The respective houses
Lucien barely had a moment to breathe before the headmaster continued speaking.
"Now that the trial is over, it’s time for the most important part of your stay here—your house assignments."
A murmur rippled through the hall.
Michael nudged Lucien’s arm. "Each student is sorted into a house. It determines your dormitory, social circle, and even your standing in the academy."
Lucien raised an eyebrow. "Standing?"
Michael sighed. "Yeah. Some houses are more… prestigious than others."
Lucien clicked his tongue. Of course.
The headmaster gestured towards the massive banners hanging above them, each representing one of the five houses:
Draconyx – Represented by a black dragon on a crimson banner. Known for warriors, strategists, and the most ruthless competitors in the academy. Most of the military families sent their children here.
Lunaris – A silver crescent moon on a deep blue banner. This house was for scholars, tacticians, and intellectuals. Many of the royal advisors and influential thinkers came from here.
Vermillion – A golden phoenix on a white and red banner. Politicians, socialites, and future leaders belonged here. It was the house of diplomacy, charm, and power plays.
Aureum – A golden griffin on a royal purple banner. This house controlled the economy. Most of the wealthiest families sent their children here to learn how to manage businesses, estates, and investments.
Obsidian – A silver snake on a dark green banner. The house of alchemy, medicine, and secrecy. Many of the kingdom’s healers, pharmacists, and research innovators came from this house.
Lucien observed the banners, his mind processing quickly.
Michael continued whispering. "Most people are placed in houses based on family legacy. If your parents were in Lunaris, you'll probably be in Lunaris too."
Lucien hummed in understanding. "And what about me?"
Michael winced. "Uh… you’re a Baldovery. That means you could fit into any of them."
Lucien narrowed his eyes. Great. Just great.
The headmaster raised a hand, silencing the murmurs. "Each student will step forward and be assigned a house based on their aptitude, lineage, and potential. Your time at the academy will be shaped by this choice. Choose wisely."
Lucien resisted the urge to roll his eyes.
One by one, students were called forward. Some looked excited, others terrified.
Lucien listened, taking note of which houses the elites were placed in:
Johan – Draconyx (of course).
Vicente – Vermillion (expected).
Jacob – Aureum (figures).
James – Draconyx (another military brat).
Xyden – Obsidian (pharmaceutical heir, makes sense).
Miguel – Lunaris (the only one not completely insane).
Finally, the headmaster called, "Lucien Baldovery."
The hall fell silent.
Lucien walked forward, adjusting his thick glasses.
The headmaster studied him for a long moment.
Everyone waited.
Then—
"Vermillion."
Gasps erupted across the hall.
Lucien raised an eyebrow. Oh?
Michael grabbed his arm. "Damn. You’re with the politicians."
Lucien smirked. "Seems fitting."
As he walked towards the Vermillion section, he could feel their eyes on him. The elites. The nobles. The future leaders of the empire.
He sighed internally.
This was going to be a long school year.