11 Money
Clementine's gaze followed Lawrence as he stood up, a striking figure in his departure from the ceremony. Her sapphire eyes, once uncertain, now held a glint of curiosity, as if she were trying to unravel the enigma that was Lawrence Von Carrion.
'Just what is this bastard up to now?' Clementine wondered silently, seemingly unable to deduce Lawrence's action.
As Lawrence made his exit, he walked with an air of nonchalance, his steps unhurried. The noble students and commoners alike couldn't help but watch him, their whispers hushed in the wake of his dramatic departure.
"Lawrence is actually going to skip the ceremony??"
"How envious! I want to skip this boring ceremony as well."
"If you don't mind getting scolded by your household, then you can leave as well."
"No thanks, I'm not gutsy like Lawrence. That person does whatever he wants and fears no god."
The ornate chamber doors swung shut behind Lawrence, the heavy wooden panels closing with a definitive thud. It seemed as though he had left behind a void, a sense of intrigue lingering in the air.
Clementine, still seated, couldn't shake the feeling that Lawrence's actions were part of a larger scheme, one with a purpose far beyond the mere disruption of the ceremony. She had been manipulated, that much was clear, but to what end?
Principal Osborn, too, found himself pondering Lawrence's motives. The youth's behavior had defied his expectations at every turn. This was not the Lawrence Carrion he had heard rumors of. There was a depth to this young noble that transcended the usual arrogance of the nobility.
'Could the rumors have been fabricated? No, that can't be right. Just what had occurred to this youth?' Osborn's brows wrinkled slightly, clearly in deep confusion.
As for Seraphine Nightshade, while still recovering from the shock of the unexpected turn of events, couldn't help but acknowledge the strange intricacy of Lawrence's plan. It was as though he had played a game with the academy's hierarchy, and, against all odds, emerged victorious.
'Ugh, whatever. There are no rules that state one must remain in the ceremony, but no one dares to leave because of Queen Elizabeth.' Seraphine thought to herself, not planning on stopping Lawrence.
The ceremony resumed, but the atmosphere had shifted.
There was a new undercurrent of tension and curiosity among the students.
For the first time in years, Lawrence Von Carrion had managed to upstage even the Queen's welcoming ceremony.
As the students listened to Seraphine's speech about the upcoming tests, their thoughts were not solely on the academic challenges ahead.
Lawrence's enigmatic actions had left a lasting impression, and the promise Clementine had made on behalf of the Hamilton household would undoubtedly be scrutinized in the days to come.
Meanwhile, Lawrence strode through the halls of the Tatum Academy, his footsteps echoing with purpose.
Tristina, his ever-loyal maid, trailed behind him, her mind a whirlwind of questions.
Pausing his movement, Lawrence turned around and stared at Tristina.
"Why are you following me?" He questioned.
"I'm your maid, Young Master." Tristina lowered her head and responded. "If you leave, then I must leave as well. Otherwise, how can I protect you if there is any danger."
"Are you cursing me to be ambushed or assassinated?"
"This maid does not dare."
"Does not dare? But what you just said implies there is danger if you stopped following me." Lawrence crossed his arms and sneered coldly.
Tristina's body started shaking, clearly afraid of Lawrence's words. His remark was no different than accusing her of attempting to harm his life.
A few seconds later, Lawrence waved her hands and commanded, "Go back to the ceremony and complete the test. If anyone asks about me, just say whatever your result is, it's the same for me."
Tristina still wanted to accompany him, but when she noticed his cold gaze of Lawrence, she didn't dare to refuse his order.
Although she didn't know why, she felt immense pressure and fear whenever Lawrence used such a gaze. It was as if he was the leader of an entire army, demanding absolute order and obligation.
Just when Tristina was about to leave, Lawrence suddenly halted her.
"Wait a minute, Tristina," Lawrence called out.
"Yes, Young Master?" Tristina hurriedly turned around, thinking that Lawrence might have a change of mind.
Alas, her imagination was a far cry from reality.
"Give me all your money. I need to buy something." Lawrence extended his hand and demanded.
Tristina's facial expression turned into a frown when she heard Lawrence demanding money from her.
Her?
She was his maid, not his bank!
How was she supposed to have money more than him– the supposed Young Master who paid her to work for him?
"Drop the frowning face, Tristina." Lawrence rolled his eyes and said. "I'm sure that father of mine has been sending money to you instead of me because he thinks I'm going to spend it all. Now hurry up and cough the money up or I might just cause another big trouble."
Knowing that Lawrence's threats were no joke, and if he really caused another big trouble, then her life would really be over.
"P-Please don't use it for bad things, Young Master." Tristina slowly retrieved a small pouch, clearly unwilling to give it to him.
Some of the money in the pouch was her money, but in front of Lawrence, who clearly doesn't give a damn, she could only accept the loss.
Just when she thought most of her money was gone, Lawrence's next action surprised her.
He handed the small pouch back to her, and when Tristina saw most of the money was still there, she was dumbfounded.
"You only took 1 gold coin?" Tristina asked in disbelief.
With her understanding, she was sure Lawrence would take all the money and spend it all in a single day.
"Oh, I'm sorry?" Lawrence faked a sympathy act while placing his hand on his chest.
"I meant to take everything and not just a single gold coin. Come here, give the pouch back to me again." He then said sarcastically.
"I'll head back to the auditorium, Young Master." Tristina quickly bowed her head and left hurriedly, almost as if she were afraid of this frightening predator.
