However, as the two approached the line of students, and especially when they saw Ryan in his elegant school uniform and those striking red eyes, many people’s expressions changed at once.
“Saint Ivan, Guan Zhong.”
“Sensing that flickering hostility, Ryan quickly figured out who Flora meant by one of the top talents.”
“Forget about this person… he already holds the position of second squadron leader in the Hymn Knight Order, and the old man even bestowed upon him the title of “Sun Knight”; he is the Empire’s third most talented young prodigy.”
“Excluding the Judgment Brothers, the first young talent is Sai Lian Yaros…
Don’t let his easy defeat by Ast, one of the Four Knights of the Azure Sky, deceive you.”
“In reality, any knight squadron leader facing Ast would end up with the same result.”
“Once, Ryan also thought he could match Ast, but after Flora’s guidance just now, he realized how narrow-minded he had been in the past.”
“The old him, at most, could only force Ast to use his Guardian.”
“The Azure Sky Knights are that formidable.”
“Ryan knew, even without investigation, that at least two-thirds of the Royal Academy’s students had the Azure Sky Knights as their first choice after graduation.
This was because many students came from other major knight orders’ affiliated families. In other schools in the country with fewer such connections, you could even see over ninety percent of people wanting to join the Azure Sky Knights.’”
“His Black Dragon Knights, if forced to rank, were only slightly stronger than the Blue Lion and Red Watch Knight Orders. Recruiting a talent from the third-ranked Hymn Knight Order was impossible.”
“…After this, not provoking conflict with him would already be the best outcome.”
“Your Highness, why do you insist on recruiting him into the Black Dragon Knights?”
“Flora asked curiously.”
“Ryan paused, then said with shame, ‘Indeed, I was narrow-minded.’”
“Flora’s loyalty was high; her judgment came from a broad perspective as someone who would inherit the Empire in the future.”
“Whether it was the Black Dragon, Hymn, Blue Lion… or Azure Sky Knights, they would all be his in the future.”
“Furthermore, while his Black Dragon Knight Order, his base of power, was fine, his vision and magnanimity couldn’t be too narrow.”
“Talents from other knight orders willing to join his faction… as long as their loyalty was unquestionable, it was always a good thing.”
‘Old man, was this also part of your plan?’
Recalling that someone’s initial punishment was to forbid him from using the Black Dragon Knight Order’s power… Ryan gradually began to understand.
A monarch who only knew how to use, and only dared to use, familiar faces could never be a good monarch.
Although, after considering this, Ryan further approved of the old man’s order for him to enroll, if he were to say who helped him more, it was undoubtedly the golden-haired girl before him.
“Then, I’ll try to contact him later, and those two others as well…”
“Understood.”
Such a thing would certainly be a good story, but it also depended on the situation.
At least Flora didn’t think this Sun Knight would talk nicely to Ryan… but that female knight, Flora somewhat wanted Ryan to approach her.
However, the most important thing now was to enroll first.
Once the last group of students passed, Ryan dispelled his sword intent, allowing the lake water to return to calm.
The two rode in the carriage to the academy gate, and after having the coachman drive the carriage away in mid-air, they dispelled their invisibility and approached the gatekeeper.
“This is His Highness Ryan Rowland…’ Flora introduced.”
Affirming Ryan’s vision, the gatekeeper reported in a daze.
Upon seeing Ryan’s eyes, the gatekeeper rushed to inform.
A moment later, three academy teachers hurried over.
“Your Highness Ryan, welcome!”
“Your arrival truly brings glory to our humble school!”
The three bowed deeply, fawningly praising him, making Ryan seem like a visiting dignitary.
‘How boring.’
Although Ryan’s status was extraordinary, seeing these teachers, who were nobles or Grand Mages or Heavenly Knights, act so undignified, he still felt somewhat displeased—
“Teachers, there’s no need for this. His Highness Ryan is here as a student; please treat him as an ordinary student,’ Flora interjected, preventing the three from being overly humble, and then looked back at Ryan. ‘Your Highness, isn’t that right?”
“Yes, teachers, there’s no need to be so polite.”
Ryan, of course, would not disregard the golden-haired girl’s efforts, and smiled.
Seeing Ryan’s slightly softer expression, the three teachers exchanged glances.
After a moment, confirming that this was neither a trick nor a prank, the three straightened their backs slightly, but didn’t suddenly become stern or put on airs.
Instead, they welcomed the two into the school with a friendly and natural attitude, introducing everything about the academy.
‘Your Highness, when you encounter a situation you dislike, you must speak up actively.
Don’t just muddle through and put on a sour face, otherwise people will only think you are arrogant and cold, and hold grudges… Please remember not to create unnecessary enemies.’
‘Mmm, I understand.’
Ryan had originally wanted to say it didn’t matter… but being treated politely like this, even if it was just formality or for show, he didn’t actually dislike it.
After a brief tour, the teachers led them to the parade ground, preparing to attend the opening ceremony.
“Although listening to the school leaders speak is rather boring, this is, after all, a very important ceremony and cannot be missed.”
“Ryan feels that people bookSPACE.com spread rumors privately. Rest assured, I will defeat SF light novel.’”
Looking at the eager Flora, Ryan smiled faintly.
He knew without a doubt that the speeches from the principal and others would be incredibly boring.
But yesterday he had seen Flora browsing popular science books for commoners and merchants, like “A Good Student’s Day” and “My Days in a Noble School.”
Just now, she had even very actively obtained the “Academy Guidebook” from the teachers to flip through, showing a childlike curiosity…
Even if only to humor Flora, Ryan wouldn’t say anything about leaving because he was bored.
It was amusing, in a way. Before, the golden-haired girl had appeared profound and resourceful, but when she encountered something that genuinely interested her, she quickly became lively and adorable… And she wasn’t faking it.
At least, Ryan’s intuition told him that both personas were genuine expressions of Flora.
Of course, there were occasional instances of deliberate liveliness and eccentricity aimed specifically at Ryan… but compared to the beginning, Ryan now found it tolerable and even somewhat interesting.
Because she only put on that peculiar performance for Ryan; others wouldn’t have the chance to see it.
As for whether Ryan’s intuition could be wrong… honestly, his intuition wasn’t unfounded; it was influenced by his Guardian talisman ability.
However, as the two approached the line of students, and especially when they saw Ryan in his elegant school uniform and those striking red eyes, many people’s expressions changed at once.
If You Notice any translation issues or inconsistency in names, genders, or POV etc? Let us know here in the comments or on our Discord server, and we’ll fix it in current and future chapters. Thanks for helping us to improve! 🙂