The carriage rode for about thirty minutes, swaying the whole way.
Just like Luke's brain right now—swaying, swaying…
When the carriage finally stopped, he was dragged down by Tianna like a prisoner about to be marched to the execution grounds.
Being personally sent to school by a nation's High Marshal… the feeling was—well, you know. You really do.
Tianna hauled him to a stop at the entrance of the Royal Academy. Luke stared at the grand, imposing building ahead, and at the huge sign engraved with the words "Royal Academy." His psychological trauma returned instantly.
"Do you want me to walk you inside?" Tianna asked with a smile at his side.
"No, thanks."
Luke let out a sigh. At this point, all he could do was go to his death with dignity.
He knew that with his own strength alone, there was no way he could change this outcome.
That detestable woman had probably already smoothed things over with his father, too.
In the end, it was just bad luck with age. If this body were even two years older, he could've left this cursed academy behind.
"Lux, I put him in the same class as you. Take care of him."
Tianna still added one more instruction, giving Lux a pointed look.
"Don't worry, Aunt Tianna!"
Lux promised with a very serious little face.
Quite a few carriages were parked outside the Royal Academy's gates. Anyone who studied here was the child of some noble family, with only a small number coming from commoner backgrounds—rare talents from humble homes.
Plenty of people noticed Luke and Lux walking in together.
And honestly, with their looks, the two of them side by side were absolutely attention-grabbing.
The moment Lux stepped onto campus, she immediately returned to her bright, energetic self. She wore a cute smile, and whenever someone came up to greet her, she'd politely respond.
Don't be fooled by how airheaded Miss Crownguard could be.
In the capital, she had a lot of popularity.
Quite a few people also greeted Luke, introducing themselves along the way.
But Luke had a serious morning temper. He brushed everyone off with vague replies.
Even so, he still left a good impression on plenty of the noble girls who approached.
No special reason.
He was just handsome.
Halfway there, Luke suddenly remembered something and asked, "Where's Kahina?"
Kahina should be the same age as Lux—so why hadn't he seen her once since getting to the academy?
"She's not in the Royal Academy," Lux explained. "Kahina's always studied at the Martial Academy. Supposedly it's her dream—she wants to become a great knight someday."
The Royal Academy—as the name implied—was an academy run by the crown.
It was like a capital university: the subjects were fairly balanced, and the main students were young nobles.
But the Martial Academy was more specialized. Apparently, it had produced quite a few outstanding knights.
Garen, for example—people said he graduated from the Martial Academy.
And Jarvan IV studied at the Royal Academy.
"I'm honestly kind of jealous of her," Luke said. "Figuring out your goal that early… that's impressive."
He really was a little envious. Young girls with that much drive and energy were nice.
Unlike him—his heart already felt old. Every day he just wanted to slack off and do nothing.
"Yeah," Lux said, sounding just as envious. Beneath her bright, innocent look, there was the faintest hint of uncertainty. She sighed softly. "I don't even know what I'm going to do in the future."
Luke glanced at the blonde girl beside him and smiled. "I think it's fine if you just stay like this."
"Stay like this… meaning what kind of 'this'?" Lux tilted her head, confused.
"Like you are right now."
Luke smiled and quickened his pace.
Lux hurried to catch up, still pestering him. "Say it clearly!"
Luke didn't explain further. He truly did hope Lux could stay carefree like she was now.
But time was always going to push people to grow.
Some things… even he couldn't really do much about.
"This is our new classmate. I'm sure you're not unfamiliar—Prince Luke Lightshield IV. Let's welcome him with applause."
On the podium, the female teacher, Mors, introduced him briefly.
When it came to Luke, she didn't need to say much.
Everyone here knew.
As soon as her words fell, the classroom burst into applause. One curious gaze after another turned toward Luke.
"Go find a seat. Class is starting."
Mors glanced at him, signaling that he could sit down.
Luke nodded, walked forward, and immediately spotted Lux waving at him.
Miss Crownguard was seated in the back row, tucked into the corner by the window, with hardly anyone around her.
The room felt like a college lecture hall—there were plenty of empty seats.
Luke walked over and, under everyone's watching eyes, sat down in the seat next to Lux.
"Hehe. From now on, we're desk mates."
Lux whispered, then blinked at him playfully.
"Looking forward to it."
Luke's reply sounded a bit lifeless. He honestly admired Lux's ability to stay cheerful in any environment.
Once he sat down, he placed the issued textbooks on the desk. Staring at the stack of book after book, Luke felt his scalp go numb.
Ding-ling-ling~!
The class bell rang.
"Turn to page four."
Mors said it and began the lesson.
This period was language class—basically the equivalent of literature.
Mors was said to be a master fluent in multiple languages, able to communicate smoothly with people from many different regions.
Halfway through class, Mors said, "In Demacia's language, double negatives express affirmation. For example, 'can't not,' or 'there's no way you don't know'—they all convey a positive meaning. But when I traveled to Shurima to study, there was a language there where double negatives still expressed negation.
"For example, ka bu ka na—it intensifies the negative concept, meaning a firm refusal. However, across my long years of study, I have never found a language that can use double affirmation to express negation."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah."
A voice came from the back of the classroom.
Mors—mid-lecture—froze. The other students stiffened too.
Yeah, yeah, yeah?
That was clearly a triple affirmation, but paired with that particular tone, it somehow gave the unmistakable feeling of rejection.
Hiss…!
Was this the charm of language?
"Pfft."
Right after that, someone burst out laughing.
Even the language master Mors looked momentarily stunned—until she quickly realized someone was causing trouble. Her expression darkened as she stared toward the back row.
"Who said that? Who's laughing?"
Luke shrank back. He looked at Lux, who was desperately holding back laughter, and without a shred of hesitation, he stood up.
"Teacher, Lux is the one laughing!"
Lux: "?"
She stopped laughing instantly and stared at Luke in disbelief.
You little—
"Miss Crownguard, is it?" Mors's voice was so angry anyone could hear it. "Stand up."
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