— I don't recall Lucius or Adrian facing competition from Sawyer prodigies, Imperial scions, or... elven nobility during their years, — I said, tilting my head just slightly.
My words made Mordred flinch, though she tried to mask it. Adrian, seated not far from her, gave a subtle smile. He seemed to grasp exactly where I was heading.
— Moreover, — I continued, shifting my gaze to the dark-haired woman across the table. — Lady Tristan, did I lie when I mentioned his academic record? By the end of this year, Raphael's performance surpasses both Lucius and Adrian's at the same point in time. You're free to verify it yourself.
A brief silence hung over the room.
Tristan said nothing. She ran a hand through her hair, turned her eyes away, and leaned back in her chair.
— That said, you are correct about one thing, — I inclined my head slightly. — This final year will decide everything. That's when we'll see what Raphael becomes by the time of his graduation.
