The peaceful days at the academy passed quickly, and soon enough, the much-anticipated Summer Farewell Banquet was upon them. The academy buzzed with excitement. This banquet party was one of the grandest events of the academy, marking the end of summer and welcoming the arrival of fall. It was a night of dancing, feasting, and endless conversation, where students, professors, and even notable alumni gather together to celebrate.

Reese had noticed how exhausted Valentine had become in the days leading up to the event. Valentine, being the president of the student council, was practically locked in the council room, working tirelessly on the banquet preparations. Reese had barely seen her in days, and when she did, the exhaustion was written all over her face.

One afternoon, Reese visited Valentine in the council room. “How many hours are you sleeping these days?” Reese asked, concerned. Dark circles were prominent under Valentine's eyes, impossible to miss.

Valentine offered a weak smile. "Let’s not talk about that. Thinking about it just stresses me out more."

Reese understood. Valentine couldn’t afford to make even the smallest mistake—not with Liam Rosedale and his circle watching for any opportunity to tarnish her reputation. It was her first time managing preparation of the banquet after becoming the new council president, and if even the slightest thing went wrong, her rivals would be quick to point it out.

Despite her busy schedule, Valentine hadn’t forgotten about Reese. She had somehow found the time to pick out an outfit for Reese to wear to the banquet.

At first, Reese had protested, insisting she’d buy her own clothes. But Valentine had been so persistent that Reese eventually gave in. The only condition Reese set was that Valentine couldn’t choose anything extravagant. She preferred something practical, more like a suit than a gown. It wasn't like Reese actually disliked beautifully designed dresses or something.

She just wasn’t a fan of gowns for herself to wear—while they were undeniably beautiful, they weren’t exactly comfortable and fit for an apprentice knight. Rather She preferred attire that allowed her to move freely—just in case she needed to spring into action.

..

Fortunately, Valentine and her team’s hard work had paid off. At the day of the banquet, the academy was transformed into a spectacle of beauty, with elegant decorations, dazzling lights, and a lively atmosphere that promised an unforgettable night.

The transformation of the grand hall into a breathtakingly opulent venue captured the essence of both summer's fading warmth and the anticipation of fall's arrival. Golden banners adorned the towering pillars, embroidered with intricate patterns that shimmered under the soft glow of the enchanted chandeliers. These chandeliers, suspended from the high-vaulted ceilings, emitted a soft, ethereal light that gave the entire hall a magical aura. The play of light and shadow across the room created an atmosphere both regal and welcoming.

Long banquet tables were arranged in graceful rows, each covered in silken tablecloths of deep crimson and gold, the academy’s official colors. The tables were adorned with delicate centerpieces—vases filled with seasonal flowers like marigolds, chrysanthemums, and sunflowers, arranged artfully to give a sense of harvest abundance. Wreaths of ivy and olive branches wove around the vases, adding a touch of greenery that brought life to the decor.

The aroma of freshly prepared dishes filled the air, drawing guests toward the grand buffet set up at one end of the hall. Lavish platters of roasted meats, fresh salads, artisanal breads, and exotic fruits from distant lands tempted even the most disciplined students. Wine flowed freely from enchanted carafes that never emptied, ensuring that no glass was left unfilled for long. The soft clink of glasses and the low murmur of excited conversation blended with the gentle melodies played by a string quartet positioned near the entrance.

As Reese entered the hall, she could feel the energy of the room. Everywhere she looked, students were dressed in their finest attire. The ladies wore gowns of every imaginable hue, from soft pastels to bold jewel tones, their dresses decorated with lace, embroidery, and shimmering gemstones. The gentlemen were equally resplendent, dressed in finely tailored suits or ceremonial robes, with beautifully crafted brooches pinned to one side of their chest.

The sound of laughter and animated conversation filled the air, punctuated by the occasional burst of applause as groups of friends greeted each other. The older alumni, many of them being prestigious figures in society, added a layer of gravitas to the event, reminding the students of the legacy they were part of.

Reese found herself scanning the crowd for familiar faces. She soon spotted Valentine across the room, looking poised yet tired, her responsibilities as student council president weighing heavily on her despite the success of the event. Valentine wore a sleek, deep emerald gown that perfectly complemented her auburn hair, the dress simple yet elegant, with just enough shimmer to catch the light. It was clear she had chosen something modest, no doubt a reflection of her busy role, but she still managed to stand out among the crowd.

