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“No. Forget it. I was just thinking about something I’d rather not remember.”

For a moment, I saw Eve’s expression shift to panic.

The same went for Marcus. I didn’t know why, but he looked nervous when he saw my expression.

But one thing was certain: he knew my true identity as the Emperor’s adopted son.

Maybe that’s why it wasn’t surprising that someone as arrogant as Marcus would choose to lower his head in front of me.

If not for that reason, would it make sense for Marcus’s entire personality to suddenly change so drastically?

“Don’t worry. I’m not offended by your story. I actually found it a little interesting. A talentless child? That’s a very rare thing,” I replied, making sure not to reveal my surprise.

On the contrary, I intended to feign indifference.

If I showed too much curiosity, I might be able to dig up more information.

And sure enough, my prediction came true.

The moment I opened my mouth, Marcus realized he had caught my attention.

“I think the same. I never thought a human could be born without any talent. It’s truly shocking. I even thought the gods were being cruel.”

Very good…

I guess this conversation is becoming quite interesting?

“Enough of that. I want to focus on this journey. Don’t speak any further.”

Still, I had no intention of continuing the conversation.

For now, I was irritated that my past was being brought up again.

Disappointed? Yeah. That’s normal.

But I didn’t care. I am no longer Noah Asford.

I am now Noah Gleenth, one of the top talents among the first-year students.

Fortunately, Marcus had no intention of continuing the conversation either.

Judging by his expression, I could tell he was afraid of how I might react.

Whatever his reasons, I knew Marcus’s true goal was to monitor my movements.

If I recalled Princess Celine’s warning, I knew Marcus was under the orders of a corrupt noble.

That would explain why someone like Marcus was assigned to escort me from the palace.

Otherwise, it would be impossible for the Emperor to have issued such a command.

As I glanced out the window, I saw people cheering.

I didn’t know why, but I assumed they were celebrating something.

’Even if they don’t know yet, I’m sure the news will spread eventually. Your Majesty… what exactly are you planning?’

Time passed, and eventually, the carriage came to a stop in front of the imperial palace gates.

As the carriage door opened, I saw several guards approaching.

Soon after, I was escorted by the palace guards.

The same applied to Eve. She was my only subordinate.

So, it wasn’t surprising that the guards allowed her to walk beside me.

Otherwise, it would’ve been strange for them not to keep her away from me.

No.

“So this is the imperial palace? It’s huge…”

“Yeah… this is the place. The place where my journey began. I’ve returned.”

“I see… So this is where you were raised? You’re really lucky.”

Lucky?

Little girl, I hope you don’t misunderstand.

It’s true—I wanted to reply sarcastically to Eve’s words.

But I held back. It wouldn’t look good if I said I was unlucky to be raised in the palace.

After all, the undeniable truth was that the empire had saved my life.

As I entered the palace grounds, I saw several students chatting.

From the look of it, they were first-year and fifth-year students.

Suddenly, someone approached me.

Of course—it was Ian.

And naturally, Siena was with him. There was no way she wouldn’t accompany Ian.

“Noah, you’re finally here. I was worried you wouldn’t attend.”

“Impossible. Did you really think I’d dare skip this celebration? The Emperor commanded us to attend. That alone makes it impossible to refuse.”

“You get it. I’m glad you understand. Why don’t we talk inside? There’s something I want to discuss.”

Alright…

Honestly, I had to admit I was happy to see Ian and Siena enjoying the celebration.

If they knew the real reason for the Emperor’s celebration, I doubt they’d be able to hide their surprise.

But I understood. The Emperor was likely planning to announce something big—like adopting me as his son.

Although… I couldn’t help but wonder if there was more he wanted to announce.

Still, I knew better than to ask.

From the beginning, the Emperor had orchestrated all of this himself.

Unexpectedly, my eyes wandered to the banquet table.

I could tell that the table nearby was filled with high-class food.

I saw Ian picking up some of it with his hand.

Even Siena seemed interested in tasting the dishes.

As for me, I merely sipped a glass of wine.

For some reason, I didn’t feel hungry.

Thinking back to the morning, I remembered I had already eaten the food Eve gave me.

Maybe that’s why I had no appetite for the imperial cuisine.

Even if the food around me was of the highest quality—I didn’t care.

Deep inside, I was in no mood to enjoy anything.

For some reason, I felt deeply uncomfortable with the stares coming from the second floor.

Judging by their attire, I knew they were noble family heads.

What’s more, their strength was no different from that of Divine Stage cultivators.

’Why are they staring at me? I don’t think I’ve offended any of them…’ I thought to myself, completely unaware of who those people were.

I was sure I had never even looked at their faces before.

So why? Why were they watching me with such sharp gazes?

[Alert! Enemy threat detected! A dark cult is observing you from afar.]

[Stage: King (???)]

’Interesting… I didn’t expect the system to react to a threat that could endanger my life. This is the first time I’ve seen it do that.’

Although I had once received a warning while on an uninhabited island…

Still, the system’s alert was undeniably a serious matter.

As the three of us moved away from the crowd, I glanced toward the people from a distance.

Some smiled. Others tried to forge connections.

I even saw Victoria among them, trying to get the attention of high-ranking noble heirs.

Honestly, I knew Victoria was nothing but a scheming woman.

From her actions, it was clear she excelled at charming influential heirs.

“Young master, are you sick? You seem really uncomfortable,” Eve asked, not understanding why I looked so gloomy.

If she thought back, Eve would find it strange for me to wear such a heavy expression.

After all, being surrounded by my friends should’ve brought me joy.

That alone should’ve made it impossible for me not to smile.

“Oh. Sorry. I was just lost in thought. Something I’d rather not think about.”

“Eve understands.”

“Noah… you haven’t changed one bit. You’ve even become more gloomy. What’s wrong?”

It was true—Ian couldn’t help but ask the same question Eve did.

“No… It’s nothing. I’m just a little uncomfortable, that’s all.”

For a moment, a confused expression appeared on Ian’s face.

He didn’t seem to understand what I meant.

If he thought about it, Ian would realize it was unlike me to act this way without reason.

Even Siena remained silent, saying nothing as she watched my face.

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