Applause gradually spread throughout the academy courtyard.

It started with only a handful of students clapping, but within seconds, more hands joined in until the sound rolled across the gathering like a wave. Every pair of eyes slowly shifted toward the same figure.

Ezra Ashenlocke.

Standing quietly among the crowd, Ezra looked back at his classmates with his usual calm expression.

His face showed little emotion.

He simply observed the sea of students before him as if he couldn’t understand why everyone had suddenly focused their attention on him.

Princess Stella smiled gently.

"Come on, Ezra."

Her voice remained graceful and composed, carrying just enough warmth for those nearby to hear.

"Don’t be shy."

Ezra’s eyes slowly swept across the crowd.

Students from every Noble House stared at him with obvious anticipation.

Many had already raised their Paras, Starlixs, and Zphones.

Some were already recording, while others eagerly snapped photographs.

What exactly do they expect me to say?

That single thought crossed Ezra’s mind as he looked at the countless hopeful faces surrounding him.

Before he could decide what to do...

Clap!

A single clap echoed clearly through the courtyard.

The sound wasn’t especially loud.

Yet for some reason...

It instantly drew everyone’s attention.

"Ezra."

Clap!

"Ezra."

Clap!

The steady rhythm continued.

Students instinctively turned toward the source of the voice.

There...

Vera calmly stood with her usual composed expression.

Her movements were gentle.

Every time her hands met, the clap sounded crisp and strangely clear, cutting through the surrounding chatter with surprising ease.

She didn’t raise her voice.

She didn’t smile.

She simply continued clapping while calmly calling Ezra’s name.

"Ezra."

Her dry, even tone somehow carried farther than many of the louder voices around her.

Several nearby students blinked in surprise.

"Lady Vera..."

A girl covered her mouth.

"She’s chanting his name."

Another student looked between Vera and Ezra in disbelief.

"Are they really that close?"

"Didn’t you see them walking together earlier?"

"They were talking the whole time."

Another student quickly nodded.

"Then the rumor must be true."

"Ezra really is Lady Vera’s dance partner."

Soft whispers immediately spread through the surrounding students.

Some looked curious.

Others looked jealous.

A few girls frowned slightly, while several boys stared toward Ezra with expressions they couldn’t quite hide.

The rumors that had quietly circulated throughout Orientation Week suddenly felt much more believable.

Then another familiar voice joined in.

"Ezra!"

Veda raised one hand high into the air.

A bright grin spread across his face as he happily clapped along with Vera.

Not long afterward...

"Ezra."

Cyrus also joined the chant.

Unlike the others, he wore his usual teasing smile while looking directly at Ezra.

Their eyes briefly met.

Cyrus merely shrugged as though saying, You’re on your own.

One after another...

More voices joined.

Gareth smiled before slowly clapping along.

His applause wasn’t loud.

It was simply sincere to the eyes of the students around him.

Felix glanced sideways at him.

His brows furrowed slightly.

The displeasure in his eyes became obvious, but with everyone else joining in, there was little he could do besides silently endure it.

Not far away...

Princess Stella lightly clapped as well.

Fatima followed soon after.

Selena gracefully joined them, maintaining the elegant smile that never seemed to leave her face.

"I don’t know why..."

Maxwell scratched the back of his head before laughing softly.

"But now I feel like joining too."

He began clapping without another thought.

Even Diane...

Who usually remained detached from everything happening around her...

Quietly lifted her hands.

"E-Ezra..."

Her soft voice was barely audible as she gently clapped.

The children of Berg around her froze.

Inside the Grand Ballroom...

"My Lady..."

One of Diane’s maids stared with trembling lips.

"She’s clapping..."

Tears slowly formed in the corners of her eyes.

"My Lady is actually joining a student chant..."

She placed both hands over her mouth, struggling to contain her emotions.

She looked exactly like a proud mother watching her child accomplish something important for the very first time.

"And... It’s for a boy..."

The attendants standing beside the nearby windows exchanged puzzled looks at Diane’s maid before quietly turning toward Diane, herself.

None of them could understand why she was reacting like that.

On the other side, not far from where the maid of Diane stood.

Lucy had also found a place by one of the tall windows overlooking the courtyard.

She rested both elbows against the window frame while watching everything unfold below.

A wide smile slowly stretched across her face.

"So..."

She quietly chuckled to herself.

"My Master is becoming more popular."

Her eyes sparkled mischievously.

Her thoughts had already wandered elsewhere.

She was now wondering exactly how she would tease her master about this later.

Back outside...

The chant steadily grew louder.

"Ezra!"

"Ezra!"