As Reese made her way toward Valentine, she couldn’t help but admire the sheer scale of the banquet. The sprawling dance floor in the center of the hall was already filling up with couples twirling to the soft rhythm of the music. The graceful movements of the dancers added a dynamic element to the room, their gowns and cloaks swirling in patterns as they glided across the polished marble floor. The air itself seemed to buzz with excitement, as though the walls of the academy were alive with the energy of youth and ambition.

Small alcoves along the perimeter of the hall offered a quieter retreat for those who preferred conversation over dancing. These alcoves were draped in fine curtains of silk, offering privacy while still allowing a view of the festivities. Soft cushions and low tables were arranged in these spaces, creating intimate settings for deep conversations or even whispered secrets among friends.

The highlight of the evening, however, was—the Grand Lantern Release. It was a tradition at the Summer Farewell Banquet, symbolizing the students' hopes and dreams for the year ahead. Before the ending of the party, the lights in the hall would dim, and each student would be given a lantern. The lanterns were enchanted, glowing softly in a range of colors that reflected the aspirations of the individual holding it. Students would write their wishes for the upcoming year on small slips of parchment and tuck them into their lanterns before releasing them into the night sky.

Reese couldn’t help but feel a twinge of excitement at the thought. Although she wasn’t typically one for grand events or elaborate traditions, the lantern release had always held a certain charm for her. There was something undeniably hopeful about the sight of hundreds of glowing lanterns rising into the night, carrying with them the dreams of the academy’s students.

As the evening wore on, Reese eventually found herself at one of the quieter alcoves, a glass of sparkling juice in hand. Juniper who had been by her side just a moment before went off somewhere blending with the crowd of ladies. Reese didn't bother to follow her as she wasn't feeling particularly interested in dealing with boring gossips of the ladies. She would rather save energy. She observed the scene before her with a calm detachment, enjoying the atmosphere but still feeling like a spectator. The warmth of the room, the laughter of her fellow students, the glow of the chandeliers—it all felt like part of a world that, for now, was hers to witness.

Just as she was beginning to relax, a familiar voice broke through her thoughts. “Well, well, if it isn’t our famous lady-knight."

Reese turned to find Liam Rosedale standing there, his usual smug grin plastered across his face. He was dressed impeccably in a sharp black suit, the kind that screamed wealth and privilege. His pale blond hair was perfectly styled, not a strand out of place, and he looked every bit the image of a young noble destined for greatness. Beside him was his right hand man, Dorian who was looking at Reese if he would have burnt her with his glaze if he could.

Reese sighed inwardly, l"Hello, seniors." she greeted curtly.

taking a sip from her glass.

Liam stepped closer, his grin widening. “Enjoying the banquet, are we? Or are you here out of duty?”

Reese shot him a glance, unimpressed. “I’m here because I was invited. Like everyone else.” she said, taking a sip from her glass.

Liam chuckled, clearly enjoying by her response. “Of course. But I can’t help but wonder how someone like you fits into all of this,” he gestured vaguely to the opulent surroundings. “It doesn’t exactly scream something familiar to you does it?”

It was clear that they are here to mock her commoner background.

Reese narrowed her eyes. “I'm sorry, but I don't quite understand what you are trying to say.”

“Nothing,” he said, raising his hands in mock surrender. “Just curious how long it’ll be before you get tired of all these.”

Reese didn’t bother replying, turning her attention back to the crowd. Liam let out a dramatic sigh. “Well, don’t let me keep you. I’m sure you have important things to do—like avoiding the dance floor. Let's go Dorian.”

Dorian, who had been silent until now, finally spoke, his tone dripping with mockery. "Of course, she avoids the dance floor. To dance, you have to learn how. A commoner doesn’t get dancing lessons, after all.”

The words reached Reese’s ears, sharp and deliberate. She felt a flicker of irritation rise within her.

"Should I show them what a commoner can really do?" she thought, a mischievous idea crossed her mind. "Yes, That's right." Without a second thought, she emptied her glass and set it down with a decisive clink.

Just as Liam and Dorian turned their backs to her, she moved swiftly, catching up with them in a heartbeat. Without hesitation, she grabbed Dorian’s arm, her grip firm enough to stop him in his tracks.

"You’re right,” she said, a wide smile spreading across her face, though her eyes held a dangerous gleam. “As a commoner, I never got proper dancing lessons, so I don’t know how to do it perfectly. But surely, you, Senior, would to be kind enough to teach me, right?”

Dorian recoiled in surprise, his composure cracking. “What are you talking about?” he nearly shouted, his face twisting in confusion.

Reese’s smile only widened. “May I have this dance?” she asked, her voice sweet, but there was no mistaking the challenge in her tone. “I believe you won’t turn me down.”

___

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