Chapter 135 Ch. 135: Creating Memories [3]
The grand hall was adorned with elegant decorations, emanating an air of celebration and accomplishment.
A vibrant tapestry of colors cascaded from the ceiling, draping the walls in a kaleidoscope of hues.
The room was filled with round tables, each meticulously set with crisp white linens, sparkling silverware, and delicate floral centerpieces that added a touch of freshness and beauty to the atmosphere.
At the front of the hall, a stage had been set up, adorned with a backdrop of the Academy's emblem and a podium.
Soft instrumental music played in the background, creating a soothing ambiance that complemented the joyful atmosphere.
They were dressed in their finest attire, donning gowns and suits.
Laughter and excited chatter filled the air, reminiscing about their shared experiences and the journey they had undertaken together.
A month had passed since the arena fight exam ended, and Adrian was now attending the graduation banquet.
"Lady Leticia, you must try this. It is absolutely delicious."
Nathaniel, who was seated next to Leticia, placed a slice of red velvet cake on her plate.
"Thank you."
"Oh, this one too!"
And he continued to add more pastries, one after another, to her plate.
Adrian watched the whole scene speechlessly, now he was wondering who her real partner was.
Shrugging nonchalantly, Adrian casually reached for his water goblet and took a sip.
Speaking of his partner, he actually asked Andarc for permission to take Leticia to the banquet, but unfortunately, Andarc rejected his request.
Yet strangely enough, a few hours after rejecting the request, Andarc called him and informed him that he had changed his mind and would now grant permission.
Adrian suspected that Leticia had played a role in swaying Andarc's decision, but whatever.
Nonetheless, Adrian was still grateful that his brother and Simone were willing to join them, as it made the table feel more lively.
"By the way, it was an impressive fight."
The moment a familiar voice pricked his ears, Adrian set down his glass and turned towards the source.
A young man with brown hair came into view—it was Simone.
Ah, it seemed he was referring to his battle against Felicia in the arena fight.
"Thank you."
Adrian nodded his head in acknowledgment.
As Adrian was about to resume the conversation, his attention was caught by a fleeting hand placing a scone on his plate.
Adrian cast a sidelong glance, and Leticia greeted him with a warm smile.
The soft lighting in the room accentuated her features, making her quite a picture.
"...thanks."
"You're welcome."
She replied softly, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Soon, Nathaniel chimed in with a playful remark.
"That's right! You should have directed your attention towards your own partner, not mine!"
"So, Simone is your partner?"
Adrian arched an eyebrow and asked.
Nathaniel proudly nodded his head in response, a wide grin spreading across his face.
"Of course! We make a good team!"
Letting out a mischievous smirk, Adrian inquired.
"So, you're a gay?"
Nathaniel's face quickly turned dark, and he snapped at his little brother.
"Say that once again and I'll spank your ass!"
Undeterred, Adrian stuck out his tongue mockingly, provoking Nathaniel further.
Soon, the banter between the two brothers added a lightheartedness to the evening, eliciting laughter from Simone and Leticia.
"You—"
However, before Nathaniel could continue, a commanding voice reverberated through the hall, instantly capturing the attention of everyone present.
"Ahem! Ahem!"
Their attention turned towards the podium, where a woman with flowing blonde hair stood tall and poised.
She exuded an aura of authority and grace, commanding the attention of all those present.
It was Serena, the esteemed school's vice-principal.
With a warm smile, she began her address, her voice resonating throughout the hall.
"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, and most importantly, our exceptional graduating class of the Arcanist Arts Academy."
The room fell into a hushed silence, the anticipation palpable as Serena continued.
"Tonight, we gather here to celebrate not only the culmination of years of hard work and dedication but also the remarkable achievements of our students."
Whispers of excitement and curiosity filled the room, as the students and guests speculated about the upcoming announcement.
"Do you think they'll announce the highest grade? I heard it's a new record this year!"
"Well, I think the answer is pretty obvious."
"You're right."
Adrian couldn't help but click his tongue when countless eyes landed on him.
"And now, I am thrilled to announce an incredible academic achievement. This year, one of our students has achieved the highest grade ever recorded, setting a remarkable new standard for excellence. It is my honor to reveal that this extraordinary accomplishment belongs to—"
Serena paused, allowing the suspense to build, her eyes scanning the room, heightening the anticipation.
"Adrian Leillucis from Sovereign Class 01!"
