The auditorium entrance was a vision of opulence, its exterior gleaming under the morning sun.


    The building''s facade was adorned with intricate carvings and polished stone, showcasing a blend of tradition and modernity.


    Clearly, it was either newly constructed or recently renovated, standing as a testament to the academy''s prestige.


    Through the tall glass doors, the lavish interior lobby could be glimpsed—richly carpeted floors, grand chandeliers, and polished brass fixtures catching the light.


    Students filtered inside, one by one, their footsteps echoing faintly as they passed through the grand double doors.


    Most moved with purpose, eager to secure their places, while others lingered outside, reluctant or distracted.


    A few servants remained close, ensuring their charges were settled before dispersing to wait.


    Scattered across the school grounds were numerous designated areas for servants: shaded gazebos, garden benches, and even the cafeteria building.


    These places served as havens for the staff to wait while their masters attended their business.


    Among the lingering students outside the auditorium were Beatrice and Edward, standing slightly away from the main flow of traffic.


    Their hushed conversation carried an air of conspiracy, though their contrasting demeanors made the exchange feel almost theatrical.


    "Okay, here''s the plan, my lady," Edward began, his voice low but confident as he leaned slightly toward Beatrice.


    She tilted her head, her green eyes sparkling with mild amusement.


    "And what exactly is this plan?" she whispered back, humor lacing her tone.


    "You walk in first," Edward said, gesturing dramatically toward the entrance,


    "and I''ll hide behind your shoulder."


    Beatrice, her lips twitching as though suppressing a laugh.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    "But I''m smaller than you."


    "I know," Edward replied with a solemn nod, undeterred.


    "When we approach the staff overseeing the entrance, I''ll swiftly punch them unconscious.


    It''ll be over before anyone notices."


    Beatrice''s eyes widened in alarm, her voice rising slightly in a mix of panic and disbelief.


    "You can''t do that!" she exclaimed, waving her hands as if to erase the very idea.


    "You''re right, my lady," Edward said, stroking his chin thoughtfully, his tone as serious as ever.


    "Too many witnesses.


    It would cause trouble for us later."


    "That''s not what I meant!" Beatrice pouted, her cheeks puffing slightly as she stared him down.


    "You can''t just—just punch people whenever it''s inconvenient for you!"


    Her voice softened into an almost scolding tone, though it lacked the authority to truly reprimand him.


    Edward paused, nodding as though acknowledging a profound truth.


    "You''re absolutely correct, my lady," he said.


    "Perhaps a different approach would be better."


    "Forget the ''approach,''" Beatrice huffed, pushing him lightly on the shoulder.


    "Just wait for me somewhere.


    It''s only the opening ceremony and introductions today.


    It won''t take long."


    Her tone softened, a hint of reassurance creeping in as she added,


    "I''ll be fine on my own."


    Without waiting for a reply, Beatrice took a small step back, then darted toward the auditorium entrance with a delicate, almost hurried gait.


    Edward straightened, watching her retreating figure as she disappeared through the doors, his expression unreadable.


    He stood there for a moment longer, crossing his arms and letting out a quiet sigh.


    At just over 5 feet 11 inches, his lean but muscular frame gave him a commanding presence, further emphasized by the sharp lines of his tailored suit.


    Even though he wasn''t bulky, the strength hidden beneath his clothing was undeniable, and it wasn''t long before his still figure began to attract attention.


    Passing students glanced at him warily, subtly adjusting their paths to avoid the imposing figure who now blocked the way.


    A noble girl frowned slightly as she was forced to step around him, but rather than cause a scene, she simply muttered under her breath and moved on.


    Edward didn''t flinch, his sharp eyes scanning the flow of students with a practiced air of vigilance.


    Finally, he took a calm step forward, heading toward the entrance with an unhurried stride.


    His composed demeanor seemed to suggest he belonged there, despite the rule that only students were allowed inside.


    "Hey!" One of the staff members, a man in a neatly pressed uniform, stepped forward, raising a hand to stop him.


    "Don''t be an idiot," he said, his tone professional but harsh.


    "You know only students are permitted past this point."


    Edward stopped, tilting his head slightly as though considering his response.


    "This year, I''ve also begun high school-level education," he said smoothly.


    "At home."


    The staff member''s twitched, his expression shifting to one of annoyance.


    "Who cares?" he snapped, clearly unimpressed.


    "Now go wait somewhere else, or I''ll put you on the banned list."


    He crossed his arms, his tone leaving no room for negotiation.


    Edward''s calm expression didn''t falter, but his sharp gaze flicked toward the entrance as though calculating his next move.


    He knew he couldn''t risk being banned—it would jeopardize his ability to accompany Beatrice in the future.


    Without a word, he turned on his heel and walked away, his movements precise and deliberate.


    As he moved farther from the entrance, the faintest flicker of frustration crossed his face.


    For now, he would comply.


    But in his mind, he was already planning his next steps.