies are held here."

Hazel clicked her tongue, "What a load of shi-"

We all turned to her in surprise.

She forced on a polite smile to cover her previous scowl, "I-I just mean it doesn't make sense for her to bless it. Everyone knows that ghosts who remain only have malice and resentment. They don't bless or protect."

Aldrich stared ahead, "To our current knowledge, that is the truth. However, who knows what really happens when we die."

I suddenly felt uncomfortable and cleared my throat, "Let's not be late."

I walked to the building with the others following behind me. Once we were nearing the main door, Reika was looking around in expectation.

Hazel smiled at her, "Are you looking for someone in particular?"

Hazel, Zephyr, and I giggled, but Aldrich only grew more irritated.

Reika ignored our teasing, "Cyrus said he would wait for me by the main doors. We are going as a couple as you know-"

Aldrich grew even more irritated, "Yes. We know."

"Reika-" Cyrus strolled over to us followed by Caldwell. He stopped as soon as he saw Reika in her stunning gown.

She batted her eyes as she held her dress, "Well? How do I look?"

I could see the overflowing affection in his eyes as he stared at her. His lips curled into a charming smile, "You look… Incredible. Too incredible to describe."

Reika giggled and held out her hand, "Thank you! You may kiss my hand since you're being so nice."

He gently took her hand and bent down to give it a kiss, "Aren't I lucky?"

Aldrich finally reached his breaking point and pushed them apart. He looked at Cyrus with a strained smile, "Congratulations on your graduation from the Academy. Unfortunately, you won't be able to stay in the dorms anymore since you are no longer a student."

Reika turned to Aldrich with an innocent look, "Huh? Is that really a rule?"

Cyrus looked away awkwardly, "I-It's okay. Felix's parents bought him a large house near the Academy as a gift for his graduation and he's letting me rent the West wing."

Reika grinned, "That's great! You'll still be nearby!"

Aldrich's face twitched, "Yes. Great. So great."

Reika elbowed Cyrus, "Does this mean I can visit since you'll no longer be in a males-only dorm?"

He blushed slightly before clearing his throat to subdue it. He tried to maintain a calm voice, "As long as you give me proper notice, I don't see a problem with it."

Zephyr snickered, "He wants to be alone with Reika so they can get freaky."

Aldrich nearly exploded. He went to grab Cyrus, "Oh no he won't-"

I stealthily intercepted Aldrich's hand and held him back, "Aldrich, dear. We are in public."

I turned to Reika and Cyrus, "You two go inside and have fun."

Reika nodded and pulled Cyrus inside. Hazel and Zephyr followed after them before Zephyr broke away and made a beeline for the food. Hazel was more than happy enough to follow after him.

I turned to watch as Reika and Cyrus walked off together. Reika wrapped her arm around Cyrus's and leaned towards him, "You should see my dress when I dance! It's so beautiful!"

Cyrus laughed as he held her hand that was wrapped around her arm, "Can you dance?"

"Eh. No. Not really, but why is that important? I can twirl and that's enough."

After the two walked away, Caldwell looked around in anticipation, "Is your brother here as well?"

Aldrich pointed to a corner where Chief Gonza stood surveying the crowd.

Caldwell cheered, "Oh! He looks like a Prince charming! I need to snatch him up before anyone else does. If you'll excuse me-"

Caldwell walked over to Chief Gonza with a skip in his step. As soon as Chief Gonza caught sight of him, his face paled. He turned to walk away, but unfortunately for him, he was already caught by the cheeky owl.

I giggled and turned my attention back to Aldrich who was grumbling next to me as he watched Reika and Cyrus dance together. When she twirled, it was as if stars themselves were on her dress and were shining brightly. However, her smile far outshined the dress.

Aldrich muttered under his breath, "How upset would she be if Prince Cyrus just disappeared?"

"Oh, stop being so jealous. She will always love her father more than any other man."

He looked at me with a little less frustration, "Really?"

"Yes, really. Now stop pouting and come on!" I took Aldrich's hand and led him to the dance floor, "Let's dance!"

He followed after me, "You know how to dance?"

I took his hands and got into position, "Of course I do! Who do you think I am?"

As the song started, we started the dance, following along with each step.

*STOMP*

Aldrich winced.

I blushed, "I-I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to stomp on your foot!"

"It's okay."

We continued to dance.

*STOMP*

*STOMP*

*STOMP*

By the time the song concluded, Aldrich was nearly blue in the face.

I felt so embarrassed, "I-I'm sorry!"

He shook his head and let out a sigh, "You don't have to apologize… Unless you were purposely trying to incapacitate me."

I helped him over to a chair, "I wasn't! I-I thought I would be better at dancing, but I guess I was wrong. When we get back tonight, I will give you a nice foot massage."

He stared at me with an extremely faint smile, "You don't need to do that."

My breath caught in my throat at how handsome he looked when he smiled.

Good thing he rarely smiles.

If he did, there would be far too many ladies trying to steal him from me.

Just look at Gonza!

He's just as handsome as Aldrich, but his smile is even more contagious. Thanks to that, not only does he have several women lining up to gain his affection, but he even has men!

In the audience, Caldwell shivered and looked around anxiously.

The King suddenly arrived and a hush came across the crowd as he entered the room. He spoke loud enough for everyone to hear, "Today we are gathered to celebrate this year's graduating class from Alora Academy. As many know, this prestigious Academy is not only a very selective and difficult learning experience but it is filled with many obstacles that each student must overcome. As such, I would like to congratulate all the graduates on their hard work. Please raise your glasses to congratulate the students with me."

Glasses of wine were passed around to the adults and the glasses were raised.

