The academy gate opens
The grand entrance of the Royal Academy was adorned with golden banners, and students arrived in lavish carriages, each more extravagant than the last. The academy spared no expense in welcoming its newest batch of elites—an event filled with music, speeches, and an unspoken war of status.
Among them, a simple yet luxurious black carriage with the Baldovery crest rolled in. The coachman expertly guided the horses, and as the carriage came to a stop, the academy grounds seemed to quiet just a bit.
Inside the Carriage
Lucien adjusted his thick glasses, his golden hair falling over his eyes. He sighed. "So this is it, huh? My peaceful life, gone."
Across from him, his father, Lord Baldovery, sat with arms crossed, his gaze serious. His mother, Lady Baldovery, held his hand tightly.
"Remember, my love," his mother said, eyes filled with worry. "You don't need to stand out. Keep a low profile, avoid unnecessary conflicts, and never let anyone see your face."
Lucien smirked. "Don't worry, Mother. No one will notice me. With these thick glasses and my hair down, I look like an innocent scholar, not some spoiled rich boy."
His father sighed. "This isn't a joke, Lucien. The academy is full of wolves. You're the first Baldovery heir to ever step foot here. That alone makes you a target."
Lucien waved a hand dismissively. "I get it, I get it. Stay quiet, avoid attention, don’t trust anyone. But let's be real—how long do you think that'll last?"
His sister, Elise, smirked. "Not long. You were never the type to sit back and be ignored."
Lucien rolled his eyes. "Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence, sis."
The carriage door opened, and the butler, Vincent, bowed. "Young Master, it is time."
Lady Baldovery gripped his hand tighter. "Be careful, my love."
Lucien chuckled. "Mother, you're acting like I'm going to war."
His father gave him a firm nod. "It might as well be."
Lucien stepped out, and the moment his polished shoes touched the academy ground, the air seemed to shift.
Whispers spread like wildfire.
"A Baldovery? Here?"
"I thought they never let their children out?"
"Why does he look so… ordinary?"
Lucien smirked under his glasses. Perfect. Let them underestimate me.
He straightened his uniform and walked forward, completely ignoring the sea of staring eyes. But as he did, he could feel a few particular gazes burning into him—ones filled with curiosity, amusement, and something far more dangerous.
And just like that, the game had begun.
He took a seat near the middle rows, where students of lesser influence usually gathered. Tsk. As if that’ll stop them from approaching me, he thought.
And, as expected, someone did.
A boy with chestnut-brown hair and a charming smile strolled toward him. “Lucien Baldovery, right?” he said, his voice smooth and friendly.
Lucien didn’t even need to look at him properly to know—Michael.
He glanced up, studying him for a brief second. Neatly pressed uniform, well-groomed, the kind of guy who probably talks his way through anything.
Lucien already knew why he was here.
People like Michael didn’t just approach someone to say hello.
They approached for connections.
“I’m Michael,” the boy introduced himself, offering a hand. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”
Lucien kept his hands in his pockets. “Likewise.”
Michael’s smile faltered for just a second before he covered it up. “You know, everyone’s been wondering about you. Your family is… well, quite influential.”
Lucien tilted his head, feigning innocence. “Is that so?”
Michael chuckled, sitting beside him without invitation. “Of course. The Baldoverys never really show themselves, and now, one of them is here. Naturally, people are curious.”
Lucien hummed, looking uninterested. He wasn’t new to this. People like Michael weren’t just curious—they were testing him.
“How’s your first day so far?” Michael continued.
Lucien leaned back. “It’s been… entertaining.”
Michael laughed. “Well, if you need anything, let me know. I’d be happy to help.”
Lucien gave a small smile. “Noted.”
Michael stayed for a few more minutes, making small talk, before finally leaving.
Lucien sighed the moment he was gone.
He’s the type who gathers information first before deciding whether someone is worth befriending or crushing.
Lucien wasn’t foolish enough to trust him.
But at least, for now, Michael seemed to be playing nice.
The speech continued, and Lucien kept his guard up.
The academy was dangerous, but it wasn’t the physical threats that concerned him.
It was the people.
And so far, he had already attracted the attention of too many of them.