Bishop V

The Selection Ceremony continued with the sons and daughters of the lords from across the Xess nation stepping up to the device, their faces a blend of determination and nervousness. Each one sought to meet the lofty expectations set by their parents, aiming to secure a place in the prestigious class alongside Viktor.

As the numbers flickered on the screen, there was a mix of sighs and murmurs from the audience. Many fell short, their flow levels revealing single and double digits, far from the triple-digit achievement of Viktor. The pressure to perform weighed heavily on each candidate, their efforts magnified by the silent scrutiny of their families and peers.

Despite their best efforts, none could match Viktor's impressive display. The gap between him and the other candidates was sharply delineated, proving his exceptional talent and dedication. With each disappointing result, the tension in the air thickened, casting a shadow over the hopeful faces of the aspirants.

Agatha, standing at the podium, observed the proceedings with a seasoned eye. She took a moment to address the audience, her voice projecting across the plaza.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we must remember that these young talents are at the beginning of their journey. Achieving a double-digit flow at such a tender age is no small feat. It showcases their potential and the foundation they are building for the future."

Her words resonated through the crowd, providing a moment of reassurance for both the candidates and their families. While the triple-digit achievement set by Viktor remained the pinnacle, Agatha's acknowledgment helped ease the disappointment that lingered among those whose numbers fell short.

Amid the applause, some parents exchanged encouraging nods, realizing that their children's efforts were commendable for their age. The Selection Ceremony, with its highs and lows, continued as Agatha guided the candidates through the process, each one taking their turn at the device. The Academy's principal, with her wealth of experience, sought to foster an atmosphere of encouragement, emphasizing the potential within each young participant

However, despite Agatha's words of encouragement, the air was thick with disappointment for certain lords and ladies. Their ambitious dreams of securing the king's favor and elevating their family's status had taken a hit. Whispers of discontent circulated among the aristocrats, casting shadows over the joyous atmosphere that should have accompanied the Selection Ceremony.

As the numbers continued to be revealed, revealing the varying degrees of potential among the young candidates, some lords and ladies couldn't conceal their frustration. The competition for the king's attention was fierce, and the realization that their progeny fell short of expectations weighed heavily on their aspirations.

In the midst of the crowd, hushed conversations took place, veiled criticisms directed at those whose children failed to make a significant impact. The disappointment fueled an undercurrent of tension, creating subtle rifts among the noble families gathered to witness the Selection Ceremony.

The ambition to rise in the king's esteem had been a driving force for many, and with each disappointment, the dream of securing a prominent place within the kingdom's hierarchy seemed to slip further away. The once-unified assembly now bore the fractures of dashed hopes, creating a complex tapestry of emotions within the Academy plaza.

As the names were called one by one, a certain air of anticipation and excitement permeated the crowd. The lords and ladies anxiously awaited their children's turn, yearning for a favorable outcome. However, when the screen displayed another triple-digit, the collective gasp that swept through the assembly was palpable.

All eyes turned to the source of this unexpected surprise—a girl standing beside the device, her expression a blend of frustration and restraint. The hushed murmurs of the crowd were quickly replaced by a buzzing curiosity, as the mysterious girl found herself thrust into the spotlight.

Agatha, recognizing the anomaly and keenly observing the girl's demeanor, swiftly addressed her. "A remarkable achievement indeed! You shall join Viktor in the highest class," she announced, her words met with a mix of astonishment and admiration from the onlookers.

The revelation left the crowd in a state of mild shock, attempting to reconcile the unexpected triple-digit with the girl's apparent reluctance. Speculations and inquiries circulated through the assembly, intensifying the intrigue surrounding this figure who had defied expectations and secured a coveted spot among the kingdom's elite.

As the Selection Ceremony continued, the girl's presence added an unforeseen layer of complexity to the proceedings, injecting a sense of mystery and fascination into the hearts of those gathered in the Academy plaza.

As Agatha proceeded with the introductions, the king's attention sharpened, and a subtle frown creased his brow. "Agatha," the king, maintaining an air of composed stoicism, finally broke his silence, his deep voice resonating across the hushed hall. "What families does she hail from again?"

Agatha, momentarily taken aback by the king's inquiry, quickly composed herself before responding. "Your Majesty, she is the daughter of Lord Richard of Arcanum."

The king's reaction, a subtle yet perceptible shift in demeanor, did not escape the notice of those present. His gaze seemed to linger on Esme, daughter of Lord Richard, prompting whispers and murmurs among the assembled nobles.

The revelation of the girl's identity sent a ripple of curiosity and speculation through the crowd. Esme, daughter of Lord Richard of Arcanum, emerged from the shadows of anonymity to claim her place among the kingdom's elite. All eyes turned to the lord's seat, expecting to see the customary display of pride and arrogance befitting a nobleman whose daughter had achieved such a feat.

However, the reality painted a different picture. Instead of the expected swagger, Lord Richard's countenance betrayed a subtle unease, his forced smile masking a deeper apprehension. Beads of sweat glistened on his brow as he watched his daughter take her place beside Viktor, the king's son.

The king's reaction, though subtle, did not escape her notice. For the first time since the commencement of the ceremony, a flicker of emotion crossed the monarch's face, prompting whispers and conjecture among the spectators.

As Esme stood poised and resolute beside Viktor, the atmosphere crackled with anticipation. The unexpected turn of events had injected an element of mystery into an otherwise routine affair, leaving the audience eager to unravel the secrets shrouding this young girl from Arcanum.