The room erupted in thunderous applause and cheers, the sound echoing through the hall.
"Congratulations! You made history!"
Nathaniel congratulated as he clapped and the others followed suit.
"Congratulations!"
"Congratulations!"
Serena descended from the podium and gestured for him to come up on stage.
Adrian stood up and confidently made his way to the stage.
As he walked past, people congratulated him, and Adrian graciously nodded in acknowledgment.
Arriving before her, Serena promptly extended her hand to Adrian, who reciprocated by shaking it.
"Your dedication, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to excellence have earned you this remarkable achievement. Your name will forever be etched in the annals of our school's history. Congratulations!"
"Thank you."
With that, Adrian ascended the podium and commenced his speech.
"I am truly honored and grateful for this recognition. I couldn't have done it without the support of my teachers, friends, and family."
The applause resurged with even greater intensity as Adrian brought his speech to a close.
Returning to his seat, Nathaniel couldn't contain his excitement and immediately raised his goblet as a symbol of celebration.
"Let's make the most of this incredible evening!"
Inspired by Nathaniel's enthusiasm, the others followed suit, raising their glasses high in the air.
Adrian couldn't help but chuckle at his brother's infectious spirit, eventually raising his own glass to join in the toast.
—Clank!
They clink their glasses together, toasting Adrian's achievement.
With all the speeches delivered and the applause subsiding, the banquet officially began.
Servants entered the hall, gracefully carrying trays laden with sumptuous dishes fit for a royal feast.
The tantalizing aromas of roasted meats, hearty stews, and freshly baked bread filled the air, whetting the appetites of all those present.
Goblets were filled with an array of refreshing juices, each one a vibrant burst of flavor.
As the night progressed, the hall echoed with the sounds of merry laughter, clinking goblets, and the melodies of bards playing lively tunes on their instruments.
.
.
.
Adrian dabbed his mouth with a napkin as he just finished his meal.
Since Nathaniel and Simone were off to greet their other classmate, only he and Leticia remained.
As the dance music filled the air, Leticia swiftly turned her attention towards Adrian and posed her question.
"Would you like to dance with me?"
Her eyes sparkled with anticipation.
However, he just stared at Leticia with a cold expression, his silence causing her heart to sink.
She immediately regretted her impulsive request, realizing that she might have made him uncomfortable.
"I'm sorry."
Leticia murmured, her head drooping in disappointment.
She felt a pang of sadness, thinking that she had ruined the moment and embarrassed herself.
If they were in the modern age, Adrian wouldn't have had a problem with it.
However, since they lived in a medieval setting, this hurt his pride. In medieval times, it was customary for a man to approach a lady and ask for her hand in a dance.
This act of invitation was seen as a display of chivalry and respect, rather than the other way around.
Just as Leticia was about to turn away, Adrian swiftly extended his hand.
"Would you like to dance with me?"
Leticia abruptly lifted her head and her eyes widened in surprise.
Somehow, she couldn't believe her ears!
Immediately, a rush of happiness washed over her, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of relief and excitement.
"Yes!"
Leticia exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine enthusiasm.
She eagerly accepted his hand, feeling a surge of gratitude and happiness.
With Adrian by her side, she knew that this would be a moment to cherish.
Hand in hand, Adrian and Leticia made their way to the dance floor.
However, as they approached, the other students immediately moved to the sides, leaving them alone in the spotlight.
Leticia furrowed her brows in confusion, noticing the sudden retreat of their peers.
"Why are they suddenly retreating?"
She whispered to Adrian, yet he just shrugged nonchalantly.
"Why bother about people's opinions?"
"But it still makes me a little nervous."
She admitted.
"Then don't look at them."
Leticia rolled her eyes in boredom, of course, an apathetic person like him wouldn't understand her anxiety.
"So, who should I look at then?"
She spoke exasperatedly.
Arriving at the middle of the dance floor, they stood face to face.
Adrian's gaze locked with hers, his voice gentle yet firm.
"Just look at me."
Leticia's heart skipped a beat as she instinctively followed his command, her eyes meeting his striking gaze.
She immediately regretted it, feeling her face grow hot with embarrassment.
How could she forget how captivating his appearance was?
Trying to hide her flustered state, Leticia averted her gaze, but Adrian's presence was impossible to ignore.
The melody of a violin filled the air, Adrian bowed while Leticia curtseyed, exchanging greetings.
Adrian extended his hand, and Leticia delicately placed hers in his.
