"We''ve heard rumors," Apollo said casually. "About how things were handled last year. I''m curious—what happened that was so disruptive?"

    The seniors exchanged uneasy glances.

    "It''s not something we talk about openly," one of them said. "But let''s just say the lower classes overstepped their bounds. The hierarchy exists for a reason."

    Another senior, a girl with cold green eyes, added, "There''s a reason the student council keeps such a tight grip on things now. Some students don''t understand their place."

    Apollo''s gaze darkened. He leaned back, a polite smile masking his thoughts. "Interesting. Thanks for the insight."

    After that, Apollo merely ordered Jeremiah to record everything that was being talked about inside the ballroom and, at the same time, gather any info records or documents that made the emperor order him to investigate.

    "No matter how careful they are, I should be able to find something; the second years are here, right?"

    [Yes Creator they are here however they are very careful not to get too close to us, they are specifically avoiding Blair and Mckenzie]

    "Strange they shouldn''t be able to know their ability"

    [Perhaps not how exactly it is but they could be aware that they can''t lie to him that is why they are trying to evade them as much as possible]

    Apollo took note of those second years until he saw himself on the clear glass windows. Wearing a white suit and accessories that matched his eyes and hair, Apollo looked stunning, yet somehow he could not see his face, as something was blurring his face.

    Despite this, the boy didn''t seem bothered not being able to recognize himself. He just went on and fixed his clothes before walking away.

    As the night wore on, Alicia found herself speaking with a group of seniors about the party''s atmosphere. McKenzie and Blair continued to probe for information, though most of the seniors would run away at the sight of them.

    Apollo, however, couldn''t shake the feeling that someone was watching him. It was something he couldn''t pinpoint.

    "Jeremiah"

    [I am sensing a power similar to a god Creator]

    "Could it be Blair''s power instead?"

    [I don''t think so...it feels weaker but a bit different in some way]

    Those words created a thread of hypothesis that immediately made Apollo realize why he was the one who was sent here.

    "I think the emperor intended to use my classmate''s authority through me....wait let''s not jump into that we are not sure yet if I am up to meet those people"

    The teacher approached, his voice low and firm. "Apollo is a threat, Eros. A dangerous one. You saw how he fought you. Do you really think he''s content being in your shadow? That boy is the reason your position as heir was nearly taken from you. Do you think he''s forgotten that?"

    Eros stiffened. "Teacher, it was Edgar who caused me to almost lose my seat,, not Apollo. And also he''s no threat to me."

    "And yet, he nearly defeated you." The teacher leaned closer, his eyes narrowing. "Don''t be naive, Eros. Apollo has been biding his time, perfecting his craft, and earning allies. If you let your guard down, he''ll take everything from you. Your position, your pride, your legacy."

    Eros clenched his fists, the teacher''s words stoking the embers of doubt in his mind.

    "You''re wrong," Eros growled. "Apollo doesn''t have the ambition for that, he has the seat of the tower already"

    The teacher chuckled darkly. "Perhaps. But can you afford to take that risk? He''s already gained the attention of powerful figures. Even your own mother favors him. Do you think she worries about you the way she does about him?"

    At this, Eros flinched, his jaw tightening.

    Suddenly, Isabella''s warm smile while watching Apollo crossed his mind. He hadn''t seen that kind of smile for him, but for Apollo, it seemed unlimited.

    The teacher''s voice softened, almost coaxing. "If you truly want to secure your place, you must see Apollo for what he is: a rival. Not a brother. And rivals don''t deserve mercy."

    Eros stared at the floor, the fire of anger and insecurity blazing in his chest. After a moment, he nodded.

    The warmth he had regained for his brother shattered at Edmund''s words causing Eros to return to how he was.

    Returning to the acquaintance party it reaches its peak with the parents and guardians joining in with their children. Strangely, it didn''t damper the atmosphere, but it made the party even better. However, at this time, Apollo and his friends had already left, they had already lost interest, and as for their aim, they already got it. So they already left after achieving what they want.

    Apollo walked through the festival grounds with Isabella by his side, the soft glow of lanterns casting long shadows across the cobblestone paths. Despite the cheerful atmosphere, there was a heaviness in his mother''s expression.

    "I heard about your duel with Eros," Isabella said quietly, her voice tinged with worry.

    Apollo sighed. "It wasn''t much of a fight, really."

    "That''s not the point." She stopped walking, turning to face him. "Have the two of you reach the concession of fighting this way?"

    Apollo looked at her mother before his gaze shifted to the ground. "You know how it''s always been, Mother. I am certain you are aware of what transpired in that manner and the reason I stopped trying to change his mind a long time ago. Mother, I am no longer the boy who follows him around nor the boy who can be swayed easily"

    His eyes then change as he gazes back at her. It suddenly loses its warmth, and for some reason, Isabella feels she has seen that look before.

    "Tell me Mother what were you thinking having the headmaster change the first periodic exam just so you could change my mind"

    Apollo finally asks the long-forgotten question he should have asked before.