"Ezra!"

More students joined every passing second.

The applause became stronger.

The synchronized voices echoed throughout the academy grounds.

Yet...

Standing at the center of it all...

Ezra’s expression barely changed.

He simply looked at everyone with the same calm face he always wore.

Seeing that blank reaction...

Veda couldn’t help laughing.

He stepped closer before raising both hands high into the air.

"Everyone!"

His energetic voice immediately caught the attention of the surrounding students.

"Let’s give another round of applause... for the one and only creator of the Phantom Rolls!"

The crowd immediately responded.

"Yeah!"

Cheers erupted once more.

The applause became even louder than before.

Bright smiles spread across countless faces.

Even students who had never spoken to Ezra before found themselves clapping together with everyone else.

Near the front...

The two News Club hosts exchanged excited glances.

Neither of them wanted to miss an opportunity like this.

They quickly hurried toward the front of the gathering, positioning themselves near Princess Stella and the Royal Phantom Rolls.

The female host immediately raised her microphone.

"Everyone!"

She smiled brightly.

"Shout his full name!"

She pointed toward Ezra.

"Ezra Ashenlocke!"

The students answered almost instantly.

"EZRA ASHENLOCKE!"

The shout echoed across the academy grounds.

It was loud enough for even those standing inside the ballroom to hear.

Ezra slowly closed his eyes.

"...Ah."

A quiet sigh escaped his lips.

For the first time that evening...

His shoulders seemed to sink ever so slightly.

Without another word...

He finally began walking toward the Royal Phantom Rolls.

The crowd immediately parted to make way for him.

"Woo!"

"Let’s go!"

"Inventor!"

Whistles mixed with applause as Ezra calmly walked through the path that had naturally opened before him.

Camera flashes continued bursting around him.

Some students hurried forward to capture a better angle.

Others simply watched him with admiration as he made his way toward Princess Stella and the magnificent Royal Phantom Rolls waiting beneath the evening sky.

"Ezra Ashenlocke."

Princess Stella softly called his name.

Her graceful smile remained gentle as she looked at him with calm, welcoming eyes.

Ezra walked to a stop before her.

"Greetings, Princess."

He lowered his head in a respectful bow.

Without saying a word, Stella slowly extended one elegant hand toward him.

The movement was natural and refined, drawing the attention of many nearby nobles who quietly watched the exchange.

Ezra’s eyes briefly wandered toward the crowd of students surrounding them.

Hundreds of curious gazes rested upon him.

Countless Paras, Starlixs, and Zphones remained pointed in his direction.

After only a brief glance...

His attention returned to the Princess.

He gently held her hand.

His grip was careful and respectful.

Then he bowed once more before calmly releasing it.

Princess Stella’s eyelids twitched almost imperceptibly.

He was supposed to kiss my hand...

A trace of confusion surfaced in her beautiful eyes.

She looked at Ezra for another moment, trying to determine whether he had intentionally ignored royal etiquette or simply didn’t know it.

Not that kissing the Princess hand was an absolute most.

Before she could think further...

Ezra had already stepped away.

He walked toward the two News Club hosts without the slightest hesitation.

The male host quickly handed him a microphone.

"Here you go."

Ezra accepted it with a polite nod.

Turning around, he faced the enormous crowd gathered before the Royal Phantom Rolls.

The academy courtyard gradually became quieter.

Students instinctively lowered their conversations while cameras focused entirely on him.

Even those standing farther away quietly leaned forward.

"Good evening... students of the Royal Academy."

Ezra spoke in his usual calm, straightforward tone.

However...

There was a subtle confidence hidden beneath his voice.

It wasn’t loud.

Nor was it dramatic.

It was simply steady.

During the Phantom Rolls auction presentation, Lara had personally trained him on public speaking.

Those lessons remained firmly stored among Ezra’s countless skill list.

The students immediately answered.

"YEAHHHHH!"

The response echoed across the academy grounds.

Many students raised their hands while cheering.

Others whistled loudly.

Ezra waited patiently until the cheers gradually settled.

Then he slowly turned his head toward the magnificent vehicle parked beside him.

"I’m sure... It’s already impressive looking at this beautiful Phantom."

His eyes calmly traveled across the polished body of the Royal Phantom Rolls.

The smooth black exterior reflected the fading evening light like a perfectly polished mirror.

Golden lines stretched elegantly across its body, while the Eclipse emblem proudly rested at its center.

The craftsmanship spoke for itself.

Ezra looked back toward the students.

"And... it isn’t even moonlight yet."

He paused briefly.

"When the moon rises... that’s when its true beauty begins to show."

