Cersei waited for the room to settle down before speaking again.
"A powerful Stigma Wizard is enough to secure the Academy's foothold in the Wizard World. Across the myriad worlds, our voice will carry farther as well."
She paused, shifting her gaze from Lynn to every Stigma Wizard present.
"We have taken this step. The next one will not be far off."
With that, she stepped aside and turned to look at Lynn.
"Lord Lynn, please come up and say a few words."
Lynn nodded. He was not surprised in the slightest that he had to give a speech.
Fortunately, he had not come entirely unprepared. Back when he had been a corporate drone in his previous life, he had given plenty of speeches, especially at annual company dinners...
There was a formula for this stuff!
Lynn stepped forward to where Cersei had been standing, wearing a suitably pleasant smile, the corners of his mouth lifted just enough-neither too much nor too little.
His gaze swept across the crowd, lingering briefly on Gregor's face. Then he took a deep breath and began.
Formula one: gratitude!
"Thank you all for showing me such support today and taking time out of your busy schedules to attend my advancement banquet."
"First, I would like to thank the Academy for the importance it has placed on me. Without its nurturing, I would not be where I am today."
His voice was steady, his pace measured, and every word rang clear.
Standing at the front of the crowd, Gregor could not help twitching the corner of his mouth.
What a load of nonsense. When did the Academy ever pay special attention to you? What did it teach you? You're really just making this up as you go.
"Of course, the person I most need to