*****
"The First Rank of the First Year is—
Lyrium Blackwood."
The words hung in the air for a moment, sinking into the minds of everyone present.
And then—the reactions began.
Some students looked shocked, their eyes widening slightly.
Others exchanged quick glances, their faces betraying a mix of jealousy and frustration.
Whispers spread across the classroom like a wildfire.
"Lyrium? Seriously?"
"I heard he fought against Professor Eugene and survived… No wonder."
"Tsk. Another noble at the top, just great."
But amidst all the murmuring, one reaction stood out.
Near the window, a single girl sat completely still—yet, the air around her seemed to sharpen.
Her delicate fingers clenched into a tight fist, her nails digging into her palm.
A faint but distinct sound of her tongue clicking echoed softly in the silent classroom.
Margaret Windsor.
Her gray eyes locked onto Lyrium with an intense glare, sharp and unforgiving.