As he finished speaking...

A faint smile appeared on his face.

It wasn’t exaggerated.

Nor did it linger for long.

It was only a small, genuine smile.

Then...

It disappeared just as quickly as it had appeared.

Even so...

That brief smile left a powerful impression.

Several girls standing near the front instinctively covered their mouths.

Their cheeks quickly turned red.

"I-I saw him smile..."

One girl whispered excitedly, pressing both hands against her warm cheeks.

"It was so cool..."

"I missed it."

Another girl frowned in disappointment.

"I didn’t see anything."

"He’s still handsome even when he isn’t smiling."

Someone else quickly defended.

"You all seriously missed it."

"It only lasted for a second."

Not far away...

Veda stared toward Ezra with exaggerated disbelief.

He slowly pointed a finger at him.

"He’s actually smiling."

His expression looked genuinely betrayed.

"I’ve known him this long...and now he decides to smile because he’s talking to everyone else?"

Tracy immediately burst into laughter.

"You sound jealous."

"I am."

Veda admitted without the slightest shame.

His honest answer only made Tracy laugh even harder.

After allowing the cheers to settle once again...

The female host stepped forward.

She smiled curiously at Ezra.

"So... Ezra Ashenlocke."

She lifted her microphone slightly.

"Why don’t you tell all of us... how you feel seeing your beautiful invention being used like this today?"

The surrounding students immediately became quiet again.

Many looked at Ezra with obvious curiosity.

Even several young nobles whose parents had already purchased Phantom Rolls found themselves waiting for his answer.

Ezra quietly looked back at everyone.

"Hmm..."

His gaze slowly swept across the sea of faces before him.

Everywhere he looked...

People waited for his response.

Finally...

"I feel pleased."

His answer was simple and direct.

Exactly like Ezra himself.

The female host blinked.

"Pleased?"

She tilted her head slightly.

Clearly...

She had expected a much longer answer.

Ezra calmly continued.

"I’m proud that The Eclipse took my work... and developed it into something even better."

His eyes briefly rested on the Royal Phantom Rolls beside him.

"They made it into a more complete product. That’s why...I’m pleased."

There wasn’t the slightest trace of regret in his voice.

Only quiet satisfaction.

The female host nodded thoughtfully before asking another question.

"Then... Do you regret not signing a contract with The Eclipse?"

The atmosphere immediately became quieter.

Many students looked at Ezra with even greater curiosity.

This was a question countless people across Britannia had wondered about since he made that decision during the ending of the auction event.

Ezra answered almost immediately.

"No."

The reply came without hesitation.

It was firm, calm and absolute.

The speed of his answer stunned everyone.

The female host froze for a brief moment.

Even the male host looked surprised.

Many first-year students exchanged puzzled glances.

Not a single trace of hesitation...

Not even for a second.

The certainty in Ezra’s voice made it impossible to doubt his conviction.

The female host quickly recovered before the silence became awkward.

"W-Well..."

She laughed softly.

"Then...Please do us the honor... of officially beginning this welcoming party."

She respectfully gestured toward him.

Ezra simply nodded.

He raised one hand toward the gathered students.

"Let the party begin."

Almost instantly...

The courtyard erupted with cheers.

"YEAH!"

"WOOO!"

Applause and excited voices filled the academy grounds once again.

The lively atmosphere returned in full.

Groups of students gradually began making their way back toward the Grand Ballroom.

Even as they walked...

Their conversations never stopped.

Some discussed the Royal Phantom Rolls.

Others talked about Ezra.

Many simply couldn’t stop replaying the speech they had just witnessed.

For tonight...

The creator of the Phantom Rolls had become one of the brightest topics in the entire Royal Academy.

"It’s nice finally meeting you in person..."

Princess Stella looked at Ezra with a gentle smile that carried the grace expected of Britannia’s Third Princess.

"...Ezra Ashenlocke."

The evening breeze lightly brushed against the hem of her gown as the surrounding students slowly began making their way back toward the ballroom. Even so, many still lingered nearby, hoping to catch a few more words between the Princess and the creator of the Phantom Rolls.

Ezra politely lowered his head once again.

"It’s an honor, Your Highness."

His tone remained calm and respectful.

Not overly humble.

Not overly stiff.

Simply sincere.

Before Stella could reply, another familiar voice approached.

"Princess Stella."

Veda walked over with his usual relaxed smile.

Nickolas, Linda, and Tracy followed a few steps behind him.

The four politely bowed in greeting.

Veda raised his head and smiled warmly.

"You look really beautiful in that dress."

His compliment was gentle and genuine.

