A little time passed, and today was the entrance ceremony.
“Well, I’m off. It’s just the ceremony today, so Uru and Maria, finish unpacking. I expect you both to come to the academy with me from tomorrow.”
““Understood.””
Uru and Maria replied and immediately got to work.
In order to attend the Royal Academy in the capital, I, Absolute, would be moving into the Ark House’s villa there.
I headed towards the carriage that was waiting for me.
My steps were dignified and confident.
『Rainana Royal Academy』
This three-year school has a regulation that all nobles of the Rainana Kingdom must enter when they turn fifteen.
Classes are divided into A through E, and students are assigned based on their entrance exam scores.
In addition to nobles, children of famous merchants, those recommended by the church, and commoners backed by nobles are also eligible to enroll.
As a special exception, royalty and the Hero are exempt from the exam.
What is important in this academy is peerage and grades—in other words, ability.
Good scores on exams, mock battles in class, and written tests affect job prospects, future promotions, and the caste system within the academy.
There is basically no hierarchy based on peerage within the academy, but it’s not entirely absent. Of course, there are friendships that transcend factions, but in reality, people tend to stick with those from the same faction.
And today was the entrance ceremony, a major event. Since the venue opened, there were many upperclassmen preparing for the new students or there to help.
Amidst the bustling atmosphere, the students' gazes focused on the area near the school gate.
A large number of black carriages were lined up and parked in front of the gate.
Some of the students whispered.
“Aren’t those carriages from the Ark House?”
Just as the area began to stir, people began to descend from the carriages. It was a man who exuded an oppressive atmosphere and radiated a sense of loathing from every inch of his being.
Someone said.
“That’s Absolute Ark…”
After I showed myself, the nobles under the Ark House began to pour out of the following carriages one after another. With me at the head, the Ark House faction was gathering in full force.
After the Ark House faction appeared, it was clear that the atmosphere in the area had become heavy.
The Ark House faction, which appeared as an unusual sight to those around them, supposedly had few high-ranking nobles. They were supposed to be an eyesore within the country. Even if there were bad rumors, they weren't supposed to be so prominent, yet now, people couldn't take their eyes off them.
“H-hey, was the Ark House faction always a gathering of such dangerous guys?”
“I heard rumors that the Ark House is the big boss of some pretty shady organization… Maybe that pressure is real.”
“There’s Uris, the mad dog who bites even the higher nobles, and Lady Cruel, the flower of high society, too.”
The crowd naturally avoided us. The atmosphere was dominated by me.
I used the 【King's Rule】 skill to slightly intimidate those around me, creating a heavy atmosphere.
This display was meant to impress upon everyone that I was an absolute powerhouse, along with my subordinates.
First impressions are important. We must never be underestimated. If I’m around, I’ll crush anyone who tries something, but I can’t protect my subordinates if I’m not there when someone sets their sights on them.
That’s why I have to demonstrate it. The unity of the Ark House, here and now, to prevent anyone from even thinking about messing with the Ark House faction.
“Maybe it’s better not to get too close to the Ark House faction…”
“Yeah, I don’t want to be in the same class as them.”
“I want to get close to Lady Cruel…”
“Stop it. I heard that someone who kept hitting on her was half-killed by Absolute Ark. You’ll definitely get killed.”
Thanks to that, it was etched into the minds of those present: the Absolute faction and the existence of Absolute himself, who led it.
The entrance ceremony was held in the auditorium at the academy. Seats weren't assigned, so the Ark House filled the back seats.
Chris spoke to me from the side.
"You were getting stared at a lot earlier. I never thought you'd use such a method to keep people in check."
I scoffed at that.
"Don't use such exaggerated words like 'keeping people in check,' Chris. I simply went to school with you all, didn't I?"
“It’s hard to believe you when you were radiating so much bloodlust. You really are something…”
Chris and the others around him were also giving wry smiles, but I could tell they were looking at me with gratitude and envy.
They understood that I was deliberately keeping people in check for their sake.
"Thank you very much, Absolute-sama."
"Hmph, I don't know what you're talking about."
Chris offered his thanks on behalf of everyone, but I didn't accept it. We continued our usual exchange.
And so the entrance ceremony began. After it started, everything proceeded smoothly according to schedule.
There were introductions of the principal and teachers, and finally, introductions of the new students were made.
The representative was Prince Michael.
"Principal, teachers, thank you for your warm words of welcome. We will study at this academy so that we can grow as people who will bring no shame to the Rainana Kingdom. And we will deepen our friendships with our companions who will support the Rainana Kingdom together in the future, and we will become stronger so that we will not be defeated by any evil. Thank you for the next three years. New student representative, Michael Rainana.”
Michael's representative speech ended, and applause erupted. I also applauded, but Michael’s words sounded to me like
Gather supporters at the academy, crush Absolute, and reclaim the position of Crown Prince.
My eyes met Michael’s as he returned to his seat. Michael had eyes filled with hatred. Seeing those eyes, my conviction turned to certainty.
I was relieved when he was removed from the position of Crown Prince, but Michael still hadn’t given up… The Hero, the Saint, and the former Crown Prince and the original event… Very well, I’ll welcome them.
The one who survives in the end—
Will be Absolute Ark!
