Chapter 66: Naive?

The next morning, the students assemble back in the classroom.

​Mark steps up to the platform, capturing everyone's attention immediately. “Yesterday, we covered the Four Great Ducal Houses. Today, we turn to the other prominent High Noble Houses that form the backbone of the Empire.”

​He taps the blackboard, and a glowing chalk insignia depicting a sharp golden mask appears.

​“First is House Chrysos of the Central Region. Their current head is CountessTheia vaz Chrysos—a Tier 5 Mage widely known as the Lady of Gold, who also serves as the supreme leader of the Merchant Guild.”

​With another tap, the mask vanishes, replaced by the heavy silhouette of a jagged mountain peak.

​“Next is House Vuono in the South, headed by Count Rebus alat Vuono—a Tier 5 Knight known as the AmberSwordsman. They oversee the largest single mining operation in the entire Empire.”

​Mark taps the board again, drawing a sigil of a blazing, burning tree.

​“In the West stands House Pyr, renowned across the provinces for their terrifying offensive battle prowess. They are led by Count Dendro sal Pyr—a Tier 5 Mage remembered as the Mage of Drought.”

​The image shifts to the fierce emblem of a howling wolf.

​“From the North, we have House Lycos. They are one of the primary high noble bloodlines tasked with aiding House Bassivier in defending the Aegis mountain range. Their head Count Arthur uslLycos—a Tier 5 Knight famously titled the Knight of Ice.”

​A new sigil flares on the board, woven from radiating light.

​“In the Central Region, we also find House Medici, the realm's foremost masters of high-tier restorative and healing magic. Their house is led by Count Iasi tus Medici—a Tier 5 Mage widely revered as the ‘Miracle Healer’.”

​Finally, a sigil depicting roaring thunderclouds takes shape on the board.

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

​“And lastly, House Astrap of the East. They are responsible for port security and naval defense, monitoring all vessels entering and leaving the Empire's waters. Their house is led by Count Keraunous van Astrap.”

​Mark pauses, letting his gaze sweep across the listening class.

​“These bloodlines, alongside the Four Great Ducal Houses, represent the paramount nobility of the Krassius Empire—each carrying an immense legacy of power, history, and service to the Empire.”

Mark waits quietly for a few moments, letting the weight of the information settle over the room.

​Once he sees the students finish jotting down their notes, he steps to the edge of the platform and looks out over the class. “Now then... why do you think I just taught you all of this?”

​A brief silence falls over the classroom before a hesitant voice speaks up from the back. “Because... it’s part of the standard curriculum?”

​Mark simply shakes his head, turning his eyes toward the rest of the room, inviting a better answer.

​This time, Parth stands up, his posture straight. “So that we can understand the history of our Empire and truly appreciate the opportunities provided to us here at the Academy.”

​Mark shakes his head again.

​Seeing this, Edward—who carries himself with the quiet composure of someone familiar with noble society—speaks up. “So that we can understand the social hierarchy and political structure of the Empire.”

​Mark scratches his chin, resting his elbow in his hand. “Close... but still slightly off the mark.”

​He pauses, taking a slow, deliberate look at every single student in the room before leaning forward slightly.

​“The real reason I told you all of this... is for your safety.”

Mark pauses for a moment, letting his words sink in before continuing.

​“The framework upon which Empress Elizabeth established this Academy is downright absurd when you truly think about it. Even though it was founded by the Crown, it operates beyond the authority of the Imperial Court. Though it sits physically within the Empire's borders, it is not legally part of the Empire.”

​He steps off the wooden platform, strolling slowly down the center aisle.

​“Every professor standing in these halls—even those born into the highest nobility—must permanently sever all formal ties to their houses before taking the oath to teach here. And our Headmaster? Though he carries royal blood, he formally renounced his claims to the throne decades ago solely to govern this institution.”

​Mark stops at the center of the room, looking around at the quiet faces of his students.

​“So tell me... when you look at all those, doesn't the sheer existence of this place sound utterly absurd?”

Mark pauses, taking a slow moment to catch his breath before continuing.

​“All of this was done with a singular purpose: to turn this Academy into a true neutral sanctuary. A place where anyone can master magic to the absolute limit of their potential, offering equal opportunity to all—regardless of whether you carry common blood or a ducal lineage.”

​Mark looks across the room, an amused, knowing smirk playing on his lips as he meets the eyes of every student.

​“That is the grand ideal... but I certainly hope none of you are naive enough to actually believe it.”