Princess Stella gave a soft laugh.

"Oh, my Sir Veda... Thank you."

Her smile grew a little brighter.

"And you look quite dashing yourself."

She looked him over for a brief moment before nodding in approval.

"The formal attire suits you very well."

Veda scratched the back of his head with an embarrassed smile.

"I’ll gladly take that compliment."

The brief exchange brought a relaxed atmosphere to the group.

Several nearby students couldn’t help stealing curious glances toward them.

It wasn’t every day they could witness members of a Duke House casually speaking with royalty.

After another moment, Stella gently clasped both hands together.

"Well... I should head back inside."

She turned slightly before her eyes settled on Ezra once again.

There was still a quiet curiosity in her gaze.

"I hope we’ll have the chance to get to know each other better... as fellow classmates."

Her voice remained warm and graceful.

Ezra met her eyes without avoiding her gaze.

"We can only hope."

His reply was as straightforward as ever.

There wasn’t even the slightest attempt to flatter her.

Nor did he speak with unnecessary formality.

He simply answered honestly.

For a brief second...

Princess Stella blinked.

Then...

"Hahaha..."

She covered her mouth with one hand as a soft laugh escaped her lips.

The sound was elegant and natural.

"You’re quite amusing, Ezra Ashenlocke."

There was genuine amusement in her eyes.

She had spoken with many nobles throughout her life.

Most carefully chose every word they said around royalty.

Ezra, however...

Spoke exactly the same way to everyone.

She found that strangely refreshing.

Her eyes shifted back toward Veda.

A faint, helpless smile rested on his face as though he had already grown accustomed to Ezra’s blunt way of speaking.

Stella lightly raised one hand in farewell.

"I look forward to our dance...Young Lord of Ash."

Veda smiled politely.

"The pleasure will be mine, Your Highness."

Princess Stella gave one final graceful wave before turning around.

The young nobles accompanying her quietly followed behind as she made her way toward the Grand Ballroom.

Several students respectfully stepped aside, allowing the royal procession to pass.

Only after Stella had disappeared into the ballroom did the silence around the group finally break.

Linda slowly folded her arms.

Her eyes shifted toward Veda.

Then...

She began counting on her fingers.

"Dancing with the Lady of Burnwick."

She raised one finger.

"Dancing with the Third Princess."

Another finger.

Then she pointed directly at Tracy.

"Dancing with this bitch."

Tracy immediately rolled her eyes.

"Excuse me?"

Linda completely ignored her.

She continued counting.

"Dancing with Lady Priscilla."

She clicked her tongue.

"And the list just keeps getting longer."

By the time she finished...

She was already glaring directly at Veda.

Veda instinctively took one step backward.

For reasons, even he couldn’t explain...

He suddenly felt an unusual sense of danger.

"L-Linda...?"

He forced an awkward smile.

Linda simply looked away.

"Hmph."

With a dissatisfied snort, she turned around and walked toward the ballroom.

Each step sounded noticeably heavier than the last.

Veda watched her leave with complete confusion written across his face.

"What did I do now?"

He genuinely couldn’t understand.

Tracy laughed before shaking her head.

"Our Young Lord..."

She sighed dramatically.

"...is quite the player."

As soon as she finished speaking, she stuck out her tongue at Veda.

"Hehe."

Without waiting for his response, she hurried after Linda.

"Hey! Wait for me!"

Veda continued staring after the two girls.

His confusion only deepened.

"I still don’t know what I did..."

Nickolas folded both arms.

A smug smile slowly spread across his face.

"Well... At least I don’t have to be jealous. I’ve got a dance partner too."

His eyes shifted toward Ezra.

The smug grin on his face widened.

"Too bad... A guy with such a dull face will have to stand on the sidelines while I dance with a beautiful lady."

He deliberately raised his voice.

The provocation was obvious.

Even Nickolas himself knew it probably wouldn’t have any effect on Ezra.

Still...

He couldn’t resist trying.

Ezra slowly narrowed his eyes.

His calm gaze rested on Nickolas for a moment.

...Doesn’t he know I’m Vera’s dance partner?

The thought quietly crossed his mind.

Without saying anything...

He turned toward Veda.

The moment their eyes met...

Veda gave him a very particular look.

A look only the two of them seemed to understand.

You didn’t tell him... did you?

Ezra silently asked through his expression.

Veda’s lips twitched slightly.

The guilty look on his face answered everything.

I thought it would be funnier if he found out during the dance.

The two boys silently looked at one another.

Not a single word was spoken.

Yet somehow...

They understood each other’s thoughts perfectly.