Chapter 7: Future Unfolding [1]
While Gerhard was visiting his family home, time at the academy steadily flowed by.
The entrance ceremony ended with the top freshmen from each department taking an oath as representatives. Before long, the Imperial Armian Academy began a new semester with the start of classes.
Gerhard entered the classroom and took his seat. The classroom interior was relatively noisy due to students arriving one after another.
"Gerhard."
As he sat quietly deep in thought, someone approached.
"Your Highness. It's been a while."
"How disappointing. Didn't we agree to speak informally?"
"Since this is our first meeting after becoming second-years, I should at least show some courtesy in my initial greeting."
Not many people would readily approach Gerhard, who exuded his family's influence and a heavy atmosphere.
Only those who had equivalent influence, or those whom Gerhard acknowledged as useful and maintained appropriate friendships with.
The blonde man, Rudger Schwaben, the empire's second prince, was a figure who fell into both categories.
"I heard you returned a bit early and worked on your merchant company affairs?"