บท 54: Ceremony and Awards
Apparently, Delcie was there when I met Elena as Rose. It didn't take her too long to realize what was happening and decided to not talk about it.
But because she learned that Elena was an angel, Delcie realized she can become my wife if I were to ever decide to become a noble because Angels are not beings that can be wedded. They are Divine Prostitutes.
I didn't know what a Divine Prostitute was before, but after being told about the blessings, it finally made sense to me. I received some form of power from Elena, but she didn't tell me anything about it. Especially about the child after our break-up.
I don't know a lot aside from sword fighting. I really need to start studying about other things if I were to become a noble.
That said, I don't really know how to accept Rhie and Delcie's feelings. I'm not sure if I can date anyone right now after the break-up. My feelings are still in a mess. I'm not even sure if I can face Elena right now. She probably saw the things I did during the event. It's broadcasted even at her school after all.
"Dude, you're pretty out of it. Are you still thinking about the confessions yesterday?"
"Uh... huh?"
Before I realized it, I was already standing in front a stage together with Archie and the rest of our team.
"You've been oddly quiet since yesterday, Rose. Did anything happen while I was being operated?"
On my other side was Charles. It seems he noticed an oddity in my behaviour as well.
"I... I don't really know what to think about."
"You've been in deep thought and you don't know what to think about. That's quite amazing in its own way."
"Please stop bothering Red, Charles."
Though subtle, Charles nearly laughed. But thanks to Delcie calling him out, he stopped and stood firm.
"How nice, you guys must not be feeling a hint of nervousness to joke around in front of the student body like this."
"Oh, I didn't take you for someone to get stage fright, Muller."
"Leave me alone, Vi. I'm just not used to this many people looking at me."
Behind us were Muller and Vivian. And judging from his shaky voice, it seems that he's quite nervous.
The others are also here, but they are standing behind.
While we were having little chatter, the Headmaster of the school was talking in front of the podium. I've been spacing out the whole time so I didn't catch a single one of his words until now.
"Though it was the first time we held such event, our proud students have shown what it means to be a true Magic Knight in a battlefield. To fight with honour and to fight without it, to fight with your pride on the line and to fight without it, and most of all, to fight with everything you know down to the basics."
Come to think of it, as a commoner, this is the first time I've seen him in the flesh. I've only seen him in paintings so I'm quite surprised that despite his age, his muscles are still hulking big.
I think his name was Debarga Veritas or something. I hope I don't need to refer to him in the future. I really don't know if I remember his name right. Insulting a Marquis would be the end of me.
"These ten knights in front of you are the best of the best of their generation. Everyone should aspire to be like them as every one of you are the future swords and shields of Bovalia Kingdom. And that is why I am very proud to give them these medals."
While saying so, he opens a little box in front of him. In it was a pin. The design was a checkered shield and a pair of sword adorned by roses and stars. Though it was small, it had a very detailed design. It's obviously created by an Alchemist.
To think that such valuable item is gonna be awarded to us is beyond honouring! Our predecessors also received these, I still can't believe I'm actually receiving one as well!
"These pins are represent excellency and honour. Wear it with pride as you are now one of the elites of this school."
Female staff members then approach us while carrying the box with the pins.
One by one, they put the pins on us. Though there wasn't much talk during the process, for some reason, it put a lot of pressure on us. I can't even help but get nervous.
After they finished putting the pins, I and the others looked at each other to check the pins on each other. As they have put it on our chests above our class emblems, it was easy to present and see.
We didn't say a word, but seeing the excitement on each other was enough to confirm our joy.
"Dear young knights, as you have now become Elites, I have to remind you, you now have the same authority as Capital Knights. And with it, the responsibility to maintain order wherever you go. We expect you to carry that responsibility and exercise it with your pride and Knights of Oro Summit Academy."
After that, all ten of us put our right palm on our chests and stood firm. As we are being recognized as figures of authority, it was only right that we show that we are to be respected.
"We are Honoured."
Since Charles was the leader of our group, it was him who spoke for us.
After that, the whole student body, the academy staff, and even the Headmaster himself gave us a round of applause.
I thought-no, we thought that our awarding was over.
But out of nowhere, the Headmaster suddenly raised his hand to make everyone stop clapping.
"Since we are now done with the general awarding ceremony, it's now time for the Conferring of Prestige."
Conferring of Prestige... is this about the title I've been given?
"We're proud of you, Red."
