Chapter 31: The Speech[2]

"First of all... I have to acknowledge everyone’s effort here."

I looked around at everyone.

Whispers rose among the crowd; some smiled, others raised their eyebrows, waiting for me to continue.

"Honestly, I’m impressed.It’s not easy to succeed among such a large number of noble talents."

Smiles widened, and the murmurs grew louder.

I chuckled a little,keeping my tone as encouraging as possible.

"Some were unlucky.Some faced stronger opponents.And some... came very close to winning."

I saw a few raising their hands in acknowledgment, while some even started clapping.

I nodded to them and continued:

"Close...like the earth is close to the sky."

Everything went silent.

Their expressions shifted, as if they were trying to understand what I meant.

I smiled at them like you would at a group of small puppies.

"What impresses me the most is confidence.The confidence to enter a battlefield...completely unprepared for any fight.That’s rare courage...or ignorance.And the difference between the two is often discovered too late."

I laughed.

"What I admired most was your teamwork.Each of you knew exactly what to do:this one shouts,that one watches,and the other waits until it’s all over to say:I would’ve done something if..."

"Remarkable organization."

I applauded myself while they stared at me in deadly silence.

"In the end, I congratulate you.You’ve proven something important today:the test was truly difficult,evidenced by the fact that only a few passed..."

I gestured to my black uniform, and to the others wearing the same.

"And the rest?They were here just to fill the background."

I stepped forward.

"But don’t get me wrong.Your presence was necessary.Without you,the difference wouldn’t have been so obvious."

I heard a few shouts, but the Director silenced them with a single glance.

I smiled coldly.

"You weren’t competitors.You were... background.Decoration to make the battle look more exciting."

I put on the most grateful expression I could.

"So, thank you.Truly... it was comforting to know that what I walk on isn’t the ground—it’s you."

Silence.

A deep, heavy silence, so loud that I could hear their angry breaths.

Applause...Applause broke the silence, coming from my side.

"That was an entertaining speech," the Director laughed.

I smiled. "Thank you."

"But aren’t you afraid of the consequences?Most of them are powerful nobles outside these walls.They might hold grudges against you even after graduation."

He asked, curiosity written all over his face.

I gave a quiet laugh."In three years, they won’t even be able to see my feet, let alone touch them."

Then I turned and walked toward the food table.

I had already lost my patience.

I felt the Director leaving the hall.Maybe he had gone.

I reached the table, and all eyes were still on me.I grabbed a plate with some carefully prepared slices of fine meat.

I was about to eat with my hands but ultimately decided to use a fork.

I waited for those foolish nobles to start their classic antics...You know, like they do in fantasy novels.

And they did.

I felt several people surround me, circling the table.

I turned, plate in one hand, fork in the other.I looked at six people forming a semicircle around me, including two girls.

I took a piece of meat and casually put it in my mouth."How can I help you, ladies and gentlemen?"

One of them looked at me with disgust."You pathetic peasant.I bet you’ve never eaten meat like this before.Maybe you survive on scraps in filthy alleys."

She spat each word with venom.

I smiled at her."Actually, you’re right.I’ve never tasted anything this delicious before."

Then I lifted another piece of meat on my fork and offered it to her."Would you like some?"

She gritted her teeth and reached out to slap the fork, but I pulled it back quickly and put the meat in my mouth.

Seeing that, another person stepped forward and placed a hand on my shoulder."Listen, I’ll make this quick...We want you to apologize to everyone here for your previous words, and we’ll forgive you."

I laughed, food crumbs flying from my mouth."Hahaha... hahaha."

Then I looked at him and asked:"Why should I apologize?I didn’t lie.Everything I said is the truth...even if you don’t like it."

I saw his face turn red, and he quickly moved his hand, trying to hit me.I dodged, but he hit the plate, which fell entirely to the ground.

The sound of shattering dishes spread.

I looked at the broken plate and scattered meat.By now, everyone was watching us.

... Without any hesitation, I unleashed my killing intent, which engulfed everyone in the hall—especially those six in front of me.

I moved swiftly and grabbed the neck of the person who tried to hit me moments ago.I wrapped my fingers around his throat and squeezed.

He couldn’t speak.All he could do was raise his hands and try to free himself.

But what can insects do against me?

I looked at his companions, who had gone pale under the weight of my killing intent.Some even started stepping backward.

I smiled, but this time it wasn’t a kind smile."Come on, aren’t you going to help your friend here?"

I spoke while pressing harder.

It wasn’t just him, but anyone nearby.

"Move, cowards."

I heard him struggle to suck air into his lungs, failing, his face turning red.

For a moment, I considered breaking his neck and ending him right there.

But a hand grabbed my shoulder, pulling me back from my dark thoughts."I think that’s enough for them."

Without turning, I knew who it was.I sighed, released the pathetic one lying on the floor who was coughing violently, and withdrew my killing intent.

One of the girls stepped forward and helped him stand.This time, he didn’t even dare look at me.

Without looking at the person behind me, I walked to another part of the table and picked up another plate.This time, it was a beautiful chocolate cake.

Someone followed me.I turned to see Elliot Sivrax.

I raised an eyebrow."What do you want now?"

He smiled and tapped my shoulder, as if we were close friends."Don’t worry, I’m not here to defend them.Actually... I liked your speech.How should I put it?It was... a little bold."

Suddenly, I wanted to leave this place.Sure, there was a lot of amazing food, but there were also too many nuisances.

I ignored Elliot and carried a tray with several dishes on it.

I looked at him, and he seemed stunned by my actions."Please... don’t follow me."

Then I headed to the back door leading to the garden.

As I stepped outside, the night air caressed my face, and each breath brought me comfort.

I went to a bench and sat, quietly eating while gazing at the star-filled sky.

A certain memory floated into my mind...Old, from my first life.

And unlike most of my memories, it wasn’t bad...It was beautiful.

The time I spent with my parents and elder sister before they died,when we ate together, laughed, and talked.

I missed those days...and them.

A few drops of water fell onto my food,but there was no rain.

I touched my cheek, and it was slightly wet and warm.

I sighed.

"Maybe... I’m a little tired."