Chapter 28

Chapter 28

Valen possessed a natural charisma and strong social skills, allowing him to learn many insider tips within the academy that others couldn't access.

"This afternoon, the academy will recruit some students for the orientation work," Valen said. Immediately after speaking, he remembered that Arthur had rejected a family-arranged marriage for his sake, resulting in his allowance being cut in half. His gaze softened even more. "I'll go make arrangements right away. Arthur, you can report directly this afternoon."

The task payment was substantial, and the work itself was simple and safe. Orientation duties were typically assigned to second-year students who were less capable but had strong backing. If Valen weren't friends with the student council president's secretary, he wouldn't dare make such a guarantee.

"I'd be even more grateful if you could treat me to a couple of meals," Arthur said without any pretense of politeness. He knew he could drop the formalities with Valen.

"With the greatest pleasure," Valen replied, genuinely enjoying this lack of ceremony. This was the person he loved, the one he wanted to spend his life with, walking side by side. He was willing to give Arthur everything, including his time and energy.

Arthur smiled, appearing very pleased. But inwardly, he was already thinking about how to get some money. Since Evan was no longer an option, perhaps he should try reaching out to other admirers from his middle school days. Come to think of it, there was that young woman from the humanities class, the youngest daughter of a wealthy merchant family. She was quite doted on, good-looking, and rumored to have been engaged to the eldest son of a baron right after graduation.

Being quite an old hand at romance, Arthur quickly formulated a plan to charm her, with the crucial point being not to let Valen find out. He knew the consequences would be unthinkable if Valen discovered his schemes.

Looking at the deeply affectionate Valen before him, Arthur returned a smile just as tender. That smile held both love and a trace of guilt. But he knew that for the sake of his own life and future, he had to make certain choices.

On July 15th, the sky was as clear as a gem, cloudless for miles, with sunlight pouring down unobstructed—undoubtedly an exceptionally fine day. As the first rays of morning light gently roused the slumbering earth, Evan slowly rose to begin another busy day. He washed and groomed himself meticulously, each movement filled with anticipation for the new day. Then, he carefully changed into the fine suit he had purchased in Beckland. The attire was of excellent quality and fine tailoring, every detail exuding quality and taste. Evan donned a small, exquisite top hat, which sat upon his head like a tiny crown, adding an air of elegance and nobility. Next, he fastened a small bow tie, which resembled a delicate butterfly knot, radiating refined beauty. Finally, he attached silver cufflinks, which sparkled with a silvery gleam in the sunlight like twinkling stars. After such careful grooming, Evan looked every bit the part of a young master from the imperial capital, well-bred and from a prosperous family. He walked along Academy Street with calm and confident steps, not seeming out of place at all. Every passerby couldn't help but glance at him a few more times, drawn by the aura he projected.

Carrying his travel case, Evan walked slowly to the Imperial Knight Academy. When his gaze fell upon the academy's majestic main gate, a sense of awe welled up within him. The gate somewhat resembled the Arc de Triomphe from his previous life, only larger and more imposing. It stood tall and grand, like an insurmountable mountain peak, emanating an air of authority and solemnity. On either side of the gate stood two bronze statues of knights charging on horseback. The statues were lifelike, as if two valiant knights were galloping into battle. Their postures were upright, their gazes resolute, their lances pointed forward as if declaring the glory and majesty of the Imperial Knight Academy to the world. The bronze gates stood wide open, seemingly welcoming the new students with open arms. The open gates were like a giant embrace, waiting for new students to step into its fold and begin their academic journey. Whether accompanied by parents or arriving by carriage, everyone had to disembark fifty meters before the gate and enter the academy on foot. This was a tradition and a sign of respect. It symbolized that everyone entering the Imperial Knight Academy must embark on this challenging and opportunity-filled path of learning with a humble heart and determined steps. Moreover, only students and faculty of the Imperial Knight Academy were permitted to enter; parents, regardless of their noble status, had to stop outside the bronze gates. This rule was personally established by the academy's first headmaster, Emperor Saion. Having withstood the test of time, it was still strictly observed, reflecting the academy's rigor and solemnity, as well as the empire's high regard for military education.

For from the day students of the Imperial Knight Academy stepped through its gates, they were no longer merely ordinary students or civilians, but active-duty military personnel and reserve officers! They bore the empire's heavy responsibilities and carried its hopes. Evan couldn't help but glance at the parents, whose faces displayed a variety of emotions. Some parents were commoners, their faces filled with reverence. Looking at the majestic gate, they seemed to see hope for their children's future. They knew their children would receive rigorous military education here and become pillars of the empire. They felt proud of their children, yet also worried for their future. Other parents were clearly nobles; besides reverence, their faces held an extra layer of expectation. They hoped their children would excel within the Imperial Knight Academy, become the empire's elite, and bring honor to their families. However, regardless of their status, a common emotion was evident on their faces: love for their children and trust in the Imperial Knight Academy.

Pulling his suitcase, Evan slowly walked through the bronze gates. At that moment, he seemed to feel a sense of historical weight and mission. He knew that from this moment on, his life would undergo a significant transformation. He would no longer be an ordinary youth, but a soldier bearing the empire's responsibilities. As soon as he entered the bronze gates, a young man wearing the academy badge immediately approached. The youth stood tall and straight, his gaze firm—clearly a soldier who had undergone strict training. Judging by the badge's color, he was a second-year senior.

"Hello, junior. I'm Anru Bix, a second-year student in charge of this year's orientation work," Anru said, his voice clear and bright, full of enthusiasm and vitality. He glanced at Evan's formal attire and immediately mentally tagged Evan as "not short on money." In his view, Evan's dress indicated a well-off family background, which also meant he might be more capable of handling some of the academy's fee-based offerings. Then, Anru naturally took Evan's leather case and led the way. Perhaps because they were all military personnel, Anru handled matters with great efficiency and directness, without any hesitation. He quickly took Evan to complete the enrollment procedures and collect the school uniform and badge. During this process, Anru detailed the academy's various rules, regulations, and points of attention, giving Evan a deeper understanding of the academy.