The moment the music swelled, Adrian led Leticia onto the polished marble floor, their steps slow and deliberate, guided by the rhythm.
As they danced, Leticia struck up a conversation to break the silence between them.
"By the way, how does it feel to live as a Princess in the Castle?"
"I don't know, I'm a Prince."
"Right."
Leticia couldn't help but pout her lips, like—why was it so difficult to engage him in conversation?
Realizing her partner's sour mood, Adrian answered with a longer sentence.
"If you're going to marry a Prince from another kingdom, make sure to learn about politics. It'll help you a lot."
Understanding the weight of his words, Leticia nodded, appreciating his guidance.
Eager for more insights, she inquired further.
"Is there another tip?"
"Learn martial arts."
Leticia couldn't help but giggle at the unexpected suggestion, imagining herself mastering both politics and martial arts, becoming a formidable Princess.
"Alright, I'll remember it."
The waltz continued, Adrian's arm encircled Leticia's waist, while Leticia's other hand rested gracefully on Adrian's shoulder.
When their bodies were aligned, Leticia asked a question that caught Adrian off guard.
"If I were to confess my feelings for you, how would you respond?"
"..."
Adrian locked eyes with her, taken aback by her boldness, but she fearlessly held his gaze.
So, his assumption was correct, huh?
This young girl had developed feelings for him.
Reflecting on it, it all began when he saved her from drowning.
Could it be love at first sight?
It seemed plausible.
However, why couldn't she comprehend his lack of reciprocation?
Despite his repeated attempts to make it clear, she persisted in her affection for him.
Adrian couldn't fathom the thought process of this little girl.
Then again, he recalled that comprehending a woman's heart and mind was a complex task.
Since outright rejection didn't dissuade her, perhaps he should consider a gentler approach.
Letting out a sigh, Adrian answered.
"Did you know that when you feel grateful towards someone because they are kind to you, it's called gratitude, not love?"
Adrian spoke softly, trying to convey his point without hurting her feelings.
Leticia tilted her head, confusion etched on her face.
"Gratitude?"
She repeated, seeking clarification and Adrian nodded.
"Yes, gratitude. It's when you appreciate someone for their kindness and the positive impact they have on your life. It's a wonderful feeling, but it's not the same as romantic love."
Leticia's brows furrowed as she tried to grasp the concept.
"I don't understand."
She admitted, her voice tinged with innocence and curiosity.
"Don't worry. Sometimes these things become clearer as we grow older and gain more life experiences. When you become an adult, you'll eventually understand the difference between gratitude and love."
Leticia's mind drifted, as they shared the same age, then—
"So, it's in five years, huh?"
Leticia mused, referring to the traditional time when they would be considered adults.
Adrian nodded again, acknowledging her statement.
"Yes, that's right."
However, Leticia couldn't help but press further.
"But what happens if after five years my heart hasn't changed? What if I still feel the same way?"
Taking a deep breath, Adrian made a decision that surprised both Leticia and himself.
"Find me, say that you still love me, and I'll… marry you."
But Adrian believed that her love for him was merely a fleeting infatuation.
He was confident that as she matured, she would come to realize this.
Besides, as a noble, she would likely be engaged to someone else by then.
Leticia's eyes widened, her heart leaping with joy.
She had not expected such a response.
A warm smile spread across her face, radiating happiness.
"I understand. Then I'll patiently wait."
Her voice filled with determination.
Adrian couldn't help but feel a mixture of emotions.
He knew that waiting for someone for years seemed impractical and unlikely, but whatever.
Adrian took Leticia's hand and swept her into a breathtaking dip.
Her body arched gracefully in his arms, their movements synchronized as if they were the only two people in the room.
With a swift yet gentle motion, Adrian lifted Leticia back up, their bodies coming together once again.
The applause erupted, filling the room with thunderous appreciation for their flawless waltz.
As the final notes of the waltz faded away, Adrian and Leticia slowly parted, and they bowed toward each other once again.
Straightening their backs, Leticia spoke, her voice filled with gratitude and sincerity.
"Your Highness, thank you so much for giving me such a beautiful memory. I'll cherish this moment forever."
"You're welcome."
Leticia's smile never ceased, her eyes shining with hope and anticipation.
With a final farewell, she bid him goodbye, her voice filled with a mixture of longing and optimism.
"Goodbye, Your Highness. I hope we will meet again."
"Goodbye."
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