Lex's POV
Location :The Partner's Observation Deck
The ship carrying the four young men—now Barons of the realm—touched down at one of the capital continent's primary docking ports.
Stepping out of Leo's ship as we headed to a smaller Academy issued ship as the 900 meter class were not allowed in Capital airspace.
I couldn't help but complain to Jarvis who was hovering by my left shoulder (as he always does)
"Jarvis, remind me again why we had to take Leon's ship instead of mine?"
"Sir, I seem to recall you lost the right after you lost a game of rock, paper, scissors" he responded.
"Ohh that's why" still down in the dumps about that Leon Came running and tackling my shoulders to use them as backs.
"Don't tell me your still mad about losing now are you". He asked still looking smug, about his victory.
But Luxion came to my rescue,
"Master, Please don't forget that you have lost more times than you have won"
"You just had to rain on my parade, didn't you Luxion"
"That is my job master" Luxion added a sarcastic remark.
With Leon and Luxion still in their own world we were boarded a smaller, automated transport provided by the Academy, which navigated the aerial currents toward the massive campus.
From the ground, the Academy was an awe-inspiring sight. It was a sprawling collection of ivory towers, marble halls, and divine gardens, all facilities were constructed on a massive flat surface, a testament to the crowns immense coffers.
The campus resembled a celestial city dedicated to learning, completely unlike the military base or the rural barony. The architecture was a mix of classic elegance and subtly integrated technology, shimmering under the morning sun.
"Well, this is it," Daniel murmured, adjusting his new uniform and looking overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the campus. "It's... a bit much, isn't it?"
"A lot more impressive than our barracks," Raymond added with a low whistle, looking at the towering spires.
The whole, was in our perfectly tailored uniforms that still bore the subtle, military cut of the 104th regiment origins.
I turned to Jarvis and asked an important question.
" Is there a point in attending the academy that isn't to find a Wife?,"
"Through the research I conducted I found out that, outwardly, the Academy exists to educate the children of noble families and turn them into exemplary members of society" he said.
"They are many other noble children who spend their who lives holed up within their own territories lacking basic knowledge about the world and high society as a whole. The Academy aims to gather them all in one place to mold them."
"Additionally it allows the royal family to display the splendor of the Capital to the uninitiated, thereby snuffing out any thoughts of rebellion."
"They also serve as good hostages, that can be used against the regional lord's,
While the Lord take this chance to increase their childrens knowledge and connections."he finally added.
" The primary reason for the Academy's existence is to instill in students the idea that they are from the same country.
Leon pulled Luxion to his side and started whispering, what they said I don't know.
Leon's POV
"So there are legitimate reasons for the Academy's existence? I was pretty sure it only existed because schools were an essential element in otome games"
Still whispering to each other Luxion added,
"I hear your people search for marriage partners at this academy as well"
Luxion continued
"For young noble children this place is its own social sphere. Do be careful, master. If you slip up, you may embarrass yourself."
'What kind of uncultured swine did he think I was?'
"I'm a background character" I assured him "I'm not going to standout. They'll treat me like a prop. My life here will won't be better or worse than what I have now"
Luxion seemed perplexed
"A 'background character' I understand your implication however, l believe your judgment -----"
"Ah well, I'll secure a partner, no problem" I interrupted "No stunning high class flower from a noble family, just a normal daughter of knights with whom I can live my life in peace. That'll be enough."
Courtesy of Zola, I was painfully aware of the misery awaiting me if I dared to covet a woman of high status.
Luxion stood frozen, I know he can't show emotions as an Ai, but there are times where, I could read him,and right now it looked like he was debating between telling a kid that Santa doesn't exist, or not.
"Master as a Baron, you will be expected to attend classes meant for noble heirs, and you will have to find a wife from a prominent family."
With those words I then remembered something, we were told before we got promotions.
"Academy classes are split into two : one for noble heirs and the other for general students. These general students are usually the sons of Knights and Baronets< who served Nobel families> or second and third sons. High ranking Families might send their second and third sons to higher classes, but rural nobels don't have the finances.
This of course doesn't apply to daughters, of course. Girls from Nobel families entered the higher class regardless of family finances.
I am in the general class so next year you two will be my juniors." oh yeah Nick's said that.
"Just remember the plan," I said quietly.
"Low profile. Get an education, find nice girls, retire. We are background characters, remember" I repeated it like a mantra in my head.
The transport finaly docked at a grand entrance plaza, which was surprisingly quiet, save for a few groundskeepers.
Omni pov
They were directed toward the main auditorium. The entrance ceremony was held in a massive, dome-shaped hall, resembling a combination of a traditional Japanese high school gymnasium and a cathedral.
The air was thick with the scent of polished wood and magic-infused incense. The auditorium was mostly empty, save for a raised dais where several solemn-looking professors and high-ranking officials sat.
The ceremony began with a procession of important staff members and a stern introduction from the Academy Headmaster, a severe woman who started lecturing the empty seats about discipline and responsibility.
The speeches droned on.
Raymond and Daniel, disciplined by five years of military lectures, sat up straight in the front row, paying close attention. But the constant droning sound, combined with the lack of physical exertion and the warm ambient temperature of the hall, was proving too much for the twins.
"Sir" Jarvis's synthesized voice whispered still in cloaking mode.
"Your neural activity is rapidly decreasing. It is recommended you remain conscious during the address."
Lex shifted, trying to fight the encroaching sleep. "Just... five more minutes, Jarvis," he muttered back under his breath.
The Headmaster yielded the floor to a particularly verbose nobleman, whose voice had a rhythmic, hypnotic quality. The twins' heads began to droop.
"Hey, guys, wake up," Raymond hissed, subtly elbowing Lex in the ribs.
Daniel tried to subtly kick Leon's shin under the bench. " status update, comrade"
It was too late. Within moments, both Leon and Lex were fast asleep, their breathing deep and regular, balanced precariously on the hard wooden bench. The few faculty members who noticed simply shook their heads in silent judgment of the new, undisciplined Barons.
Daniel and Raymond started panicking, trying to discreetly shake their friends awake without drawing more attention.
Suddenly, the nobleman on the dais reached a crescendo in his speech: "And we must all strive to—"
At that exact moment, Luxion and Jarvis, sensing their masters impending embarrassment, emitted a quick, localized sonic pulse near their ears.
Leon and Lex both shot upright simultaneously as if shocked by an electric current.
"Who? What?, Behemoths!" Leon shouted, fully alert and slightly disoriented, instinctively reaching for the hilt of his katana, and summoning Masamune.
Lex, equally startled, yelled with perfect comedic timing, "Rock, Paper, Scissors, Go!" and slammed his hand down onto Raymond's knee, ready for a fight or a tiebreaker.
An absolute, stunned silence fell over the massive auditorium, which felt even heavier with only the faculty present. Every eye in the building was on the two wide-awake, panting, and wildly embarrassed twins.
Raymond buried his face in his hands, muttering, "The plan, Leon! The plan!"
Raymond just stared at Lex's hand on his knee, his face a mask of disbelief.
The quiet, mob life plan had officially died before the first class had even begun.