Tens of flying carriages filled the skies surrounding the Academy, directed from the ground by red markers that hovered in the sky. Much like the social event prior to the entrance exam—important people within the noble society arrived one by one, but for a different reason this time.

The annual combat tournament was scheduled to begin today, an auspicious event that would showcase the Arcadia's students to the outside world.

The sun had emerged a few hours ago, bathing the ancient looking castle in a warm glow. With summer essentially right around the corner, the heat had already begun to become a problem.

A figure with a large protruding belly and a well trimmed black beard emerged from one of the carriages with ease despite his size. The carriage tilted slightly, letting out a groan as a significant weight was released from its frame.

Lord Marbury's eyes surveyed the courtyard, clutching his sliver cane in his right hand. There was a small scowl on his features as if he was displeased with his reception—though he didn't verbalize his displeasure.

Some time passed before he noticed a familiar figure garbed in a white robe. A small smile crept onto his face as he walked forward to greet the man.

"Bishop Tarley, it's good to see you." He announced with a small smile.

The white-robed man turned, revealing a clean-shaven and rather youthful appearance. He had large blue eyes with surprisingly long lashes for a man. In fact, his features appeared to be rather feminine in nature.

Perhaps if he had long hair, some might even mistake him for a woman.

"Ah, Lord Marbury—it is a pleasure seeing you once again." Tarley said with a graceful smile, cupping his hands together and bowing slightly.

"I take it you're here for the combat tournament? Is it just yourself representing the church?" the large man asked conversationally, dabbing the sweat upon his forehead with a white handkerchief.

Tarley smiled softly before shaking his head, "My father will also be joining alongside the king on the final day. It's my job to update him of any promising students I see before then."

At this admission, lord Marbury almost let out a gasp of surprise. "The king is attending this year?"

The Bishop nodded, "The second prince is graduating this year, it is not too surprising he would want to watch his son compete."

"I see," he replied with a nod, "shall we make our way over to the arena together?"

"I intend to wait for Lord Bishop," he explained wearing his usual smile, "you're welcome to wait with me if you like—I would enjoy the company."

Lord Marbury's expression faltered slightly, a complicated look appearing on his features before he eventually nodded. "So be it, it has been a while since we last met."

The two continued to chat to one another, their discussions light and without substance. Such chatter was common amongst the noble houses and institutions.

They didn't have to wait long before a luxurious ebony carriage touched down, coming to a halt some ten feet away from their position. Judging by the crest on its side, the guest they'd been waiting for had arrived.

Lord Marbury's hand gripped upon the handle of his cane tightly, his knuckles turning white in apprehension. However, the man had been a noble his whole life, it didn't take him long to regain his composure.

The servant opened the door with practiced ease, revealing the luxurious interior of the carriage where a wide-shouldered man soon emerged. He was rather tall and well-built, sporting a well maintained mustache on his upper lip.

If the crest upon the carriage wasn't enough to give away his identity, the curly hair and dark brown eyes were enough to identify him in a crowd.

"Lord Bishop, it's great to see you." Bishop Tarley greeted warmly, his expression lighting up.

Lord Marbury's expression darkened slightly. The man's reception of him was far less jovial than that of the newest arrival.

"Bishop Tarley, I hope I didn't keep you waiting long." The wide-shouldered man stated, sounding rather sincere.

"Nonsense, it is only natural that I should wait for your arrival." He said with a small laugh. "I also had Lord Marbury's presence to keep me company."

Only now that Tarley had mentioned his existence did Lord Bishop's eyes finally move to him, causing Marbury's eye to twitch in annoyance. It was clear that the man had done so intentionally, using this small opportunity to slight him.

"Beau, I see you're as… prosperous as ever." the man said, his eyes lingering on Marbury's large stomach upon emphasizing the word.

His grip upon the cane increased in strength, but his expression did not falter.

"Thank you Octavius, my business is doing rather well." Beau Marbury replied with a plain smile, though it curled a moment later, "I'm rather surprised to see you here actually. Didn't your two sons get expelled in the first semester?"

Lord Bishop's expression stiffened, his eyes darkening. For a moment, a violet glow flashed briefly on the man's wrist—almost like a threat.

Perhaps if it wasn't for where they were right now, Lord Marbury might have been intimidated in that moment. But thankfully they were in front of the academy, and in the presence of a Bishop from the Arcane Church no less.

Even if the man had twice the gall, he wouldn't attack another noble in such a situation.

"My sons have accepted their punishment gracefully and have already transferred to the Bakora Academy closer to home." Octavius replied calmly. "As for why I'm here, I don't think I need to spell it out for you. We're always looking for prodigies to strengthen our house."

Seeing that his verbal jab had done its job, Marbury gave a small smile of satisfaction. "Well, the tournament should be starting soon. What say we make our way over to the arena now?"

Before Octavius could respond, Bishop Tarley clapped his hands together, "wonderful, let's head over there now before we miss anything." He said excitedly.

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