[Malindo], Royal Academy.
In the bustling hall where the tribute performances were being rehearsed, the beleaguered performers seized their lunch break to slack off.
"Huh, I think I saw Senior Laxala today, but she didn't seem to join the rehearsal. She just watched from the sidelines for a while and left." "Maybe she was in a bad mood?"
"What would she have to be upset about? When I went home last night, my father said Senior Laxala's position as the future Queen had already been settled. His Majesty personally chose her... there's no uncertainty anymore. She should be happy."
Rumors that Laxala would become the empire's new Queen had long circulated through the academy. Apparently, however, several other families had candidates besides Laxala, and the choice had remained unsettled.
"Are you sure that news is reliable?"
"It came from the palace. How could it be false?"
"Ah, who knows how many of Senior Laxala's admirers at the academy will be heartbroken now."
And on and on they went.
In a rest area in a corner of the hall.
"Justin, so this is where you are."
At the voice, Justin, who had been sitting alone in silence, instinctively raised his head. The boy from the [Infinity Clan] who had only recently enrolled was walking toward him.
He managed a somewhat strained smile. "Oh, it's you, Adams."
"Something on your mind?" Adams sat down beside Justin curiously and handed him a bottle of water. "Are you worried about the [Overlord Council]?"
Huh?
Justin froze inwardly—the real reason for his distraction was that he, too, had heard the news about Senior Laxala.
But, like almost all her admirers, he intended to bury those feelings before they ever had a chance to blossom. Keeping his expression unchanged, he asked, "Why do you say that?"