The manor of Emperor Silat was alive with laughter and music, the halls buzzing with energy as the victory celebration for Shin unfolded. Servants rushed to and fro, balancing trays of sparkling drinks and decadent treats, while the grand dining hall glimmered with golden chandeliers and colorful banners. The sweet scent of roasted meats and spiced desserts wafted through the air, mingling with the jubilant chatter of guests.

I stood in the middle of it all, surrounded by faces beaming with pride and joy. For once, the weight of expectations didn’t press so heavily on my shoulders. I could finally breathe—and laugh.

"And then…" Speed’s voice rang out over the crowd, cutting through the noise like a thunderclap, "he dashed across the arena so fast, I swear Zokar didn’t even see it coming! The look on his face… priceless!"

Her dramatic reenactment drew a round of laughter from the guests, even as she paced around with exaggerated flair, mimicking my movements during the match.

"Speed, don’t you think you’re exaggerating a bit?" I asked, rubbing the back of my neck.

"Exaggerating? Me? Never!" she declared, striking a mock heroic pose before nudging me with her elbow. "Come on, kid. You’ve gotta admit… you were kind of amazing out there."

"Kind of?" Lady Althea interjected, sipping her wine with a wry smile. "Speed, if I didn’t know better, I’d think you were trying to claim credit for his performance."

Speed turned to face her sister, placing a hand dramatically on her chest. "Claim credit? No, no, no, Lady. I’m merely giving the people a proper retelling of history. It’s not my fault if I happen to be the best narrator around."

Lady raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. "Best narrator or most self-indulgent?"

"Why not both?" Speed quipped, earning another wave of laughter.

As the evening wore on, Speed’s energy showed no signs of waning. Unfortunately for everyone else, her favorite topic remained Cassian Velis, the Archmage of Velmira and—in her words—the most perfect man to ever exist.

"Did you see him during the tournament?" she gushed, leaning far too close to me while waving her drink in one hand. "That jawline, those robes, the way he just… exists. Absolute perfection."

"Speed, I’m trying to eat," I said, sliding my plate slightly out of her reach.

"You know, Shin," she continued, completely ignoring me, "if you could arrange for Cassian to teach at the Academy while you’re there, I would… I don’t know… build you a statue in the courtyard."

"Speed, you don’t even know how to sculpt," Lady said dryly.

"Details!" Speed retorted, waving her hand dismissively. "Love conquers all, Althea. Even bad craftsmanship."

I groaned, earning a chuckle from Lady, who seemed to find endless amusement in Speed’s antics.

As the celebration continued, a royal courier entered the hall, his crimson cloak catching the light as he bowed before Papa. "Your Majesty," he said, holding out a sealed letter. "A message from the Academy of Five Stars."

The room quieted as Papa broke the seal, his sharp eyes scanning the parchment. His lips curved into a rare smile, and he rose from his seat.

"What is it?" Mama asked, her voice soft but eager.

Papa raised the letter, his deep voice resonating through the hall. "The Academy has accepted Shin. Their message reads: ‘We have seen enough. The talent he displayed at the tournament speaks for itself. Next week, he will begin his studies at the Academy.’"

For a moment, the room was silent, the words hanging in the air like a spell. Then the cheers erupted, louder and more exuberant than before. Glasses clinked, and shouts of congratulations rang out as everyone crowded around me, their faces glowing with excitement.

"Shin, that’s incredible!" Lady said, her usually composed demeanor softening into a genuine smile.

Speed wrapped an arm around my shoulders, pulling me into a side hug. "Looks like you’re stuck with me hyping you up for another week, kid."

Even Papa and Mama approached, their expressions filled with pride. "You’ve earned this," Papa said simply, but his tone carried a weight that made my chest tighten. Mama reached out, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "We’re so proud of you, Shin," she said, her voice trembling slightly.