"Edith Academy was originally a split from Saint Ingo Academy, which symbolizes a kind of rebellious and unyielding spirit...," he began slowly.
"The power of conformism is formidable, with countless mediocrities standing tall. They think not, merely blindly following the crowd, wasting their lives, content with the status quo."
"Perhaps at one time they too had original thoughts or ideals, but they never took the first step. Why? Because they were afraid of becoming different."
"In a large collective, to be different requires a certain courage, for one must face various questions and inquiries, and even explain themselves over and over again, until one day you succeed spectacularly, and only then will those people hold their tongues."
"Choosing the road less traveled comes with a cost, it is daunting, because you can no longer hide within the group, seeking shelter among the masses."
"But if you are not even willing to pay this small price, if you wish to reach the peak of admiration amidst flowers and praises, then you are undoubtedly dreaming."
"Let go of such childish fantasies, abandon the illusion that you can be seen as a paragon of virtue. The things you must do shall not be swayed by the idle chatter of others. Leap over the fences made of these countless mediocrities, untroubled and unconfused by them, clear your mind of your thoughts and goals, and embark on your own true path."
"Although Edith Academy was born from Saint Ingo Academy, this doesn't mean we are forever inferior. To challenge traditions and to break through oneself, this has always been our fervent wish."
"This concludes my speech. Next, I invite the representative of the new students, Tilan, to take the stage." He set down his paper, his eyes sweeping over the young men and women in attendance, then walked off the stage amid a round of applause.
In a corner backstage, the girl was dressed today in a black-and-blue dress. She took a deep breath, then slowly stepped up onto the high platform in the limelight.
Her black, silky hair was adorned with a brilliant blue hair clip on one side. Her dress, subdued in black with deep blue highlights on the sleeves and collar, and a vibrant blue bow tie at the chest, stood out among the students present. Paired with her delicate figure, captivating waist, and the opaque black stockings that sheathed her legs, this girl exuded a mysterious and serene charm, leaving the students and teachers in awe.
Yet when she began to speak, her voice was so light and tender, so exquisitely soft, that even from a distance, it seemed to whisper in one's ear. Perhaps after today, many would not remember the content of the girl's speech, but that exquisite and gentle voice would linger in their thoughts.
The hall quieted down, as though aside from the voice of the girl on stage, one could hear even a feather falling to the ground.
Initially, Hexia did not notice the silence, concentrating solely on reciting her well-prepared script, but as the quiet deepened, she couldn't help but lift her head to look around.
And what dreamy eyes they were, like a fawn stepping out of the woods for the first time, shy yet lively, with a hint of determination beneath, the blue within them like the shining streams of light wandering through the night, intoxicating to behold.
Shaking off past shadows and gradually encouraged by friends and teachers, the girl finally revealed her unique colors, not the pride and shocking beauty of her sister Temisia, but a reticence and tranquility, under which lay an incredibly resilient heart.
She might still be shy or somewhat timid, but this did not hinder her heart, now freed from its shackles. Perhaps the girl, still retaining a bit of this, would seem all the more endearing.
At the end of her speech, after a long silence, a tumult of applause erupted. The girl had anticipated various questions and challenges, which never came, leaving her relieved yet worried.
Relieved because the hurdle was finally behind her, but worried—had she truly faced a challenge? After all, it didn't feel real at all.