Out of nowhere, Charles suddenly praised me. When I looked at everyone else, they all gave me a smile and a nod. It seems that they all know that I'm the one who's going to receive it. Though I was shocked, it made me happy to the point where I can't help but tear up a little as Rose.
Come to think of it, a Title is something a member of Royalty with several high authorities could give. Did Prince Arlen and Ofelia set it up or something? But if it's just the two of them, that couldn't actually work. They'll need at least a third one.
Slowly walking up the stage, First it was Prince Arlen himself donning a silver royal armour. His armour is has the kingdom's crest engraved on its chest while several magical gems adorn it. Second was Princess Ofelia wearing what seems to be a dress of Azureth royalty. It has beautiful gems hanging from them and from her wings as well.
The two of them casually climbed up the stage casually as if they belonged here. And as expected, both of them are poised. A royalty through and through.
I thought it was just them, but looking at the people below the stage, it seems that there's a third one.
"Did the last person get stage fright?"
Charles tried to tiptoe to look at who it was.
Then out of nowhere, several wings suddenly appeared from the stairs. It was as if this person was trying to hide themselves.
To think this person was an Archangel, quite an honour to meet one in the flesh. But it appears that they're quite too shy to show themselves. They just casually stood beside Ofelia, but she's giving them a weird look.
But that aside, for some reason, these feathers feel familiar. Maybe it's just a feeling resurfacing because I've seen Elena's angel wings before.
"It matters not whether one is of common birth or noble birth. To have the great initiative to act and move to ensure victory is a feat that should be recognized. With your red hair as symbol of victory you brought your team, Red Rose, you are granted the title of Crimson Riot."
After the headmaster showered me with fancy praises, the bundle of wings took steps towards me. It appears that they're the ones that has to give me the extra award.
Though while the bundle of wings was approaching me slowly, they accidentally stepped on their wings and tripped.
It's a good thing that I'm in front of her and immediately moved both my bodies to catch.
However, while it was a good thing, it was also a terrible timing.
My faces got into the gaps of the wings and got inside. And when I opened my eyes, I saw a face, a very familiar face.
""Elena?!""
Her face was red as she was very close to me.
In a panic, she closes her eyes and somehow froze on the spot with her arms pulled back to her chest trying to avoid touching me.
"I-I'm sorry! I know you told me to never get near you again, I did this!"
""No... Elena.""
In a hurry, I inadvertently slipped in both my arms from Red and Rose and grabbed each of her hands.
""No, before anything, why are you here? Why are you an Archangel?""
"I-I could ask you the same thing, when did you get a second body, and why didn't you introduce yourself at the hospital?"
"I..."
I couldn't say anything. Rather, nothing came to mind and it just left my mouths gaping wide.
"I... I need to tell you a lot of things, including..."
Without saying it, Elena looks at her stomach. Just remembering it makes my heart nearly feel like it could stop at any time. The fight against Brandor was much less nerve wracking that his.
"T-that said, let's continue this later. We're acting very suspicious right now."
"O-oh, right."
In a hurry, I let my selves out of her wings. It was awkward for us and everyone else was confused as to what was happening.
But after that, Elena decided to show herself by opening up her wings. Though slightly embarrassed, she decided to ignore what just happened and proceeded to approach me again.
Everyone was looking at me with suspicion in their eyes. That's only a given because of Elena's sudden change of heart to show herself.
Probably aside from Archie and Delcie, everyone else has no idea what is happening.
As Elena stood in front of me as Red, she opens the box and shows a pair of golden rings with red gems on each.
"Thake theeth-"
She bit her tongue. The pressure got to her...
"Take these rings. These rings are the symbols of your prestige and with it, the honor of your Knighthood and Chivalry."
As instructed, I take the rings from the box. After that, I gave the other one to the other me and then wore it at the same time on the right middle finger.
Though it was just a ring, for some reason, I could feel a lot of pride when I look at it.
"It's nice to see you smile again."
When Elena pointed it out, I look at my selves and did see myself smiling. I guess it's really hard to hold it back.
And just when I was so excited about it, out of nowhere, I felt something warm on my cheek.
It was Elena giving me a gentle kiss on the cheek.
"Congratulations on coming out Victorious."
Though it was surprising for everyone, it didn't shock anyone. Rather, everyone clapped as she walks away and stood next to Ofelia.
And with that done, the awarding came to an end.
-End of Chapter-
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