[Cedric Ashvale's POV]
Prince Kaelis von Valtherion walked through the hall with an ease that seemed neither hurried nor slow.
Beside me, Alex straightened, all humour replaced with a composed expression, meanwhile Seraphine looked calm and dignified, but I could feel the tension rolling off her body in waves, as the Prince made his way towards us.
"Prince Kaelis," Alex said as the prince approached, bowing with the precision drilled into all of us since childhood.
"Lord Alex Thornwick," Kaelis replied smoothly. His gaze flicked to Seraphine.
"Lady Seraphine Veyrin, if I am not mistaken".
"I'm honoured, Your Highness," Seraphine bowed.
Prince Kaelis laughed, "It's a small matter, I always keep an eye on those who are talented juniors.", as he continued as he turned to me, "Lord Cedric Ashvale, we meet at last."
"I am grateful for your presence tonight, Your Highness." I bowed.
"You can relax with the formalities after all, you're all my prospective juniors at the academy this year", he added lightly.
"It remains to be seen, Your Highness"
He waved my comment aside, "With your talents, there's no way you wouldn't make it"
Before the conversation could continue, another presence joined us.
My brother stepped forward.
Corvin Ashvale didn't announce himself. He didn't need to. The academy insignia at his collar and the quiet authority in his posture spoke clearly enough.
"Your Highness," Corvin said, bowing.
Kaelis's expression sharpened with recognition. "Imperial Knight-Captain Ashvale. I was hoping to meet you."
"Family obligations take precedence, Your Highness", Corvin replied mildly.
Kaelis smiled. "Naturally."
Behind them, the dukes began to gather.
My father approached the centre, flanked by Duke Thornwick and Marquess Veyrin. Their expressions were cordial, practised—but attentive. The presence of a Valtherion always demanded care.
"Your Highness," Father said, inclining his head.
"House Ashvale is honoured."
"The honour is shared," Kaelis replied.
"Your house stands as one pillars of Valtheria, and from what I heard of Cedric's talents, it would seem he would continue elevating House Ashvale's honour at the academy."
"I would hope so," Father said evenly. "The Academy has shaped many Ashvales."
"And will surely continue to shape more," Kaelis said, his gaze flicking briefly back to me.
The moment settled.
Then Father walked away to the head position of the hall and raised his hand.
Then slowly but surely, conversations across the hall fell into murmurs, and then even that quietened.
"It is customary," Father began, "for Ashvale heirs to mark their coming of age not merely with ceremony, but with commitment."
A murmur of approval rolled through the room.
"Through my efforts---and with the assistance of capable hands of The Early Dawn --- I have secured a fitting companion for my son."
The crowd parted slowly as the servants stepped forward, bearing a cushioned stand.
The egg upon it drew every eye.
Large, pulsing and alive.
"A wyvern egg…"
The words weren't spoken loudly, but every pair of ears in the hall heard them.
I felt Alex stiffen beside me.
Seraphine inhaled sharply, eyes bright with calculation.
Prince Kaelis's composure cracked---just slightly.
Father took a glance at the prince and continued, "This egg was procured lawfully and knowingly within the Ashvale duchy. Its origin and condition have been verified to be an acceptable companion to my son."
He turned to me.
"But tradition states, the choice to accept rests with the heir."
My heart pounded in my chest and ears as I stepped forward towards the egg.
I placed my hands near the shell.
The egg pulsed once.
Firm. Certain.
"I accept," I said.
At once, conversations spread across the hall, livelier than before.
Alex let out a low whistle. "That's… cool."
Seraphine said nothing but just smiled.
Kaelis watched me closely, his expression unreadable.
"Well chosen, Lord Cedric", he said at last, "A wyvern is certainly a rare and strong companion. The Academy will take quite an interest in you when you enter".
"I think it already has," I replied.
A corner of his mouth lifted. "Indeed."
Eventually, the music softened. Guests began to depart in measured waves. Dukes and marquesses offered their final words and congratulations.
Prince Kaelis approached me one last time near the doors.
"We'll speak again at the Academy," he said. "I expect you to keep up."
"I'll do my best," I replied.
He simply smiled in response.
With that, he departed into the night.
Then Alex and Seraphine took their leave.
"We'll see you at the Academy Ced"
"Though you got a wyvern, it's still not going to beat my Urstid"
"Try not to get swallowed by your ego, before I beat you and your urstid"
By the time the last guests left the hall, it was just me, my father, Corvin and the egg.
"Thank you for the gift, Father", I bowed.
The Rodric Ashvale let out a small smile, "I have merely done my duty as your father and given you an opportunity. Now it's your turn to bring honour to our house at the Academy".
Then he left, and Corvin and I faced each other.
"Now that your coming-of-age ceremony is over, I must depart for the border town. It seems our fortune has run out. I've just received news that the corrupted have attacked a town."
My throat tightened as I said.
"Good luck, brother"
Corvin placed his hand on my shoulder.
"Listen, even though you have a wyvern beast on your side, they are not invincible. The only reason they're coveted is that they are rare power-wise; they are no different from any other top-tier beast companions.
"I say this not to discourage you, but to warn you. At the Academy, only talent matters, and a wyvern beast is not a replacement for hard work."
I looked at him seriously and nodded," I understand."
Corvin exhaled and smiled.
"Then all that's left to say is, Good Luck at the Academy, Brother."
Then he, too, turned and left me alone with the egg.
The party had ended.
But something far larger had begun.