Jian Ci turned back to Yu Xi, his expression smoothing into sothing softer. He was practically glowing with pride, his chest puffed out like he had just won the entire Imperial Gas.
He bumped his shoulder against Yu Xi’s with a smug little grin, clearly basking in his earlier verbal takedown of the instructor. Yu Xi shook his head, lips twitching. He’s so easy to please, he thought.
Honestly, who in the entire Imperial Academy didn’t know by now that Yu Xi was technically spoken for? If anyone dared approach him with so nonsense, and Jian Ci was within earshot, he would intercept like a territorial hawk. And the stoic and unreadable Yu Xi never stopped him. Not once.
It had gotten to the point where so of the younger cadets whispered that Yu Xi might be mute. After all, Jian Ci always spoke for him. And every ti Yu Xi let him, Jian Ci would light up like soone had just handed him a dal. His taphorical tail wagged so hard it was a miracle it didn’t knock soone over.
Feeling mischievous, Jian Ci took a step forward and bent his knees just behind Yu Xi’s.Yu Xi’s knees buckled slightly, jerking forward in surprise. Jian Ci pursed his lips, trying, and failing, not to laugh.
Yu Xi didn’t even turn around. He just reached back and flipped him off, his middle finger a silent, elegant rebuke.
Jian Ci chuckled, leaning in to whisper, "Wow. And here I thought the top student was well-behaved."
Suddenly, a firm hand clamped down on Jian Ci’s shoulder. He turned sharply, his aura shifting in an instant from playful to predatory, ready to strike. But then he saw who it was.
"Uncle," Jian Ci said, smile snapping into place as he straightened his posture.
Chancellor Lasson raised a brow, arms crossed over his ceremonial robes. "Still making trouble even on graduation day?"
Jian Ci grinned, hands tucked behind his back like a schoolboy caught mid-prank. "When have I not caused trouble?"
Chancellor Lasson gave a low chuckle, shaking his head. "You are right. I would be more concerned if you were well-behaved."
His gaze shifted to Yu Xi, and the warmth in his eyes deepened. "I am proud of you both. You did well."
Yu Xi inclined his head, his voice calm and respectful. "Thank you, Chancellor."
Lasson smiled, then added with a knowing look, "When the ceremony begins, restrain yourself. You—" he nodded at Yu Xi, "—I don’t have to worry about."
Then he turned to Jian Ci, his expression sharpening just slightly. "But you, on the other hand..."
Jian Ci raised a hand like he was swearing an oath. "I swear I won’t do anything."
"I hope so," Lasson said, though the amused glint in his eye suggested he wasn’t holding his breath.
With that, the Chancellor turned and walked away, his entire deanor shifting in an instant. The warm, teasing uncle vanished, replaced by the commanding presence of the Imperial Academy’s highest authority.
Cadets straightened as he passed, so snapping to attention, others hastily adjusting their uniforms. He didn’t hesitate to reprimand a few for crooked sashes or scuffed boots, his voice sharp and efficient.
The instructors began calling the graduates into formation, guiding them toward the arranged seats. The top-ranked cadets were led to the front, where five seats stood apart from the rest, symbols of distinction.
Yu Xi and Jian Ci took their places at the head of the procession, standing side by side in their formal uniforms. The sun caught the gold embroidery on their collars, casting a soft gleam across their shoulders. They weren’t allowed to sit until the Chancellor gave the signal, so they stood tall, silent, and composed.
Jian Ci leaned slightly toward Yu Xi and whispered, "I am already bored."
Yu Xi didn’t look at him. "You swore you would behave."
"I did," Jian Ci said, grinning. "But I didn’t say I wouldn’t complain." Yu Xi exhaled through his nose, the faintest smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
***
The grounds of the Imperial Academy had been transford into a ceremonial arena, banners of deep indigo and silver fluttering in the breeze. The marble stage glead under the midday sun, and the air was thick with reverence and anticipation.
The professors erged first, walking in solemn procession across the stage. Their academic gowns swept behind them like cloaks of nobility, the insignias of their disciplines stitched in gold thread over their uniforms.
They looked every bit the aristocrats of intellect and war, veterans of the battlefield and the classroom alike. As they reached their designated places, they stood before their seats, hands clasped behind their backs, as the Imperial Academy anthem began to play.
The music swelled, a haunting, triumphant lody that echoed through the grounds and into the hearts of every cadet standing below.
Jian Ci stood tall in the front row, his ceremonial uniform crisp, his expression composed. But his eyes wandered upward, scanning the stands. And then he saw them.
Jian Wei, arms crossed and expression unreadable. Jian Rui, calm and poised, nodding once in acknowledgnt. And next to them was Xiaobao, practically bouncing in her seat, waving both hands with unrestrained excitent.
Jian Ci’s lips curved into a smile. With the tip of his shoe, he tapped Yu Xi’s boot.
Yu Xi didn’t turn to look at him. "What’s up?" he whispered.
"On your nine," Jian Ci murmured.
Yu Xi turned his head slightly, just enough to see. His gaze landed on the trio in the stands. Xiaobao’s grin widened when she caught his eye, her hands still waving. Yu Xi gave her a small nod, the corner of his mouth twitching upward. His heart ached, just a little.
He knew that if circumstances were different, his grandfather would be here too. Eros would have taken the front row by storm, made a scene, clapped the loudest. But with his face on every wanted list in Virelia, even a disguise was a risk too great or so Yu Xi believed.
What he didn’t know was that Eros was there. Sitting in the very last row, dressed in the plain robes of a visiting scholar, his face and body completely reconfigured by illegal tech. No one gave him a second glance. But his eyes sharp and unblinking never left his grandson. Eros wouldn’t have missed this for anything. Not even the Empire’s bounty on his head.
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