The Prefect's Correction

"Politics have no relation to morals."

— Niccolò Machiavelli

———

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The heavy oak door to the Prefect's office slammed against its frame, rattling the crystal inkwell on Alistair Valerius's desk. Vance Thorne stood in the doorway, disheveled from his sprint across the academy grounds. His golden hair hung in damp strands across his forehead, his House Argent uniform wrinkled from hasty dressing.

"Prefect Valerius." Vance's voice trembled with barely controlled rage. "I demand satisfaction."

Alistair continued writing, not looking up. The silence stretched until Vance shifted his weight, his boots creaking against the polished floor.

"Satisfaction for what, exactly?" Alistair's tone remained neutral, though the corner of his mouth twitched upward.

"That Leone filth conspired with a mud-blooded commoner to humiliate me! In public! Before half the academy! It was calculated, orchestrated—"

"Orchestrated? By Kaelen Leone? The same Kaelen Leone who can barely tie his boots without assistance?"

Vance's jaw worked silently, his hands clenching at his sides. "You weren't there. You didn't see—"

"I saw the aftermath. A pathetic third son throwing gold at a commoner like scraps to a dog. Hardly a grand conspiracy."

"The timing was too convenient. The way that spear-wielding savage appeared exactly when—" Vance caught himself.

Alistair's eyebrows rose. "When what? When you and your friends were conducting what sort of business in the western woods?"

Vance flushed deeper. "We were simply... discussing academy policies with Leone. Explaining proper decorum."

"And this discussion required three of you? Far from academy supervision?"

"The details are irrelevant!" Vance stepped forward. "What matters is that a Leone has allied himself with common trash against his betters!"

The quill snapped between Alistair's fingers. "Are you suggesting House Valerius should concern itself with the social missteps of House Leone?"

Vance swallowed hard. "House Thorne has always supported House Valerius..."

"House Thorne has always needed House Valerius. Your father's mining ventures exist at our sufferance. Your family's Council seat was granted through our recommendation. Even your enrollment required certain... considerations."

The color drained from Vance's face. "Prefect, I didn't mean—"

"Perhaps House Leone's behavior does require correction. A formal disciplinary action might remind certain parties of their proper place."

"A formal challenge? Between Leone and myself?"

"A disciplinary spar. Public, regulated, and within my authority as Prefect." Alistair began writing. "Consider it an educational opportunity."

"When?"

"Three days hence. Time for proper notices and... preparation. Use that time wisely, Thorne. House Valerius does not appreciate disappointment."

Vance bowed deeply. "You have my gratitude. House Leone will learn their place."

"Indeed they will."

After Vance left, Alistair continued writing, then reached for his academy seal.

Leo won't approve, he thought as the wax melted. My dear cousin has such quaint notions about honor. But Leo doesn't understand leadership. Sometimes examples must be made.

🕸️

The corridor outside Theoretical Foundations was nearly empty when Leo von Valerius emerged from his seminar. His golden hair caught the afternoon light, creating an almost ethereal glow. Passing students straightened, their conversations dropping to whispers.

He spotted Kaelen immediately.

The younger Leone slouched against the wall, robes wrinkled, dark hair falling across his face. His satchel hung open, revealing jumbled books and parchments.

"Kaelen."

The word made passing students glance over their shoulders. Leo approached with measured steps, sapphire eyes fixed on Kaelen's face.

"Leo." Kaelen pushed himself reluctantly from the wall, eyes darting toward the nearest exit.

"We need to discuss what happened in the courtyard today."

Kaelen's shoulders hunched further. "I don't know what you mean."

"Don't insult my intelligence. Half the academy witnessed your... display."

"Display?" Kaelen laughed bitterly. "You mean thanking someone who helped me? I thought nobles honored their debts."

Leo stepped closer, forcing Kaelen to tilt his head back. "You paid him. In front of everyone. You turned basic human decency into a transaction."

"I compensated him for—"

"You bought him. You took whatever dignity that boy possessed and purchased it with gold. Do you understand what you've done?"

Kaelen twisted his satchel strap. "I followed proper protocol. The Code of Noble Conduct states—"

"The Code exists to guide us toward honor, not provide loopholes for cowardice. That boy risked himself for you. The proper response was to stand beside him, to shield him. Instead, you marked him as property."

"I couldn't—" Kaelen's voice cracked. "You don't understand. I'm not like you."

"Can't what? Act with honor? Show courage? Kaelen, I know our families have complications. I know you feel overshadowed by Lucius. But that doesn't excuse this."

Kaelen's head dropped, hair hiding his face. "You wouldn't understand. You've never had to—"

"Had to what? That name—Leone—isn't just yours. It belongs to your ancestors. When you drag it through mud, you spit on every one of them. You make all of us weaker."

"I'm sorry."

"Sorry isn't enough. That boy's reputation is ruined. He'll be seen as a sellsword who can be bought. Every noble will remember that Rhys Blackwood has a price."

Something flickered across Kaelen's face—a momentary break in his mask of defeat.

"I didn't think—"

"No. You didn't. You never do. You react, you panic, you take the easiest path. But leadership requires sacrifice. It requires putting others before yourself."

"I'm not a leader," Kaelen whispered. "I'm just—"

"You're a Leone. That name carries responsibility. When you dishonor it, you dishonor every Leone who ever lived."

The corridor had emptied, students sensing the familiar chill of a Valerius lecture.

"I'll try to do better," Kaelen finally said.

"Will you? Or find another excuse, another way to avoid hard choices? Another commoner to hide behind?"

Kaelen's eyes flashed briefly before returning to defeat. "I should go. My attendant will be wondering—"

"Kaelen. The academy is watching now. What you do next matters."

Kaelen nodded without turning, then walked away, footsteps fading. Leo remained, staring at the spot where Kaelen had vanished.

===

The main notice board stood in the academy's central atrium. Students pressed close to read the newest addition, creating a buzz of excitement. The parchment was trimmed in formal blue and silver, bearing the Prefect's seal.

NOTICE OF DISCIPLINARY SPAR

By order of Prefect Alistair Valerius, a formal disciplinary action has been scheduled to address recent breaches of academy decorum and noble conduct.

Participants: Vance Thorne (House Argent) vs. Kaelen Leone (House Onyx)

Date: Three days hence

Time: Seventh bell, morning

Location: Central Training Amphitheater

Nature: Non-lethal disciplinary combat under full academy supervision

Attendance: Mandatory for all students