The King spoke, "It's as Alora once said: We started off as nothing, but we quickly grew into something greater than our origins."

Everyone cheered and clapped as the King finished his toast. I watched from the audience as Reika and Cyrus flirted as if they were the only ones around. Eventually, Hazel, Felix, and Zephyr joined them and continued to speak.

I wanted to cry as I watched Reika's bright smile as she conversed, "Reika… She's so grown up now… I guess she doesn't need a mother anymore."

Aldrich and I watched as another girl came over to her. Although we couldn't really see what was happening, they didn't seem to be friends.

Suddenly, the two girls were on the floor, rolling around as they tried to beat the other up.

Aldrich's face twitched, "...I think she still needs her mother."

I let out a groan and rushed to Reika's side. Aldrich quickly followed after me, enduring his swollen feet.

Duke Newman was already there, pulling off the other girl, "Priscilla! Just what is wrong with you?! Why would you ever cause such a scene at your brother's graduation?!"

Priscilla cried out, "She's trying to steal my brother!"

Felix stared at her in exhaustion, "That's not what happened at all!"

Aldrich looked at Reika who was being helped up by Cyrus, "What is going on?"

Reika pointed at Priscilla in anger, "She attacked me!"

I gasped when I noticed the horrible state of Reika's dress, "Oh no! Reika! Your dress!"

Reika looked down at it and realized it was ripped and torn. She turned red from anger and let out an angry shout, "SCREW ALL OF THIS!"

I watched as she stormed out of the building. Cyrus quickly ran after her, "Reika!"

I went to follow but was stopped by a man wearing a suit. His stomach was almost bulging out of his suit, but he was so full of himself that he didn't seem to notice.

I instantly frowned upon seeing his face.

Isn't this the Uncle of Prince Cyrus?

If I remember correctly, he almost got Cyrus killed and he didn't even get in trouble for it.

Uncle Albert turned up his nose, "A mother should properly discipline her child. Yet, you let yours run around without any manners or respect for Higher Society. You should be ashamed of yourself!"

Cyrus's Aunt giggled beside him, "A terrible mother produces a terrible child."

I felt my body tremble with hostility, "I am NOT a terrible mother!"

Uncle Albert snickered, "How could you dare say you're not? Your daughter is causing fights with a Royal Princess and is gallivanting around with that blemish of a Prince even though the two aren't even engaged. Honestly, you're probably the worst mother around. Aldrich ought to kick you out of the house and forbid you from seeing your daughter ever again."

Red shouted on my behalf, "This b*tch! Are you seriously going to let him talk to you like that!?"

My hands shook.

The Uncle played with his mustache arrogantly, "Well. I guess it's not your daughter's fault she inherited your filthy slave blood. You can't hold it against her that she isn't as respectable as us since she's not a Noble."

Red screamed, "KILL HIM! KILL THIS FILTHY B*TCH!"

I clenched my fist.

Deadly sharp icicles started forming on my fists.

Aldrich reached out and held my fists. I looked back at him and saw his calm expression. He shook his head.

I lowered my head shamefully.

Aldrich looked back at Uncle Albert with a dark expression, "Need I remind you that you are talking about my daughter and my daughter's mother? My daughter is a Marlow and has been accepted by the King. Any insult you give to my daughter or her mother is an insult to me and the King."

Uncle Albert shrugged nonchalantly, "I'm not saying it's your fault, Aldrich. You had no idea your daughter came from a tainted woman. Although you should have known not to let that woman into your family. Even though she is a rare slave who can read, there is no way she could ever learn manners. What can we really expect from a previous slave? They only know how to please their owners-"

In the blink of an eye, a fist flew through the air, hitting Uncle Albert's face with a deafening crack. Uncle Albert was thrown back by a force that held no magic behind it.

Only anger.

Aldrich stared at him with a calm, but pure rage behind his gaze. He lowered his fist and glared at Uncle Albert, "Do not insult the mother of my child."

I covered my mouth in surprise.

Did Aldrich just punch a noble!?

Red looked at Aldrich in shock, "Holy hell. Did he just get a bit more attractive?"

Uncle Albert held his swollen eye and shouted, "HOW DARE YOU! Attacking a noble will result in execution! If I take you to trial-"

"Exactly. If." Aldrich stepped over to him and pulled him off the ground by the collar of his shirt. He glared into Uncle Albert's face menacingly, "But you're not going to. You know exactly why you won't either. Or do I need to remind you what is buried underneath the willow tree?"

Uncle Albert's face turned completely pale.

Chief Gonza looked over as if startled and mumbled to himself, "Willow tree…"

Aldrich gave Gonza a glance before looking back at me. He took my hand and started walking, "I fear the mood is ruined now. It's best if we return to the Academy."

After we left the crowd of people, I stared at our hands. "Aldrich. What did you mean about the willow tree?"

I felt Aldrich pause, "That isn't anything you should concern yourself about."

"Aldrich! If something happened, you should tell me. Isn't that what you told me to do? How can we build trust if you won't tell me anything?"

He stopped walking and suddenly embraced me. He pulled me tighter and whispered, "Do you remember what happened to my parents?"

I glanced up, "They were killed by an ancient demon… Right?"

He shook his head, "No. That was the cover-up… In reality, it was something much worse than a demon. I had witnessed their death and discovered the truth. But to protect my little brother, I had to keep my mouth shut. When my brother became obsessed with trying to figure out the truth, I did everything I could to stop him. Eventually, our relationship became strained until he no longer wanted to associate with me."

I hugged him, "I'm sorry that you had to endure that… But if you tell me, maybe it will relieve the burden on your shoulders."

He kissed the top of my head, "I can't. If I speak it, she will hear… And she will not let any of us go."