"Lionel Silvestre Exelio," A cold and unwavering voice echoed throughout the vast throne room where they were now standing in place.

At the center of the room, Lionel slowly knelt. He lowered his head, but kept his posture straight.

Around him, rows of officials were present. There were ministers, court advisors, and high-ranking knights. They were all gathered to watch this very moment.

"Yes, Your Majesty." He answered. He couldn’t dare lift his gaze up in this moment because in front of him was his grandfather, seated on his throne.

It just happened all of a sudden. From their breakfast, he stayed with his grandfather for more until they were led here. He thought that he was here to just watch his grandfather work.

But instead, he was led in the middle, and before he knew it, people arrived, and he couldn’t do anything else but listen and react attentively since all attention was on him.

"I have been informed of the incident that occurred during the imperial academy retreat."

The whispers from the court officials were audible at the back. He wanted to turn back and look at everyone, but it was improper.

"You acted quickly in the face of danger," the Emperor continued. "You protected not only your fellow students, but also the Crown." At those words, several court officials nodded their heads in agreement.

The tales of what Lionel did really reached everyone’s ears. Some became amused at what he did, while there were still vying eyes who were not impressed by it. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

"I only fulfilled my duty, Your Majesty," Lionel answered humbly. In court, he knew it was not the best thing to boast around.

The Emperor watched him for a moment, then nodded, approving of it.

"You speak as though it were nothing," he said. "Yet your actions prevented what could have become a far greater disaster for this empire."

"You have brought honor not only to your name, but to the royal family itself."

Lionel’s lips pressed together at that. He didn’t know that he was called here for this.

"To that," The Emperor lifted a hand slightly, and an attendant stepped forward at once, holding a tray. On it rested a medal that was crafted in gold. It bears the imperial crest. It was a symbol not given lightly to anyone.

"I, the Emperor of the Empire of Vaeloria, bestow upon you this honor."

The attendant stepped down the platform and stopped in front of Lionel to present to him the medal.

"You are hereby recognized for your courage and great loyalty to the kingdom."

Lionel raised his head slightly before bowing again.

"I am honored, Your Majesty."

With his answer, the attendant carefully placed the medal into his hands. Lionel’s eyes quickly became fixated on it.

The weight of the medal settled into Lionel’s hands. He didn’t expect it to be this heavy.

The medal was known as the Medal of Imperial Merit. It is granted only to those whose actions have directly safeguarded the interests of the crown and the stability of the empire.

Lionel had just barely get used to it when the Emperor spoke again.

"Lionel Silvestre Exelio."

His name sounded once more through the throne room.

Lionel straightened slightly. He kept the medal close to his side before answering.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

The Emperor leaned back slightly on his throne, and his gaze fell on Lionel.

"I will extend an offer to you."

With that announcement, everyone in the hall suddenly paused and became quiet. Even the officials couldn’t help but look at one another when they heard it.

"An offer, Your Majesty?" Lionel’s eyes widened. Even he was shocked by it.

The Emperor nodded once.

"I am offering you an opportunity to enter the ranks of the Imperial Knights. When you accept it, you will immediately be trained under the empire."

For a moment, the words did not fully register to everyone in the room. Even Lionel was speechless at it.

To be an imperial knight at this age was not just rare, it was impossible to do so, especially for a noble like him.

Nobles were required to attend the academy first, and only after years of training could they even be considered part of the imperial knights.

Yet what the Emperor had just said that he could be one, even if he wasn’t in the academy yet.

"Your majesty!"

"I fear that that is not within protocol!"

"Your Majesty, he has not even started academy training. Granting such an offer now would surely be outrageous!"

"Moreover, it may cause imbalance among the noble houses."

One by on, the officials stepped forward to stop it. Lionel could only stand still, unsure whether to speak or remain silent, because he, too, was surprised at that offer.

However, before the discussion could even grow further...

"Silence." The Emperor’s cold voice cut through the official’s complaints.

"This is not a matter for debate." The Emperor’s gaze swept across them that no one dared to spoke again after that.

The Emperor looked forward once more.

"I have already made my decision, and it is final." His eyes returned to Lionel soon after.

"The incident during the imperial academy retreat has been reviewed in full. Lionel displayed the true essence of being a knight. He acted and led when others hesitated."

"Because of that, Lionel is also hereby recognized as the official winner of the Imperial Academy Retreat. The academy has informed me of their decision yesterday."

"..."

"..."

"..."

Everyone’s eyes widened at that. Even Lionel was deemed speechless.

Am I the winner? That word sounded so foreign on his lips.

The Emperor raised his hand slightly.

"Give me the decree."

The attendant quickly stepped forward again. He bowed his head as he handed a scroll to the emperor. The emperor cleared his throat and unscrolled it in front of everyone.

"Lionel Silvestre Exelio is hereby awarded first place in the imperial academy retreat exercise and granted imperial commendation for his actions in safeguarding his fellow participants."

A few officials glanced toward one another as they heard that decree. It was from the academy.

The Emperor continued without pause.

"Furthermore, his conduct during the event is to be documented and included in future academy records as a reference of exemplary response under crisis."

The hall remained silent at that, with some making expressions that they were shocked.

Then, finally, the Emperor lowered his hand and gave the scroll to the attendant.

"This matter is concluded." The emperor’s tone became silent, and everyone knew there was already no room for objection to that.

= = =

A/N: This is a new volume! This volume will focus more on Lionel’s relationship with his grandpa and introduction to the Vaeloria empire.